Rumour Mill: Carlton Cole waits for Qatar | Marco Negri backs Waghorn

CELTIC will have to wait on signing Carlton Cole as it is understood the striker is hoping to win a move to Qatar, Dundee United have confirmed the departure of Jackie McNamara and his backroom staff, and Marco Negri fancies Martyn Waghorn to beat his 1997/98 season tally when the Italian bagged 33 Rangers goals before the turn of the year.
Marco Negri offered some words of advice for Martyn Waghorn. Picture: Robert PerryMarco Negri offered some words of advice for Martyn Waghorn. Picture: Robert Perry
Marco Negri offered some words of advice for Martyn Waghorn. Picture: Robert Perry

Dundee United confirm Jackie McNamara exit

Dundee United have that confirmed manager Jackie McNamara, assistant coach Simon Donnelly, first-team coach Darren Jackson and goalkeeping coach Craig Hinchcliffe have all left the club.

They describe the departure as being ‘mutually agreed’ following United’s disastrous start to the 2015/16 league season.

Marco Negri offered some words of advice for Martyn Waghorn. Picture: Robert PerryMarco Negri offered some words of advice for Martyn Waghorn. Picture: Robert Perry
Marco Negri offered some words of advice for Martyn Waghorn. Picture: Robert Perry
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Chairman Stephen Thompson said in a statement: “I’d like to personally thank Jackie McNamara for his efforts during his tenure, which saw him become the longest-serving manager in the league.

“Everyone at the club knows our recent run of results and current position in the league isn’t good enough and we all want the club back to where it should be - challenging for silverware and European qualification. (BBC)

Steve Evans available for Dundee United or Motherwell

Steve Evans, who departed English Championship side Rothernham just yesterday, would be willing to jump back into management to take the vacant post at either Dundee United or Motherwell.

Steve Evans would be willing to move back to Scotland for a SPFL manager's job. Picture: PASteve Evans would be willing to move back to Scotland for a SPFL manager's job. Picture: PA
Steve Evans would be willing to move back to Scotland for a SPFL manager's job. Picture: PA

The 52-year-old stayed in Scotland for his whole playing career, but has, thus far, only managed teams in England having originally taken up the reins at Stamford in 1994.

He led Rotherham to back-to-back promotions and kept the club in England’s second tier last season before his exit. Evans says he’s now looking for a new challenge and would be eager to work with a Scottish Premiership side. (Daily Express)

Celtic target Carlton Cole eyes Qatar move

The potential deal between Celtic and free agent Carlton Cole has been delayed because the former West Ham United striker is holding out for a lucrative move to Qatar.

Cole held talks with Celtic Park officials but a deal has yet to be reached. The 31-year-old impressed on trial and manager Ronny Deila is eager to bolster his striking corps.

However, it seems he will have to wait until Cole assesses his options, with the forward also hoping for some renewed interest from a club in England. (Daily Express)

Margo Negri backs Martyn Waghorn to beat scoring run

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Former Rangers striker Marco Negri backs current hitman Martyn Waghorn to break his goalscoring record.

The Italian displayed incredible form during his initial six months at Ibrox where he netted 33 goals in only 26 matches.

His form then fell off dramatically, though he still finished on 36 strikes for the campaign. He believes Waghorn, who is currently sitting on 14 goals from 13 games, can break that mark and offered some words of advice for the 25-year-old.

Negri said: “If I had any advice for Martyn, I would tell him to remember that he must continue training in the right way and take nothing for granted.” (Evening Times)

Steven Pressley rejects Dundee United return

Former Tannadice defender Steven Pressley has turned down the opportunity to return to the club as manager following the sacking of Jackie McNamara.

Pressley is available after being binned by Coventry City earlier this year, but it is understood the 41-year-old wishes to remain in England.

Even though he was dismissed in February, Pressley’s reputation remained largely in tact due to extenuating circumstances regarding the state of the Midlands club during his time in charge. (Daily Record)

Motherwell or United ‘sideways’ step for Wright

St Johnstone defender Brian Easton believes his manager Tommy Wright would not necessarily be advancing his career if he filled either of the current top flight vacancies at Dundee United or Motherwell.

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Wright has excelled since taking charge of the Perth club two years ago, leading them to successive top-six Premiership finishes and claiming their first major honour with victory in the 2014 Scottish Cup final.

The 52-year-old has been linked with the jobs at United and Motherwell following the dismissals of Jackie McNamara and Ian Baraclough in the past few days. (The Scotsman)

Van Persie still poses threat to Celtic - Kennedy

John Kennedy has warned that Robin van Persie remains the biggest danger to Celtic’s hopes of seizing the initiative in their Europa League group by beating Fenerbahce this week.

The Dutch striker has experienced a troubled start to life with the Turkish club, expressing his unhappiness at being left out of their starting line-up by manager Vitor Pereira in recent weeks.

Celtic first team coach Kennedy was in Istanbul on Sunday night to watch van Persie score after coming off the bench as Fenerbahce lost 3-2 to city rivals Besiktas. He believes the 32-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester United player will pose a major threat to the Scottish champions. (The Scotsman)

Van der Gaag not interest in Motherwell return

Mitchell van der Gaag was such a strong favourite to take over the vacant managerial position at Motherwell 10 months ago that bookmakers suspended bets on the Dutchman. Instead, the Fir Park club surprised everyone by opting for Ian Baraclough. Following the Englishman’s exit, van der Gaag is once again among the favourites, though he insists he now longer wants the job.

The ex-Motherwell centre back has since taken over as manager of Dutch second tier side FC Eindhoven. They may be PSV’s little known neighbours, but they harbour serious intentions of winning promotion to the Eredivise this season, and van der Gaag does not want to pass up the opportunity for a return to Scotland. (The Scottish Sun)

Callum Paterson out of Dundee United clash

Hearts right-back Callum Paterson will be suspended for the Scottish Premiership meeting with Dundee United on Sunday October 18 after picking up his sixth booking of the season at Celtic Park. (Daily Record)

Steven Saunders signs short-term deal at Dumbarton

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Former Scotland international Steven Saunders looks set to end his search for a club by signing for Dumbarton until January.

The 24-year-old former Motherwell centre back left Ross County in the summer after two seasons and has not been able to secure a new club much to the surprise of Sons manager Stephen Aitken. (The Scotsman)