‘I was made out to be the worst person on earth’ – Jordan Jones opens up on Rangers exit

Four years on, Jordan Jones opens up about his departure from Rangers and how it still doesn’t sit right with him to this day. The Northern Ireland international and former Gers defender George Edmundson received a whopping seven game ban in 2020 after breaching strict COVID-19 restrictions after attending a house party, which he believes ultimately led to their departures from the Ibrox club. In the 2021 January transfer window, both players were sent out on loan with Jones going to Sunderland, and Edmundson going to Derby County, and neither of them kicked a ball for the Light Blues again. Speaking with the Belfast Telegraph, the winger discussed that infamous night that changed his career forever: “That night, me and George Edmundson, we got caught with the COVID rules. “The rule we actually broke was you were allowed six people in the house and we had 10, so the police came and obviously gave out Covid tickets. “You sort of know the rest. We had to be suspended for two weeks, I had to pull out of the international squad and I missed the Play-Off Final for the Euros. I was fined heavily by the club and it was an absolute disaster. “We did wrong. I fully accept that, we broke the rules but I remember thinking, ‘Jesus, we’re getting made out to be the worst people on the planet’. “I get it. It comes with being a Rangers player. Things get completely blown out of proportion. I said to George once it had died down after a week, ‘We’ve got to apologise, we’re in the wrong with the rule we’ve broken’. “We had four more people in the house than what we should have had, and then it comes out years later that the (UK) Government were doing exactly the same! It’s just like ‘Wow!’ so, anyway, that actually happened. “When we went into Rangers two weeks later, we apologised and the manager was really good with us. He’d seen the amount of grief we took off the media, fans and everyone in Scotland with everyone speaking about it and he was supportive about that. “The plan was to play me and George in the next available game so fans knew it had been put to bed and we were moving forward. Then we got pulled into his office as the SFA had hit us with a seven-game ban. We’d already missed games and that took us to January. “He (Steven Gerrard) said it would be difficult to get back in after pretty much three months out, which I understood, so we trained with the first-team until January and then we were both looking for loan moves. “My partner was pregnant at the time with our boy, who was due in April. Sunderland came in, which made a lot of sense to me because it was 50 minutes from my home so, with a baby on the way, I went there and really enjoyed being at another huge football club. “I hit some good form and then I got a little twinge in my hamstring, which kept me out for a couple of weeks. It knocked me off the level that I was at. “I remember we played Portsmouth away (in March 2021) and it was one of the best games I’ve ever had, to be honest. I got a goal and an assist and I remember thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going again here’, and then at the end of that game, I did my hamstring, so that was frustrating.” Despite only having a short spell at the Govan club, the 31-year-old looks back at his time with fondness. He added: “In my second season as a Rangers player, we won the title. I was on loan with Sunderland when the team clinched it. “I congratulated them on social media and Michael Beale (then the first-team coach at Ibrox) replied, saying, ‘You are a part of this’. The manager (Gerrard) made a point of texting me, thanking me for my efforts for that season and contributing. “There’s still that part of you that thinks, ‘If we didn’t have 10 people having a drink on that night, it would never have worked like this’. Then there’s a part of me that looks back and I’m immensely proud that I’ve played for a football club like that. “People forget a few years before, I had absolutely nothing. I had no team, no employer, no career, so to go from that to turning it around and signing for a club like Rangers under someone like Steven Gerrard, it’s a big thing. As much as I look back with frustration, I look back with pride as well.”

Mikey Moore opens up on tough start to life at Rangers

It’s been a tough start for Mikey Moore at Rangers to say the least.  The 18-year-old joined the Ibrox club on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and it’s certainly been an eye-opening experience so far. Moore bagged his first goal for the Light Blues in their comfortable 3-0 victory against Dundee at the weekend, making it three league wins in a row. There were reports that the young winger could have returned to Spurs as he was struggling for form and game time, but the exciting prospect was keen to set the record straight. Speaking after the win against the Dees, Moore opened up about his struggles in Glasgow and how he never had any intention of going back to his parent club this season. “I think a lot of stuff goes in the media, but I was never ready to go back. “I always knew that at some point it would change and I’ve changed it for myself a little bit in the last few weeks. “But I need to keep building and playing even better than I am, so I’m picking up goals and assists. “I said in midweek that I need to, so I’m happy with the goal on Sunday. “I’m feeling a lot more confident, I’m getting used to the league, used to my teammates and the manager has helped me a lot as well. “He’s come in and he’s given me confidence and belief in myself which has been good from him, so I’m excited to keep going. “I definitely feel as though we’re building momentum. “I think even in our performances, we’re playing better and we’re picking up points in the league, so we just need to keep building on that and taking it game by game because if we look too far ahead, then we might disrupt our performances.”

Danny Rohl has ‘big respect’ for interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill

Danny Rohl says he has ‘big respect’ for interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill ahead of the huge league cup semi-final clash this weekend. It’s been a chaotic October for both sets of the Old Firm as Rangers sacked Russell Martin at the start of the month, and Brendan Rodgers stunningly quit Celtic this week. Parkhead legend O’Neill returned to the club after 20  years and is now in charge on a short term basis as the Hoops look for Rodgers’ successor. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Hampden Park, the Light Blues’ head coach paid tribute to O’Neill and his managerial career. “Big respect to such a coaching career. I think this is always great as a manager when you work so long in this business and you are successful. “I’m just at the beginning of my career. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point and from this year. “But the good thing is we start at 0-0, different generations, and let’s see what we can bring with our teams in this game.” This will be the 36-year-old’s first taste of the Old Firm derby and he can’t wait to experience the intense atmosphere of the occasion. “Growing up, it was, of course, a world-famous game. In general, I think when you see such games on the TV then you always enjoy it because there’s always action, drama, intensity, goals, tight games, fighting spirit on the pitch. It’ll be a good one. “I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was at home to Borussia Dortmund – we won 4-0. “I think this is why we love this game, to be part of such a game. It’s all or nothing. You win, you come in the final, you lose, you’re out. I think everything is on for a great game. “At the moment, the positive energy is really back, the belief is there. “We could keep a great week with three wins in a row. I think it would be fantastic. “I can give my players a lot of ideas, but they’re really listening and they bring it with a good character on the pitch and I think it’s fantastic to see. But even we know it’s just two steps forward, not more.”

‘It’s a happy camp’ – Connor Barron bigs up the positive environment under Rohl

Rangers midfielder Connor Barron has been full of praise for new boss Danny Rohl and the changes he’s made since taking charge of the club. The Light Blues made it back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins last night as they defeated Hibernian 1-0 at Easter Road thanks to Danilo’s strike in the fifth minute. It’s been a disastrous start to the season for the Ibrox club as they sacked Russell Martin after 123 days but the tide appears to be turning in Govan under Rohl. Barron played a key part in the important win in the capital last night and spoke after the game about the positive atmosphere amongst the squad: “After the game at the weekend we just wanted to come into the Hibs game, get another three points and build a bit of momentum. “We’ve done that so it’s a happy camp and we’re all buzzing going forward into the weekend. “There’s been a real lift in the dressing-room, and wins help with that as well. “It’s positive in there and it’s important that we keep building momentum week on week and pick up as many points as we can. “Winning helps with everything so we just have to keep going and building that momentum.” Despite having a solid performance, the Scottish international fouled Junior Hoilett in the box at the 84th minute but Jack Butland saved the penalty and ensured Rohl’s men left Edinburgh with the victory. The 23-year-old paid tribute to the goalkeeper and how he always steps up in big moments for the group: “Jack always comes up with the big moments. “We needed him and he stepped up. He’s done it a lot and I owe him one for that. “Things happen in the game, obviously I was gutted (to give away the penalty) but you have to change your thinking really quickly. “You just have to hope Jack steps up and he did. “It was a real good team performance, we showed both sides of the game. “We attacked well I felt and had a real gritty side to us as well, which was nice to see because it’s not always going to be pretty in the league. “It was nice to come away with a good feeling.”

‘I think everything is still to play for’ – Andrew Cavenagh backs Gers for title challenge

Andrew Cavenagh believes Rangers can still get back into the Scottish Premiership title race, despite being 13 points behind leaders Hearts. The Ibrox club unveiled their new Head Coach Danny Rohl yesterday after a lengthy managerial search. It’s not been the start the 49ers were hoping for as the Light blues currently sit sixth in the table with one league win in eight games. The Gers sacked Russell Martin after 123 days in charge of the club as the Englishman only managed to win five out of 17 games in all competitions. CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have felt the wrath of the Rangers faithful with a chunk of the blame going towards the pair for the dismal start to the season. However, the Ibrox chairman backs Thelwell and Stewart and believes the club as a whole need to stick together. He told Sky Sports News: “They do have our full backing. They’ve made mistakes just like Paraag (Marathe) and I have. “When you make a mistake, you need to own it, you need to rectify it, you need to improve, and that goes for the two of them. “It goes for Paraag, it goes for me, and it goes for everybody in the club, and moving forward, that same group, meaning everybody in the club, including the four that I just named, are also accountable.” In terms of the title race, Cavenagh added that there is still time for the Govan club to salvage their league campaign: “I think everything is still to play for. “We have dug ourselves a hole in the league without a doubt, eight behind across town and further behind top of the table, but we can still do everything in the league. “We can still do everything for both cups, and again, we have a little bit of a hole in Europe with two losses out of two matches, but six to go, so I think everything is still in front of us.” Rohl’s first game in charge is in the Europa League against Brann then back to domestic action against Kilmarnock in the league this Sunday at Ibrox.

Danny Rohl officially unveiled as new Rangers Head Coach

Danny Rohl has officially been unveiled as Rangers’ new Head Coach joining on a tw0-and-a-half-year deal. It was a lengthy process the Light Blues had gone through to find a replacement for Russell Martin but they have finally got their man in Rohl, who withdrew himself from the process last week. Over the weekend, talks broke down between the Gers board and Kevin Muscat, which led to the German coming back into the frame. The 36-year-old’s only managerial job role in the game was with Sheffield Wednesday, where he was able to keep them in the English Championship under extremely difficult financial circumstances. Rohl has worked with Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton and Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich and was his number two for the Germany national team. The Zwickau-born coach addressed the Scottish media for the first time today and believes winning games is the most important thing at the Gers before thinking about playing attractive football: “I’m really looking forward to being part of this amazing football club. We want to win, we need wins because we want to turn around the position at the moment. “I am looking for an ambitious club, a club that is wanting more. This club has everything for all these goals. “My job is clear. My focus is on my person, what I can bring to this football club. We want to create chances, we want to create goals. We want to defence as a team. “We have to win games then we can speak about playing attractive football.” Rohl says that there is huge potential in the squad and it doesn’t phase him if he was first, second or third choice for the Ibrox club, only thing that matters to him is that he’s here now: “We need wins in a row. I see so much potential. “If you can bring the squad together with your style of football then you will go in a fantastic direction. “You can be the first, the second or the third choice. The important thing is to win games. I cannot tell you which choice I am. I am here. “I’m very well prepared over the last 16 years to be here now. I really enjoy to have such supporters behind you. “In this business, you have not too much time. Pressure in the business is usual. “I look from game to game now, to prepare the team, to pick the right players. I need all the players. “I’m looking forward to the future.” Rohl’s first game in charge is in the Europa League away from home against Brann as the Govan club look try and get their European campaign back on track.

Jimmy Thelin speaks on speculation linking him with Sweden vacancy

Jimmy Thelin cancelling out the noise on a potential move to become the Sweden boss. This week there has been talk with Aberdeen boss, Jimmy Thelin being shortlisted to become to head coach of the Sweden National Team following sacking of Jon Dal Thomason. Jimmy Thelin speaking to RedTV in a recent interview: “It’s always an honour to be mentioned in these circumstances but I have a long contract here. I’m really happy at Aberdeen Football Club. “We have so many things, hopefully good things to look forward to at Aberdeen Football Club. My focus is 100% here. “I’m really happy here, I have a contract here, and I really enjoy being at Aberdeen Football Club. The spirit and the surroundings here, we have been through a tough time now, but we have a still a strong belief in this three year plan we have, we are working with the same process all the time, and it’s a journey I really like to be involved in.” Talks of the Scottish Cup winning manager to become the Sweden boss have been swept under the carpet as former Brighton boss, Graham Potter looks set to take the hot seat until March to keep all eyes on a place in the World Cup for Sweden.

Arbroath vs St Johnstone Preview

Arbroath welcome St Johnstone to Gayfield as the Perth Saints look to get back to winning ways. Arbroath have had a good start to their Championship campaign as the Lichties currently sit fourth in the table following their promotion from League One last season. Arbroath have recorded four victories as well as three draws and defeats so far this season. However, Arbroath haven’t been on the best of form as they have only picked up one win in their last five outings. Arbroath have recently suffered a few big beatings after a 5-0 home defeat against Neil Lennon and Dunfermline, as well as a 3-0 defeat away in Kirkcaldy against Raith Rovers. On a positive note, they have had their ups, defeating Queen’s Park 4-1 as well as a big 1-0 win against Ross County in Dingwall. Whereas for the visitors, they are currently unbeaten in the Scottish Championship since relegation from the Scottish top flight for the first time since 2004. The Perth Saints have only lost once in their last 16, which was a defeat in extra time against Motherwell, dumping the Perth side out of the League Cup. St Johnstone this season have won 7 league games as well as 3 draws and, of course, 0 defeats. St Johnstone haven’t had any poor showings but have had some huge victories along the way, including a 5-1 home win over fellow title challengers Partick Thistle and a vital 2-0 away win to Barry Robson’s Raith Rovers. Both sides last season Arbroath last season were the League One champions as they finished seven points ahead of Cove Rangers in second spot. The Lichties picked up 19 victories across the season with 10 defeats and 7 draws. Arbroath had some big victories last season, defeating Cove Rangers 4-2 in Aberdeen, which proved to be vital in their charge for the title, as well as a 2-0 win away at Inverness. St Johnstone were unable to stay in the Premiership this time around as the Saints finished rock bottom as they finished five points below Ross County, who also suffered relegation after a play-off defeat against Livingston. St Johnstone suffered multiple nasty defeats, such as a 6-0 home defeat to Celtic, a 3-1 home defeat to rivals Dundee, as well as a 2-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock being some noticeable defeats. St Johnstone did reach the Scottish League Cup semi-finals but were unable to cement a spot in the final as Celtic put on a 5-star display, defeating the Perth Saints 5-0. St Johnstone also picked up a famous win at McDiarmid Park, defeating Celtic for the first time since 2016 after a 1-0 win, but that was unable to help Simo Valakari and St Johnstone in the top flight. Last time the two sides met The last time these two clashed was back in August this season at McDiarmid Park as St Johnstone ran away 3-0 winners courtesy of goals by Jack Baird, Jason Holt, and Stevie Mallan. Last time out Last time out for the Lichties, they defeated Queen’s Park 4-1 at Gayfield as Arbroath look to continue their winning streak. For the visitors, last time out they drew 0-0 at home to struggling Ross County, who also were sucked down into the Championship last season. It’ll certainly be a tricky match for the home side as an undefeated St Johnstone side will be looking to continue their form and get further in front at the top of the league.

‘I love Rangers Football Club’ – Frank Lampard breaks silence on links to Ibrox hotseat

Frank Lampard breaks his silence on the links to him becoming Russell Martin’s replacement at Rangers. Martin was sacked 12 days ago after only winning five of his 17 games in charge and leaves the Light Blues eighth in the Scottish Premiership table. The Gers have still yet to find a replacement but are closing in on Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat. Lampard has been linked to the Ibrox hotseat and was close to getting the gig two years ago but Philippe Clement beat him to it. The Englishman has got Coventry City flying right now as they’re currently top of the English Championship and unbeaten. Speaking to the press before the Sky Blues’ league fixture against Blackburn Rovers, the 47-year-old was asked about the vacancy at the Govan club and expressed his love for the Glasgow giants: “I’m very, very ambitious and when I say that I’m talking about being here. I want us to be better. I think we’ve improved a lot. Everyone in the building’s work really hard to get to where we are. “There’s a real joy in that when you come to work and you have that feeling and I want to continue that and drive it and drive it. “I’m going to drive up until January and I’m going to drive until the end of the season. I’m very happy here, so I feel nothing of it. “And I love Rangers Football Club. I grew up loving Rangers Football Club. Those rumours are just there. I’m very happy here, and I want to continue to do better.”

John Souttar brands Russell Martin’s style of play as ‘unique’

John Souttar has branded sacked Rangers boss Russell Martin’s style of play as ‘unique.’  Martin was fired by the Light Blues after a horrendous start to the season only managing to win five of his 17 games in charge and he left the club eighth in the Scottish Premiership table. It’s been 12 days since the Englishman’s sacking and the Gers have still yet to find a replacement as under-19s coach Steven Smith is in charge for the clash against Dundee United tomorrow. Speaking before the tomorrow’s all important fixture, the Scotland international broke his silence about Martin’s departure and believes the players do need to take responsibility: “”Yes, the players have got to take responsibility. “We’re the ones that take the pitch. Whatever manager is here, whatever manager is not here, the lads have got to take responsibility because there were games where we weren’t good enough – attacking defensively, on the ball, off the ball.” The 29-year-old added that the players enjoyed Martin’s training sessions but just couldn’t translate it into results on matchday: “I think everyone knows the results weren’t good enough. “There were points where we showed a bit of promise and I thought it was a unique style of play. “The boys enjoyed the training pitch but on the weekend or during the week we didn’t get the results we needed.” Kevin Muscat looks set to become the Ibrox club’s new head coach but won’t be able to take charge until the Chinese Super League finishes on the 22nd of November. The former Australian international currently has Shanghai Port top of the table as he looks to close in on a second successive title.