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      Sir Alex Ferguson turns up at Champions League clash despite supporting hosts’ fierce rivals

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted at Celtic Park on a Champions League night despite being a boyhood fan of Rangers.The legendary manager was snapped in the seats as Celtic pulled off a stunning victory over RB Leipzig.Sir Alex Ferguson was at Celtic Park to watch Celtic beat RB LeipzigCredit: Kenny RamsayCeltic pulled off a brilliant victory against their German rivalsCredit: GettyFerguson, 82, looked smiley as Brendan Rodger’s side pulled off a 3-1 victory over their German foes.The former Manchester United manager was a boyhood fan of Celtic’s fierce rivals, Rangers.He was even made the most expensive player in Scotland when the club signed him back in 1967.However, his time at the club was marred by sectarianism.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen asked if he had married his wife Cathy in a catholic church by a Rangers director, he said that it was a registry office instead.Ferguson has admitted that he is still annoyed about the moment and should have told the director to “bugger off”.While he is still fond of the Rangers, he only supports the club when they play against the Celtics.He told the Belfast Telegraph: “The only time I really support Rangers is when they play Celtic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The big one. Jason [Ferguson’s son] is a Celtic fan. I love phoning him up when Rangers have beaten them.”Christoph Baumgartner had given Leipzig the lead at Celtic Park before the hosts fought back.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn fired a brace in for Celtic before Reo Hatate netted the killer blow in the 72nd minute.Manager Rogders’ hailed the result as a “great night for the club”.He said:”The result, the performance, the energy in the stadium.”The supporters will go away feeling really good about their team.”But we played our way in to the game, showed a maturity to get the ball working again and then we get the goal.”Over the course of the game I thought we were really dominant, both in our pressing of the game and our hunger for the second goal.”We got that and then I thought in the second half we managed the game really well.”Meanwhile, Fergsuon has kept himself busy in retirement and has been attending plenty of football matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust last week he was spotted sitting next to former England cricketer Michael Vaughan during Man United’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City.And on the weekend he was seen leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe in hysterics at Old Trafford for the Premier League draw versus Chelsea.Sir Jim Ratcliffe encountered Ferguson at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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      Rangers star Ianis Hagi ‘attracts keen transfer interest’ from European club with major links to English giants

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      IANIS HAGI has only just returned to the Rangers first team.But he’s already being eyed for a January transfer, according to a report.Ianis Hagi is back in the mix at IbroxCredit: Willie VassHis return to the Gers first team ended with a sending-offCredit: PAHagi’s Rangers career looked over.Having spent last season on loan in Spain with Alaves, he returned to the Gers this summer.However, he was sent to train with the B team and his exit only seemed a matter of time.But the summer transfer window came and went and the 26-year old remained on the books at Ibrox.That was despite Gers boss Philippe Clement hinting there was no way back for him at the club.It emerged a clause in Hagi’s contract that would’ve led to Rangers paying more money was at the centre of the situation.Then, at the start of this month came the out of the blue revelation that Hagi was back training with the first team.The club struck an agreement with the Romania international and he was brought back into the top team’s fold.Most read in FootballJust five days after he return to training on October 1, he made a rather dramatic return to the Rangers side.He came on as a half time substitute during the Scottish Premiership clash with St Johnstone. Philippe Clement breaks silence on Ianis Hagi’s return to Rangers first-team training as he opens up on star’s future Hagi made an instant impact, assisting Vaclav Cerny’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win for Rangers.His big return ended on a sour note, however, as he was sent off for ugly challenge on Saints’ Benji Kimpioka.As a result, he hasn’t been available for selection since but could return to the squad for tonight’s clash with Aberdeen.But despite his return to the Rangers fold, the transfer talk hasn’t gone away.In fact, a new club has emerged as a potential suitor for Hagi.French outlet Only Mercato are reporting that Strasbourg are ‘showing a keen interest’ in signing him in January.The report claims Strasbourg chiefs are pondering a loan move for the midfielder.The club are currently sitting 9th in Ligue 1 but are just four points off the Champions League places.Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same company that owns Chelsea and is run by Todd Boehly.They’re managed by former Hull boss Liom Rosenior and have a number of players on loan from their London counterparts.Last season’s first choice Chelsea goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, is currently with Strasbourg.Before his future was resolved, Hagi spoke of his ‘love’ for Rangers as he vowed to return to the first team.He said: It’s all down to me, I know what I’ve been through for the last six weeks.”I did the training with the second team, I did the physical training. The Romania coach knows how much I pushed myself to be present here. This is my passion.”I’m going back to Rangers. I have one year left on my contract there.”I gave two public messages, everyone knows them. I love the club, I’m ready to fight for the fans, for what that huge club means in Europe.”I’m there, I’m back, I’m fighting for the coach, for the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know who I am as a person, as a footballer. Tomorrow, I go back to Glasgow and start all over again. I fight.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Millionaire rapper Snoop Dogg wants to invest in Celtic after seeing Wrexham success plus ‘their mascot is a hound’

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      SNOOP DOGG wants to invest in Scottish champions Celtic.The millionaire rapper has been inspired by the recent success of Wrexham under their Hollywood owners.Snoop Dogg wants to invest in Scottish champions CelticClub mascot Hoopy the Hound is a key factor in Snoop’s desire to invest in the BhoysCredit: GettyActors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Red Dragons in 2020 and have since transformed their fortunes.Following back-to-back promotions, Wrexham are back in League One this season for the first time in 19 years.Snoop is now ready to get into club ownership himself with his beloved Celtic.As well as Wrexham’s fortunes, he is also keen to get involved due to the Bhoys’ mascot Hoopy the Hound.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe hip-hop icon told the Daily Record: “I love what Ryan has done with Wrexham – it’s just a great story.”Investing in a sports team has been something I have been looking at for a long time – if the chance came to invest in Celtic, I would be crazy not to take a look at it.”I have watched so much soccer in Europe but I have never seen fans like the Celtic fans. There is something so special about them.”There is a reason why their fans are talked about across Europe – the best players and coaches in the world tell you there is nowhere like Celtic Park and I want to be a part of that.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Their mascot is a hound – you couldn’t make that up. Snoop Dogg becomes Hoopy the Hound – that’s gotta be a match made in heaven. The headlines write themselves.”Snoop has made no secret of his passion for the Hoops in the past, having been recognised as one of the club’s most famous fans.‘I’m not sure that was pragmatic enough for some’ says Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers as he responds to doubters after Atalanta draw As well as proclaiming they “are my boys”, he has been pictured in their famous green and white several times.However, he appeared to switch sides last September as Celtic began their Champions League campaign.The 53-year-old performed in a Feyenoord shirt at a concert in Rotterdam on the same night Celtic faced the Dutch side.Snoop will be hoping for more success for his team this Sunday, though, as Brendan Rodgers’ side visit Motherwell.A win would take the Hoops back to the top of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference ahead of Aberdeen.Wrexham’s success under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds has inspired SnoopCredit: Getty More

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      Manchester United hero Roy Keane tipped for shock return to management in Scottish football

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      ROY KEANE has been tipped for a stunning return to football management – in Scotland.The Manchester United legend has been working full-time as a pundit with Sky Sports and ITV since his last coaching role ended five years ago.Roy Keane has been focusing on his punditry duties for the past five yearsCredit: GettyHe was recently spotted at Cork City vs WrexhamCredit: SportsfileCould he be tempted to return to management in Scotland?Credit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionKeane, 53, was last in the dugout as assistant to Martin O’Neill at Nottingham Forest.He left that position in June 2019 and hasn’t been in management since.Prior to that, he had a five-year stint with the Republic of Ireland national team as a coach, assisting O’Neill.Keane also had a brief spell as Paul Lambert’s No2 at Aston Villa in 2014 but left to focus on his role with Ireland.He has had two front-line managerial roles himself, spending two-and-a-half-years in charge at Sunderland from between 2006 and 2008 and just under two years as boss of Ipswich from April 2009 to January 2011.Now, he’s being mentioned as a potential next manager of Hibs.The Edinburgh club appointed David Gray as the man to succeed Nick Montgomery on a permanent basis, after a period as interim manager.But the Hibees have struggled mightily this season and go into this Sunday’s Edinburgh derby rock bottom of the Premiership table.Most read in FootballSpeculation has mounted that Gray could be sacked after another bad result and according to Gambling.com, former Man Utd and Celtic midfielder Keane is the leading contender.Also priced up by odds-makers are St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson – though he is set to sign an extension with the club – and Scott Brown, the Celtic legend who is currently managing Ayr United.GO BALLISTIC Kris Boyd insists Rangers have got WORSE since Philippe Clement replaced Michael Beale as managerA spokesperson for Gambling.com said: “Roy Keane has made no secret of his desire to get back into management, having been out of the dugout since leaving Ipswich 13 years ago.”The former Celtic midfielder has also been linked with Hibernian in the past. In 2022, he was reportedly keen to replace Shaun Maloney at Easter Road.”Nothing came of the speculation, but Keane is currently the 7/4 favourite to be Hibernian’s next manager.”Hibs are at the foot of the Premiership table after eight league gamesCredit: Kenny RamsayKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Rangers on transfer alert as Ryan Kent FREED by Fenerbahce as Turkish giants rip up contract 16 months into 4-year deal

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      RANGERS are one of a number of top European sides on transfer alert tonight after former Ibrox hero Ryan Kent agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce. It’s a remarkable turn of events, just 16 months into the money-spinning four year deal which the Gers star agreed with the club in July 2023.Ryan Kent of Fenerbahce in action during a friendly match between Fenerbahce and Hajduk SplitCredit: GettyRyan Kent, RangersCredit: Willie VassAlmost from day one, his place with the Turkish giants has been a source of major intrigue. And he’s sure to have major interest in his future after Fenerbahce released the following statement: “The contract with Ryan Kent, one of the Professional Football A Team players, has been terminated by mutual agreement. “We present it to the public.”It looked certain Kent, who came through Liverpool’s academy, would leave Fenerbahce in January with several clubs credited with an interest.A shock deadline day move to Lazio looked set to happen before it collapsed in the final moments.It emerged that Jose Mourinho had been left unhappy with the 27-year old’s refusal to leave.It was claimed that the player had knocked back an offer from SCOTLAND among multiple offers to leave during the summer window.Offers from England and Saudi Arabia were also reportedly turned down by Kent.Most read in FootballBut agreeing a deal to leave the Turkish giants is set to leave an almighty scramble for the players’ services – with Leeds United just one team who are long-term admirers of the player.That’s despite the fact that as his registration was held by Fenerbahce beyond the closure of the window, he cannot actually play for another club until the next registration window opens in January.Hilarious moment jubilant steward celebrates Ryan Kent’s Rangers goal vs Celtic Kent has never worked under Philippe Clement but his stock remains high amongst the club’s fans, with the Ibrox side’s Belgian boss previously indicating that he was prepared to use the free transfer market. The Gers are light up front with Cyriel Dessers the only recognised senior striker at the club alongside emerging Moroccan star Hamza Igamane and injury victim Danilo.Our 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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      Wolves tracking manager dubbed ‘modern day Sir Alex Ferguson’ as pressure mounts on Gary O’Neil

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      WOLVES are tracking a man who is being dubbed “a modern day Sir Alex Ferguson”.The Premier League club are considering making a move for Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin, who has stunned Scottish football with the start he’s made at PittodrieAberdeen manager Jimmy ThelinCredit: SNSThe Swedish manager has won ALL 13 of his matches at Aberdeen – prompting comparisons with Sir Alex who rose to fame as Aberdeen manager before moving to Manchester United.Wolves’ interest in Thelin comes as the future of manager Gary O’Neil remains increasingly uncertain.After their defeat to Brentford at the weekend, O’Neil admitted he wasn’t sure what would happen to his job.SunSport understands that O’Neil will be given time to see how he performs during a more favourable run of fixtures.READ MORE IN football But they could be forced to make a change if the club’s fortunes don’t turn around.David Moyes has also been suggested as a potential replacement. His Premier League experience may tip the balance in his favour, but it’s unclear if Moyes would be willing to sign-up to a relegation scrap.Aberdeen fans would be devastated to see Thelin go. Despite his loyalties, even Ally McCoist has lavished praise on the Aberdeen manager for his impressive start in Scottish football.Most read in FootballWho is Jimmy Thelin? By Jack Figg Jimmy Thelin is making waves in Scottish football for his stunning unbeaten start with Aberdeen – but who is he? The Swede had an eight-year professional playing career – all with IF Haga which ended in 2003. After two years he moved straight into coaching with FC Ljungarum. Thelin then joined Jonkopings Sodra IF to manage their youth side before being promoted to the first-team. He then rose to prominence in European football after taking over at Elfsborg in 2018. After six years, Thelin then moved to Aberdeen on a three-year deal and started his tenure with 13 unbeaten matches. His start to life in Scotland has seen him draw comparisons to legendary Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson – who also got his start at Aberdeen. Now Premier League sides like Wolves are starting to take notice of Thelin. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dons kept up with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a thrilling 3-2 victory over struggling Hearts, thanks to Ante Palaversa’s late goal against managerless Jambos.This result sees Aberdeen and Celtic neck-and-neck at the top of the Premiership, both with maximum points.Boy Wonders: Meet Wes Okoduwa, the Wolves teenager already linked to Man Utd and ChelseaWith Thelin’s streak of 13 wins from 13 in all competitions, McCoist’s beloved Rangers are trailing by five points in the title race.The Swedish manager will face the ultimate test of their title credentials when he leads Aberdeen to Celtic Park to challenge Brendan Rodgers’ defending champions on their home ground after the international break.McCoist last week admitted he has been impressed with the rising Reds, acknowledging that Thelin has done a “great job” since taking over at Pittodrie last summer. 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’

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      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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      Wonderkid once labelled ‘the next Lionel Messi’ completes permanent move despite being outside transfer window

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      FORMER Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join Queens Park Rangers in a permanent deal.The 21-year-old signed for QPR on loan from Ligue 1 side Brest in August and has since made eight first team appearances.Karamoko Dembele has agreed to join QPR on a permanent basisCredit: RexThe winger joined QPR on a season-long loan from Brest in AugustCredit: RexDembele was considered the next Lionel Messi during his time at CelticCredit: The SunDembele has already established himself as a fan favourite, also earning praise from boss Marti Cifuentes.And he will now be awarded with a new deal at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.The winger’s loan has been turned into a permanent move that will come into effect from next summer.Dembele has admitted he is “really happy” with the move and “confident” about the future.Read More in FootballHe told the official QPR website: “I’ve always wanted stability in my career, and this gives me that.”I’m really happy to be here permanently and I’ve also enjoyed playing at Loftus Road – the atmosphere is incredible when there’s a big game.”I’m pleased with the impact I’ve been able to make so far. My goal is to help the team as much as I can – I always want more but I’m pleased with the start I’ve made.”I’m confident there is more to come, from both me and the team. We’ve got a good group and I think we’ve got lots of potential to do well this season.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There is already a growing camaraderie between the new players and the players who were already here. As time goes on and with the more games we play, that will grow even stronger.”We want to finish as high as we can this season and be the best we can be.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDembele gained widespread attention in 2016 after making his debut for Celtic Under-20s aged just 13.He signed his first professional contract two years later and went on to make 10 first team appearances.During his time at Celtic, he was considered the “next Lionel Messi” by fans and one of his former coaches.David Feeney said: “I think he is very similar to Lionel Messi. If he has the right guidance, then the sky is the limit for him.”When his Celtic deal ran down in July 2022, Dembele joined Brest in a free transfer.He was loaned out to Blackpool the following summer, where he scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 47 League One appearances. More