Smith says Wolves job didn’t appeal to him

Published on Friday 24 February 2012 03:19

Walter Smith has confirmed he has rejected the chance to return management with Wolves.

The former Rangers and Everton manager was asked to take over until the end of the season after turning down a full- time offer as Mick McCarthy’s successor.

Smith’s snub to even a short-term deal has left Wolves back at square one in their search for McCarthy’s replacement.

Smith said: “It’s true I’m not going (to Wolves). I was totally unsure whether I really wanted to do it or not.

“It was a purely personal thing, nothing to do with Wolves. I know Jez Moxey [Wolves chief executive] and knew I was more of a fall-back than anything. We didn’t even get as far as discussing money.

“There was never a face-to-face meeting and we never discussed finance. If someone asks you, you’re pleased to be asked, but the longer you think about it, you start to ask yourself whether it was right.”

Smith, who is 64 today, quit management last May at the end of his second spell with Rangers.

It was earlier reported Smith had turned down the Wolves job on a full-time basis but might be willing to assume initial command for 13 games in a bid to keep Wolves in the top flight. Several bookmakers had made him the clear favourite to take over from McCarthy, who was sacked 11 days ago.

Wolves have endured a fruitless search in the past few days with Alan Curbishley, Reading’s Brian McDermott and Brighton’s Gus Poyet all rejecting their interest.

Former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce appeared to be the favourite after being interviewed last week.

But Smith then moved into pole position and Wolves had even been hopeful of him being in place for tomorrow’s clash at Newcastle.

Smith has previous experience of managing in the Premier League during four years at Everton and was briefly Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United at the end of the 2003-04 season. He was also manager of Scotland for two years before returning to Ibrox in 2007 for the second time when he led the Ibrox club to three successive titles and the 2008 Uefa Cup final.

Curbishley rejected the chance to replace McCarthy for a second time on Tuesday after initially being interviewed last week. McDermott on Wednesday signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Reading. Poyet has confirmed Wolves’ interest but is happy to remain at Brighton for the foreseeable future.

Caretaker manager Terry Connor will be in charge for tomorrow’s match. The former Leeds, Portsmouth and Brighton striker, who has been at Wolves for 13 years, admitted he would eventually like to move into management.

But he insists all his current focus is on preparing the side for the trip to Newcastle. Connor said: “I have worked all my life to try and better myself. I’ve been a player, youth team, reserve team, assistant manager and been on my courses for management. I’ve worked towards possibly being a manager someday but right now I’m employed by the club as assistant manager. They want to appoint a new manager and I’m just looking after things.”

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Straight-talking Ivan Sproule admits Hibs must get their act together

Published on Friday 24 February 2012 13:58

IVAN SPROULE reckons you can make as many excuses for Hibs as you want – but none of them will cut any ice with him.

A change of manager mid-season, a raft of new players brought in and constant chopping and changing of the team as boss Pat Fenlon seeks that winning formula can easily be counted among the reasons why the Easter Road side find themselves in a desperate battle against relegation.

So, too, could the fact that Hibs possibly caught both Celtic and Motherwell at the wrong time, Neil Lennon’s side more or less handed the title with the ten-point deduction levied on cash-strapped Rangers while that penalty has given the Fir Park club the incentive of Champions League football next season. Only a superior goal difference keeps Fenlon’s team above basement outfit Dunfermline but even that advantage has been eroded thanks to nine goals conceded in the space of just five days, adding to the dismal tally of 54 conceded in the SPL so far – an average of two a game.

Even scoring three in Lanarkshire the other night wasn’t enough, Motherwell claiming four to leave Fenlon with only one league win to his name since succeeding the sacked Colin Calderwood although, on the plus side, he has steered the club into the last eight of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Irishman has talked in recent weeks of dragging others into the danger zone but Inverness Caley, the closest side to them, remain eight points clear of the drop zone with neither Hibs or Dunfermline showing much sign of catching them.

Today Sproule insisted that remains a fight for another day, the more pressing matter on his mind being to find a way to return Hibs to the winning trail, or to at least gain sufficient points to ensure that whoever eventually falls into the First Division, it isn’t the team wearing green and white. As straight-talking as always, Sproule didn’t shirk away from discussing Hibs’ predicament, one he and Garry O’Connor could never have envisaged as they returned to the club last summer. Making it clear he was far from absolving himself for any of the team’s shortcomings since last July, the Northern Ireland star said: “It’s a combination of things.

“We have had a change of gaffer, a new gaffer in, the changing of players again. Sometimes the team is chopping and changing but I suppose that’s to do with the performances of players and there is nothing the manager can do about that. You can make all the excuses you can find, but to me it comes down to a dog-fight and that’s what we are in now. I wish I was standing talking about the sort of push that Motherwell are on at the minute but we are not at that stage.

“It’s going to be difficult, it’s not enjoyable going out every day knowing you are bottom of the league. It’s our livelihoods that are at stake and if we do not turn this around quite sharpish then there’s going to be consequences.”

Fenlon himself has been saying as much for a number of weeks now, the odd glimmer of hope such as the successive clean sheets clocked up against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen and the back-to-back wins over Cowdenbeath and Dunfermline quickly forgotten as Hibs have failed to build on those results.

Positives may be increasingly hard to find for the Hibs support but having conceded five goals against Celtic last weekend, Sproule believes he and his team-mates continue to show signs that they can find that elusive victory, although he agreed that, to do so, they’ll have to stop making it easy for opposing sides to find the back of their net.

He said: “It’s been a tough week. Possibly we got Celtic at the wrong time, but we also shot ourselves in the head. Maybe it was also the wrong time to get Motherwell given their recent record but we went to Fir Park, scored three goals and created some more chances as well.

“All credit to Motherwell, they are a good side with players who are probably playing at the top of their game whereas we maybe have players who are that wee bit fragile. Football is an easy game when things are going for you but we cannot think about anyone else, we have to concentrate on ourselves. It’s a scrap, but no-one is chucking it. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out it’s between Dunfermline and ourselves. The gaffer has talked of dragging others into it but first and foremost it’s about getting away from Dunfermline and then we can start looking at the rest.

“I’d love us to get a result for the players but I would love it for the gaffer because he really must be pulling his hair out. He is giving us everything on the training ground and trying to instil confidence in the players.”

The week won’t get any easier for Hibs when they travel to Kilmarnock tomorrow knowing they’ll arrive at Rugby Park to face another side which is also smarting following their 4-0 hammering by Dundee United on Tuesday night. Killie boss Kenny Shiels and his son, Dean, a former team-mate of Sproule’s both at Easter Road and in the Northern Ireland set-up, are both personal friends of the Hibs star but he insists that will count for nothing on either side.

He said: “The likes of Kilmarnock, Dundee United, St Johnstone and Hearts are all fighting to get into the top spaces, there isn’t a team which has nothing to play for. Even the sides further down don’t want to be dragged back into it while Dunfermline and ourselves are fighting for our lives.

“Killie were beaten 4-0 the other night but that’s the beauty of this league, I suppose. We were pumped 5-0 then went to Fir Park and scored three only to emerge from the game with nothing which is hard to take and very disappointing.

“I know Kenny Shiels and Dean very well, they are both winners. I think Kenny has done fantastically well, he’s taken Killie to a cup final and while they’ve maybe been a bit indifferent in the league, they are still mid-table which, I think, is good for his first season.

“Dean is one we’ll have to keep an eye on, he’s had a fantastic season and thoroughly deserves his Northern Ireland recall. Kenny and Dean are both personal friends but that goes out the window tomorrow. They’ll want the three points but for us, as I have said, livelihoods are at stake.”

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USA Olympic Rugby Program

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Move To Join Olympic Mass

Olympic Games is most admired sporting events and at least 26 sports are played in this mega event. In 2012, the Olympic will be happing in London that will start from July 27 to August 12. Fans can enjoy games of at least 10500 athletes who will give their performance in their particular disciplines. Find full schedule of London Olympic and plan for any particular sports event, in which you take interest.

London is the officially the first country to host the Olmpc Gams for the third time after Olmpc Gams started. Also known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, or London 2012 Olmpc Gams, they are set to happen in a grand and more organized and disciplined manner, the Olmpic Games 2012 dates are 27th July 2012 to 12th August 2012. In the year 1908 and the year 1948, London had hosted the Olympic Games. On July 6th, 2005 the decision for the venue of Olympic Games 2012 was made by the committee in which London won the bid, leaving behind countries like Moscow, New York, Madrid and Paris, which took four rounds of bidding to decide on the country for hosting 2012 Olympic Games.

One of the reasons which might have led London to score somewhat poorly in the rounds of voting was its public transport, which has been revised and improved and thoroughly checked and now is fit for hosting the large amount of crowd that the country will witness during the Olmpc Gams 2012 London England.

The worldwide partners for Olmpc Gams 2012 London England are Acer, Atos, Dow Chemical Company, General Electric, McDonald's, Omega SA, Panasonic, Proctor and Gamble, Samsung, VISA

The Olympic Games 2012 London England will be held in a number of exciting as well as historic venues, some of which are pretty famous in the country. Broadly, the venues are classified into three categories, or three areas, which are namely, the Olympic Zone, the River Zone, and the Central Zone. The Olmpc Gams Logo can be found online and consists of the five rings, which is symbolic of the Olmpc Gams since the development of the Olympic Games. Certain other Olympic symbols are the icons, the flags, which are used by the International Olympic Committee to publicize the Olympic events. Olympic game tickets prices can be paid via VISA (either debit, credit or prepaid) and purchased online on the official website. The Olympic Game tickets prices start at mere 20 pounds, with exceptions and discounts being present for children under the age of sixteen and the elderly aged above 60.

Olympic Games schedule 2012 can be seen on the website. The games and events are categorized into 39 disciplines, in which the events are classified into. The categories/disciplines that they can be classified into are Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint, Cycling- BMX, Cycling- Mountain bike, Cycling - Road, Cycling - track, Diving, Equestrian - Dressage, Equestrian- Jumping, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics- Artistic, Gymnastics- Rhythmic, Gymnastics- Trampoline, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Synchronized swimming, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water polo, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

olympic games are a very old game which greatly organized in every four year interval. If you want to enjoy your favorite sports, just obtain olympic games tickets to make sure your seat in stadium. Find complete olympic games schedule to know when is which events.

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Online Price Per Head Sports Booking

Wagering in different parts of the United States is known to be a hobby as well as a means for their livelihood. The price per head bookmaking practices are those where all the bettors set their own wagers on their favored sports like the game of football, basketball, horse racing etc. The bookies are different from each other on the basis of the cost of booking procedures on specific form of sports activity. All the invariable winners of the sports bets are immediately compensated after the emergence of the results. If not, then the payments of the winning amount are compensated with the security of plenty of time after the completion of the game. Additionally, if there is no clarity in the final results, the bets that have been placed would be returned back to the wagerers.
The number of bettors undoubtedly influences the price per head sportsbooking and the changes in numbers differ from year to year. Each and every bettor like certain sport as a favorite game and sporting activity and quite often, they place wagers on any event during the seasoned gaming activities. On the occasions, when any particular sport has its own occasion, there becomes significant increase in the number of bettors and so with the admiration of the services of the online price per head sports booking. The costs of sports wagering that will be provided to all the winners depend upon the wagering by the number of wagers within any stated special event, the dispersion of the news, and the accidental injuries experienced by the gamblers of a specific team.
Sports betting nowadays can be described as a recognized activity over the internet. Even though, the persons involved in betting are not very much familiar about the betting lines. Hence, they deal with the bettors instead of using any personalized system of betting. This usually seems to be the most feasible and cost effective means to bet on the sports and surely the efforts will be saved further on. Due to the online price per head sports booking practices, the sports betting has become a pleasant stuff for the bettors as the low cost price per head sports booking services are also there since the frequent rewards and additional bonuses are rewarded through the betting line. Moreover, these gamblers are inclined to earn benefits being working online. Thus, they provide different applications for playing with to the gamblers. This makes the customers of the sports booking agents also quite happy than ever before.
On the internet, the betting lines are known as the authorized firms; hence, players and sports bettors hardly need to put their trust on stake. The wagering exercises of every country are different from one another with different rules offered. It is quite essential for these type of principles to be sure that the price per head sports booking is not a cheating along with being capable of letting all the winners to play through their bank account. Wagering line also differs from each other and the money placed on the wagers also has a particular limit.

Online Price per Head and Online bookmaker seem to be an effective measure of dealing with sports gambling online in comparison to the traditional one.

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Prentice takes master’s role as Newtongrange target cup glory in Fife

Published on Friday 24 February 2012 14:06

WITH Graeme Armstrong having left the club after Tuesday’s loss to Bo’ness, Newtongrange Star now look to assistant Alan Prentice to take charge for their game away to Kirkcaldy in tomorrow’s East of Scotland Cup tie.

“I’ll try and help out as much as I can until the club have a new manager in place, but it’s going to be hard,” Prentice said.

“The dressing-room after the game on Tuesday, when Louis told the players he was going, was very emotional for everyone. There were a few tears shed. In the six years we’ve been here we signed most of them and it’s been terrific working with them. The spirit of the players on Tuesday night was superb and we should have taken something from the game.

“However, Saturday’s another challenge and if they show the same spirit again then we’ll have a chance. It will be a hard game because Kirkcaldy have won nine out of their last nine home games, so they are strong at home. We can’t afford any slip-ups.

“Our biggest problem is that we’re down to the very bare bones in squad numbers. We lost Aaron Somerville and Liam McKenna on Tuesday, plus Stuart Roseburgh is still out.

“It looks like we’ll have only 11 players. We may need to go out and sign some youngsters again, but the difficulty is that the good players will still be in contention for silverware with their own clubs who will be reluctant to let them go.”

Prentice takes temporary charge as former Stenhousemuir manager John Coughlin, expected to take over, will remain in the background for now, helping when he can.

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McLeish has faith old club will beat crisis

Published on Friday 24 February 2012 03:18

ALEX McLeish has admitted that he is worried for Rangers – but hopes they will emerge from their on-going crisis in a stronger position.

Speaking for the first time about crisis-hit Rangers, the Aston Villa manager says he finds it hard to believe just what has happened to his former club.

McLeish, who won the SPL twice, the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup three times during his time in charge of Ibrox between 2001 and 2006, said: “I do worry about them and what will happen to them in the future.

“But I still have hope and belief inside me that Rangers will come out of this trouble that they are in at the moment.

“I do think that they will come out of it stronger. At the moment you have to say that it looks bleak.

“But everyone involved with Rangers has to believe that they will emerge from this stronger.

“I certainly hope that is going to happen and we have got to be positive and look forward.”

McLeish takes Villa to Wigan tomorrow on league duty.

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Hibs boss Pat Fenlon says players needs to toughen up mentally

By DAVID HARDIE
Published on Friday 24 February 2012 12:20

PAT FENLON today insisted Hibs don’t need a shrink – because he’s the Easter Road club’s head man.

The Hibs boss has admitted his players need to toughen up mentally, conceding he needs to change their mindset and ensure they don’t feel sorry for themselves as they continue to battle against the threat of relegation.

But, he revealed, he won’t be employing the services of a sports psychologist, as he believes that is part of being the manager of a football club.

He said: “I don’t believe in that, to be honest. People make a lot of money out of that side of the game but I do not think it is relevant. As a manager that’s part of your job, to try and get the best out of people collectively and individually and work out how they think, what makes them tick and how they deal with different things.”

Fenlon is in particular desperate to see his players learn to cope with moments of adversity in matches, citing how they abandoned the game plan which had been working so well for them against Motherwell the moment Fir Park striker Michael Higdon cancelled out Isaiah Osbourne’s opener. As in their previous game against Celtic in which they lost five goals, most of which Fenlon believed were self-inflicted, the eventual 4-3 defeat by Stuart McCall’s side was very much down to individual errors, with two penalties conceded thanks to rash challenges.

Such mistakes, Fenlon agreed, were out of his hand, no matter how much work was put in on the training ground, but ensuring his players reacted in the right manner to setbacks was something he was desperate to instil in them.

The Hibs boss said: “When something like that does happen and someone is having a hard time, it’s all about how you react to that and that’s the thing we have to try to change.

“Their reaction to conceding a goal has been poor, something that’s been here for a while. We have to get into the players’ mindset and change that. It’s something we have to eradicate, working with individuals, working with the team.

“Take the Motherwell game. We played well for 45 minutes, then we conceded a goal and what we did previously to that changed. That should not happen. You should say ‘okay, something went wrong but let’s keep going, we’ve done all right till now’.”

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Craig Beattie deal a sign of better times at Hearts

Craig Beattie is presented to the media. Picture: Neil Hanna

By STUART BATHGATE
Published on Friday 24 February 2012 03:23

NO MATTER how well or how badly Craig Beattie performs on the field, his signing certainly represents one kind of good news for Hearts.

After months of being unable to pay staff salaries on time, and unsuccessfully trying to offload more players during the January transfer window, the Tynecastle club appear to be enjoying a modest yet nonetheless welcome relaxation of budgetary restrictions.

Former Celtic striker Beattie, who has signed on at Tynecastle for the rest of the season, is in fact just the latest example of a more generous approach by owner Vladimir Romanov. The Kaunas-based businessman’s announcement last autumn that the club would receive no more money from him precipitated three months of late payments to players, and last month’s salaries only arrived more or less on time thanks to the sale of Eggert Jonsson to Wolves.

But, although staff expressed concern about how or when the February wage bill could be paid, it was paid – in full and on time. That was just a few days after Hearts had settled a tax bill of around £150,000, for which Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs had issued a winding-up order against the club. Previously, those inside the club thought that the tax payment would have to be made at the expense of the wages.

Romanov has never spelled out exactly what he meant when he said that Hearts had had enough money from him. But, while cutbacks have undoubtedly been made, he appears to have accepted that, if he wants to sell the club as any kind of going concern, he needs to keep it in relative health. And so, besides meeting his financial commitments, he has also agreed to augment manager Paulo Sergio’s squad with some much-needed firepower.

Twenty-eight-year-old Beattie, who has seven full Scotland caps, was a free agent after negotiating an early release from his Swansea City contract. Hearts completed his signing yesterday in the face of competition from Kilmarnock, St Mirren and St Johnstone, and although the player insisted he had not opted for Sergio’s squad on financial grounds, his recruitment is obviously going to cost the club something.

Sergio would not reveal any details of the deal, but did respond positively when asked if the signing meant things were getting better at Hearts. “I hope so,” the manager said. “I believe people are working for that and I hope that is the case.

“When John [Sutton] went it was to save the money of his wages, I believe,” he explained, referring to the striker’s release on loan to Australia. “Now it’s a different deal with Beattie. That’s the kind of thing we don’t want to speak about personally. But the reason John went was because of that.”

Beattie, who is short of match practice and is likely to be on the bench against Dundee United tomorrow, said he was not worried by his new club’s previous problems. “No, not at all,” he said. “Whatever has been happening off the field is certainly not a concern of mine or of any of the lads. We’re football players and we turn up every day, train as hard as we can and try to get three points at the weekend.

“It’s something that excited me,” he continued when asked why he had opted for Hearts. “I know how big the club is having been in the league before with Celtic and played at Tynecastle, so it was just something which appealed to me. I’ve had options, and I’ve weighed those up. It wasn’t a financial decision to come here. It was a football decision and something which interested me – that’s the long and short of it.” Beattie has fond memories of the atmosphere at Tynecastle, but admitted that some of the supporters could be a touch hostile. “I just hope the same kids who were giving me pelters are now cheering me on, hopefully be a bit wiser and not so aggressive towards me. It’s a tough, intimidating place to go, and hopefully between now and the end of the season we can make it a bit of a fortress.

“You’ve got to enjoy that, even if the kids are trying to jump over and burst you. It is enjoyable – because I always knew I was quick enough to run away from them.”

Beattie appears to have been identified as a target by Hearts director of football John Murray rather than Sergio, and the manager was noticeably downbeat in his comments about the first signing made by the club since he took up his post last summer. “He was a solution as he was a free player,” Sergio said. “He needed a club to do his job and maybe we needed a player up front too. So we made this deal and I hope he’s going to be happy at Hearts.

“I saw footage of the player but I trust Lockey [assistant coach Gary Locke] and John Murray and he is a player that was available. So we’re going to work together and I told Beattie he’s not come here to solve everything alone, he is working for the group and I hope he can be happy here. I’m not signing Beattie to solve our problems.”

Even so, the signing of Beattie does suggest that those problems are not quite so acute as they were.

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The favors of those movement is more and more

Very busy man appropriate contact exercise. Moscow fitness center one expert design a set of complementary fitness Methods. This practice has no fixed time, also do not need to leave their jobs, or even sit side by side of the colleague also won't perceive you are doing exercises. So called as invisible gymnastics, the invisible gymnastics the sitting position and posture all can, in work, riding a bus, waiting in line to buy things can be performed, a total of 6, 1 minute per quarter.

Section first: sitting on the bench, legs apart, lift the toes, while forced contraction of the ankle, calf and thigh muscles within 1 minute, repeat 30-40 times.

The second quarter: sitting position, and lift heel, in order to enhance effect, had better put his hands on his knees pressure, and to increase the reaction of certain, 1 minute repeat 30 to 40 times.
The third quarter: alternate glutei muscle contraction and relaxation, speed is alexandrine.
The fourth quarter: inhale to receive an abdomen, and for seconds, 1 minute repeat 15 ~ 20 times.

Fifth section: slowly arching, shoulders back open, scapula as full as possible, repeat 25~30 times within 1 minute.
Section fifth: the fist of force, so that the entire arm muscles so that the pull its weight, repeated 30 to 40 times within 1 minute.

The entire practice of six minutes, preferably at intervals of 1 hour, this exercise of each joint of the body is not directly involved in activities, but can make the various parts of the muscle often in working condition, these muscles (thighs, legs, buttocks , abdomen, back) is usually the most vulnerable to the accumulation of fat.

Many busy people do not have time to go to the gym, in fact, the rotation fitness method is suitable for you anytime, anywhere fitness. Medical research shows that: often used to transport head, turned around, turn the waist, turn leg of the "spin" Health Care Law, transfers the spirit, and enhance physical fitness, prevention of organ aging, very helpful.
The eye: Feet apart shoulder width, chest standing, head slightly Yang. Widened eyes, try to make the eye stop rotation (head fixed), the first right turn to the left 10 times, from left to right turn 10. And then pause, relax muscles, and then repeat the movement, so 3 times. This method in the morning in the garden for the best, can play to the function of the brain, eyesight.

Head: Standing on the ground or sitting in a chair, arching your abdomen, head slightly under the low-press clockwise rotation of 10 laps, then in a counter clockwise direction 10 times. This law can exercise the muscles of the neck joint, make it smooth blood flow, better for blood to the head, and prevention and treatment of nervous headache, insomnia, cervical bone hyperplasia, neck and shoulder syndrome, stiff neck disease.

As the equipment improves step by step, Nike Free Run 2 Womens is the tool to keep fit accurately. Let's take pleasure in the special exercise from now on. You will not regret for buying as of Nike Free Run 2 Australia.

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Hearts new signing Craig Beattie reveals lure of Europe led him to Tynecastle

By ALEX SCHWEITZER-THOMPSON
Published on Friday 24 February 2012 11:06

HEARTS signing Craig Beattie admits he could have “had it easier” by joining another club, but is relishing the challenge of helping the Tynecastle club gain a place in Europe.

Beattie knocked back offers from other SPL outfits in order to take up the task of pushing the Jambos towards a strong finish, and could feature in tomorrow’s league meeting with Dundee United in Gorgie.

The 28-year-old said the late payment of wages to Hearts players in recent months did not enter his consideration when pondering his next career move after he was released by Swansea City.

“I could have had it slightly easier elsewhere, but that’s not what I’m looking for, that’s not what I’m about,” Beattie told the Evening News. “So, I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I know a few of the lads and I know how difficult the league is. Obviously, Motherwell have been doing really well and the league’s tightened up a little bit with all the controversy that’s been going on. It’s interesting at the minute.

“Whatever’s been happening off the field is none of my, or the lads’ concern really. Our job is to be football players. We have to turn up every day, train as hard as we can and try to get three points on the weekends.

“My target for the season now is to get some games and goals.”

Beattie played for Hearts at under-12 level and was linked with a move to Gorgie in the past. Returning to the club now as Paulo Sergio’s first signing, the former West Brom and Celtic striker is relishing the opportunity to set foot on the Tynecastle turf once again.

“Before, it was just rumours,” said Beattie. “They’ve been interested, on and off, for a little while. I’m glad it’s happened now.

“It was something that excited me, and I know how big the club is. I’ve had options and weighed them up. It wasn’t a financial decision, it was purely a football decision, something that interested me.”

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Join Capital to Coast at the London Eye start

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Phenomenon!Large empty wing of lightning cut won no. 2, Manchester Messi can rival

A large air wing the spirit? Manchester City and Porto on the European Cup 1/16 final, second leg clash, Aguero over again developed into a high-light figure, he as well as came up with fastest there is much surprise Europa League scoring record still within the loved one assists dominant factors break the sky blue Corps four-ball victory sounded offensive horn. Manchester City and without firing a try to succeed the eu Cup last 16, Aguero a fantastic tribute into the two rounds are gains.
The Aguero lightning cut, to aim a comeback while in the Al Ittihad Stadium Porto wake-up call. Opening only 19 seconds, midfielder De Jong steals for the Asia and Asia - Toure, ppos balls tearing the Porto selection of defense, Sergio Aguero quickly forward runs, long-range strike inside the restricted subject of ??the appropriate side low shot far corner, while in the Manchester City opened the scoring, but also to bring about the quickest goal record with this season Europa League. The This Houakuiluo on your first field of manufacturing Murder in his 13 minutes of extraordinary cause Rolando foul dyed yellow, the performances of 29 minutes from the Argentine striker is Jijingsizuo: this time he took Silva pass offside , going past goalkeeper during the penalty area right corner for the kicker lob the ball hit the crossbar. 41 minutes Aguero counter grab the ball to the left affiliate with Yaya - Toure, the aforementioned adjusted time for the larger the better air wing Unfortunately, Manchester City's top striker shot with the bar.
Another one half of Porto desperate line pressure on Manchester City's attack once suppressed, the critical moment in the team stable situation, but in addition by divine intervention the Aguero. From the left lateral the ball 76 minutes Aguero and Silva with continuous extraordinary, and in a timely manner to your ball provided to the proper, dominant factors Bosnian killer low shot in order to El fingers off, two-goal lead Manchester City shattered the visiting team's about face a goal. 80 minutes Mancini Pizarro replaced Sergio Aguero, the fans on the audience standing ovation, because of dedication of this magnificent performances of a large air wing within this war, which moment, he is the same as Al Ittihad "Messi".
, "The Guardian" after Sergio Aguero played 80 minutes 14 pass 9 th place 4 times extraordinary three successful shots famous scored 1 goal, 1 assists, showing towards the very force. Goal.com for Aguero played a game-high 7.5 points: "Aguero two goals in 2 rounds can be Manchester City within the 16, he uses a clever post moves to score in 19 seconds to set-up the history of the tournament the actual 2nd fastest goal record. each ball can certainly create threat towards Porto selection of defense, his brilliant lob this score continues to be blocked in the beam assists the dominant factors inside a ball is additionally wonderful scene. "
European Cup in the reputation the quickest goals come in the November 5, 2009, AEK Athens and Bart game, Blanco, the opening 13 seconds suitable ball. Lightning in a war of Sergio Aguero and Porto break although Bibulanke six seconds slower, but nonetheless the fastest goal of the year Europa League. Since the number 1 killer from the Manchester City squad, Aguero is not only behind in 15 Premier League goals scorer in Europe inside same remarkable performance: three with the Champions League, Sergio Aguero of stoppage lore to support Manchester City 2-1 force Kebiliya Real; Europe Cup 1/16 final first leg, Sergio Aguero came over the bench scored the winning goal, nowhere moon to leave within the dragon stadium; second leg The large empty wing on the magical performances, so Al Ittihad Stadium perfectly into a sea of ??joy. Manchester City at the sub-quarter to overcome fans Aguero known as team and in many cases phenomenal player within the Premiership, sky blue Corps achieve in the eu Cup to spend further, you have to count on a major air wing shooting boots earlier in Atletico Madrid for four consecutive season to make a single-season 20 goals respondents Argentina killer is usually not scared of fire refining of gold.
It is composed by nasoccerleagueshop 02.23.2012

41 minutes Aguero counter grab the ball to Cheap Soccer Jerseys the left affiliate with Yaya - Toure, the aforementioned adjusted time for the larger the better air wing Unfortunately, Manchester City's top striker shot with the bar.

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What Will Customised Football Trophies Bring To an Awards Ceremony?

No matter what sporting event you attend there is likely to be a prize giving with trophies, for example if you are at a football tournament then there will be a giving of football trophies at the end. As well as providing a record of achievement, they are something that people hold with pride and those who have them garner respect from others for their achievements in a sport.

If you want to add something special then why not try customising your trophies. If you want to customise your trophies then the possibilities are endless, why just stop with having them engraved with names. This is going to be a more expensive process but something that the recipient of the trophy will treasure.

With children, the novelty of having their name engraved on something will delight them. Adults, of course, do nit get this excitied but will still appreciate the fact the time had been taken and their name will be carried forward through history.

You will fail to get participants of an awards ceremony excited if you hand out the exact same trophy to every person. If an award ceremony is recognising dozens of people then the recipients will feel more appreciated if the award giver has taken the time to engrave each product individually. If they have not, they might just feel a part of the crowd.

Sometimes if there is an award ceremony at a school there are lots of different trophies handed out at the same time. It can be quite boring if everyone is given the same trophy for their given sport, customising them makes it more interesting and unique for the children. If you are giving a cup for winning a football championship consider one in the shape of a football, if you are giving away a tennis award get one in the shape of a tennis player.

By doing this you can ensure that the awards ceremony will be less boring and each recipient will feel good about their unique trophy. If you want it to be extra special than you can of course get you football trophies engraved.

Not only will making your football trophies more unique create a more interesting awards ceremony but you will also allow the recipient a greater feeling of accomplishment. Due to the fact this route can often be a slightly more expensive one, you should put plenty of thought into your decisions before executing them.

The author of this article has coached teams for many years and decided to break away from the mould of conventional football trophies and has tried to put a fun twist on what can sometimes be a dull event.

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Uchechi still has more to offer Dons

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:57

Daniel Uchechi insists he has plenty more to offer at Aberdeen once fully match-fit.

The Nigerian striker made his debut in the William Hill Scottish Cup replay against Queen of the South, before coming off the bench again in Sunday’s goalless draw against St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

He told RedTV: “Personally, there is a challenge for me because I know now what standard and level is expected of me and I am just glad I am getting the minutes to get to the fitness level required.

“My goal is to get back to full fitness and, once I get there, I think the rest will come in terms of getting the ball and doing more with it. When I come on, I’m expected to do as much as I can and to help the team, which I will do whenever I get the chance to play.”

Uchechi signed initially until the end of the season when he arrived at Pittodrie on transfer deadline day, with a further two-year option.

He added: “My aim is to try and get in the team and playing regularly and when I do that, hopefully I will impress. When I am playing I am not thinking about the contract, I just want to get the best out of myself. I know what I can do and I am trying hard to achieve that goal of producing what I am capable of on the football pitch.”

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Changing room chat: Beckenbauer’s handy suggestion

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:52

WHILE many people have said football should just do away with the pre-match handshake ritual in the wake of the recent Suarez-Evra and Ferdinand-Terry sagas, Franz Beckenbauer reckons there should actually be more handshaking at games.

The German, speaking as part of a 2014 World Cup task force, said yesterday that players should be made to shake hands in the centre-circle at full-time.

“You could convene at the halfway line and then go off the pitch together,” explained the former West Germany captain and coach. “That’s what we used to do when I was at school.”

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Rankin form has Houston full of praise

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 03:17

Peter Houston has hailed the impact of John Rankin after the midfielder played a starring role in Dundee United’s 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Tuesday.

Rankin slammed home the third goal of the night after 70 minutes – with Jon Daly, Paul Dixon and Scott Robertson also on target – and Houston has been delighted with the player’s performances since he arrived from Hibernian in the summer.

“I couldn’t believe I got him, he typifies the spirit of the guys like Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis who moved elsewhere,” said Houston of Rankin.

“Since I arrived at the club six years ago, the Dundee United midfield has been all about players who get in your face. John is exactly that type of player.

“His attitude is brilliant and he has settled in well, he’s been a great player for us. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win a lot of the supporters’ awards at the end of the season as he has been consistent throughout.”

Houston was delighted to see his side record their biggest home success of the season and was also impressed at the calibre of the goals.

“We scored some great goals and it was very pleasing to see,” he added. “Those are the type of goals we score, during the match Paul Dixon hit the post and John Rankin forced a few good saves from Cammy Bell.”

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Bayern Munich with Bayern Shirts have a shot for the first time until the 36th minute

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SaveRangers.com to explore fan funding

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 03:12

The three main Rangers supporters organisations have joined forces to launch a website where fans can pledge how much money they would be willing to invest in the crisis club.

The Rangers Supporters Association, the Rangers Supporters Assembly and the Rangers Supporters Trust want to know how much cash could be raised if an opportunity for “meaningful fan ownership” occurs in the future.

A statement from the Rangers Supporters Trust read: “Thousands of Rangers fans have been asking what they can do to help save Rangers Football Club. Today the three main supporter organisations are launching www.SaveRangers.com which gives fans the opportunity to pledge their own money to invest and save Rangers Football Club. We invite all Rangers fans to sign up and state how much money they would invest if the opportunity for meaningful fan ownership occurs in future.

“The three groups call on all potential owners to note that we will no longer tolerate the single owner model for Rangers. We also demand transparency in the club’s finances and insist that all money invested in Rangers should stay within the club.

“The administrators’ report is key to this as it will determine the scale of the task ahead. It is difficult to predict how long this process will take so we would ask fans to be patient and be ‘Ready’ when the time comes.

“Let’s all come together as the one Rangers family and show the world that, like our manager, we don’t do walking away.”

President of the Rangers Supporters Assembly Andy Kerr, said: “People are saying, ‘Can we give you money and how would it help?’ We are in the process of trying to clarify that. There’s always a concern if you throw money at something, is it just going to be gobbled up? We have asked whether any could be ringfenced or used for a clear purpose, for example to help pay staff or player wages, or would it just become part of the big pot?”

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Juventus with Juventus Men Jacket after the win over Catania

Juventus with Juventus Men Jacket after the win over Catania, the good news is coming from the transfer market over there. The Turin sports daily in the last two days, said: "Juventus have signed Manchester United lumbar discitis bogeba. "In addition, the broker of bogeba layiaola has made it clear that:" bogeba Manchester and will not renew their contracts. "Manchester local newspaper also reported a bogeba after the end of the season to join Juventus. The Turin sports daily said: "Juventus already under Rob bogeba, bogeba I also have agreed to join Juventus, it actually managed to have determined in advance. Layiaola is not saying that with so many, he said:" Ewing on bogeba very interesting indeed, we hope to have a good result. "Bogeba I said in a recent interview:" I hope to have more opportunities for competition, I hope that I can, to play more games. "In addition, the bogeba doing increasingly well in the Manchester United reserve team, in the Manchester United reserve team 2-1 in the match against Bolton last week, bogeba has a foot long shots hit pillars, head home before the final, helping the team had bits of shengju, from this point of view, bogeba is a very complete player.
The Sky Sports, said: "Juventus with New Juventus Jersey 2012 has promised bobage a perfect future, they will be cleaned at the end of the season to Michele Pazienza, which focus on training bogeba, this this United small very bullish. In addition, before the bogeba, Juventus has just stolen from the layiaola AJAX Bouey players, aged 18, layiaola called him the best player born 93:" Bouey 1993 birth players talent the most, he can kick Van Bommel's location, but he is also able to more goals. Bouey proved its value after joining the team, he was in the youth team have had a goal in the competition. In addition to finalizing bogeba, Juventus with Juventus Football Club Jersey chasing Brazil gamma Defender Dede has also been made in the process of leading, according to Dede's broker said: "Juventus to Dede in December had a quote, but Dede considered dropped from the time is not ripe, he wants to help up to gamma-fight for the Championship, but we talked with Juventus is still pretty well. Juventus already under Rob bogeba, bogeba I also have agreed to join Juventus. Tak Tak broker is easy to see, Juventus in June may also be attacking the Tak Tak again, Dede and AC Milan targets, Dede was considered to be the age of 23 Brazil pedicle of new Asia gold-Silva, now has WINS over Brazil national team, Dede currently worth around 12 million euros. Transfer operation from the Juventus, the team on the young players who had to look more, and giants such as AC Milan and they gobbled up on young people is already in shangfeng, this is also essential for the revival of the team, after all, young people with Football Track Jacket are the team hope for the future.
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Forget points penalty, we’re well worth lead, says Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon: pleased with his side's performance. Picture: SNS

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:58

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon insists his team’s relentless surge clear at the top of the SPL is worthy of the highest praise, regardless of the 10-point deduction imposed on outgoing champions Rangers.

The Ibrox club’s slump into administration effectively ended this season’s title race as a contest but Celtic maintained their own impressive momentum last night with a 2-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Dunfermline at Parkhead, a result which moved them a massive 20 points ahead of their Old Firm rivals.

It was Celtic’s 13th consecutive victory in all competitions, a run last achieved by Martin O’Neill’s side in 2003-04. It was also Celtic’s 16th straight SPL win and their 19th successive domestic victory.

Lennon expressed his pride in his players and his satisfaction that they have heeded his advice to retain their focus in seeking to extend their current sequence of results.

“I just gave them a wee reminder before the game,” said Lennon. “I just said ‘don’t spoil it, don’t let it get away from you’. A run like this maybe only happens once in your career. They could easily have switched off tonight and gone home thinking they had chucked it away.

“I played in Celtic teams which won the league by big margins, but I can’t remember ever being 20 points clear in February. Obviously the 10-point deduction for Rangers has played a part but we would be 10 points clear in any other world and that’s fantastic at this stage of the season in its own right.”

Goals from Charlie Mulgrew and substitute James Forrest in each half secured the three points for Celtic on a night when they were otherwise sloppy in front of goal, most notably the normally prolific front pairing of Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes.

“I thought we made it hard for ourselves,” reflected Lennon. “But the only criticism I can have of my team tonight is that they were wasteful in front of goal. Apart from that, I’m proud of them and the way they played. They kept the winning run going and have opened up a huge gap in the championship. I couldn’t have asked any more of them. It took a wonder goal from Charlie Mulgrew to get us going and when a team sits in like Dunfermline did tonight, it’s important to have players like him who can hit the ball like that from long range.

“After we went in front, we were always in control but when it’s still just 1-0, the other team has a little bit of encouragement.

“The amount of times we got to the byeline and missed the final pass or missed simple opportunities is incredible. We were so comfortable in possession and were never under any great pressure. There can be a lack of clinical finishing in those circumstances and the two strikers can have an off day now and then. I was still pleased with the all round play of both Gary and Anthony.”

Dunfermline remain bottom of the SPL on goal difference from Hibs, who also have a game in hand, but manager Jim McIntyre continues to believe his team will avoid dropping straight back down into the First Division.

“We didn’t deserve anything from the game tonight, I’m not going to try and say anything different,” said McIntyre.

“But what I see from these players gives me great hope and I’ve got every confidence that we can stay in this league.

“We set up defensively tonight because Celtic are a free flowing side firing on all cylinders at the moment.

“We wanted to try and hit them on the counter attack but we didn’t show enough quality when we did manage to find ourselves in those situations.”

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Fenlon laments Easter Road team’s inability to stick to ‘gameplan’

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 03:14

HIBERNIAN manager Pat Fenlon called for his team to “show more balls” in adversity after watching them concede four goals in 28 second half minutes to lose 4-3 at Motherwell. The loss leaves him with only one victory from 12 Scottish Premier League matches in charge of a Leith club who remain joint-bottom of the table with Dunfermline.

Fenlon was left watching a re-run of previous collapses after his keeper Graham Stack clattered Henrik Ojamaa in the 47th minute to gift the home team a penalty. It proved the turning point in an encounter Hibs were then leading through an 18th minute Isaiah Osbourne strike. “We’ve got to have more balls when we concede goals and stick at it, stick to the shape, the game plan,” Fenlon lamented. “The gameplan worked really well in the first half, why go away from that two minutes in to the second half? But that’s what we did, we went away from what we did really well in the first half.

“We killed ourselves tonight. Motherwell played well, but we didn’t clear our lines, didn’t follow the ball on one-twos, and made rash challenges when players should have stayed on their feet.

“When we conceded in the second half we did get a little bit edgy but when you are at the bottom end of the table for so long it tends to be a bit like that. I can’t fault the players for their effort or work-rate but after playing well in the first half, it was about keeping them quiet and giving them nothing to get their teeth into. Then we gave them the incentive of a penalty and got everybody up for it. Then we got back into the game at 2-2 and I thought ‘right, let’s see it out, get a point, it is a good result here’ but we couldn’t do that.”

Motherwell counterpart Staurt McCall admitted he felt sorry for Hibs in them having come away with nothing after putting so much into a “cracking”, “open” match. He hailed hat-trick scorer Michael Higdon, who sandwiched a thunderous overhead kick between two penalty conversions. “Even if he hadn’t scored, I would have said he did everything a centre-forward should. I think the groundsman will still be filling in the hole where he hit the overhead kick. I worried for his back, his neck, his everything when I saw him cranking up for it.”

McCall refused to contemplate overhauling Rangers, who are now only three points above his side, with an assignment at Celtic Park awaiting them this weekend. Instead, he concentrated on the fact that Hearts and St Johnstone are now 12 points behind his Motherwell side. “We’ve lost 4-0 each time we have played at Celtic in my time, I hope with our current form we can give a better account of ourselves. But there is no more difficult game for us,” McCall said.

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Arbroath 4 - 1 Forfar: Doris hat-trick inspires Arbroath to victory

Today

Light rain

Temperature: 7 C to 14 C

Wind Speed: 26 mph

Wind direction: South west

Tomorrow

Sunny spells

Temperature: 5 C to 10 C

Wind Speed: 29 mph

Wind direction: West

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Maurits c. Boas with Chelsea 2012 Jersey would take full responsibility for?

Chelsea pitches a disastrous defeat in São Paulo, the result is definitely a popular a few years ago, but now the Blues who, as expected, "normal". Just like last weekend Italy Press Conference on questions raised by Maurits c. Boas with Chelsea Jersey said: home get down even the British Crown Birmingham, and how to get to Naples, and Serie a? Maurits c. Boas said after the game, still have a lot of tilting pan back to Stamford Bridge may be due to harvest a team score. But the content of the game, but definitely could not be confident of Chelsea fans. Mata is a goal, Defender Fabio Cannavaro mistake is giving thanks to Naples (the reason is also a raised grass will ball up), while at other times, the home team to create the opportunities and threats than Blues. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea needs to at least into 2 balls, also make sure that losing the ball, but the blue army looked down to these two things. Attacking weak approach could not be found, nearly two for Everton and Birmingham, Chelsea with Chelsea 2012 Uniforms has only 1 ball, Torres looks hopeless, Didier Drogba has revealed laotai, midfield support is behind the; defensive, startling poor Chelsea, 9 ball lost nearly 4, Naples, this field if the opportunity to grasp, goals should be more than 3.
Chelsea slump, and people have a certain relationship. Terry injury may be absent for two months, Cole just shangyu, boxinwa falls, Cahill Tim and pieced together a temporary satellite lines full of Louis. In the midfield, Michael Essien slid significantly, Meeker and Romeu is not reassuring, Henrique de Campos Meirelles also depressed (home Naples yellow card suspension), in São Paulo, playing of Frank Lampard's 100th European war, also a former State stability of lamp. The front man, Torres with Torres Jerseys is not opened, Drogba was also old, centers have not been ideal candidates. Because the age of the portfolio, Chelsea had already entered a circular end of the trend of decline is difficult to avoid. Even worse is, in such a crisis time, Abou was appointed a clearly inadequate at the experience of young head coach, Maurits c. Boas have ambitions and ideals, the reality is cruel, from the perspective of various signs, Portugal less handsome's inability to control the dressing room, has even lost the support of some big-name players. After the loss to Napoli, Maurits c. Boas record of appalling since taking office, his victory with only 44.74%, this is the worst boss Blues victory since 1993, were not even being criticized by grant (66.67%) and Scolari (55.56%). While Maurits c. Boas said after the game, will not be dismissed, I still hope that the three-year plan, but who knows, Roman Abramovich has become increasingly impatient for him. Chelsea was reduced to the point of now, really by Maurits c. Boas with Chelsea 2012 Jersey would take full responsibility for? Or he's just caught up with one of the worst time to take over at Chelsea? Mourinho said that Boas served as Blues coach a few years earlier, it probably has a double meaning, is a little handsome or lack of grounding of the Giants, the second is the Blues lineup is at sunset in the evening, before the completion of exchange transfusion as head coach, who is a huge challenge. In 2004 when mad men into Stamford Bridge, Chelsea squad full rise, Maurits c. Boas is not the time. Arsenal former leading striker Ian-Wright said: "I'm very sympathetic to Maurits c. Boas, and he certainly is a good coach.
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Ferguson would love derby day in Bucharest for final

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:53

Sir Alex Ferguson would love to set up a classic European final with Manchester City.

The Manchester United manager freely accepts he did not expect to be in the Europa League this season. However, he feels exactly the same sentiment about United’s title rivals and current Premier League leaders City, who also finished third in their Champions League group.

City are already through to the last 16 after a 6-1 aggregate thrashing of holders Porto last night.

The competition has been derided by many but, like City, rather than turn his nose up at it, Ferguson has decided to embrace it. And while he is aware that there are plenty of hidden obstacles in the way of a final in Bucharest on 9 May, the Old Trafford manager nows if both Manchester clubs make it, the occasion would be one to savour.

“Ourselves and City didn’t expect to be where we are today,” he said. “Both of us will be trying to win it and it would be a great final that.”

Although their passage into the last 16 is virtually secure already thanks to the 2-0 first-leg defeat of Ajax in Amsterdam last week, confirmation at Old Trafford tonight would merely set up another stiff test. The examination would come in the form of either a draining trip to Moscow to face Lokomotiv, or a nasty one to Bilbao and a meeting with an Athletic outfit that have reached the Spanish Cup final already this term and are chasing a top-four finish in La Liga.

“I expect them to win the tie,” Ferguson said of Atletico’s encounter with Lokomotiv tonight, when they will start 2-1 down. “That would be a difficult task for us. You have to recognise there are a lot of teams at a very good standard.”

Ajax must be disposed of first, of course, and Tom Cleverley looks certain to be handed a central role after making his comeback from major foot and ankle problems in the opening game.

The 22-year-old has a lot to live up to, having been praised so highly by Ferguson in his absence. However, Cleverley is trying to take everything in his stride, including a possible England call-up from Stuart Pearce tomorrow. The youngster, who was twice picked for senior squads by Fabio Capello but is yet to make his full international debut, said: “I don’t really listen to what people are saying.

“I just go out and play my football. If I can find some good form from now until the end of the season, I would be more than happy to be involved in the European Championships.

“I know Stuart Pearce quite well from my time with the under-21s. He is a good manager. Hopefully I will be involved.”

Ferguson is more effusive about Cleverley’s talents. The United manager felt much of his side’s brilliant early season form was due to the injection of pace from Cleverley.

He was happy to praise him then and, even though the pair were sat alongside each other yesterday afternoon, Ferguson did not hold back. “Tom is a very clever footballer,” said the Scot. “He has a quick brain in terms of his appreciation of passing.

“An hour was fantastic for him last week after his long spell out. Hopefully he will play a full game tomorrow. It is good to have him back.”

Ferguson also confirmed striker Michael Owen was back in training after a recent thigh problem but would not be considered for another two weeks.

Wayne Rooney will not be involved against Ajax either. The England striker, who was confined to his bed over the weekend, has been ruled out of the last-32 encounter with the Dutch side after picking up a throat infection.

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Pressley to discover his fate for semi-final rant

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:45

Falkirk manager Steven Pressley is set to find out today if he is to face a ban for his half-time rant at referee Euan Norris during the League Cup semi-final last month.

A judicial panel will hear the case at Hampden this afternoon, as Pressley tries to avoid a verdict which could – in a worst-case scenario – see him banned from the touchline for the rest of the season. The Bairns manager marched onto the pitch at the interval to confront Norris after Celtic were given a penalty in the first period, with Darren Dods adjudged to have impeded Thomas Rogne. Pressley was subsequently sent to the stand for the second half, where he watched his young side succumb to a 3-1 defeat.

The SFA charged the 38-year-old with breaching rule 68, which states that a manager cannot “criticise the performance of any or all match officials in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence”. Pressley is also accused of breaking rule 203, with the accusation of “adopting aggressive behaviour towards a match official”.

If found guilty of the first charge, the punishment is likely to be between a three and five-game ban, while the second charge could lead to a touchline exile of anything from two matches to 16. Punishments for separate offences can no longer be served simultaneously.

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Man City 4 - 0 Porto (Agg: 6-1): City in it to win it as they thrash Porto

David Pizarro makes it four. Picture: PA

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:54

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes he and his team-mates showed that they are in the Europa League to win the competition after they thrashed Porto to reach the last 16.

A first-minute goal from Sergio Aguero set City on their way to seal a 6-1 aggregate triumph, with late strikes from Edin Dzeko, David Silva and David Pizarro inflicting further damage at the Etihad.

Kompany said afterwards: “It was a great victory. I think today showed how serious we are about this competition.

“Four-nil is a great result against the holders of the competition from last season. I didn’t think we were at our best but we did exactly what we needed to.”

Aguero’s early goal effectively killed off the tie, another valuable strike from the Argentinian who joined City last summer.

“This is his first season,” Kompany added. “He is doing so many great things for the team.”

Aguero was played through by Yaya Toure and slipped the ball low past Helton. City put the result beyond doubt by going 4-1 up on aggregate when substitute Dzeko collected a fine ball from Aguero and finished with confidence. It quickly became a double blow for Porto as Rolando, who had been booked early in the game, was shown a second yellow card as City celebrated – perhaps for protesting too much for offside.

City wrapped up the game in style as Silva added a third after 84 minutes after substitutes Pizarro and Dzeko combined to provide a tap-in. Another followed two minutes later as Pizarro again linked up with Dzeko and broke into the box to slam past Helton for his first goal for the club.

Pointing out the threat City possess, and the abundance of scoring opportunities they had tonight, Kompany added: “It just shows we always create chances. The strikers have a lot of fun up front. I don’t think our team has ever been stronger.”

City manager Roberto Mancini added: “We played a good game. Maybe 4-0 was too much but it was important we went into the second stage. Porto had lots of possession and it’s not easy to play against them.”

The Italian was also pleased for Pizarro, adding: “I know him very well, he was with me at Inter. He came on for 20 minutes, played very well and scored a goal. His experience can be very important for us.”

On their future prospects in the competition, Mancini added: “We want to get to the final.It will be difficult but for this reason I will play the best team, although we can make some changes every game.”

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Pars contact SPL over £80k unpaid ticket money

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 03:12

DUNFERMLINE have written to the Scottish Premier League after the Fife outfit were not paid the £80,000 owed to the club for the recent meeting with Rangers.

The Pars’ grievance is likely to be addressed at an SPL board meeting at Hampden today, along with the claims of any other clubs who are owed money by the ailing Ibrox outfit.

The money due from ticket sales to the Rangers support was scheduled to arrive with the club on Tuesday but, with the Glasgow club in administration, no payment was forthcoming.

Dunfermline have also contacted Rangers’ administrators, Duff and Phelps, regarding the absent payment, but there was no confirmation of when – or if – the money would arrive.

Dunfermline chief executive Bill Hodgins said: “We have spoken to Rangers administrators to ask whether they knew when a payment was likely – they didn’t. I was told a meeting was taking place regarding football debts, but I have heard nothing else since.”

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The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Walter Smith has been out of football since leaving Rangers. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 10:25

In today’s Rumour Mill: Walter Smith linked with Wolves vacancy; Dave King in Rangers talks; Pressley to learn fate over rant; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Walter Smith has emerged as a surprise contender to replace Mick McCarthy as Wolves manager, after the Premiership club missed out on two of their preferred targets. The former Rangers boss, 63, quit Ibrox last summer but insisted he was not retiring from football. The odds on Smith taking charge of the Molineaux team tumbled last night after owner Steve Morgan failed to lure Reading boss Brian McDermott and Alan Curbishley. (Sun)

RANGERS IN TURMOIL

Rangers director Dave King arrived at Ibrox yesterday for what were understood to be talks with administrators, but it was the manner in which he left the stadium that was the most striking aspect of his rare visit to Govan. South Africa-based King, the only survivor from the Sir David Murray era on the board, left Ibrox in the same car as manager Ally McCoist. (Scotsman)

• HMRC last night hit back at Craig Whyte, refuting his claim that he has been unfairly treated in comparison with other businesses. (Mail)

• Former Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston wants administrators Duff and Phelps to examine whether Craig Whyte should lose his “secured creditor” status because he believes the terms of the purchase deal were broken. (Sun)

• Fears are growing that Rangers could struggle to survive because Craig Whyte’s lawyers are not co-operating with administrators Duff and Phelps. (Record)

• The three main Rangers supporters organisations have joined forces to launch a website where fans can pledge how much money they would be willing to invest in the crisis club. (Various)

• Bosnia boss Safet Susic has revealed that defender Sasa Papac is fearing for his future amid the Rangers crisis. (Record)

• Dunfermline have written to the Scottish Premier League after the Fife outfit were not paid the £80,000 owed to the club for the recent meeting with Rangers. (Various)

Falkirk manager Steven Pressley is set to find out today if he is to face a ban for his half-time rant at referee Euan Norris during the League Cup semi-final last month.

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Fear of theft prompts Smith to sell Liverpool medals

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 03:16

Legendary Liverpool defender Tommy Smith last night revealed that he has sold his medals because he was afraid they would be stolen.

The medals, along with other memorabilia from Smith’s 18- year career at the Anfield club, sold for a combined total of £137,272 at Bonhams saleroom in Chester, Cheshire, yesterday.

Speaking during the auction, the 66-year-old former defender explained he had decided to put them on sale after a string of burglaries at other former Liverpool players’ homes.

Smith, who was known during his playing career as the Anfield Iron, said: “They are not doing anything for me, they are in the loft and I am getting fed up of going in the loft and seeing if they were okay.

“I was getting a little bit weary because there were a couple of burglaries in Liverpool on the Speke side of the town and Liverpool players getting their medals and pieces taken away from them.

“In the end I just thought that I am old enough now to recognise that they are worth a few quid.”

After joining Liverpool as a schoolboy in May 1960, Smith went on to make his debut for the club on 8 May, 1963.

Between then and 1978 he put in 638 appearances for the Reds and scored 48 goals.

Renowned for his uncompromising defensive style and hard man image, Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said of him: “Tommy Smith wasn’t born, he was quarried.”

Smith yesterday said he would particularly miss three of the medals from his glittering career. The first was the FA Cup winners’ medal from the 1965 final against Leeds, which saw Liverpool win 2-1 to achieve their first-ever victory in the world’s oldest club competition.

Punters at the auction certainly appeared to agree with him, as that medal was the biggest earner of the day and sold for an impressive £15,000.

Next on Smith’s list of favourites was the medal he won in 1973 at the UEFA Cup final, which saw him captain Liverpool to a 3-2 win over Germany’s Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Smith also said that he would find it hard being parted from his 1977 European Cup winners’ medal.

The first of Liverpool’s five European Cup triumphs, the 1977 final in Rome saw Liverpool beat Monchengladbach again, with a goal by Smith.

His 1973 UEFA Cup medal was snapped up for £8,750, while the 1977 European Cup memento went for £14,375.

All the figures include buyer’s premium.

Smith’s one full England cap and 20 shirts worn during big games also went under the hammer.

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European red combination ball banquet

England despotic Chelsea guest Sao Paulo stadium, Ravitch and Cavani South American front, two alongside come in Hong Kong. Ravitch to snap the Champions League goal drought, two goals and plenty of pass proved their worth. 1 goal and 2 assists, seven games belonging to the war in Europe inside the ball Cavani don't just yet again demonstrated a killer bloody prove a passing vision and selflessness, and with two assists.
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Andy Webster ban causes headache for Hearts boss

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 10:01

HEARTS manager Paulo Sergio faces a critical decision over who should replace the suspended Andy Webster for Saturday’s match against Dundee United. The Portuguese must choose between Adrian Mrowiec, Darren Barr and Ryan McGowan to partner Marius Zaliukas in central defence.

Webster is banned for one game after accumulating six cautions in the SPL this season. He is available for next weekend’s visit to Ibrox but will sit out as his former club United visit Tynecastle.

McGowan is keen to seize an opportunity to play centre-back, one of his favoured positions, after filling in at right-back and left-back this season. Sergio, however, may favour the more experienced Barr or could opt to move Mrowiec from midfield into central defence.

“As long as I’m on the pitch it doesn’t bother me being shunted about in different positions. I’ll play where the manager asks me to,” McGowan told the Evening News. “I’ve played centre- back before so it’s up to the manager who he wants to play there. If he gives me the shout, I’ll try my best for the team.”

Hearts’ back four has changed regularly since the turn of the year due to injuries and suspensions but McGowan doesn’t feel it is a major problem.

“If you’ve got a stable back four it can help but these things happen in football,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hearts today confirmed the signing of striker Craig Beattie on a short-term contract until the end of the season. The Scotland internationalist, 28, was a free agent after his release from Swansea City.

SUPPORTERS seated near Paulo Sergio in Tynecastle’s main stand aimed a few verbal volleys at the beleaguered Hearts manager before exiting the stadium. You can imagine the expletives used which, if nothing else, will have expanded the Portuguese’s English vocabulary.

Hearts 2

Motherwell 0

RUDI SKACEL’S phenomenal hat-trick helped ten-man Hearts accelerate to third place in the Scottish Premier League as St Mirren were totally overwhelmed in an enthralling game at Tynecastle.

SOMERSET PARK is best forgotten for Hearts as they head to McDiarmid Park on Sunday looking to extend a six-game SPL unbeaten run.

THE collapse of Zander Diamond's transfer to Tynecastle prompted rejoicing from factions of Hearts fans. The notion of the Aberdeen centre-back at Hearts certainly sat uncomfortably with some. However, the decision to withdraw from negotiations still leaves the club seeking to fill a defensive void.

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Sacked Clark nominated for Football League award

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:57

Sacked Huddersfield manager Lee Clark has been shortlisted for the 2012 Football League Award for Outstanding Managerial Achievement.

Clark, who was fired by the npower League One club last week, presided over the longest unbeaten run in the side’s history, seeing them go 43 regular season league matches without a loss to set a new Football League record.

The 39-year-old former Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham player took over as Huddersfield manager in December 2008 and left with the Terriers fourth in the League One table.

However, Clark’s achievements were not deemed to be enough for Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle, who defended his decision to sack him earlier this week by saying he had lost faith in his ability to secure automatic promotion.

Despite this, Clark – who has now been replaced by former Leeds manager Simon Grayson – has been shortlisted alongside Brighton manager Gus Poyet and Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman for the award, which is voted for by Football Manager website users.

In a statement, the Football League supported Clark’s inclusion on the shortlist following his success during 2011.

It said: “The Outstanding Managerial Achievement Award recognises exceptional individual achievement over the last calendar year.

“Lee Clark led Huddersfield Town to a run of 43 unbeaten consecutive League games during this period – a new Football League record. For this reason he was voted for by fans, before he left Huddersfield, as a fitting candidate for this award.”

The Football League Awards 2012 will be held in London on 11 March. Clark yesterday insisted speculation linking him with other clubs had nothing to do with his sacking. Although he had to distance himself from rumours linking him with positions at Leicester and Leeds in the past, Clark feels that should not have influenced Hoyle’s decision to sack him.

“I wouldn’t like to think so. Surely it’s a compliment,” he said. “All these clubs that came in for striker Jordan Rhodes. Does that mean because they are linked to our outstanding players, we are going to move them on because we get disappointed by them getting linked?

“It’s the same with the manager. If I was doing a poor job, nobody would have been interested in me.”

Clark expressed his shock at the decision to end his tenure at Huddersfield and has urged Hoyle to carry out his dismissal in the correct manner.

“I would just like it sorted out in the right and proper manner. I worked extremely hard for the football club,” he said.

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Changing room chat: Jose blasted for ‘homophobic’ insult

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:50

JOSE Mourinho is the subject of a complaint by a gay rights group after he allegedly used a Spanish homophobic insult about match officials.

The Real Madrid manager has been accused by the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) of referring to officials as “maricones”, which translates as “faggots” in English, before the Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow.

Louise Englefield, co-president of the EGLSF, called on Uefa to take action over the comments, which were shown on the Spanish television channel Quatro.

She said: “Homophobia is unacceptable from anyone in football, much less from one of the game’s most senior figures. We are deeply disappointed that Mr Mourinho is casually using homophobic terms of abuse in his workplace.

“It is especially sad that these comments have been made during the International Football v Homophobia campaign week.

“As long-standing partners of the FARE network, we call on Uefa to take action and impose appropriate sanctions.”

Television footage shows Mourinho using the word while inspecting the pitch at the Luzhniki stadium on Monday.

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Tevez ready to return after apologising

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:43

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will accept Carlos Tevez’s apology and the Argentine could be back in action in “two or three weeks”.

Tevez said sorry on Tuesday night for his conduct in recent months having returned to Manchester from his unauthorised three-month break in South America last week.

The 28-year-old striker had been in dispute with the club since he refused to warm up during last September’s infamous Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich. Mancini did not respond to the apology until after last night’s Europa League game against Porto but the path would now seem clear for Tevez to rejoin the first-team squad and he could play once match-fit.

Mancini said: “He has apologised, I do not have any problem. Tomorrow I will meet him before training and after he can start to work with us.

“I think he maybe needs two or three weeks to find good form and after, if he is okay, he will play, like the other players.”

Tevez was given his own fitness programme when he reported back to the club’s Carrington training base last Tuesday.

He has not yet met Mancini as the Italian flew to Portugal last Wednesday for the first leg against Porto and then gave the squad time off over an inactive weekend.

Mancini said: “I think Carlos knows the team very well. The team in the last six or seven months have played very well and is top of the Premier League.

“We know Carlos very well, he is a top striker. If he is good, I think he can do a good job in the next two months.”

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Football news in brief

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 03:16

The latest football news from around Britain

McDermott signs new Reading deal

Reading manager Brian McDermott yesterday signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract in a move which looks to have ended Wolverhampton Wanderers’ chances of taking him to Molineux.

The npower Championship club have announced McDermott, who was operating under a 12-month rolling contract, has committed himself to the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2015.

Wolves had identified McDermott as a potential candidate to replace the sacked Mick McCarthy but those hopes have now been dashed.

Mackay commits to Cardiff until 2016

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has signed a three-and-a-half year contract extension with the Carling Cup finalists.

It means the Scot, whose Bluebirds side meet Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, has committed his future to the club until at least June 2016.

Mackay, whose team are fifth in the npower Championship, said: “It’s with great pride that I have signed a new and long term contract.

“My positive thoughts of Cardiff, as a city, a club and its supporters have only been enhanced further since coming to south Wales last summer.”

Obua announces end to his Uganda career

Hearts utility man David Obua has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.

The former Uganda captain has not played for the Cranes since being expelled from the squad before an African Nations Cup qualifier with Kenya last October. That followed a clash with the nation’s Scottish coach, Bobby Williamson, after he substituted the player in a qualifier in June. Obua said: “To the fans, you have been great and to all the coaches I have worked under, thank you for who I am. I have given my all and where it has not been good enough, I’m only human.”

Morton’s Dingwall trip rescheduled

THE Irn-Bru First Division match between league leaders Ross County and Morton that was postponed less than 45 minutes before it was due to start on Tuesday night when Victoria Park became water-logged has been quickly rescheduled by the SFL.

It was announced yesterday that the game will now take place on Tuesday, 13 March with a 7.45pm kick off.

The postponement leaves County with a backlog of fixtures, with Derek Adams’ men having now played three games fewer than second-placed Falkirk and third-placed Dundee.

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Stocker’s shocker for Bayern

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 02:43

Swiss side Basel pulled off another huge Champions League upset with a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich last night to move within sight of the quarter-finals.

But the German giants will be confident of overturning the deficit in the second leg in Bavaria on Tuesday 13 March.

Substitute Valentin Stocker snatched the winner for the Swiss champions in the 86th minute with a shot which went through Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer’s legs.

The Munich side had survived two early let-offs in the first leg of the last 16 tie as Aleksandar Dragovic and Alexander Frei both struck the woodwork for Basel, whose attacking style accounted for Manchester United in the group phase. The result was another blow for Bayern, who have suffered a loss of form in the Bundesliga and dropped four points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Andre Ayew rose to head home a corner deep into injury time as Marseille beat Internazionale 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.

Inter, the Champions League winners under Jose Mourinho in 2010, had grown in confidence as the second half wore on, but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances against a well-organized Marseille team which lacked invention and a cutting edge up front.

Claudio Ranieri’s team looked to have done enough to secure a draw, but Ayew timed his run perfectly to head the ball past goalkeeper Julio Cesar’s outstretched hand to condemn the Italian side to their sixth defeat in seven games.

Diego Forlan had Inter’s best opportunity early in the match when he forced the French side’s goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to tip the ball over the crossbar from close range.

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Rangers administration: Dave King meets with administrators

Ally McCoist and Dave King leave Ibrox after a meeting. Picture :SNS

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 12:56

RANGERS director Dave King arrived at Ibrox yesterday for what were understood to be talks with administrators, but it was the manner in which he left the stadium that was the most striking aspect of his rare visit to Govan.

South Africa-based King, the only survivor from the Sir David Murray era on the board, left Ibrox in the same car as manager Ally McCoist. At the end of last week, McCoist admitted that he had not spoken to Rangers owner Craig Whyte since the club was placed in administration on the Tuesday.

King is the only member of the previous Rangers regime who has not resigned or been removed. It was reported recently that King had been removed as a director, but he remains on the board as a non-executive director. McCoist’s association with the old guard will fuel speculation as battle lines are drawn in the fight for the future of Rangers.

McCoist also had talks with the administrators yesterday, and returned to Ibrox later in the day.

King, who has been involved in a long-running dispute with the South African tax authorities, has previously admitted he considered launching his own takeover bid before Murray sold his shares to Craig Whyte for £1. He was put off by the demands of Lloyds Banking Group.

The Glasgow-born businessman was also linked with another potential bid from director Paul Murray, who quickly expressed interest in forming a takeover consortium after Rangers went into administration last week.

There was no comment from Rangers or the administrator on the latest talks as officials from Duff and Phelps continued to probe the financial dealings surrounding Whyte’s takeover and subsequent running of the club.

The administrators, and Whyte himself, confirmed on Tuesday that a £24million cash injection from investment firm Ticketus, based on advance season ticket sales, had been used to pay off the £18million Lloyds debt.

Supporters are still digesting the statement issued by Whyte yesterday, in which he also announced he would step down as chairman and possibly “gift” fans the majority of his shares.

Andy Kerr, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, is keen for supporters to have more involvement in running the club’s affairs, but not with Whyte.

Kerr said: “We are keen to listen to proposals from people who are interested in taking the club forward, particularly if the proposals have fan involvement.

“It’s difficult to break it down into specific details but we have always been huge stakeholders in buying season tickets and merchandise.

“It would be good to harness that into some influence over the governance process and be better placed to avert the situation that has just happened. You look around Europe and there is some good, sound basis for doing that.”

Whyte has already taken a step back but any involvement in the club after the administration process is complete seems difficult to envisage, given the impact on his reputation over the last 10 days.

Whyte stressed on 31 January that claims he had used the Ticketus money to fund his takeover were not true, but was forced to backtrack on Tuesday.

He argued the deal was in the best interests of Rangers and that he was “personally on the line for £27.5million in guarantees and cash”, while claiming his lack of transparency was down to his desire to keep the deal confidential for the sake of Ticketus.

Whyte had already found himself under pressure after the administrators revealed the reason Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs had forced Rangers into administration was because of £9million in unpaid VAT and PAYE accrued since his takeover.

Whyte said on Tuesday that £4.4million of this debt was down to the “wee tax case” dating from before he took over at Ibrox.

Kerr said: “It’s looking less likely he can come back because of the concerns and doubt and lack of confidence in him.”

Administrators David Whitehouse and Paul Clark are continuing to look into issues such as where the rest of the Ticketus money went, having not been paid into club accounts.

They have discussed issues surrounding Rangers’ finances with police, who last week confirmed they were examining information received from former chairman Alastair Johnston regarding Whyte’s takeover.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that we have had initial conversations with the administrators of Rangers Football club. We have not received any official report from them at this stage.”

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