Rumour mill: Scottish Cup final

Rangers' wealthiest fans are set to snub calls to renew their season tickets, it has been reported. Picture: Robert Perry

Wealthy Rangers fans to snub season tickets

Rangers’ wealthiest fans are set to deliver another blow to the club board as they plan to ignore calls to renew their season tickets. The snub comes after revelations over an exchange between director Norman Crighton and a major club investor, where Crighton accused fans in the members’ lounge of being drunk and rowdy. Fans who pay £4,200 for exclusive access to the lounge say they feel insulted by the accusation, calling it “laughable”. Rangers would stand to miss out on more than £600,000 if all 150 turned their backs on renewing. (Daily Record)

Fernando Ricksen launches autobiography

Former Rangers captain Fernando Ricksen recalled the “emotional” reception he received from Rangers fans on his return to Glasgow since being diagnosed with motor neuron disease as he launched his autobiography yesterday. Ricksen, who said he “cannot understand” how Rangers have come to be playing in the lower divisions of Scottish football, said it was “great to see my life in print”.

Asked on where he stood on the current Rangers regime, he said: “I’m fighting another battle, not that one.” (The Herald)

‘Neutrals want St Johnstone to win’

Tommy Wright, the St Johnstone manager, has claimed that neutrals watching today’s Scottish Cup final will want his side to win over Dundee United.

“Most neutrals want us to win the game,” insisted Wright. “A lot of people have told me that they like Dundee United but want to see us win. That’s maybe natural, because St Johnstone have never won it.

“The magic of the Scottish Cup is summed up in the fact we are in the final. Cup final day has been overtaken by the importance of the league and Champions League as the game has evolved and changed. But domestic cups should be able to provide that bit of magic and have a fairytale end. Hopefully that will be the case for us this year.” (Scotsman)

Thompson hopes father would be ‘proud’ of United progress

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has said he hopes his father and predecessor would be proud of his stewardship of the club.

He said: “I think he would be over the moon. I don’t think about it that often, but two cup finals and getting rid of the bank debt is hugely important for the club. We are in our best financial position in 18 years. One of the reasons he supported Dundee United was the type of football they played. You can see the football we play now. I know we have our ups and downs at times, but the style of football is what he’d love to see.” (Scotsman)

Stevie May hopes to get fans singing

St Johnstone striker Stevie May has praised strike parner Steve MacLean ahead of today’s Scottish Cup final with Dundee United, May, who will be one of Saints’ key players this afternoon, said: “Anybody here and anybody who’s played with him will tell you how good he is,” he said yesterday. “His touch, hold-up play and the experience he brings is second to none.” Dundee United, meanwhile, have their own set of talented potential game-changers.” (Scotsman)

Rumour mill: Scottish Cup final | Rangers tickets