Latest news with #ex-Scotland
The National
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Ian Durrant pinpoints the player Russell Martin must keep at Rangers
Durrant, who won the Scottish title on six occasions during his time as a player at his boyhood heroes in the 1980s and 1990s, is optimistic that former MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton manager Martin can do well at the Glasgow club. He and his fellow Light Blues greats John Brown and Lee McCulloch had lunch with the ex-Scotland internationalist after training at Auchenhowie at the weekend and they were all encouraged to hear his plans for the future. The Hall of Fame member, too, was impressed with [[Rangers]]' performance in their hard-fought 2-0 triumph over Panathinaikos in their Champions League second qualifying round match at Ibrox on Tuesday evening. Read more: However, Durrant feels it is imperative that Martin, who has signed no fewer than eight new players since being named as Philippe Clement's permanent replacement last month, retains the services of Raskin going forward. He was struck by how well the Belgium internationalist dovetailed with Joe Rothwell, the experience English midfielder who was signed from Bournemouth for £400,000 at the start of this month, against the Greek visitors and feels they can form a good partnership in the middle of the park during the 2025/26 campaign. Asked if it was important for the new manager not to lose prized asset Raskin, he said, 'Of course, he'll outline that. He wants his best players here, but sometimes money talks. I hope it doesn't, but that's the nature of the beast. 'But he'll want to keep him, because you can see he's wanting to get Raskin and Joe Rothwell together. The more they play, the better they'll get.' (Image: Steve Welsh - PA Wire) Durrant, who was speaking at a promotional event for the Rangers Youth Development Company's new Big Blue Jackpot at Ibrox, admitted that he had enjoyed chatting to Martin at the weekend and revealed what he, Brown and McCulloch had told the new manager. 'It was nice,' he said. 'I've been doing a wee bit of work with the club and they invited us over. He was just bouncing a few things off us, asking us what we think. We told him, 'You just need to win'. 'That's the be all and end all. Get the proper players, get your recruitment right. He was good. He spoke very well. He outlined the way he wants to go. So you've just got to go and back him. He's certainly got the backing of the club now with the new regime coming in. Read more: 'There will be tough games, especially the Champions League qualifiers. You've got the second leg now. Financially, that could do a lot for the club. It's come at an early time, but he's working every day. 'He spoke to us about the fitness levels of the team. It looked like the second half on Tuesday that he's worked them really hard. He had a great week down at St George's. He's got all his players back. 'He's hopefully got a couple more players now. Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers missed a fair chunk of pre-season. They're a wee bit behind, but they'll get game time on Saturday. 'He wants his team so fit. He said that the way he plays, it might take the last 10 to 15 minutes to break teams down, but the only way they're going to break them down is if they are fitter than the other teams.' Light Blues legend Ian Durrant was speaking as he promoted RYDC's Big Blue Jackpot, a new Rangers Lotto prize for supporters who can win guaranteed end-of-month jackpots of at least £12,000 and £15,000 from August. Full details at
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Celebrities set to line up at football fundraiser in aid of Maggie's
Celebrities, musicians and ex-professional footballers will team up in aid of Maggie's Centre next weekend - in what promises to be a truly unique event held at Armadale's Volunteer Park. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... The game is part of an effort to raise £50,000 for the vital cancer charity. Names from across football and music have pledged their support to the event that will see the stars descend on Armadale on Sunday, July 27. Musicians taking part include chart-topping acts and fan favourites such as The Darkness, The View, The Snuts, Ben Walker, Luke La Volpe, Dictator, Tenement TV and Sergeant. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Also taking part are a host of ex-professional footballers, including Charlie Mulgrew and Premier League winner, and ex-Scotland captain Colin Hendry. All the action is set to kick off at 12.30pm, with a full afternoon of football featuring teams made up of well-known musicians, local heroes and ex-pros. One of the organisers Michael Ward said: 'We wanted to create something fun and unforgettable that brings people together for a brilliant cause. Whether you're on the pitch or in the stands, Rock the Crossbar promises an incredible atmosphere, big names, and a huge amount of heart – all in support of a charity that does amazing work for those affected by cancer.' Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins is one of those lining up at Armadale's Volunteer Park on Sunday, 27 July | Justin Hawkins Michael, who runs songwriting camps alongside The View frontman Kyle Falconer, said a friendship with Justin Hawkins of The Darkness saw the rock legend appear on their six-a-side team at a London competition earlier this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Michael explained: 'The thing with The Darkness is a personal friendship with me and Justin, he came to my and Kyle Falconer's songwriting camp in Alicante this year and we became really good pals, really quickly. 'The Darkness played in our La Sierra Casa team at celebrity soccer sixes in London in May and won it. We've entered the same team into this, so they are flying from a huge gig in Cornwall on the Saturday and then back there the next day.' Following the football, players and supporters will head to The Regal Theatre in Bathgate for an awards dinner and live jam session, featuring surprise performances, guest appearances and a celebration of what's sure to be a standout day for the community. The event aims to raise £50,000 in support of Maggie's Centre, a charity that offers free cancer support and care to individuals and families across the UK. Maggie's Edinburgh operates out of the Western General Hospital. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An emotional video posted on Instagram by Michael's brother and fellow organiser Jonathan Ward, explains why Maggie's was chosen as the charity that the teams will line-up in aid of. In it Morris Schumacher describes the support provided for his son Jay, and both Morris and his wife Claire, while he battled cancer. Jay sadly passed away in 2015. Their story is just one of many highlighted in the video. Members of the public are welcome to attend, cheer on their favourites, and soak in the atmosphere – with food, drink, and entertainment on offer throughout the day. A limited number of places are still available for those who'd like to play or enter a team. For team registration, or to get involved as a supporter or sponsor, contact Mike Ward at mike@ . You can also pick up tickets here.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd draw up unusual summer transfer plan in bid to fix PSR issue
Manchester United are taking a new approach to transfers and have offered a number of their young stars to other clubs in order to try and earn greater profits in the future Manchester United are adopting a new transfer approach and offering up academy players to other clubs. The Red Devils have compiled a list of their young players, all 18 or older, and provided teams the opportunity to sign their talent. United are said to be willing to sell the players essentially for free with the caveat of high sell-on clauses being included in deals, the MEN reports. The news is reported to have come as a shock to some families and representatives, but United say players have been consulted. Clubs are said to have been surprised the the names offered up. That has stemmed from the fact that the players' arrivals at Old Trafford came via sizeable transfer fees to land them. The move comes as United seek to reform their approach to abiding by Profit and Sustainability rules. The club are attempting a new tactic in gaining transfer fees for players they do not believe will make it to the first-team. United also suggest it is 'standard practice' to make decisions ono the futures of their academy products at 18. They affird players are within the rights to turn down moves. The MEN add that significant changes are taking place at the club's academy. Some claim the desire to cut costs around the club has influenced decisions in the set-up. The academy has also recently seen Manchester United legend Darren Fletcher take a new role. The ex-Scotland international is the new coach of the club's under-18s side, taking on his fifth different position at the club. Fletcher has previously coached the under-16 side, doing so on his return to United in October 2020. The former midfielder has also seen roles of first-team coach and technical director in his second stint. 'I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players," said Fletcher. "I'm looking forward to working with such a talented age-group; supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible." United's director of football Jason Wilcox added: 'We are delighted that Darren will lead our Under-18s group. He knows exactly what it takes to be a successful Academy graduate and has played a key role in shaping the pathway for so many of our young players in recent years. 'Darren's excellent relationships across the entire staff will only increase the strong connection between the Academy and first team, further enhancing our ability to produce world-class players ready to excel at Manchester United.'
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rangers players true feelings on Celtic escape Ibrox dressing room as 49ers 'marker' goes beyond £40m gauntlet
Colin Hendry is a big fan of the new Ibrox boss and reckons he will be a hit this season Former Rangers defender Colin Hendry insists the Ibrox dressing room are "fed up" watching Celtic dominate Scottish football. And he insists the new owners 49ers Enterprises will know Russell Martin 's real task is to dethrone the Hoops - not the Champions League clash with Panathinaikos. Back in 2021, Hendry was left impressed by Martin during his time at MK Dons as he discussed a move for his son Callum from St Johnstone to the English Football League side. The transfer didn't materialise but the ex-Scotland international has continued to track the progress of Martin - and is delighted to see him in the Ibrox hot seat. But he reckons that the route to Europe's elite competition and a £40million league phase jackpot doesn't matter as much to Martin and the Rangers' support as catching Brendan Rodgers' men. And he reckons he knows exactly how James Tavernier and Co will feel about watching Callum McGregor regularly bring silverware to Celtic Park. Hendry told The Sunday Post: "Russell would have been 34 or 35 at the time and it was his first few weeks in the job at MK Dons. "We met for an hour and I was impressed. He was young, he was enthusiastic and he was honest. Russell showed me that he had something about him. I left the meeting thinking that I was going to follow his career. "There is no doubt Russell will have learned so much from those four or five months in the EPL (with Southampton). Rangers will get the benefit of that. "It is not going to be easy for him, that's for sure. It's a massive ask to go to Rangers and turn them into title winners. But that's what he has signed up for. "He knows the level of expectation and he knows that he will need to deliver. Rangers is a massive football club and they want success. They are fed up seeing Celtic being so dominant. "The Champions League tie against Panathinaikos will be important, of course it is. But the true marker is what the club does in the Premiership. "Winning the league is what truly matters. Last season, the team showed that they could beat Celtic. But the true marker is what the club does in the Premiership. "But it was going to Motherwell, St Mirren and Hibernian. They are the fixtures where they faltered. They need to get that right. "I found it tough psychologically, with the demands of having to win but not just by one goal. No, the fans wanted us to win by three or four. "That's what Rangers is about. But that kind of pressure isn't for everyone. Whether a manager or a player, you need to have something special about you to cope with that every week. "It's been clear in the past decade or so that too many people at Rangers haven't been up to the task and it needs to change."
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Darren Fletcher lands new job at Man Utd as his role is switched from technical coach
He is just one of many characters in transit around Old Trafford MAN ON THE MOVE Darren Fletcher lands new job at Man Utd as his role is switched from technical coach Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been confirmed as the new lead coach of the club's Under 18s. The ex-Scotland international has been back working at Old Trafford for the last four years and most recently served as technical director. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Manchester United first-team coach Darren Fletcher has become the new boss of the club's U18 side Credit: Alamy 4 Fletcher played over 340 games for Man Utd between 2001 and 2015 Credit: EPA Fletcher has considered roles within the academy before but was reluctant to accept while his sons Jack and Tyler were coming through the ranks. The 41-year-old is keen to become a first team coach in future and believes this move is a step towards his aim. Fletcher said: 'I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players. 'I'm looking forward to working with such a talented age-group, supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible.' READ MORE ON MAN UTD SAMBA STYLE Man Utd line up bargain Club World Cup keeper to replace injured Andre Onana Director of football Jason Wilcox approached Fletcher about the move earlier in the summer and is pleased he has chosen to accept it. He said: 'Darren's excellent relationships across the entire staff will only increase the strong connection between the academy and first team – enhancing our ability to produce world class players ready to excel here.' 4 Fletcher is more than familiar with the Utd youth set up having emerged from the academy himself as a boy - while his sons Jack and Tyler have also spent time in their system Credit: Getty Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho trained together at Carrington last week – despite being banished by Ruben Amorim. The pair and three other team-mates have been given extra time off this summer to sort out moves away from Manchester United. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS However the club made it clear that any of the quintet – which also includes Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia – are welcome to use their facilities. And on Thursday last week, Rashford and Garnacho linked up to go through their paces after Amorim and his squad had gone home. Juventus want Rashford! The only footballers who were present at the club's headquarters at the time were the Red Devils Under 10s team. The duo share a close bond – which was demonstrated earlier this summer when Garnacho wore an Aston Villa shirt with Rashford's name on the back during his vacation. That was a gift from the England forward who spent the final few months of last season on loan at Villa Park. 4 Both are expected to leave Old Trafford in the coming weeks with Rashford hoping Barcelona will firm up their interest in him. Meanwhile Garnacho has turned down a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia where he could have linked up with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. A move to Chelsea – which was first on the cards in January – has also been discussed again this summer but United were not interested in a swap involving Christopher Nkunku.
