‘All done our end' – Rangers wait on Wednesday issues for Djeidi Gassama move
'I think it's all done our end,' Martin said.
'I think with Sheffield Wednesday and the difficulties they are experiencing, which is tough for them… obviously we've been here this week with them and I know a few of their guys and played with a couple of them and worked with a few of their staff members as well.
'It's difficult for them. So we're waiting on their end to be sorted, but I think we fully expect 'Gas' to be our player, hopefully very soon.
'He's different to what we've got. I think we need a point of difference in the squad. We need a few and he'll be one of them, hopefully.'
Martin also confirmed that Rangers have accepted an offer from FC Twente for defender Robin Propper.
The 31-year-old signed from the Dutch club last summer but struggled at times with the demands of Scottish football.
Martin said: 'We accepted a bid from them, so I think it's just a case of Robin deciding if that's what he wants and agreeing personal terms and stuff.
'I've been really impressed with him as a guy but I think, obviously we signed some centre-halves, so it's going to be difficult for him to play football.
'So I think if it happens, it's a good move for him, and if it doesn't, it will be because he's decided it's not what's right for him and maybe he'll look for something else.'
Meanwhile, midfielder Lyall Cameron believes he has adapted well to his summer move from Dundee.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: 'It's just been a massive change.
'Moving through to Glasgow and everything, it's been great. I just feel like I've fitted in straight away and I've really enjoyed it and I wouldn't change it for the world, to be honest.
'I'm just enjoying my time here.
'As long as you do the basics, the rest will hopefully do it itself. I just need to keep working as hard as I can and hopefully perform well and score goals and help the team win games.'
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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
The Scottish football teamsheet that might be worth a pretty penny after historic night
Dundee United's foreigner first in Europe is a far cry from the 1980s Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... At a boom time for football memorabilia, what price the slightly crumpled bit of paper lying on the desk in front of me? The Rangers jersey worn by Tommy McLean in the 1972 European Cup-Winners' Cup final recently set a new record for a Scottish football shirt when it sold for £19,000. I'm thinking I should keep hold of my teamsheet from the first leg of Dundee United's Conference League second qualifying round tie against FC UNA Strassen. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is most definitely a collector's item and now I am kicking myself for having spoiled it. Next to each United player's name, I have scribbled the country for whom they are eligible to play international football. Not once did I have to write 'Scotland', which is why the teamsheet, albeit slightly defaced (my bad), could merit a place in a Scottish football museum in time. Not one Scot featured in the starting XI for Dundee United against UNA Strassen. | SNS Group As you'll be aware by now, for the first time in Dundee United's proud history, a club that once provided five players for a Scotland World Cup squad and were regarded as the last word in developing young Scottish talent sent out a team without a single Scot in it on Thursday evening. I even heard it described as the saddest teamsheet in the club's history – Steve Clarke, the current Scotland manager, might well agree. It sparked plenty of comment across social media, understandably so, while calling to mind the wonderful photograph celebrating the achievement mentioned above when United players – namely Maurice Malpas, Eamonn Bannon, David Narey, Richard Gough and Paul Sturrock - made up roughly 22 per cent of the 1986 World Cup squad in Mexico. The picture in question has the quintet sitting team photo style and includes Walter Smith, who had just joined Rangers from the United coaching staff. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland's new breed This crop of talent – Bannon joined from Chelsea, the rest were home-grown and helped United claim their only Scottish league title in 1983 – was rivalled by a later wave including Duncan Ferguson, Christian Dailly and Ray McKinnon. The New Breed, they called themselves while testing Jim McLean's mettle. The current new breed is likewise young and ambitious. They just require a plane ticket. Manager Jim Goodwin flagged his intentions earlier this summer while observing that he'd had 'considerable success' while at Aberdeen and St Mirren when exploring foreign markets. He certainly hit the jackpot in the case of Bojan Miovski, who earned Aberdeen several million quid last year. All 11 United signings made so far this summer have been non-Scots. After skipper Ross Graham, perhaps the only native player assured of a starting berth, succumbed to an injury that could see him sidelined for up to three months, it was always likely United might line up the way they did on Thursday night at some point. The Scotland team line up before a match against Israel in 1986, including four Dundee Utd players: (L-R) Charlie Nicholas , Eamon Bannon , Graeme Sharp , David Narey , Richard Gough , Jim Bett , Paul McStay , Roy Aitken , Maurice Malpas , Jim Leighton and Willie Miller. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 It felt particularly notable that they should do so in a European tie given United's successes of old, such as the night(s) they humbled Barcelona in 1987 with 11 Scots. It ought to be noted that when they beat the same side home and away 21 years earlier in the Fairs Cup, they did so with a team including a Norwegian and two Swedes. United were pioneers when it came to exploring the Scandinavian market. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's also incumbent to note that two Scots did take the field on Thursday night in the shape of substitutes Craig Sibbald and Owen Stirton, the latter a more than promising product of the United Academy from far off Forfar. Still, I wondered as I passed Club '83 on St Salvador Street after Thursday's game whether United's first non-Scottish XI might be the main topic of discussion at the bar or would it be shrugged off as just what happens now. It's modern football, innit? Rangers' team of 2000 Not even so modern. After all, it's now over 25 years – March 2000 – since Rangers fielded a team without a Scot in it for the first time. Looking back at contemporary reports, this seemingly historic event barely rated a mention as the Ibrox side were held 0-0 at home by St Johnstone. Maybe, given Rangers had been accused of buying success since the Souness Revolution, it just felt like the logical next step. Celtic, meanwhile, were behind the curve. It was not until 8 September 2001 in a 3-1 win over Dunfermline that they emulated Rangers on this score with a team including the likes of Dmitri Kharine (Russia) and Olivier Tebily (Ivory Coast). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One might imagine Tom Cairns, the Dundee United historian, having something to say on the seeming repudiation of the club's proud past and he does in a way. 'It's quite blunt,' he answers. 'The Dundee United Football Club of the last five years bears little resemblance to the club that I and many others grew up with.' He's long understood the past is another country. The now famous team sheet from Dundee United's Conference League against UNA Strassen | Alan Pattullo Remarkably, Cairns has only ever missed one home United European game – against Trabzonspor in 1997. He's seen them joust with giants on the European arena with a team full of Scots and he's now seen them beat a part-time side from Luxembourg 1-0 with a starting XI devoid of native talent. As a historian, did it feel momentous? 'No,' he replies, instantly dampening my excitement about the prospect of retiring with the proceeds from my teamsheet sale. 'It was mooted the other week that it must be very close to that happening. 'At the end of the day, it's like the new strip – do you like the strip or not? Well, I don't care about the strip. I just want to know there are good players inside it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The finances don't add up It's a further sign of the way football is going, he explains: 'I am quite sure there are certain players they would like to have signed in Scotland but financially it's beyond them.' As Goodwin has stressed, abroad simply represents better value. Another reason we might just need to get used to vanishingly few Scots playing for our favourite teams is the recent phenomenon of highly rated players being sold to big English sides by clubs like Dundee United before they've barely had the chance to kick a ball for the first team, most recently Brandon Forbes.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers need to sharpen up for Panathinaikos return leg or this could turn into a Greek tragedy, writes Kris Boyd
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PANATHINAIKOS are a bang average side by Champions League standards. But you would be mad to think Rangers have already qualified for the next round. 6 Findlay Curtis scored the opener to help Rangers beat Panathinaikos Credit: PA 6 But Jack Butland also played a huge part in keeping Rangers in the game Credit: SNS 6 Gers hero Kris Boyd knows the tie is far from over and the Greeks are dangerous Credit: Willie Vass Russell Martin's men can't start bearing gifts to the Greeks in Athens like they did at Ibrox. If they do, they will be in trouble — despite Panathinaikos not being that good. It was a strange first leg last Tuesday as Gers secured a 2-0 home win. By full-time, Rangers' players were kicking themselves that they didn't score three or four. Yet they were fortunate not to be 2-0 down at half-time — with Jack Butland back to his very best to keep them in it. The big keeper lost his place as No 1 at the end of last season, but this was a proper return to form. The goalie was a massive presence for Gers, and will be so important again in Athens. Boss Martin was quick to state that the tie is not over. He was spot on — there is still work to do. But Rangers have given themselves every chance of getting to the third qualifying round. Looking at the first game, you'd fancy them to score at least once in Greece on Wednesday. Panathinaikos have decent players, but Gers have beaten far better teams in Europe. It's going to be hot in Athens and the conditions won't be easy. Rangers fans unfurl giant tifo ahead of Russell Martin's first match But the hostility awaiting Rangers has been overplayed. I have no concerns on that front. Panathinaikos fans will be loud but the Olympic Stadium's running track lessens the impact. The only worry for Gers is if the lapses that gave up chances at Ibrox creep in again. Martin warned beforehand that it wouldn't be perfect, and his players didn't look comfortable early on. They gave the ball away too often, and on another night they would have been punished. But it was the first game of the season, under a new manager with a different style of play. Let's cut the Gers players some slack and focus on the way they grew into it. They had the measure of Panathinaikos before they were reduced to ten men. 6 Djedi Gassama grabbed a goal on his debut to make it 2-0 Credit: Alamy In the end, the Greek side were lucky to leave Glasgow only 2-0 behind. Rangers are in the driving seat, but Martin's players must be switched on in Athens. They need to manage the game and produce the type of disciplined away performance that has been their hallmark in Europe in recent years. Rangers should have enough to get through and I don't expect Martin to make too many changes. You'll understand the calls for Djeidi Gassama to start after his first-leg goal. Hamza Igamane was another sub who had an impact when he came on. But it wouldn't surprise me if Martin only made one change — and that would be replacing Danilo at centre-forward. The Brazilian struggled to get into the game, and with Cyriel Dessers and Igamane getting fitter, Martin might be tempted to start one of them. Behind the No 9, I'd expect Kieran Dowell and Findlay Curtis to start again. For fitness and football reasons, they are a safer bet as things stand. Curtis scored a great goal, but he also put in a power of work defensively and that will be crucial in Greece. Dowell wasn't the most adventurous on the ball, but he's had a full pre-season and his ability to keep possession will be important. 6 If the game opens up, Gassama would be the perfect sub with his pace and power. The midfield picks itself, and Joe Rothwell wasn't far behind Butland for man-of-the-match in the first leg. Ahead of him, Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande both played their part. As Martin settles in at Ibrox, he is likely to stick with that trio in the short term. But you do wonder whether the balance between them will be what he wants going forward. I'm not sure it will work, and that makes me wonder whether Raskin or Diomande could move in this window. The Belgian has two years left on his contract and would have no shortage of suitors. Diomande is another who has impressed, and is worth more than the £4.5million Gers paid for him. Martin is trying to build a team and wants to keep his best players at the club. But Rangers also need to get a proper, reliable player-trading model up and running under the new owners. Raskin or Diomande could fetch big fees, and it wouldn't surprise me if one of them moves on late in the window. As Martin says, his Gers squad will look completely different by the end of August as the changes continue. But the Ibrox gaffer also has to take care of the here and now, and finishing the job in Athens would be a major step forward for him. 6 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Els launches new Portuguese golf club alongside Montgomerie and Duval
The four-time major champion played a nine-hole exhibition to open the Els Club Vilamoura with Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie and 2001 Open Champion David Duval. Els Club Vilamoura, is a championship-standard 18-hole golf course, designed by Els, that features a luxury clubhouse and signature amenities such as the 261 Bar, and was built on the previous Victoria course, which hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022. Els, who won the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and two Open crowns in 2002 and 2012, invited Montgomerie and Duval to play the course, as well as Portuguese Champions League winner Luis Figo and former England striker Peter Crouch. Els Club, Vilamoura has been built in partnership with English investment fund Arrow Global and management company DETAILS and is the first private-members club in the Algarve (Image: Portugal Invitational) Els said of his new club: 'I've been coming to Vilamoura for many years, I've spent many summers with my family here and we just love Portugal. 'Golf is in a pretty sweet spot at the moment and [creating this course] has been a really nice venture. 'We want the conditions to be absolutely perfect and for people to have a great experience and good food.' Els Club, Vilamoura has been built in partnership with English investment fund Arrow Global and management company DETAILS and is the first private-members club in the Algarve. Membership is extended only to those proposed by founder members or those invited by the club. During a press conference on the morning of the Els Club launch, it was also announced the course would host the new PGA Champions Tour event, the Portugal Invitational after signing a five-year deal. The first edition of the event is set to be held between 31 July to 2 August 2026 and has been brought about through the work of The PGA Tour Champions, Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve. A field of 78 players will be welcomed to the new track with the likes of Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jimenez set to compete at the event that boasts a whopping prize purse of £2.23million ($3m). PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady said: 'This Tour is a global showcase of the game's legendary players, and we know the great golf fans in Portugal and throughout Europe will welcome the opportunity to watch them compete in person at The Els Club Vilamoura.' Els added: 'It's wonderful to see those plans now coming to fruition and we're grateful to PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady, the team at Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve, for sharing in our vision and bringing this exciting new tournament here.' Vilamoura is just a 25-minute drive from Faro airport, which boasts connections to 90 airports worldwide, and is also just a two-hour drive from Lisbon. The resort is rich in culture, gastronomy and outdoor activities and is home to its famous marina which is a multiple winner of the Yacht Harbour Association's Best International Marina award. Montgomerie said: 'The golf course is superb, and the clubhouse is fantastic. It's not just a course for the present; it's a course for the future as well,' while Duval added: 'It'll be much anticipated for everybody on the Champions Tour, and I struggle to see how it won't be a huge success a year from now.' PGA TOUR Champions announces the Portugal Invitational to be held at The Els Club Vilamoura on course designed by Ernie Els. PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve will deliver a five-year partnership and will debut the week of July 27, 2026, and will feature a field of 78 players. For more information visit
