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    Alan Hansen looks in good spirits as Match of the Day legend, 69, makes rare visit to former club after health scare

    ALAN HANSEN looked in good spirits as he made a rare visit to one of his former clubs on Saturday.The Match of the Day legend was joined by his older brother John as they watched Partick Thistle take on Airdrieonians.Alan Hansen visited his former club Partick Thistle along with older brother JohnCredit: Tommy Taylor/PTFCThe legendary Match of the Day pundit was presented to fans on the pitch before kick-offCredit: The SunHansen beamed as he was presented with a personalised shirt by his old team at Firhill Stadium.The 69-year-old was in attendance after a health scare in the summer.He was taken seriously ill and hospitalised in June before being allowed to complete his recovery at home.As well as receiving a shirt on Saturday, Hansen also appeared on the pitch, where he was asked how it felt to be back at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former defender explained: “It feels sensational. It’s great to be here, as I haven’t been here in a long, long time.”I’ve got so many happy memories, in particular with that team in ’76, that team was fantastic.”As soon as you went into the dressing room here, you just laughed and laughed. Thank you very much for having me here.”Hansen spent four years with Partick Thistle before joining Liverpool in 1977.Most read in FootballHansen spent four years with Thistle before joining Liverpool in 1977Credit: PAMeanwhile, his older brother John spent his entire playing career with the Jags.The pair were treated to a win on Saturday as the Scottish Championship side won 2-1 to remain in the top half.Liverpool legend Alan Hansen takes acclaim of fans after recent illness on rare visit to former clubHansen’s return comes after he was also seen in good spirits earlier this month.He was pictured chatting to former Everton winger Alan Irvine whilst popping to the shops.As well as his spell at Thistle, Hansen also spent 14 years with Liverpool through to his retirement in 1991.During his time at Anfield, he won 24 trophies, including three European Cups and eight league titles.Hansen also won 26 caps for Scotland and played at the 1982 World CupCredit: Getty More

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    Former Scottish Cup winners set for 15-point deduction with Premier League legend managing club for free

    A FORMER Scottish Cup-winning club is set for a 15-point deduction. Now languishing in League One, the club will receive the deduction after entering into administration.The club’s picturesque stadium could soon be left without a team to play in itEverton legend Duncan Ferguson has so far remained in chargeCredit: Ken MacPherson – Commissioned by The Sun GlasgowTalks with potential investors DA Capital, but talks ended “amicably” but without a breakthrough.It has been confirmed that administrators will be appointed early next week.However, Inverness Caledonian Thistle have claimed that there is a “plan in place” in order to continue trading.A statement read: “The Directors have signed a Notice of Intention to appoint Administrators to be filed at the Court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“We envisage that the proposed Administrators will be appointed on Monday or Tuesday.“A plan is in place to allow the club to continue to trade whilst efforts to secure a long-term future are explored.”The club won the Scottish Cup in 2015 and was in the Europa League as recently that the following season.The team was placed into the second qualifying round but could not get past Romanian side FC Astra Giurgiu, who would later beat West Ham two years running.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInverness is currently managed by Premier League legend Duncan Ferguson.The former Everton star was named the manager back in September 2023.Watch astonishing moment non-league clash is delayed by bizarre injury – caused by a WATER BOTTLEHe landed the role after he left Forest Green Rovers, where he won one of his 18 games in charge.This season has not got off to a promising start as the club currently sits 9th out of ten on just nine points.Inverness’ only win of the season came back in August as they beat Queen of the South 1-0.But Ferguson, who is currently working for free, has vowed to stay on and lead the Jags through the tough times.Inverness Caledonian Thistle are set for a 15-point deductionHe said: “I enjoy my job, believe it or not. I enjoy being with the players, and that’s why I’m here.“I’m fighting for them. I brought a lot of the players to the club. They will be an asset down the line, they’ll make money for the club.“They wouldn’t be at the club if it wasn’t for me, they came for me, so there’s no way that I’m going to leave them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTwo weeks earlier, Ferguson said of forfeiting his salary: “I felt it would be appropriate for myself to offer my wage into that pot [Inverness had hoped to raise £200,000 to avoid administration].”Obviously I can’t go without a wage forever because I have got to put food on the table, but at the moment needs must.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson reveals he’s working for FREE at Inverness and says ‘I’ll try to put food on the table’

    DUNCAN FERGUSON is to work for free at crisis club Caley Thistle after volunteering to give up his wage to help save the club.The Everton legend made the remarkable gesture just over a month after accepting a 40 per cent salary cut.Duncan Ferguson is working for free at InvernessCredit: Kenny RamsayHis remaining £1200-a-week wages, originally £3000-a-week when he was lured north, will go towards the £200,000 Caley Jags say they must raise this month to stave off the immediate threat of administration.Ferguson was talking while the Inverness board was meeting upstairs to discuss the scale of the latest financial threat to the 2015 Scottish Cup winners and former Premiership outfit’s future.The 52-year-old former Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle striker, appointed late last September, said: “I’ve given up my wage to try and help the club. I’m now working for nothing.“That’s by the by, it’s my own decision to try and help the club get through all this.“The players are worried, yes. They have contracts to fall upon, but it is the people around about the stadium, the staff, everyone’s jobs are on the line.“I think you know since I’ve been here I’ve taken cuts and reductions.“Now, when I realised the position the club is in, in needing to raise £200,000 this month, I decided I don’t need to get paid my wage.“I’ll work for nothing just now to try and help them through this. The plight of the staff was in my mind. It always is.Most read in FootballCeltic legend Scott Brown as you’ve never seen him before as he opens up on his management career, Rodgers, Lennon.. and Walter Smith“I like to think I’m a caring person and I like to look after my staff and people around about me.“At the moment, I’ll get through as best I can and try to keep putting petrol in my car and food on the table.”Ferguson was offered £3k a week by past CEO Scot Gardiner after the sacking of predecessor Billy Dodds.He revealed just over a month ago that the wage was quickly reduced to £2k a week, before taking another 40 per cent cut in late August.Caley Thistle highlighted the renewed threat of administration in a letter to shareholders made public on Wednesday.Ferguson added: “It was a decision I took last night when we got the message coming through about the £200,000 the club needed.“I felt it would be appropriate for myself to offer my wage into that pot. They can look for a bit less than £200,000 now.“That will continue. I’ll give my wage to try and help the club.“Hopefully that helps.“I’m not going to ask anyone else to do what I’ve done. It is each to their own.“I’ve done my bit and I’ll continue to do my bit for the football club. Everyone who knows me knows that.“I’ll do it as long as is needed before the people at the club come up with some money to save the club.“Obviously, I can’t go without a wage forever and ever, because I need to put food on the table myself.“But at the moment it is needs must – I’m making sacrifices.“I think the club were happy with the decision, but I just think it is the right thing to do. It’s a personal choice.“It’s not an easy time for the club and I’ve made the decision.“Everyone knows I’ve enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the city.“I keep telling people that. I like Inverness and rarely go back down the road, down south.“It is a great club, a great fan-base and they’ve always been good to me, but I care about my players and the staff around about me.“I’ll always fight for them and that’s why I do this.”New Inverness chairman Alan SavageCredit: KEN MACPHERSONCaley Thistle have struggled to hit the back of the net this season, netting just six goals in eight league games.Six draws and a solitary win in that sequence has cast doubt on their initial status as title favourites, but Ferguson remains confident a challenge can be mounted.Administration would see the club docked 15 points, and that is also in his mind as he strives to turn draws into wins.The arrival of Charlie Reilly on loan from Dundee has added to his confidence that can be done.Ferguson said: “Charlie, we believe, can be a great signing. He is very direct and can score goals.“We have good players here and we’ll keep working hard to get those victoriers that will lift the whole place.“Am I a fighter? I think my past record proves that – on and off the field!“I’ll soldier on and keep doing it for the club.“We’ve just got to get results, haven’t we? We have a very young squad and with the financial implications you’re concerned for the staff.“I’m just going to go on, keep fighting and try to support the staff and players, everyone at the club.“If administration comes, every point counts.“We need to get more points on the board and should have more.“If it does go into administration, hopefully we can survive (in League One) as we have good players through there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Players at Scottish Championship side WALK OUT on eve of season after players fail to receive wages

    STARS at Scottish Championship side Hamilton Accies have staged a walkout over a major pay dispute just hours from the kick-off of the new season.Players and coaches at the Lanarkshire side refused to train on Wednesday after some didn’t receive their July wages. John Rankin, Hamilton AcciesCredit: Willie VassA general view of the pitch and standsCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport understands that players’ union PFA Scotland has been contacted by several anxious stars about the situation.Players are believed to be meeting with lawyers this afternoon with crisis talks also scheduled with the union.The players are scheduled to return to training tomorrow – although whether that goes ahead or not remains unclear, with a number of players still believed to be against a return until all obligations are met.Pension payments are also believed to have been affected.The Accies are due to host Ayr United in their Championship opener this Saturday. SunSport understands the Lanarkshire side are hopeful of getting all the outstanding issues cleared up as soon as possible.The newly promoted outfit have been actively bringing in players this summer – although they did lose the likes of Lewis Smith to Livingston.But they could be in breach of SPFL rules, with Edinburgh City docked six points earlier this year for failing to pay their players. Most read in FootballThere has been a major overhaul in ownership at Hamilton in the last 12 months with Seref Zengin coming on board as owner and chairman.Hamilton said they had apologised to all players and staff affected and blamed an ongoing issue with their bank and their internet banking platform. Robert Grieve and Bill Leckie assess John Bennett’s response to the Rangers stadium chaos and make their big title callsThey wrote: “In light of tabloid reports this morning, the Club can formally confirm that there is a live and ongoing issue, which is in the process of being resolved.”Due to the very specific nature of this issue with our nominated bank the club proactively contacted all players & coaching staff in advance of training this morning, in an attempt to identify who had and who had not received their scheduled pay from yesterday’s payroll run.Any players, coaches or staff who confirmed that they have been affected, have also been advised and reassured of payment facilities being made available to them imminently by the club whilst we seek to resolve the matter with our Bank and their Internet Banking platform respectively.”For the avoidance of doubt, the Club have expressed our sincerest of apologies to all staff members affected as well as given them the reassurance that the new measures being implemented will prevent a reoccurrence of such an issue arising again in the future.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Angry football manager told he couldn’t bring on striker during Scottish cup clash as bonkers technical error revealed

    PARTICK THISTLE manager Kris Doolan fumed at his side being blocked from making a substitution against Motherwell on Sunday.Thistle played out a goalless draw against Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup, meaning they finished behind the Fir Park men in the group stages and were dumped from the competition. Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan was left frustrated after his side were unable to make a substitutionCredit: Premier SportsThistle manager Doolan thinks his side could have got the job done if they had been able to bring on striker – something which they were blocked from doing after an unbelievable technical error.Doolan had hoped to sub on 19-year-old forward Ricco Diack, but was bizarrely told he couldn’t do it because of an incorrectly cropped screenshot.Officials informed Doolan that Diack couldn’t enter the pitch as he wasn’t listed on the Partick Thistle team sheet.Only to discover that the teams were screenshotted from an app by the officiating team and Diack’s name had been cut off at the bottom of the screen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDoolan ranted about the unbelievable mistake in his post-match interview with Premier Sports.He said: “We showed that we’re capable at this level of performing and performing well, but on the other side I’m a bit angry.”The fact that I went to put a striker on and I was told I couldn’t because he wasn’t on the team lines.”Only for it to turn out that he was actually on the team lines and it was an error.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe explained: “We’re obviously putting a striker on to try and win the game.”We were then told that we couldn’t list him on the teamsheet so we couldn’t put him on. Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real Madrid”We thought that was our error, but after the game we found out that he was on the teamsheet from our side.”It’s all done online now, it’s all done via an app, and unfortunately eight names out of the nine [substitutes] were screenshot and the ninth one was cut off.”So the referees didn’t actually know that Ricco was on the team lines.”Adding: “We’re looking to try and win the game, it’s worth a lot of money to the club and it’s a good chance for us to go through and get that money.”Unfortunately an error on the part of, a common system, has thrown that out of the park for us.”Doolan also revealed that he feels he “has to” speak to the SPFL about the decision, describing it as “really disappointing”.Who are these famous footballers?Fans couldn’t believe the shocking gaffe either and took to social media to react, with some calling for the match to be replayed.One wrote: “Absolute shambles this is btw. Could’ve/would’ve been the difference between going through or not. Shambles is an understatement.”While another added: “Surely this game should be replayed??”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third joked: “A definite disadvantage to Thistle due to incompetence outside of our control, some form of apology should be on its way along with a way to rectify this error.”And a fourth posted: “The whole system is a joke.” More

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    Dundee chief blames CLIMATE CHANGE for latest Rangers postponement

    DUNDEE club secretary Eric Drysdale has pinned the blame on the Dens Park’s five postponements this season on climate change. There’s barely disguised fury around Scottish football after the Dens men’s fifth call off of the campaign plunged the end of the Premiership season into chaos. Eric Drysdale has revealed that rainfall in the area is massively upDens Park was ultimately deemed unplayableA third attempt at getting the match played will now take place on Wednesday April 17.But Hibs aren’t happy on ‘sporting integrity’ grounds as that’s after they and the rest of their top six rivals will have finished their pre-split fixtures. And Rangers aren’t happy either as it means they will have to go through the whole rigmarole again a week later, just days before they’re in Scottish Cup semi-final action. The SPFL have said that the Dens Park side are subject to an ongoing investigation but there’s been radio silence on that in the last few weeks.It’s all a mess – and while Dundee club secretary Eric Drysdale admits ‘urgent’ work on the pitch is needed, he also said the club had done all they could.He blamed it on a 35% increase in rainfall in the area as compared to the 10-year average – even though many pitches, including nearby Tannadice Park, are playable. He told SkySports: “I can understand people are annoyed at this and are looking at it as Dundee’s fault. “What I would say is that from the research we have done in the last few days this year’s rainfall is 35 per cent higher than the 10 year average – that shows the effects of climate change on it and it shows the work we have to do urgently on the Dens Park pitch.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile match referee Don Robertson admitted there was no chance of the match being played. The surface passed an 11am inspection but further heavy rainfall meant it failed a 3.30pm inspection and was never likely to proceed. Dens Park pitch revealed as Don Robertson prepares to conduct second pitch inspection at the ScotFoam stadiumHe said: “A second inspection was carried out with the agreement of the clubs and the league.“I had done an initial inspection at 11am and the pitch as playable at that point.“But obviously everyone is aware of the issues that Dundee have had with their pitch.“It’s not in great condition, but it was playable.“Everyone was aware of the forecast for heavy rain in the area in the afternoon and that’s why we agreed on a pitch inspection at 3.30pm, to see how the pitch looked once that rain came.“Once I arrived I have conducted the inspection and the pitch had deteriorated quite a lot in that time.“There was an area of concern in front of the bottom penalty area, which was wet this morning but playable.“They put the covers on but in the four hours since that first inspection there has been heavy rain and that area of the pitch has become sodden, waterlogged and therefore unsafe for the players.“And unfortunately the match has been postponed.“No-one would say the pitch was in great condition in the morning but it was playable and safe for the players to play.“The ball was bouncing and travelling through those areas.“But when I did the second inspection that wasn’t the case. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is quite a significant area of the pitch – it’s not just a small corner – and once I determined that it was unsafe for the players – which is my concern here – then the match was postponed.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Scottish minnows Stenhousemuir congratulated for winning first ever league title by TV legend and secret HUGE fan

    TV legend Sir Michael Palin has congratulated his favourite Scottish team Stenhousemuir on winning its first ever league title this afternoon.The Monty Python star, 80, has followed the club for many years and once watched the club face Elgin City at Ochilview in 2005 during a break from filming.Secret fan and TV legend Sir Michael Palin sent Stenhousemuir a congratulatory messageCredit: SPFLStenhousemuir clinched the cinch League 2 title on SaturdayCredit: SNSAnd the broadcaster and writer has sent a video message congratulating the club on their first title win – via the SPFL – after the club clinched the cinch League 2 trophy after a 0-0 draw with East Fife today.Sir Michael said: “Hello – it’s Michael Palin here. I’ve always had a soft spot for Stenhousemuir and in fact at one time I went up to the ground thinking I might make a little film about the club.“I follow the results and I’m extremely pleased to see you’re top of League 2 and headed for glory.“Thanks to everybody at the club. Have a great season next season, from Michael Palin – a Stenhousemuir fan in London.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGary Naysmith’s men have enjoyed an impressive season in cinch League 2, winning the league with four games to spare.The club previously went on a memorable 12-game winning run in the league earlier this season.Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “We wanted to do something a bit special to mark Stenhousemuir winning their first ever league title, so we got in touch with Sir Michael given his long connection to the club. He was delighted to pass on his good wishes to everyone at the club.“I’d also like to congratulate everyone at Stenhousemuir on winning cinch League 2.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I’m sure it was a special day for all at the club, and one that the supporters will remember for a very long time.”Stenny headed into Saturday’s match needing to win or match Peterhead’s result to secure the title.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersTheir goalless draw proved to be enough to add the title to their 140th anniversary celebrations this season as Peterhead could only draw 2-2 at Bonnyrigg Rose.The Blue Toon must now rely on the play-offs to secure an immediate return to cinch League 1 alongside Stenhousemuir. More

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    I’m a Premier League cult hero whose career spanned ten clubs but now I’m trying to make my fortune in crypto

    RYAN BABEL thrilled and frustrated fans in equal measure in a maverick football career that took in TEN clubs and a World Cup finalNow the former Liverpool, Fulham and Ajax winger is trying to make it big again…in cryptocurrency.Ryan Babel’s playing career took many twists and turns – now he’s touting himself as a crypto expertCredit: GettyBabel has launched an Instragram account offering advice and information about investing in the controversial world of crypto finance.The Dutchman, 37, has time on his hands after leaving his final club, Turkish second-tier outfit Eyupspor, last year.And Babel claims that the expensive watch on his wrist was paid for through crypto investments.In a video on his main instagram account, @ryanbabel, the ex-Holland international is shown smoking a cigar and collecting the expensive timepiece from a London jeweller.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBabel commented on the post, “Crypto bought me this watch”, and gave a link to @rbthecrypto.There, followers can find a range of posts and videos, with the man himself giving his tips and insights..In a recent item, Babel warns: “2024 won’t be as straightforward as most of you crypto geniuses think.”But so far his words of wisdom on the financial world have attracted just over 2,000 followers – compared to the 2.1m who follow his original Instagram.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLBabel knows as well as anyone that sometimes you are up, and sometimes you are down.After making his Ajax debut at the age of just 17, he joined Liverpool in 2007 for £11.5m as one of the hottest young talents in world football.Ryan Babel mocks injured Getafe tight back Allan Nyom with fake limp and cry in Ajax’s Europa League lossBabel earned cult status with Reds fans, both on and off the field.After scoring in the quarter final and semi final of the 2007/8 Champions League, arguably his greatest moment in a Liverpool shirt came when he grabbed the winner in a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Anfield in September 2008.The mercurial winger had his ups and downs with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and never consistently lived up to his potential. He went to the 2010 World Cup with Holland, but did not play a single minute in the tournament in South Africa, where the Oranje lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.But Babel delighted Liverpool fans again in January 2011 when he photoshopped the head of referee Howard Webb – now the PGMOL chief – on to a United shirt in a Twitter post after the Reds had lost 1-0 to their rivals in the FA Cup.The FA fined him £10,000 and before the end of the month he left Anfield to join German side TSG Hoffenheim.Over the following decade, Babel played for a further seven clubs as well as returning twice to Ajax, where he won a second Dutch title in 2014.As well as short stays in the United Arab Emirates and La Liga, he enjoyed four separate spells in Turkey, winning a top-flight crown with Besiktas in 2017.That was the year Babel returned to the Dutch squad after an absence of six years and he eventually racked up 69 caps and 10 goals.The winger pitched up at Fulham on a short-term deal in January 2019 but could not stop the Cottagers from making an immediate return to the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter three years at Galatasaray, which included a spell on loan back at Ajax, he spent the final year of his career to date at Eyupspor, a club based in Istanbul.Now his Instagram account describes him as an “entrepreneur”. But critics have a lot less kind ways of describing some of those involved in cryptocurrency.Once a Red, always a Red – Babel sported Liverpool-coloured hair during his Fulham spellCredit: Reuters More