Tuur Rommens joins Rangers on three-and-a-half-year deal
Rangers have signed Tuur Rommens on a three-and-a-half-year deal after completing his medical at the weekend. The left-back joins the Ibrox club from Westerlo for a reported fee of £3.5 million and becomes Danny Rohl’s second signing of the January transfer window. The 22-year-old started his career at Genk and played in the Belgian Pro League nearly 80 times. At international level, he is currently the captain of the Belgium Under-21s and has made nine appearances for them. Rommens is fit and ready for selection and could feature against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup this Friday, but his minutes will be managed as he has just recovered from a knock. Speaking to the Rangers club website, Rommens was over the moon to have signed for the Gers and can’t wait to get started: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s a dream to play for a club like this, and I only have positive feelings. “Everyone knows Rangers, and when a club like this is interested in you, then you want to be part of this club. The most important thing is that they believe in me, and that’s why I have come here. “It’s a big club with a lot of fans, and they always play in Europe. It was very easy for me to make this choice.” Rohl believes Rommens will be an important asset for the Light Blues for the future, he told the club website: “I am delighted to welcome Tuur to the club. “He is a young and hungry player who adds real quality and physicality to the group and increases competition in a key area of the pitch. “We believe he will be a fantastic addition to the side and an important asset in the years ahead.”
Rangers fans MUST be patient and BACK Danny Rohl to get it right – Scott Bradley
Danny Rohl was appointed as Rangers head coach two months ago and it’s safe to say he’s certainly walked into a complete and utter mess. The Light Blues salvaged a point in stoppage time against Dundee United last night thanks to Nedim Bajrami scoring from the penalty spot. Rohl was visibly frustrated on the touchline as he watched his side struggle in the final third and defensively yet again. The Ibrox club have had a disastrous start to the season – and the German has a MASSIVE job ahead of him. Last week, the Gers board sacked chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell – two men who were instrumental in the failed appointment of Russell Martin, who only lasted 123 days in charge. One thing that’s very commendable about the chairman Andrew Cavenagh is how he acknowledged appointing Martin was a mistake and realised that Thelwell and Stewart weren’t suited for the club. Communication from the owners of a football club is key and it’s clear Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe’s hearts are in the right place. The Glasgow giants spent close to £40 million in the summer and the recruitment has been extremely poor. The stand out flop is Youssef Chermiti who was brought in for a staggering £8 million and has only managed to find the net ONCE in 15 games. Rohl is doing the best he can with the dross at his disposal – there’s only so much he can do with these players. The 36-year-old hasn’t even had a transfer window and there’s some of the Rangers faithful already writing him off – it’s ridiculous! Rohl is no stranger to chaos and struggle as he dealt with that at Sheffield Wednesday and he worked miracles there by keeping them in the Championship. The former Germany assistant has conducted himself with nothing but class so far, and it’s clear he knows what’s required to bring the glory days back to Ibrox. This isn’t going to be a quick fix and there will certainly be a lot of incomings and outgoings next month at the club. I believe Rohl is the right man to turn things around, but he needs to time and the supporters need to give him that. Rohl has already shown that he’s adaptable and knows how to set up a team to get results but is being let down by the dross on the pitch. The next month for the Govan club is going to be tough with trips to Tynecastle and Parkhead looming and it could be game changer for Rohl is he was to bag six points in those two fixtures. The Rangers fans need to be patient and get behind their head coach and understand the shambles he’s inherited. Back him.
Billy Davies rules himself out in becoming Dougie Imrie’s replacement at Morton
Billy Davies has ruled himself out in becoming the next Greenock Morton boss. Last week Dougie Imrie departed the Ton after four years to take charge of Raith Rovers. The former Derby County and Nottingham Forest manager made a promise to Imrie before joining the club as Technical Head Coach that he isn’t interested in replacing him in the dugout and has remained true to his word. Davies was in charge earlier this season in the 0-0 draw with Dunfermline and at the weekend guided the side to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup after defeating Peterhead 5-3 on penalties. The Cappielow Park confirmed that the Scotsman will be in charge for the next three fixtures and released a statement updating supporters on the situation: ‘As we look ahead to Friday night’s fixture against Queens Park, the club wishes to provide supporters with an update on our first-team management arrangements for the upcoming games. Billy Davies remains in his position as Technical Head Coach. ‘He is currently overseeing first-team operations, leading the planning and delivery of training sessions throughout the week. He is being supported by Head of Youth and Emerging Talent Gary Millar, Goalkeeping Coach Jon Connolly and Academy Coach Joe McKee. ‘This update comes during an exceptionally busy run of fixtures, with four matches in the space of two weeks. The first of these— was a challenging cup tie away to Peterhead—saw the squad deliver a gritty and determined performance in difficult circumstances, and we extend our thanks to the players, coaching staff and fans for their efforts in helping to secure progression to the next round. ‘Since the departure of Dougie Imrie, the club has received dozens of notes of interest in the managerial position. While we appreciate the strong level of interest, we remain committed to taking the appropriate time with this process, particularly given the quality of staff already in place. ‘Billy will continue to oversee from the stands on match day but will be in the technical area for Friday’s game with Queen’s Park game, due to Gary Millar being unavailable after his weekend red card and the club needs to have a coach with the specific coaching requirements. ‘The current coaching structure will remain for at least the next three fixtures, after which we will provide supporters with a further update.’
Danny Rohl: “We need players that understand what it means to play for Rangers”
Danny Rohl wants to add players in the January transfer who understand what it means to play for Rangers. The Light Blues failed to make it five league wins in a row after drawing with Falkirk at the weekend. It’s been a chaotic couple of months for the Ibrox club as they sacked former head coach Russell Martin, chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell. Oliver Antman is going to be out for eight weeks with an abductor problem and Nasser Djiga and Ousmane Diomande are expected to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations later this month. Before the Gers’ away fixture against Dundee United tomorrow, Rohl confirmed that he’s having regular discussions with chairman Andrew Cavenagh: “In general, I’m in a conversation with Andrew nearly every two or three days. “I think this is crucial. He will be also in, in the next couple of days, so we will have the next meetings. “I give my feedback every day or every matchday back to him. What I see is not just about positions, also what is important for us as a group – which profiles we need. “From the skills, from the tools, from a specialist in some areas, I think this is crucial. “It’s not just about the physical speed, it’s also the mindset, how quick is the mind at the moment, how quick you can receive the ball, how quick you can accelerate our game. “I think we need players that have a natural aggressivity against the ball, this is also crucial for me. “And we need players that also understand what it means to play for Rangers. This is also what I feel and learn in the last weeks, which players can handle this environment and which players have to improve. “We have to make the right decisions. This is crucial. We have a big responsibility for us, for the club. “I have a big responsibility now, after we lost Kevin and Patrick. I think this gives me more influence. “Hopefully we make a good step forward. The key is that we are on one page, that it is very clear how we see things and now it’s about preparing everything and have a good shot at the target.” The 36-year-old was asked if players will need to leave before some are brought in. He said: “You need a squad that is not too big but big enough so you can double up positions with good competition. I think this is crucial. “If I say now (we’re signing) five and bring four in, then you will ask me, why just four? “Key is that you bring the right players. If it’s at the end, two or three who can really make an impact, then it’s a good step. “If it’s six, because we could get six out, then it’s also good. “But for me, it’s more about the quality of players instead of the numbers of players.”
Rangers legend believes Danny Rohl knows who to oust in January window
Rangers failed to make it five league wins in a row as they drew 0-0 with Falkirk at Ibrox at the weekend. Many of the players that were brought in during the summer transfer window have failed to deliver, one in particular being big money signing Youssef Chermiti who has only managed to bag one goal in 14 appearances since joining the Light Blues. After the draw against the Bairns, Danny Rohl said he has a clear ‘overview’ of what he needs to do in the January transfer window. The Gers are on the look out for a new chief executive and sporting director after sacking Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell last week. Speaking on The Go Radio Football show, Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson believes Rohl knows exactly who he will be looking to offload from the club next month: “He now knows that there are players he want and players that are going to be surplus. “It’s just about who they are and how much money is going to be available in January. “Certainly the squad needs strengthening. If you don’t produce at these big clubs, you are not going to be part of it. “He has obviously spent time assessing them and just listening to the first part of his interview, there is a bit of frustration in there. “There is nothing he can do until the 1st of January but I am sure he has already identified areas that he wants to strengthen. Hopefully he’ll get the backing to bring those players in. “The chairman and owner have made some massive decisions in the last five weeks. They want to put the wrongs right and hopefully this is the start of it.”
Greenock Morton progress to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup
Greenock Morton have progressed to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup in dramatic fashion after defeating Peterhead 5-3 on penalties. Billy Davies is in interim charge following Dougie Imrie’s departure to Raith Rovers midweek. The Ton thought they had the job done until Kieran Shanks scored in stoppage time to make it 2-2, which forced extra time. Tomi Adeloye bagged a brace for the Cappielow Park side but was sent off at the 73rd minute. Despite the difficult circumstances, Davies’ men got through and that’s two games unbeaten for the former Derby County boss. Davies was in charge earlier this season and drew 0-0 with Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. The Scotsman included two 16-year-olds on the bench, which shows the Greenock club’s ambition of giving youth players a chance. Morton are currently seventh in the Scottish Championship and could be potentially drawn in a glamour tie against Rangers or Celtic in the 4th round of the iconic Scottish Cup.
James Tavernier equals Ally McCoist’s European record
James Tavernier equalled Ally McCoist’s European goal scoring record in Rangers’ 1-1 draw against S.C Barga. The captain scored his 21st goal in Europe and is just behind Alfredo Morelos who is the Ibrox club’s top European goal scorer with 29 goals. Tavernier currently holds the record as Britain’s top scoring defender with 145 goals to his name after he slotted away his 72nd penalty for the Gers. The right-back won’t be celebrating too much over the achievement as the Light Blues missed the opportunity to defeat the ten men Portuguese outfit. Speaking after the game, the 34-year-old was disappointed with the result but believes there is still a great chance to qualify for the knockout stages: “It feels almost like a loss. “I’ve got no complaints with Nasser [Djiga]. “Everyone makes mistakes, but ultimately, we should have that game tied up before that even happens. “Being a Rangers player, you have to win every single game, and that’s what the fans require, no matter who we play. “That’s what we have to do from now until the end of the games in this competition. “It’s definitely not over. “We have to be more clinical up top. “I know that if we keep a clean sheet we win tonight, but the game tonight, we should’ve had that in our pocket with the 10 men that we were playing against.” After reaching another milestone at the Govan club, Tavernier said the achievement of equalling McCoist’s record meant nothing to him due to the result: “It obviously feels like nothing right now because you’re fresh from playing the game.”It obviously feels like nothing right now because you’re fresh from playing the game. “I think obviously when my time is done from football, I’ll look back at the achievements. “Ultimately, I wanted to win tonight and get the three points. “If I can help the team, I always will.” Danny Rohl’s men are back in action this Sunday against Falkirk at Ibrox as they look to make it five league wins in a row.
Celtic fans are UNGRATEFUL and abuse towards the board is crossing a line – Scott Bradley
It’s safe to say, the relationship between the Celtic board and fans could not be more toxic. Celtic hosted their AGM last Friday and the atmosphere in the room was as poisonous as expected. The shareholders showed their displeasure towards the under-fire Hoops hierarchy holding up red cards during the meeting. Ross Desmond read out a scathing statement that added more fuel to the fire to the situation where he LAMBASTED sections of the Parkhead faithful regarding their behaviour over the past few months. Desmond said: “The behaviour of certain sections increasingly brings the club and it’s fanbase into disrepute. “The incident a few weeks ago at the Falkirk match was systematic of wider behaviour that cannot be ignored. “These people are bullies, and they try to hijack the good name of Celtic. “They try to hijack the good name of Celtic supporters, and we cannot allow them to define who we are. “I am well aware of the target that I put on my back by saying this.” After Desmond’s defiant words, Peter Lawwell brought the meeting to an abrupt close, which sparked even more anger from the shareholders in attendance. Interim manager Martin O’Neill thought it was a ‘really sad morning’ and wondered what Jock Stein would have made of the scenes. Are the Celts board perfect? No far from it. But their supporters are ungrateful and the abuse towards them is crossing a line now. They’ve enjoyed an unprecedented amount of success over the last 13 years winning 13 league titles out of 14. Say what you want about Dermort Desmond, but he is a shrewd businessman, who knows how to run a football club and he’s done a phenomenal job. I don’t know what more Celtic fans are wanting. They’re sabotaging their season by creating an unnecessary hostile atmosphere and the only clubs it benefits are Rangers and Hearts. Many feel as though the board didn’t back former manager Brendan Rodgers enough but are forgetting that he spent £55 million in the past two years in the transfer window. Rodgers brought in Adam Idah for £9 million, Arne Engels for £11 million, and Auston Trusty for £6 million. Fine players but nowhere near worth that amount – three big signings all signed off by the Northern Irishman. After Rodgers’ departure last month, Dermort Desmond released a bombshell statement accusing him of being ‘divisive, misleading and self-serving.’ Desmond also said that the claims of Rodgers not being offered a new deal were ‘simply untrue.’ After Rodgers’ dismal transfer record on big money signings and his unwillingness to commit to a new contract – it makes total sense as to why the board were slightly reluctant to give him another big cash injection in the summer. This new generational of Hoops fans are entitled and should be more grateful for the unbelievable success they’ve experienced over the years. Ungrateful, entitled, and spoilt is the best way to describe their disgusting behaviour towards the board.
Martin O’Neill offers key bit of advice for incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy
Martin O’Neill has warned incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy to stay well clear of the toxic feud that’s going on between the board and fans. Nancy is set to be appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after impressing the Celtic hierarchy following a series of talks and could be in the dugout for the home fixture against Dundee next week. Hoops legend O’Neill is in interim charge and has offered some advice to the 48-year-old: “The new manager coming in should divorce himself from all those proceedings. This is a fresh start for him. “He hasn’t been party to anything that’s happened in recent times. “He’s going to step into something that really has been none of his concern. “That’s the way I would be approaching it and it’s not like passing the buck. “It’s just saying, ‘Well, sorry, that’s not of my making — my making is to put Celtic back in the game’. “Let’s say it was me and I’d never manage the football club again. “I’d be saying, ‘Yeah, that’s got nothing to do with me, I have to try and win some football games’.” Jaws dropped when the 73-year-old made his stunning return to the Parkhead club after 20 years and has won four of his five games in charge. The Northern Irishman said he’ll look back on his second spell with fondness and added that he doesn’t know if he would’ve been able to do the job every week: “In a perverse sort of way, I have actually enjoyed it. “Could I really do the job again week in, week out, week in, week out, for months on end? I really don’t know. “Do I have energy and enthusiasm? Yeah, I have those. Is that enough? Not so sure. “I’ve got all of those particular things. Do I have knowledge of the game? Of course, yeah. “When it is over, and I don’t know when that will be, I’ll think, ‘That was actually quite nice’. “It kind of reinvigorates you because you are actually concentrating on something you used to do, and you’d almost forgotten how to do it.”
Barry Ferguson addresses links to Rangers sporting director role
Rangers legend Barry Ferguson refuses to rule out becoming the Ibrox club’s new sporting director following the sacking of Kevin Thelwell. CEO Patrick Stewart and Thelwell were brutally sacked on Monday after a terrible start to the campaign. The pair were instrumental in the failed appointment of Russell Martin who was sacked after 123 days in charge, and they also oversaw a £40 million squad revamp that hasn’t lived up to expectations. Thelwell received huge backlash for sanctioning the controversial £8 million signing of Youssef Chermiti – a player whose only found the net twice in the last two years. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh says the search for their replacements is under way but insisted there is no rush. The January transfer window is approaching soon and head coach Danny Rohl will no doubt be looking to add some freshness to his squad. Former interim Gers boss Ferguson has been linked with making a stunning return to the Govan club, but this time as sporting director. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, the 47-year-old was asked about potentially taking on role if he was offered it. He said: “Listen, in terms of my future I’m very comfortable what I’m doing at this moment in time. You can never say never. Listen, it’s a club that I think everybody knows what it means to me and I just want to see them being successful. That’s the main thing for me.” Ferguson added that he hasn’t been approached by his former club regarding the position but praised Cavenagh with his bold decision-making over the past few weeks. “You’ve got to be fair to the chairman over the last four weeks, he’s made three huge decisions. “He’s changed the manager very early, it was his decision, and now two other high profile people at the club. He is very clear on what he wants to do and how he wants to do it, and if that means making changes so early in his time at the club he is going to make them if you don’t perform.”
