Rumour Mill: SPL2 back on? | Kilmarnock takeover | Dunfermline

DUNFERMLINE’S situation is “the worst” their administrator has seen, SPL2 is back on the agenda, and there are fan takeover plans at another SPL team. All this and more in Friday’s Rumour Mill.

Dunfermline latest: No early cash from SFL, PFA boss says ‘act quickly’ for axed players

The first day of administration at Dunfermline Athletic saw savage cuts to the playing staff, with a team’s worth of players made redundant. Adminstrator Bryan Jackson said that the situation at East End Park went beyond anything he had seen in his career.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “It’s the worst situation I’ve seen, I’m really sorry to say. We have to try and make the best of it. I’m dependent on benefactors and I’m also dependent on money coming in from the next home game.”

SFL chief executive David Longmuir said that while the body would work with the Pars, the cash-strapped club will not receive prize money early.

Longmuir said: “I have been asked the question about an earlier payment and have only responded to say we always deliver our end-of-season money on May 25 and see no reason why that would not be the case.

“I can give indications, based on assumptions, of what that figure might be and have already given that to Dunfermline.”

PFA chairman Fraser Wishart has called on Longmuir and the SFL to work with the SFA to bring in rules to keep clubs safe from “reckless” owners. Wishart also warns that the governing body will have to act quickly to allow redundant players to sign with new teams ahead of Sunday’s registration deadline. (Various)

SPL2 could be back on after 12-12-18 talks collapse

Controversial plans for a so-called ‘SPL2’ could be back on the table, after First Division bosses held meetings with top-flight representatives yesterday.

SFL chief David Longmuir has called for reconstruction to be delayed by a year after yesterday’s lower-league meeting ended without a vote due to lack of support in the room.

In response, the First Division chairmen held their own meeting with the top flight and may now endorse a plan for a ‘cherry-picked’ second tier, which could involve Rangers. (Various)

Levein settles with SFA

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Craig Levein has settled his legal dispute with the SFA over his sacking as manager of the national team.

Levein was removed from his post on full pay in November, but then resigned and launched legal action over compensation. The SFA confirmed that an “undisclosed sum” has been paid. (Scotsman)

Killie fans want to take over as boss Shiels says club are good stepping stone

Two Kilmarnock supporters’ groups will write to chairman Michael Johnston to find out a price for the club, with a view to making a bid.

The Kilmarnock Supporters Society and Killie Trust are keen to ascertain whether a bid is possible, in the wake of the ongoing problems at Hearts and Dunfermline.

Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels has said that his new Nigerian signings Reuben Gabriela and Papa Idris can use their time at Rugby Park to boost their profile as well as help the team.

“(Their agents) felt that a year in Scotland could benefit them and act as a stepping stone,” said Shiels. “Then we will sell them on.

“This is an opportunity to make money for the club because Reuben and Papa will go to the Premier League, I’m confident of that.” (Express)

Rangers scout ‘suspended over transfers’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Daily Record claim that Neil Murray, the chief scout at Ibrox, has been suspended over last year’s transfer dealings. According to the paper, Murray has been told to stay away from the club while an internal investigation is completed. (Record)

Meanwhile, two Rangers targets have given contrasting takes on moves to Ibrox. Dundee United captain Jon Daly called the club “one of the biggest in Britain”, while St Johnstone’s Murray Davidson said “it’s pretty obvious Rangers are not playing at the level I am playing at right now”. (Various)

IN OTHER NEWS

• Good news! There should be at least one Scot at the 2014 World Cup - referee Craig Thomson, who has been picked for a FIFA conference of officials who’ll officiate in Brazil. (Mail)

• Hibs striker Eoin Doyle is believed to have signed a pre-contract deal with League Two side Chesterfield. Doyle has scored 12 goals for Hibs since signing in 2011. (Football.co.uk)

• Gary Mackay-Steven is a serious doubt for Dundee United’s Tayside derby with St Johnstone on Monday. The winger injured his hamstring at a Scotland training session earlier this week. (Various)

• Celtic players will form a guard of honour for St Mirren’s League Cup winners ahead of their game this weekend. Neil Lennon’s men could be without Mikael Lustig, who is battling an injury suffered on international duty. (The Sun/ Record)

Related topics: