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Roy Keane is being linked with a sensational return to football as manager of Sunderland. The club refused to state Keane was on the brink of being handed the job, however they confirmed talks with "a high-profile figure" were ongoing with a view to a swift appointment. The Black Cats slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Bury on Tuesday in the first round of the Carling Cup, a result which came on the back of four straight league losses. Niall Quinn, the chairman-manager, decided to relinquish all coaching duties after the Gigg Lane shock and announced his intention to appoint a "world-class" new boss. Manchester United legend Keane has no prior management experience, which would make him raw to the job rather than of established pedigree. However he enjoyed enormous success during his playing career and as a former United captain is a recognised leader. Quinn also knows him well, the pair having played in the same Republic of Ireland side for many years. Sunderland said in a statement: "No new managerial appointment has been made at this time. "The club is in discussions with a high-profile figure and is hopeful an announcement will be made in the near future." Keane, 35, retired as a player in June, after a short spell with Celtic during which he helped the Bhoys win the Bank of Scotland Premier League and Scottish League Cup. He ended a 12-year association with United in November 2005 and fulfilled a lifetime ambition by joining Celtic on an 18-month deal. He managed only 13 appearances for the Hoops before quitting on medical advice. With his body ravaged after cruciate ligament and hip operations, Keane had no choice other than to follow doctor's orders, and - should he be confirmed as Sunderland's new boss - there seems no prospect of him combining management with playing at the Stadium of Light. Well that will cut off any chance of Rangers players going there.

http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/250806.html Let me tell you a bedtime story.... A few months ago a group of Celtic fans aided by their 'useful idiot' in the media, a sprinkling of Celtic-minded MPs and a couple of on-message academics decided to make an issue of a song sung by Rangers fans - specifically one word - which while not literally offensive was argued by the group to offend them and be unacceptable. That group of fans actually contacted their club and one person within that club who they thought would sympathise with their position. Surprisingly, firstly to them and to their supporters, the club warned them that nothing positive would come of their complaints. They told them while the problem was unsavoury it was only a mirror image of Celtic's similar problems with certain terms and songs. As such, the club told the complaining group that although they might get a result initially; over the long term only damage would be done to all parties. Over the subsequent months the group made their complaints and obtained their victory. Rangers fans were villified, the club fined, the offending term and chant condemned by all and also importantly banned by UEFA according to their new laws concerning such songs. Nevertheless, their hypocrisy shines brighter than ever. '******' is offensive and sectarian but 'hun' or 'DOB' is just the craic. Songs about some issues are bigotted and unacceptable. Glorification of terrorist organisations are political and a rightful expression of the downtrodden rebel. Players mimicing flutes (to their own fans) are offensive and provocative while blessing one's self several times amongst other behaviour (in front of oppostion fans) is denying a catholic of their sporting beliefs. Players writing silly comments below their autograph is disgraceful and disgusting. PLayers calling opposition fans DOBs or shouting about the IRA just didn't happen OK... It sounds incedible doesn't it. Welcome to Scottish football. The place where banter and oneupmanship doesn't stop at football but goes right up the ladder to the very top. Politics, religion and law. All because of a wee white ball. And we wonder why we're so sh!t at the game? Unfortunately is the saturation of the sectarian issue by the media and the people who fake the moral outrage by reporting clubs and fans and players that is making the situation worse instead of better. The worst thing is the people who can really change things such as the media, the politicians and the footballing authorities are the ones throwing the dice in this game of chance. By doing so they are gambling not with their own petty agendas but with the future of our game. The stakes are high and we are losing. All of us.

From the Rangers website...

Meanwhile, the manager said that midfielder Gavin Rae can still have a future at Ibrox. Rae was among those tipped to be leaving shortly, but Le Guen revealed he is a fan of the Scotland international. "Gavin Rae is important for the squad and perhaps also for the team," he said. "He did not play in the last two seasons so we have to be patient with him. "Gavin is a very good guy, but even if he doesn't play for the moment, I appreciate his work. I like training him."

Beckham, Campbell and James dropped. McLaren certainly making a statement but i think he is right to build for the future and drop the above who will be 33, 33 and 37 respecivily at Euro 08. I think Gary Neville is about the same age but he is still at the top of his game. I had a look at the squad and thought it looks slightly lightweight upfront (Crouch, Defoe, Bent and Ashton). I thought a 5th striker in Andy Johnston or James Beattie would have been added, but it looks like Rooney and Owen will walk back in meaning Ashton drops out and thats his 5 strikers. The keepers dont Shania Twain me much either, Robinson yes, Kirkland - hasnt caught a ball in about 2 years and Foster has zero experience. BTW Venebles No.2 - Great scoop for England! Despite me not being the biggest england fan I always liked Venebles' era and liked his team etc.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/5230772.stm Ricksen advised to leave Rangers Fernando Ricksen has no future at Rangers Rangers manager Paul Le Guen believes defender Fernando Ricksen should try to find a new club. "I told him (Ricksen) that perhaps it would be better to leave and discover another context and asked him to think about it," said Le Guen. Ricksen was sent home from Rangers' pre-season tour of South Africa following an incident on a flight. He returned to Glasgow this week but was not permitted to train with the rest of the first team squad. Ricksen checked into the Sporting Chance Clinic following his premature return from South Africa and underwent residential counselling for anger management. However, it appears he has no future at Rangers, with Le Guen saying: "Perhaps it would be best for everybody", when asked if he thought Ricksen should find another club. The 30-year-old Dutchman, who arrived at Rangers in 2000, has one year of his contract at Ibrox to run. Good riddence as far as I'm concernd. Only played when he was trying to win a contract. He disrespected the managers and the club as a whole. Sianara Fernando, one day you'll realise how good you had it.

Absolutely loving it

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/020806.html Rangers have today appointed specialist PR firm Mediahouse to handle issues surrounding the recently announced UEFA directives. A statement issued by the club reads:- Rangers Football Club today (Wednesday) announced it has appointed Media House International Ltd as Public Relations consultants for the Club's ongoing anti-sectarian campaign. Media House, which has offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and New York, will provide strategic advice and lobbying expertise to the Club on communicating its range of anti-sectarian initiatives and policies. Media House will work with Rangers to ensure fans, football authorities, the media, politicians, the Scottish Executive and campaigning groups are aware of the extensive activities the Club is undertaking to tackle sectarianism amongst the minority of its support. Martin Bain, Chief Executive of Rangers Football Club, said: "Rangers Football Club undertakes a wide range of initiatives aimed at combating sectarian behaviour among a small number of supporters. Media House has been brought on board to ensure we communicate these activities and to provide strategic advice and lobbying expertise on future initiatives. "The Club is determined to eradicate this problem and welcomes the overwhelming support of the majority of supporters in helping us to achieve this."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/5222454.stm

Damn, this one's a bit of a blow. "PAUL Le Guen has confirmed Barry Ferguson will be missing through injury for the immediate future, while also remaining hopeful on the signing Paul Le Guenof Austria Vienna striker Filip Sebo. Reports this morning claimed Fergie would be out for the next five weeks with a heel problem and although he will be sidelined, the manager could not put an exact timescale on his absence. That now means the skipper, as well as Ian Murray (virus), Chris Burke (ankle) and Kris Boyd (suspension) are all unavailable for this weekend's game at Fir Park. But despite these setbacks, Le Guen remains upbeat ahead of his first SPL match in charge. Le Guen said: "I am excited about the match because it is an important game. There is nothing like competitive action. "Of course I am very disappointed for Barry and for the team. It's not good for us but we have to get on with things. "We must go with the medical advice and be guided by them. We need to see how he responds to treatment and take it from there. "It is not the same injury that was operated on earlier in the summer, it is different." Frankly we could do with a spot of better luck going into Sunday's game. Obviously I expect us to win, but it's worrying that 2 of our first team regulars are currently injured.

Guess that'll be the end of the good relationship Brewster had. Utd chairman has made it perfectly clear there lol

Niall Quinn named as manager more details. Related links Team Pages: Sunderland Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has been confirmed as the new manager of the Championship club. The former Republic of Ireland striker succeeds caretaker boss Kevin Ball in the post at The Stadium of Light, with the new season set to begin in less than two weeks. The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland hit-man takes charge of The Black Cats following an unsuccessful managerial search this summer. Several high-profile names were linked with the North East outfit, with Martin O'Neill, David O'Leary and Sam Allardyce having all been mentioned with the Sunderland post. Quinn, who is set to take formal control of the Sunderland boardroom in the near future, has now opted to put himself in charge of the side after first team coach Kevin Richardson led the squad through pre-season training this summer. The 39-year-old received approval for his appointment from the consortium he is heading to take control of The Black Cats on Monday evening. Despite a lack of managerial experience, Quinn is sure to be a popular appointment among Sunderland supporters following his long spell as a player at The Stadium of Light. He now faces the difficult task of taking the Wearsiders back to The Premiership after a woeful campaign in the top flight last season.

Joey Barton has ended speculation about his future by signing a new four-year contract at Manchester City. Barton has had a stormy relationship with City over the past few months after he handed in a transfer request in January. City were keen to tie Barton down to a new deal, with just one year remaining on his previous contract. Barton has now signed a four-year deal at Eastlands, shunning interest from Middlesbrough - who were the only club to really make a move for the midfielder. "It is great that everything has been sorted out," admitted Barton. "I am grateful for the support and faith the manager and the chairman have shown me by offering me this contract. The support I have received from City fans has also been a great boost. "I am ambitious and so is the club. I said if the club would sign quality players I would commit my future to City. The club has done that and I am a man of my word. "Since we came back from the pre-season break there is a real mood of optimism at the club. I have always given my absolute maximum for this football club and I am looking forward to the new season and helping City challenge at the highest level." City boss Stuart Pearce added: "This is excellent news. "I have always maintained that Joey's future lay with this football club and the player is very happy here. "Joey is improving as a player and I am sure with continued hard work on his and our part, he can achieve his ambitions at Manchester City."

In today's Finanical Times... Makes my article of late last month all the more valid. http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/280606.html

Who gives a shit.... but Moyes has confirmed they are interested. From skysports Everton boss David Moyes has revealed Celtic are interested in Gary Naysmith. Celtic are searching for a left back and as revealed by skysports.com, Naysmith is among their list of targets. The Scottish champions are now thought to be ready to step up their interest in Naysmith after being frustrated in their attempts to sign Sparta Prague ace Michal Kadlec. Naysmith's future at Everton is unclear with several players battling for the left back spot at Goodison Park. Moyes has admitted he could be willing to let Naysmith go for the right price as he is well stocked at left back. The former Preston boss told Radio Clyde that Celtic are keen on Naysmith and that if they are willing to offer up to a �£1 million for the ex-Hearts star a deal could be done.

Couple of newsbits I took from the official site, thought they were interesting. SENEGALESE midfielder Makhtar N'Diaye could be on the way to clinching a contract with Rangers while manager Paul Le Guen continues to search for a striker. Mahktar N'Diaye in action against HamiltonN'Diaye seemed to impress manager Paul Le Guen with his performance in tonight's 4-0 win over Jomo Select, playing most of the match in a central midfield position. Le Guen knows him from old having worked with him at Rennes four years ago and he wants to make sure he is up to the job. The manager said: "It is possible he could win a contract. I thought he did well in the match with Jomo Select. He has been working hard and I will make a decision at the end of the week." Le Guen is still on the hunt for a frontman. He said: "I am still looking for a striker." Wasn't overly chuffed when we took this lad on trial in the first place, but if he's impressing a guy who seemingly has high standards, then fine. As long as he isn't asking for big wages. It would give us decent options in the central midfield position with Fergie, Hemdani, Clement and now him, so it seems. PAUL LE GUEN has revealed that Charlie Adam could have a big future with Rangers after the youngster grabbed three goals in tonight's comfortable 4-0 win over Jomo Select. Adam spent all of last season in the First Division helping St Mirren to the title and his future was unsure. However, Le Guen has involved him heavily in the pre-season programme so far and reckons he could have a role to play in the season ahead. Le Guen, who was generally satisfied with the team performance, said: "Charlie was the man of the match, of course, and I was very pleased with him and his goals. "I know he was on loan last season, but he has talent and he has worked very hard so that is pleasing. He can be a part of my squad for sure. "Overall I felt it was a good performance from the players. They all did well. I was happy with the new players. I knew they would be fine because they are sharp and fit." This I'm happy with. I've always been a fan of wee Charlie, and God knows we need a player with a decent left peg. All being said, it wasn't great opposition he got his hat-trick against, but 3 goals from midfield against anyone is not to be frowned upon.

whose everyone's pick for the tourney(even though theres one game left) ive already made my choice. well impressed by the German left(right) back Lahm, boy is shit hot and has a great future ahead of him! what about underachievers *sp ?? 1. Pauleta - how the fook is he a striker 2. Toni - bit disappointed after all the hype leading up to the tourney, might recover himself tomorrow night. there was someone else, but i cant fookin remember!

i think this game will take over from the biggest game of the tourn so far. this is bound to be a match that will be forever remembered in the minds of those who watch it. but, whether it`ll be for the right reasons, or wrong reasons remains to be seen. these two countrys always seem to have epic battles but germany will be hoping not for a repeat of the scoreline which took place just about a month ago in a friendly where they were thrashed by italy 3-0. can`t see that happeneing this time though and with germany playing in dortmund where they `never lose` it adds to the spice of the game. it`s a close one to call imo. germany are firing on all cylinders up front and in midfield right now. miroslav klose is probably going to end up as the tournes top goalscorer and i fancy him to get another here. podolski and him make a good partnership and a promising one for the future which looks rather daunting! germnays midfiled looks almost impregnable. but with frings missing out the embattled i-ties may edge it here. germanys defence has really only had one bad game. the first game they conceded two goals but have only conceded 1 since(to argentina), so it hasn`t been all that bad as some media would have you beleive. lehman is performing like a man possessed the now and i fancy him to be the star of the show again. italy despite being allegedly so down hearted because of all the bribary scandal have scraped through to this round, which has been unbelievable really. they have gotten slightly better but are still a bit of a mess tactically, although improving slowly. gattuso will be there star man, but he has to watch he`s not booked again in this game or he`ll miss the final(cue gazzas tears). this may alter his mindset for the game and he may not be as affective. for me the italian forwards just have not ignited yet, but maybe this could be the game to do it in! i`m hoping for a high scoring classic, but i actually expect a 1-0 slugfest! prediction... germany...1 italy....0 a.e.t

http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/280606.html Recently, there has been a lot of talk on the online community about club finances and where it stands in this regard. Firstly, Iââ?¬â?¢d like to make clear that I am in no way a financial expert but the claim in the title is simply from reading between the lines regarding various stories and issues over the last year or so. My main evidence submission, curiously missed by many, is a Sunday Times business article from 2 months ago by John Penman (link available below). Seems to me Mr Murray is trying to tell us something which makes this subject so interesting worth while discussing. Last year we made, conservatively, around Ã?£12million from our exciting Championsââ?¬â?¢ league campaign. A few months back the chairman also announced the ââ?¬Ë?selling of the jerseysââ?¬â?¢ (literally) by outsourcing our successful retail operations to JJB Sports for Ã?£18million. Thatââ?¬â?¢s around Ã?£30million of investment which should bring our ongoing debt to around the -Ã?£10million mark ââ?¬â?? probably less. In other words, the club is on its most secure financial footing for a good number of years. Looking at the ever-decreasing share price you might find that contradicts this somewhat. However, that could be explained by a falling market (which is partly true) and/or someone selling shares at a fair rate. Who owns 91.8% of the shares again so has a few spare to sell? Indeed, further evidence, from Murray himself, indicates the club is available. Interviewed recently in the ââ?¬Ë?Sunday Timesââ?¬â?¢, regarding his biography; Murray says he has his ââ?¬Ë?sights on leaving the club in someone elseââ?¬â?¢s handsââ?¬â?¢. That may not be imminent but that shows his ââ?¬Ë?ambitionsââ?¬â?¢. Several other aspects of Murrayââ?¬â?¢s current business strategy and his personal life point towards a man changing his goals and his way of life. He recently sold his Murray International Metals group for Ã?£120million and has moved aggressively into the property scene. His Premier Property Group owns shopping centres and office buildings all over the UK. It has just embarked on a Ã?£50m speculative office development in the heart of Glasgow and its MIH parent group has borrowed nearly Ã?£500million to fund more ventures. Murray also announced his engagement this year and his intention to buy at least one more vineyard to the one he owns in France. A man making many changes then and important ones at that. Some may argue that the exciting appointment of Paul Le Guen, one of the finest young managers in World football, is a signal that he intends to take Rangers back to the forefront of the UK game. Iââ?¬â?¢d counter that this appointment and the other staff changes made within the club recently are only to attract a potential buyer. Certainly the minimal (but fiscally prudent) alleged transfer budget afforded to Le Guen doesnââ?¬â?¢t indicate a chairman prepared to go out on a limb to achieve his footballing ambitions. It shows a chairman keeping finances tight while having the club on a sound footing at every level (financial and staff), and importantly for this article, ready for sale. So who would take over the club? That is the main question here, since it appears to be a case of not if Murray will move on but when, who will take over? It wonââ?¬â?¢t be any of his sons as Murray doesnââ?¬â?¢t want them to have the same emotional and time rollercoaster he has had during his tenure. Although a Russian billionaire (Vladimir Lisin) has moved into an estate next door to Murrayââ?¬â?¢s in Perthsire such a buyer also seems unlikely. Murray rightly questions the hunger and attachment such a buyer would feel so perhaps the eternal links to Tom Hunter may be more likely. However, Hunter himself recently sold his stake in JJB Sports for Ã?£72million and his West Coast Capital investment company is also currently working with other such vehicles to move into other corporate areas. As such, an investment in Rangers by Hunter also looks off the mark. Perhaps we could look towards the background of Donald McIntyre, the new Rangers finance director for clues. McIntyre, a Chartered Accountant, has held senior financial positions within Stakis plc, Hilton Group plc, Hewden Stuart plc and latterly as Group Financial Controller at Macdonald Hotels Limited. Maybe one of these companies might be interested in a football investment particularly when you consider the ongoing RFC casino project. Vegas Sands who are in partnership with RFC for this leisure expansion may provide the biggest clue yet but are they a red herring? Also in the frame is the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust. Their recent ShareSave initiative enables all fans to buy a stake in the club while proxying their holding to the Trust. Itââ?¬â?¢s only the initial stages of the project but already it seems successful and interest is high. Itââ?¬â?¢s also backed by the club and high net worth investors are taking part. Thus, while the RST may not be a buying contender per se, their increasing holding and undoubted increasing say of late means the may form a large part of any future boardroom changes. No matter the names suggested its all speculation at this stage but interesting nonetheless. Certainly, from the fansââ?¬â?¢ point of view, any new owner would still have over 90% of the shares. This has to be addressed in order for us to be able to influence the clubââ?¬â?¢s eventual new owner and avoid some of the problems weââ?¬â?¢ve had with the current one. Many fans are fed up with David Murray and have advocated an ownership change for several years. It seems that change is coming then ââ?¬â?? maybe not today, maybe not next year but it will happen sooner rather than later. Only then, will we know just how good a chairman and owner David Murray really is. Sources: ââ?¬Å?Reaping rewards from life's touchlineââ?¬Â http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9070-2157688.html Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust ShareSave scheme http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/ss.html

Rangers target Jeremy Clement has admitted he is unsure of his future. Lyon are willing to let Clement leave this summer as he is well down the pecking order at Stade Gerland. The French champions are thought to have rejected an offer from Rangers for Clement and it has left the door open for other clubs to try and sign him. Paris Saint Germain and St Etienne are both believed to be keeping tabs on Clement and the 21-year-old is in the dark regards his future. "The only thing that seems certain about my transfer at the moment is I will be leaving Lyon," Clement told the Scottish Daily Mail. "After that, I don't know where I will be next season. "As soon as Lyon accept bids for me, I will have a big decision to make and I genuinely don't yet know what I am going to do. "I have the chance to go to Paris, St Etienne or a few other French clubs. "I could also go to Rangers to play for the man who gave me my professional debut. "They are a huge club with great supporters and, under Paul Le Guen, they will have ambitions to win the league and make an impact on the Uefa Cup. "But PSG and St Etienne are also big clubs and the question for me is `Do I want to leave France and go to Scotland at this stage of my career?' "I really do not know the answer yet." Meanwhile, Rangers are thought to be chasing Danish youngster Morten Nielsen. The 16-year-old plies his trade for FC Copenhagen and he is regarded as one the best young prospects in Denmark. Nielsen's father, former Denmark international Jorgen Nielsen, claims Rangers have tabled an offer for his teenage son. "Rangers have made us an offer and want us to come across to visit Glasgow and the stadium," Nielsen told the Scottish Daily Express.

Did he sort his future out before the WC like he wanted to? I didnt hear of anything when i was on mars last month. If he did im assuming he has said hel stay with Arsenal!?

I was indifferent to if he stayed or not anyway, good servant to the club while he was here but 25% wage increase demands at his age is kind of pushing it.

Rangers have made an offer to sign 16-year-old Copenhagen striker Morten Nielson, according to his father. It is also being claimed that Chelsea and Manchester United have been tracking the teenager, who is a Danish Under-17 international. Benny Nielson told the Daily Express: "Rangers have made us an offer and want us to across to visit Glasgow. "Morten still has a contract with FC Copenhagen and I have told Rangers they must agree a transfer fee with them." New Rangers manager Paul Le Guen has already signed three promising teenagers, one from Chelsea and two from Rennes as he builds for the future. However, Nielson, who is a former Denmark international, added: "Morten would definitely love to go to a big club like Rangers, but there are a lot of other clubs who are also interested." From BBC Sport. Always good to build for the future.