Scottish Premiership

RANGERS will start the new season AWAY from Ibrox.Work on the Copland Road Stand has been hit by a shipping delay.John Bennett has had to find a solutionCredit: Willie VassThe Ibrox work has encountered a hitchBT Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby, could host RangersIt has left angry Gers chiefs scrambling for alternatives – with their home potentially out of action for the entire month of August.That means as many as FIVE games could be moved – sparking immediate fury among fans.SunSport understands Murrayfield is high on the list of venue options, with SRU sources confirming talks are underway over a temporary switch to the home of Scottish rugby.A Gers statement said: “Rangers has recently been advised of a delay in a materials shipment from Asia which is likely to have an impact on the programme for the completion of the Copland Stand works. “It is therefore expected, unfortunately, that there will be an impact on matches at Ibrox at the beginning of the 2024/25 competitive season. “The club has engaged with the SPFL and UEFA in order to review planned contingency arrangements.”Rangers are installing a new disabled section in the Copland Road.Despite being given repeated assurances the job would be delivered on time, chairman John Bennett is now left to face the music.Most read in FootballOutgoing chief executive James Bisgrove has timed his departure nicely, while SunSport understands the project manager has already been fired.Rangers would have to fork out for the hire of Murrayfield, but bosses hope that is offset by the additional seating capacity on offer in Edinburgh.Rangers statue tribute to Walter Smith unveiled at Ibrox by legendary manager’s family just hours before Scottish Cup final vs CelticWith works on-going at Hampden, the home of Scottish football isn’t a viable option.A Queen’s Park statement confirmed: “Following the three concerts scheduled for the National Stadium this summer, the Hampden playing surface will be renovated and be available for use by Queen’s Park following Scotland Men’s UEFA Nations League match against Poland on September 5th.”It’s understood Gers boss Philippe Clement has been fully briefed on the saga.The Rangers statement added:  “Naturally, everyone at Rangers is deeply disappointed with this news. “The club is working intensively to ensure that all steps are taken to deliver the project at the earliest possible date and a further progress update will be issued to supporters in due course.”Gers, of course, are heading to Murrayfield next month to take on Manchester United in a glamour friendly clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith the new season just around the corner, Ibrox could anticipate to host to two Premiership matches, two Champions League qualifier and a potential home tie in the Viaplay CupFans face chaos
By Roger Hannah
THE big losers in the Ibrox shut-out will, of course, be Rangers supporters.
They must now shoulder the extra hassle – and additional cost – of travelling to another ‘home’ ground at the start of the new season.
Fans of rivals Celtic encountered real issues when they headed to Murrayfield for Champions League qualifiers.
They endured the twin blow of train delays and traffic jams – simply due to the massively increased volume of vehicles heading along the M8.
It remains unclear – but looks highly likely – that Murrayfield will be the ONLY alternative available to Gers.
Hampden is out of bounds due to concerts and stadium works – and Celtic Park is out of the question for obvious reasons.
But however this shakes down, it’s certain Gers supporters will be unhappy at moving away from Ibrox for ‘home’ games.
This summer’s work is just the first phase of redevelopment at Ibrox and they won’t know for sure when they’ll get inside the ground.
From a sporting perspective, it’s also a massive blow for Philippe Clement to play games – perhaps even in three competitions – away from Ibrox.
Crucial Champions League qualifiers are on the calendar for the start of the campaign and Gers always regarded the Ibrox atmosphere as a major factor in their favour.

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PHILIPPE CLEMENT has a big task on his hands to strengthen his Rangers team this summer and cut the gap to Celtic.But departures are likely too, and one star has gone to extra lengths to try to seal a move away from Ibrox.Philippe Clement faces a summer rebuild to try and improve his Rangers squadCredit: PAJack Butland has been a key player since signing last summer and will attract interest from the Premier League this windowCredit: Kenny RamsayRobby McCrorie couldn’t get past Butland into the lineup and is looking to leave for first-team footballCredit: Willie VassRobby McCrorie is a man on the periphery of the team at Rangers, serving as back-up to Jack Butland and only playing one match in the whole season.And according to Rangers Review, the goalkeeper grew restless with lack of gametime and submitted a transfer request in the January window.It is understood that Philippe Clement and the Rangers board didn’t sanction a transfer as McCrorie was still needed as a back-up.Now, with Liam Kelly set to come in and challenge Butland for the gloves, Clement could allow McCrorie his move and try to recoup some cash to spend on more new incomings.In terms of a destination, it’s believed that there is interest in the 26-year-old from down south, as well as links closer to home to Aberdeen, Hibs, Kilmarnock and Motherwell.Motherwell could be seen as a smart move, with Kelly heading the other way and the No1 shirt likely available.McCrorie is understood to be willing to take a pay cut for his move, and is more driven by the prospect of gametime than by a big contract.Clement has insisted he doesn’t want to sell Butland, but the same article claims interest in the region of eight figures could tempt the Ibrox hierarchy into talks over his future.Most read in FootballClement has previously said: “You can only sell players if you are sure you can get better for a lower price.”You can then use the extra money that you have for different positions, that can maybe be a decision.Rangers reveal the FIVE stars who are leaving Ibrox as Philippe Clement says goodbye to group with over 700 appearances”But there are also a few players I don’t want to let go for any price, like Jack Butland.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

RANGERS have confirmed the FIVE players who are all on their way out of Ibrox this summer. It sees the Light Blues say goodbye to a group of stars who have notched up 747 first team appearances for the club between them. Philippe Clement has a huge rebuild on his hands this summerCredit: GettyJohn Lundstram and Borna Barisic will both leave the clubCredit: Willie VassKemar Roofe will also departCredit: PAUnsurprisingly, John Lundstram and Borna Barisic are two of the players who have departed after running down their contracts in Govan. But they could still reunite with one another next season as they’ve both been heavily linked with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor in recent months. Elsewhere, Kemar Roofe – who made 102 appearances for the Gers – will also leave the club following the announcement this morning. The Jamaica international, 31, spent four injury-ridden years at Ibrox but has finally called it a day in Glasgow, with his last outing in a Gers shirt coming in a short cameo against Dundee earlier this month. They will be joined by Scotland stars Ryan Jack and Jon McLaughlin who will both also move on with their careers this summer. Jack, 32, spent seven years in Govan following his move from Aberdeen in 2017. The midfielder played a key role in the Gers first team for several years but only made five starts this season after struggling with his fitness for the most part of the campaign. His lack of recent appearances didn’t prevent him from earning a stunning Scotland recall from Steve Clarke though as he was a surprise inclusion in the manager’s provisional squad for Euro 2024. Most read in FootballJack has been training with his Tartan Army pals ahead of the friendly double header against Gibraltar and Finland next week, but he won’t be back with his Gers team-mates at Auchenhowie next season. Rangers released a statement confirming the exits and thanked the five players for their services. Rangers hero Nacho Novo announces boxing career change and exact date of first fight in the Hydro It read: “With a combined 23 seasons at the club, all five players have represented Rangers with commitment and dedication over a number of years.”They were all part of the squad that guided Rangers to the UEFA Europa League final in Seville, with Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe lifting the league title with the club in 2020/21.”All five leave as Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup winners with Rangers in recent years.”Everyone at Ibrox and Rangers’ Training Centre thank the departing players for their time at the club and wish them all the very best for their future careers.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

NINTH tier outfit Glasgow United offered shamed former Scotland international star David Goodwillie a chance to play football 12 months ago.That was in the middle of a storm which saw fans and backers of Raith Rovers revolt against their side’s decision to snap him up in his high-profile move to the Kirkcaldy club in January 2022David Goodwillie has been prolific in the colours of Glasgow UnitedCredit: SNSDavid Goodwillie played for ScotlandCredit: PA:Empics SportHis contract was eventually ripped up with Goodwillie having never appeared for the club – with a loan return to his former club Clyde was also scrapped after another backlash.Goodwillie was ruled in a 2017 civil case to have raped Denise Clair, 36 – six years after the Crown Office said there was insufficient evidence to put him on trial.He was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages by a judge over the incident in West Lothian six years previously, The ex-Scotland international was told his alleged victim’s lawyers have asked prosecutors to re-examine the case, with Goodwillie welcoming the fresh bid for him to be put on trial for rape.But as for his football, the club which sits mid-table in the West of Scotland Football League third tier are more than happy with a debut season which saw the prolific striker net no fewer than FORTY SIX goals. And they’ve agreed a deal which will see him continue at the club next season.They wrote on X/Twitter: “The club are pleased to announce after scoring an impressive 46 goals in his debut season at the club, David Goodwillie will continue to wear the colours of Glasgow Utd next season.”Glasgow United play at Greenfield Park, despite council chiefs warning that they were ready to punt the team from its hub in the Shettleston area, after they said the rapist footballer “deserves a chance”.Most read in FootballGlasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken previously she was ready to sever ties if a the team continues to pursue the former Scotland cap.She told The Scottish Sun:  “David Goodwillie has been found, in court, to be a rapist.“However, in more than 12 years, he has never once shown any kind of contrition or remorse.“Any club that signs him is making a very clear statement about its attitude to the safety of women and girls – both in sport and in its community.“It would be an outrageous decision, wholly at odds with how community facilities like Greenfield should be run.“I’ve asked officers to look at the council’s agreement with Glasgow United and made it clear that I’m ready for the city to walk away.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More