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Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
What Russell Martin told the Rangers legends as Ibrox icon opens up on big pow wow
The Ibrox boss invited a gang of greats into the club to hear their thoughts and spell out his own vision Ian Durrant has pulled back the curtain on the meeting he and other legends had with new Rangers boss Russell Martin. Martin invited a clutch of Ibrox icons into the fold so he could glean some advice – and set out his own vision for the Scottish giants. Durrant got a close-up feel for the new manager and his plans for Rangers when the 58-year-old was ushered into Auchenhowie along with fellow ex-Gers greats Lee McCulloch and John Brown. And first impressions were positive. Durrant said: 'It was nice. 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 your the recruitment right. He was good. 'He spoke very well, just the way he outlined the way he wants to go. You've got to back him. 'He's certainly got the backing of the club now with the new regime coming in. As I said, there will be tough games, especially the Champions League qualifier. 'You've got the second leg now. There's a financial burden in terms of what that could do for the club. It's come at an early time but he's working every day. 'He spoke 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 10-15 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.'
Glasgow Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Rangers legend rushed to intensive care unit in hospital
Paul Gascoigne, known as Gazza, was taken to the hospital after being found half-conscious by a pal on Friday, July 18, in the bedroom of his home in Poole, Dorset, England. The 58-year-old was admitted to an intensive care ward; however, he has now been moved to an acute medical unit where his condition has been described as stable, The Sun reported. The former England and Gers hero is known for playing with the Glasgow side from 1995 until 1998. READ MORE: Rangers legend pictured visiting beloved Glasgow restaurant During his football career, the star also played for Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Middlesbrough, Everton, and several more clubs. Following his admission to the hospital, the Ibrox legend has since thanked his friends for their support. Gazza's pal, Steve Foster, who found him, said the ex-Gers hero would "like to thank everyone for the support he's received so far from so many old friends who wish him well and want to see him back to his best". It is understood that Gazza is recovering in the hospital and is expected to remain there for multiple days for treatment. READ MORE: Rangers legend spotted at much-loved Glasgow restaurant Mr Foster, who is also the ex-player's driver and personal assistant, said: 'Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now.'
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Leon King Rangers exit talks on verge of collapse as Wycombe route closes despite transfer fee agreed
Wycombe were closing in on a deal for King but it now appears on the verge of collapse Wycombe Wanderers' move for Rangers defender Leon King looks to be OFF after the player stalled on the deal. The English League One outfit had agreed a transfer fee with the Ibrox club to buy the 21-year-old centre-back. King has one year left on his Gers contract and is surplus to requirements under new boss Russell Martin. Wycombe were confident of securing King on a three-year deal - and had the Scot down at their Marlow Road training base. Gaffer Mike Dodds wanted him for a promotion tilt - alongside another ex-Gers pal Alex Lowry - as they try to reach the Championship. But Record Sport understands the move is on the verge of collapse - with King looking to assess options elsewhere. He could also choose to sit out his final year at Ibrox before becoming a free agent next summer. King made his debut for Rangers in 2020 and under former boss Gio van Bronckhorst three years ago, played in the Champions League against Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax. Last season, he was sent out on loan to Scottish Championship club Queen's Park. King started Martin's first pre-season friendly against Club Brugge on Sunday but won't be part of the manager's plans moving forward. He's already signed Peterborough youngster Emmanuel Fernandez in that position and is chasing Leicester City defender Conor Coady and Wolves' centre-back Nasser Djiga on loan. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Scottish Sun
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I played when Rangers met Panathinaikos in Athens – Russell Martin needs mentality monsters, not guys who can't hack it
The ex-Gers star opened up on the hostile atmosphere that will be waiting in the Olympic Stadium ATHEN A LAUGH I played when Rangers met Panathinaikos in Athens – Russell Martin needs mentality monsters, not guys who can't hack it STEVEN NAISMITH did his best to dodge the glass bottles and coins being hurled his way as he went out to warm up. It was 2008 and Rangers were in Athens for the second leg of their last-32 Uefa Cup clash with Panathinaikos. Advertisement 4 Steven Naismith played when Rangers last faced Panathinaikos in 2008 Credit: Reuters 4 Gers made it out of Athens with a draw that night thanks to Nacho Novo's goal Credit: PA:Press Association 4 Naismith says Russell Martin will need big personalities for tough atmospheres like that Credit: PA The 16,000-capacity Stadio Apostolos Nikolaidis was packed to the rafters and the atmosphere was as hostile as Naismith can remember. Yet, in the end, second-half sub Naismith helped Walter Smith's side defy the animosity to emerge with a 1-1 draw that saw them continue a path which would end with defeat in the final. Advertisement Rangers now face the same opposition again in Russell Martin's first game in charge, with their Champions League qualifier just four weeks away. That match takes place at the Olympic Stadium, where up to 70,000 home supporters could be hurling abuse at the Ibrox side. It's why Naismith insists Martin must sign players with the right mentality as much as the best ability as he overhauls the squad. Naismith, 38, said: 'That game against Panathinaikos was one of the most hostile places ever. It was on the run to the Uefa Cup final. 'I remember Gate 13 where the tunnel is. That's where the ultras are. Advertisement 'Naively I was laughing and joking coming out for the warm-up. 'Next minute there were glass bottles, coins, all sorts, getting launched at us. 'Every time you went near the tunnel you had to sprint in and sprint out. Ally McCoist confesses to 'horrendous' epic fail ahead of final day of Rangers legend's charity bike ride 'The night turned out to be really good for us with Nacho Novo scoring to make it 1-1. It was a brilliant environment to play in but very hostile. 'The thing is you can talk about an atmosphere but until you're in it and experience it, it's just words. When you do experience it, it's a case of what way are you going? Advertisement 'Are you intimidated or do you think it's good? That's the real root of whether you're going to be a success at Rangers or Celtic. 'It's about mentality. Do you go into that environment and think, 'I'm up for that, I like a bit of this', or do you say, 'Don't give me the ball because I'm scared'? 'If it's the latter, you won't be a success. That can be players with great ability too. For the last 30 years Rangers and Celtic have signed players who are brilliant in other leagues but can't hack it here. 'It's down to mentality. That's been a problem for Rangers. To say players have hidden is unfair. They just can't hack it. 'Philippe Clement made a point of buying younger players to develop them but younger players rarely have that ability straight away. That's where they become safe when they're 1-0 down at home with ten minutes to go. They don't want to make a brave pass or shoot from a tight angle.' Advertisement It is four years since Rangers last won the title but in that time they have reached the Europa League final in 2022 and the quarter-finals last season. While the clash with Greek giants Panathinaikos has so much riding on it, Naismith insists it's domestically, in the Premiership, where Martin will be measured most. He said: 'It has to be the first aim. It's not as clear cut as saying it's one over the other because Rangers can have both. 4 'But what won't be accepted is what's happened in previous years where the team has done well in Europe but is ten or 15 points behind in the league. That just won't wash. Advertisement 'That's what has to change. Rangers have to beat the other teams in the league. 'If you look at the points they dropped against teams from the mid to low end of the table it was unacceptable. 'That's how the gap goes from being four points — where there is still pressure on the team at the top — to that big a gap where it becomes easy and the team at the top can cruise. 'When you look at the teams they could have got in Europe, Panathinaikos is definitely the toughest opposition. 'On top of that you've had a takeover, a new manager and a squad rebuild that needs to happen. Advertisement 'As important as Champions League and European success is, if they missed out on this one but made the next ten then that's proper success. 'You have to understand where Rangers are. 'Russell coming in will make it an enjoyable place to play but there will be expectations in terms of what he wants. 'The style will change and there will be mistakes within that but over time I've got no doubt he'll be a success. Aberdeen brutally troll EVERY Premiership rival with video including Celtic captain crying & Rangers TV's 'corrupt' clip 'It definitely makes things easier as a player when the manager has a clear, definite way of playing. Advertisement 'Players want simplicity in terms of their role. The style can be complex but as long as the players can understand it then it makes it easier. 'The players who will find it most challenging are defenders because he'll ask them to do things and be in positions that can be uncomfortable. 'There will be a higher risk because if you're not in the right position it can be really costly. But every other player will be rubbing their hands because it's so enjoyable. 'It's the way you wanted to play football growing up. 'He's worked on it for five years and has been successful — at every club he's made them a better team and also improved players. Advertisement 'The proof is the sale of players he has worked with. They've moved on for a profit compared to when he brought them in.' Steven Naismith was talking courtesy of William Hill and the Warm-Up, SPFL Title Sponsor. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Cyriel Dessers to AEK Athens latest as Rangers star AGREES terms and ex-Gers ace tips Lawrence Shankland as replacement
A deadline has been set for progress on the transfer with pre-season about to begin DESSTINEY Cyriel Dessers to AEK Athens latest as Rangers star AGREES terms and ex-Gers ace tips Lawrence Shankland as replacement Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AEK ATHENS are pushing hard to tie up a deal for Cyriel Dessers within the next 48 hours. And former Rangers star Steven Naismith reckons Lawrence Shankland would be a 'safe bet' to replace the striker's goals at Ibrox. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 4 Rangers and AEK Athens are still yet to agree a fee for Cyriel Dessers Credit: PA 4 The Nigerian striker has agreed terms on a contract with the Greek side Credit: Getty 4 Former Gers ace and Hearts boss Steven Naismith has backed Lawrence Shankland to replace Dessers Credit: SNS Dessers, 30, has agreed terms on a three-year contract, but AEK have yet to settle on a fee with Gers. The Greek side are offering around £4million, but the new Ibrox owners want closer to £5m for the Nigeria star. AEK head to the Netherlands for a pre-season camp tomorrow and new boss Marko Nicolic wants Dessers to join them there this week. Club chiefs will look to thrash out a deal with their Gers counterparts in the next few days — with new boss Russell Martin already looking for replacements. And Naismith believes Rangers should make a last-minute play for hitman Shankland. The Scotland striker is a free agent after stalling on signing a new deal at Hearts — with West Brom and also Saudi clubs interested. Naisy bossed Shanks, 29, at the Jambos when he netted 31 times in the 2023/24 season and is shocked Rangers haven't moved for him so far. He said: 'In one respect I'm surprised. He's as safe a bet as you're going to get for scoring goals in Scotland. 'What goes against him is probably his mobility but he's just a really intelligent player now. 'He's a good link between midfield and attack as well as a goal scorer. The other dynamics, which would come into any thought of signing him, is his age. Kris Boyd explains why Celtic striker Adam Idah and Rangers' Cyriel Dessers are similar players 'He's somebody who's probably seen as being in and around his prime. Is he going to be your main striker? Is he not? 'I saw it with Kris Boyd at Rangers who was probably similar in terms of goal return. 'Walter Smith never played him in Europe and never played him in Old Firms. 'But Walter was a manager with loads of experience and know-how to handle him. 'I'm not saying Shanks is like-for-like but they're the kind of challenges you have to think about. 'In one respect it would be a free transfer but that means it's still expensive to sign players who are scoring 30 goals a season on a free. 'But I'm sure Shanks will definitely have some offers because for two seasons he's just been unbelievable.' New boss Martin will implement his possession-based style at Gers. 4 Asked if Shankland could fit in with that, Naismith said: 'I think he could. From the moment I played with Shanks at Scotland to when I was coaching him, it was about his intelligence. 'That's in terms of where he picks positions up and he's got a real finesse about his touch. 'Then he's got calmness in the final third.' SunSport revealed Martin is on the brink of agreeing a loan deal for Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons. Naismith remembers Aarons as a kid when he was playing for Norwich and reckons he can challenge skipper James Tavernier. He said: 'He's got good experience and he's played at a really good level against top players. 'He's a modern-day full back. He's not the tallest but is very comfortable on the ball, quick and dynamic going forwards and defensively. 'The biggest thing I remember about Max is his attitude was spot on.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
