Rumour Mill:Rangers | Celtic | Hearts

Rangers fans at the recent Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Dundee United. Picture: SNS

Union of Fans confirm plans to withhold cash

RANGERS supporters’ umbrella group Union of Fans has confirmed it will withhold season ticket money from the club after the Ibrox board refused to discuss the issue.

The group, made up of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, Rangers Supporters Trust, and the Rangers Supporters Association, along with three more informal groups, is keen that fans pay into a trust fund backed by ex-director Dave King and former club captain Richard Gough. The money will only be released to the club when supporters are given security over both Ibrox Park and Murray Park.

A statement read: “The Union of Fans would like to confirm that we will now be pushing forward with plans to collect season-ticket money.

“The money placed into the account will be released to the club, in full, as soon as they agree to give season-ticket holders a security over Ibrox Stadium and Auchenhowie. There will be no drip-feeding of funds and we do not consider that the board has any legitimate reason to reject this proposal.”

King had previously urged fans to boycott the club’s merchandise, and not to renew season tickets.

Chairman Graham Wallace was accused by supporters of snubbing the offer of peace talks. (The Scotsman)

McCoist ponders Twitter ban

ALLY McCoist is reportedly considering banning his players from Twitter after goalkeeper Steve Simonsen was forced to shut his account down as a result of abuse from fans.

Simonsen, whose blunder let Nadir Ciftci score Dundee United’s third in their 3-1 Scottish Cup win at Ibrox, tweeted that he would be closing his account after his son was targeted by angry fans.

And now Ibrox chiefs could be set to ban Twitter outright.

McCoist said: “I’m working on our attitude to social media - I might have a rethink on my whole plan of attack next season.

“I don’t see any benefits and I don’t think it’s an age thing - I don’t think I’d be on it if I was 19.

“You leave yourself open to people who, with the greatest respect, you wouldn’t have the time of day for.”

McCoist gave his backing to Simonsen after the howler, but questioned if the former Everton and Dundee ‘keeper should have been on Twiter in the first place. (The Scottish Sun)

Virgil van Dijk set for Brazil

DUTCH legend Co Adriaanse has urged the Netherlands coaching team to take Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk to Brazil.

Adriaanse, who managed the likes of Ajax and Porto, said: “Virgil is a good option for Holland. He has the height, speed, build, temperament and speed for that position.

“He has been consistently good for Celtic and is also a threat at set pieces.”

Van Dijk failed to make Louis van Gaal’s 30-man provisional squad for Brazil, but ex-Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk echoed Adriaanse’s praise, adding: “In Scotland, everyone is saying van Dijk will go to an English club this summer.

“I think he deserves an opportunity.” (The Scottish Sun)

Hearts face anxious wait over Ukio Bankas

HEARTS administrator Bryan Jackson is reportedly ready to fly to Lithuania at a moment’s notice as he bids to save the club from liquidation.

Jackson - and Hearts fans - are hopeful that Ukio Bankas creditors will vote on the CVA proposal later this week.

Fellow creditor UBIG accepted Jackson’s plan last week, pushing Hearts closer to survival.

But Ukio, who own a 29.5 per cent stake in the club and Tynecastle, need to vote in Hearts’ favour before Jackson can seal the deal.

Funds at Tynecastle are running out, and administrators BDO are keen to avoid further delays, with Lithuanian administrators hopeful that the Ukio meeting will go ahead this week. (The Scottish Sun)

Carrick keen on Hearts stay

HEART striker Dale Carrick, who scored the opening goal in last month’s 2-0 Edinburgh derby win over Hibernian has admitted he is keen to stay at the club and help them back into the Scottish Premiership.

The forward, who helped Hearts to the Scottish Youth Cup final, has made 23 appearances for the first team, and has revealed his keenness to stay, adding: “The club have the option to keep me here and I am really hoping I have done enough.

“All I can do is keep playing my best football.” (Various)

St Johnstone hopeful over Stevie May

ST Johnstone boss Tommy Wright knows he will be fighting off the suitors after Stevie May fired the McDiarmid Park side to their first ever Scottish Cup final - but he’s hopeful the 21-year-old might even extend his stay in Perth.

May, who has notched up 25 goals so far this season was the subject of failed bids from Peterborough, Preston and Rotherham during the January transfer window.

Wright said in August, following initial interest from Peterborough, that May could stay at the club, “score 20 goals and get a bigger club looking at him” - a statement which has been vindicated.

The Saints boss told The Scotsman: “We’re fully aware that he’ll leave at some time but he might not.

“He might sign a new contract and stay for another season, we’ll just have to look at it. Am I glad he stayed? Of course I am because his goals have been important. We put him on the left and he still nicks them coming in off the line. He’s had a tremendous season but there will come a point when he is sold.” (The Scotsman)

Rumour Mill:Rangers | Celtic | Hearts | Stevie May