Rumour Mill: Ferguson '˜not ready' for Rangers | Warburton to Arsenal

Barry Ferguson says he won't be taking over at Rangers. Picture: Michael Gillen

Keep up to date with all our sport news on The Scotsman’s Sport page on Facebook

Ferguson ‘not ready’ for Rangers

Barry Ferguson says he’s not ready to become next manager of Rangers amid talk he could take over from Mark Warburton.

Ferguson was instilled as the bookmakers favourites following his exit from Clyde at the weekend, but he dismissed the stories linking him with a return to Ibrox.

“I’ve still got loads to learn. I don’t think I am ready to manage at that level,” Ferguson said. (BBC)

Warburton to Arsenal

Mark Warburton could soon return to football after he emerged as a leading contender to replace Andries Jonker as academy director at Arsenal.

The ex-Rangers manager has a strong relationship with the North London club, which he used to bring Gedion Zelalem and Jon Toral on loan during his tenure at Ibrox.

Arsenal are now on the look for a new academy director after Jonker joined Wolfsburg on Sunday. (Daily Record)

Murty ready for Old Firm clash

Graeme Murty is ready to embrace what he insists would be a “stellar moment” in his career if he remains in caretaker charge of Rangers for the Old Firm showdown at Celtic Park in 12 days’ time.

The Ibrox club remain content not to rush their appointment of a permanent successor to Mark Warburton whose managerial tenure ended in contentious circumstances earlier this month.

They hope to be in a position to name a director of football within the next week or so, with Southampton’s head of scouting a recruitment Ross Wilson among the leading contenders for the role. (The Scotsman)

Rodgers wants Brown to call it quits before England

Brendan Rodgers does not want Scott Brown to play for Scotland against England this summer as it will have an adverse effect on his preparations for next season’s Champions League qualifiers.

The Celtic manager is happy that Brown, who came out retirement last November to face the Auld Enemy at Wembley, has made himself available for the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia at Hampden on 26 March 26.

However, he wants his captain to rest when the Scottish season finishes and not be involved in the return match with Gareth Southgate’s side which does not take place until 10 June. (The Scotsman)

Governing bodies back Aberdeen plan

Both the SFA and SPFL have backed Aberdeen’s plans to build a new 20,000 seater stadium in the west of the city.

SPFL chief Neil Doncaster, said: “The proposed development would complement the existing sports facilities in Aberdeen and enhance the region’s position as a Scottish sporting powerhouse.” (Press and Journal)

Five players a doubt for ICT

Inverness Caley Thistle could be without five first-team members for their meeting with Celtic tomorrow night.

Carl Tremarco and Henri Anier are struggling with hip injuries, Jake Mulraney has a hamstring strain, while Friday’s match-winner against Rangers, Billy Mckay, missed training with a groin problem.

Richie Foran is hopeful all of them will pull through, but admits Aaron Doran will definitely miss out with a knee injury. (Press and Journal)

Hearts concerns for County clash

Hearts have injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s league match with Ross County as head coach Ian Cathro waits for news on four senior players.

Jamie Walker, Aaron Hughes, Don Cowie and Bjorn Johnsen are all rated touch-and-go for the game at Tynecastle.

Walker was taken off against Partick Thistle on Saturday suffering blurred vision. Hughes pulled out 45 minutes before kick-off with a calf problem, whilst Cowie and Johnsen were precluded by rib and hamstring injuries respectively. (Evening News)

Hibs freeze season tickets

Hibs are to freeze season ticket prices for next season, with the guarantee there will be no rise if, as hoped, the Easter Road club win promotion to the Premiership.

Fans who buy their season tickets for the 2017/18 campaign will be able to save money if they take advantage of the “Early Bird” package, while Hibs will again be offering an 11-month payment plan. The deadline for both will be 5pm on Friday, April 7. (Evening News)

Raith could be without goalkeeper

Raith Rovers could be without a goalkeeper for their crucial relegation battle with Ayr United after stand-in stopper Conor Brennan suffered an injury in the loss to Queen of the South.

With No.1 Kevin Cuthbert and young deputy Aaron Lennox already out, it leaves the club without a fit and registered goalkeeper. John Hughes admits they’ve been desperately scrambling around looking to sign someone before the game. (Deadline News)

Rumour Mill: Ferguson '˜not ready' for Rangers | Warburton to Arsenal | Murty ready for Old Firm clash