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      Celtic superfan welcomes Brendan Rodgers back for first day at work after getting up at 3.30am to put out bunting

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      BRENDAN RODGERS announced his return to Celtic with four words – “Let’s get to work!”.And today is the day as our exclusive pictures show.
      Brendan Rodgers was welcomed back to work by superfan Patsy CullenCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      The 76-year-old superfan laid out decorations for the first day of pre-seasonCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      It was an early rise from her home in Whitburn – but worth it to meet the returning bossCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Celtic report back for duty after last season’s treble triumph with a new look and a new boss at the helm.
      Rodgers swept back into Lennoxtown this morning ready to kick off his pre-season schedule with his new squad.
      And he was all smiles as he got back to work – greeted by one delighted fan who ensured the boss was given a warm welcome back to the training ground.
      Hoops diehard Patsy Cullen, 76, was such a fan of Rodgers on his previous spell she followed him to LEICESTER to wish him well.

      And the superfan left her house in Whitburn at 3.30am this morning to set up the welcome party complete with balloons and bunting on the road to the training base.
      It’s a route Rodgers knows well of course, courtesy of two and a half years with the club between 2016 and 2019, but the players he will meet for the first time this morning are almost all new.
      Only three – James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Scott Bain, remain from his first spell.
      But Rodgers insists his Celtic fandom developed as a youngster meant he has kept a close eye on his former club while he was away at Leicester – and is ready for the challenge ahead.
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      Already this summer he has brought in two players – Odin Thiago Holom from Valerenga and Australian Marco Tilio from Melbourne City.
      However he stands to lose Jota in a mega-money deal with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad.
      It remains to be seen if the Portuguese winger will join his new boss and team-mates for day one of the new season.
      The Hoops have a busy schedule in store as they aim to defend all three domestic trophies and make a dent in the Champions League.
      The superfan camped out to welcome her heroes home.Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      The boss was all smiles as he arrived back at LennoxtownCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Rodgers stopped for a chat with fans before starting his pre-season schedule with his new squadCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      After reporting back today they will head to a training camp in Portugal next week ahead of a globe-trotting trip to Japan.
      There they will showcase homegrown players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate against Yokohama F.Marinos and Gamba Osaka.
      However plans to return home via South Korea have been thrown into jeopardy after Wolves pulled out of the planned friendly in Suwon.
      The Hoops will kick off the season proper in 33 days’ time with a home match against Ross County shown live on Sky.
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      The flag day will be followed by two games with Aberdeen and St Johnstone before the first Old Firm derby of the season on September 3.
      Rodgers was given a hero’s welcomeCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Superfan Patsy decorated the road to LennoxtownCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      She waited for boss Rodgers and then the players to followCredit: Kenny Ramsay
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      Kyogo opens up on Celtic transfer exit as striker admits ‘no one knows the future’

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      HOOPS forward Kyogo has remained tight-lipped over his Parkhead future. The Celtic striker has been linked with various Premier League clubs in recent months including Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.
      Kyogo has responded to transfer links away from Celtic this summerCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      The striker was the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last seasonCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Kyogo has spoken out about the transfer interest coming his way though and insists he hopes to continue playing with the Scottish champions for years to come.
      But the Japanese international admits “no one knows the future” amid all the ongoing speculation.
      The 28-year-old also responded to the various Scottish Premiership critics too.
      Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu blamed the standard of the Scottish top flight as his reason for not calling the striker and his fellow Hoops team-mates for international duty.

      Daizen Maeda has been a regular in the side and starred at the World Cup but others have missed out in recent selections.
      Kyogo scored on his return to the team last month though after being called up for their double header against El Salvador and Peru.
      Writing for Japanese outlet Sponichi, the forward said: “As I keep scoring goals and Celtic continues to win.
      “I’ve heard that news was released in Japan that the level of Scottish Premiership is recognised as ‘not high’. Certainly, top teams play very good football, but Celtic also had a lot of tough games.
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      “It’s natural for various people to have various opinions. But on the contrary, it means that people are paying attention to my play and Celtic, so I think it positively.
      “I actually have valuable experiences at Celtic, and Celtic is the club with great history.
      “There are many players who want to play here for as long as possible, including me.
      “But no one knows the future. Players may be injured or are transferred. And some players may be retiring.
      “I never know about my future, so I just want to enjoy every moment at Celtic.
      “But I still have room for development. I want to be a player who can score more goals.
      “I will continue to work hard next season so that I can become a more powerful player.”

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      Rangers set for fresh talks with Graeme Souness over sensational Ibrox return as James Bisgrove lines up role

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      RANGERS are set for fresh talks with Graeme Souness about an Ibrox return.The 70-year-old has been a visitor at Ibrox recently and was linked with a comeback to his old club as sporting director when Ross Wilson departed.
      Graeme Souness could be back at Ibrox in an ambassadorial roleCredit: The Sun
      Souness no longer has broadcast commitments following his decision to step back from Sky last season so is free to play a role at the team he played for and bossed in the 1980s.
      Rangers are eager to get him involved, with new chief executive James Bisgrove suggesting an ambassadorial role could be thrown his way in future. Gers bosses plan to sit down with Souey for talks.
      Souness would return to Ibrox in some capacity but only if the post was worthwhile and meaningful.
      Gers boss Michael Beale is hands-on in the transfer market and doing much of the work that former Wilson did.

      Souness revealed he wanted to stay on with Sky Sports longer after the announcement of his shock departure from the broadcaster.
      He fought back tears during his final appearance on Sky back in April after 15 years on the platform.
      The footy legend teased a new job when asked if he would miss working at Sky.
      He said: “Yes. But I’m talking to other people and we’ll go again. There’s life in the old dog yet.”
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      Meanwhile, former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae has opened up on how Paul Gascoigne helped him sober up.
      He revealed: “He helped me remarkably to get my life back on track when we were going difficult times together in ’98.
      “We were in rehab together and I was really struggling. I was going to do a runner after five days.
      “The chap who was running it says ‘hang about a little bit, there’s a geezer coming back in, he’s already been in for a month and he’s doing an extra couple of days a week for the time that you’re in’.
      “I was literally going to run out of the door on the Friday and he came in and got me under his wing and from there on in, I’ve managed to be on the straight and narrow.
      “So I’m indebted to him for getting myself back on track.”
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      Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou spotted switching sports as he takes break from Tottenham rebuild with ex-prime minister

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      THE third Ashes test looks to be going Australia’s way. And no-one will be happier about that than former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
      Ange Postecoglou looked in thoughtful moodCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ange Postecoglou with former Deputy Prime Minister Of Australia, Michael McCormack, Former Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard and his wife Janette Howard, with Chair of Cricket Australia, Mike Baird in the Cricket Australia SuiteCredit: Getty
      The former Celtic gaffer cut an interested spectator as he mixed with former Aussie politicians and Cricket Australia high rollers in the Cricket Australia suite at Lord’s.
      It’s been a whirlwind start to life at the Tottenham Stadium for the Aussie – who has snapped up the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario already this summer.
      More arrivals are surely on their way – with Hoops stars Kyogo and Reo Hatate both mooted as possible arrivals.
      There’s also the small matter of Harry Kane’s future to be resolved, with the England talisman due back from his holiday shortly and entering the final year of his contract.

      Bayern Munich are keen to sign him now – but no agreement has been reached between the clubs with Spurs having a major dilemma on their hands if they are to stop him walking away from the club for free in 12 months’ time.
      He’s a man with plenty on his mind, then, but for now the Aussie was able to take his mind off things by concentrating on the small matter of one of sport’s biggest contests.
      Like all Aussies, Postecoglou has a major interest in the sport – as he revealed in a one-to-one interview he did with late cricket legend Shane Warne shortly after his arrival in Glasgow.
      One of the sport’s greatest-ever players passed away last March after a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
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      Warne said: “It’s a great honour to speak to Ange, I have admired him from afar from a long period of time.
      “All the great work he did with the Australian soccer team, and watching him in progress, whether it being Japan or Celtic, his career.”
      Postecoglou replied: “Pleasure to speak to you too mate, growing up in Melbourne, even though it might be bizarre as an ethnic boy, an immigrant, my first passion was obviously soccer but growing up in Melbourne you had Aussie rules and in the summer it was all cricket.
      “As kids that is all we did, we just played cricket the whole time.”
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      Celtic confirm midfield ace has QUIT the club in shock decision days before Brendan Rodgers’ second spell kicks off

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      CELTIC have confirmed Aaron Mooy has quit the club – and the game.The Australian international has announced his retirement from football this morning.
      The Socceroos midfielder is a popular star with the fansCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Mooy was a star in the World Cup and picked up 57 capsCredit: Getty
      Rumours had swirled over the 32-year-old’s future for several weeks.
      And reports in his homeland put the shock announcement down to a ‘debilitating back injury’.
      The squad is due to meet up on Monday ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ first training session, but they will do so without the fan favourite.
      Mooy was a free transfer signing last season and took time to get up to speed – but when he did he won the Hoops fans’ hearts.

      He popped up with several key goals in the second half of the season – including a double at Easter Road – as the team marched to a second league title.
      Quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald, he said: “I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dreams of playing for Australia.
      “As a young kid, starting out in football, you watch the national team on TV and imagine yourself there one day – to have lived that is something I’m truly grateful for.
      “I’ve had the honour of playing alongside some of the best footballers that Australia has produced, creating lifelong friendships along the way.
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      “I wanted to thank my teammates, coaches and the backroom staff for all their support and guidance during my time with the Socceroos, the camaraderie amongst the group is something I’ll never forget.
      “This has been a hugely difficult decision [to retire], but I feel the time is right for the next generation to be given the opportunity to experience international football.”
      His silver-laden year at Celtic was not Mooy’s first experience of Scotland – he previously played for St Mirren after a spell in England.
      He can also count City group clubs Manchester City and Melbourne on his CV and played almost 100 games in the English Premier League for Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town.
      #CelticFC midfielder & Australian internationalist Aaron Mooy today announced his intention to retire from football with immediate effect.Aaron played a crucial role in our recent record-breaking Treble & we wish him the best for the future 🍀Thank you, @AaronMooy 💚— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 30, 2023

      Celtic confirmed the news and said: “Celtic FC midfielder & Australian internationalist Aaron Mooy today announced his intention to retire from football with immediate effect.
      “Aaron played a crucial role in our recent record-breaking Treble & we wish him the best for the future.
      Incoming boss Brendan Rodgers paid tribute and said: “Clearly we are disappointed that Aaron will be retiring, however, it is something we absolutely respect.
      “He has done so much in the game for a number of clubs and for his country and he deserves to make this decision on his own terms.
      “I am delighted for Aaron that he has gone out on a real high after making such a telling contribution to Celtic last season and that, together with all his other achievements, should be a real source of pride to him.
      “Club football and the international game will miss him dearly, but on behalf of everyone at Celtic I send Aaron and his family our heartfelt best wishes for the future.”
      The news comes as another hit to the Hoops squad as Portuguese winger Jota is lined up for a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
      Reports in the country have linked the 24-year-old with Al-Ittihad in a deal worth more than £20million.
      Previous club Benfica would be due a slice of the transfer fee but the winger could fetch eye-watering wages in the region of £192,000 in Jeddah.
      Super agent Jorge Mendes is currently brokering the deal for his client and will ensure he’s not shortchanged with clubs in the country continuing to splash the cash.
      Ex-Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo and Scots coach Ian Cathro are currently in charge at the Jeddah club and boast N’golo Kante and Karim Benzema in their ranks.
      Read More On The Sun
      Crisitano Ronaldo kick-started the stream of players heading to the gulf state in January when he joined Al-Nassr.
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      Dundee United kit manufacturers involved in Twitter spat as fan calls them out over one crucial detail on new strip

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      DUNDEE UNITED’S new kit launch went down a treat with supporters.But the company who made United’s kit have managed to score a rather spectacular own goal.
      Dundee United’s new home top has been well-received by fans
      But Erreà made a critical error when promoting the shirt
      Erreà, the Italian sportswear brand, signed a deal with the Tannadice outfit to produce their strips starting from this season.
      They unveiled their first offering today, with the home kit revealed on social media (though the release date remains TBC).
      While supporters wait to find out when they can get their hands on the new threads, they’ve been looking at as many images of it as possible.
      Erreà posted some of snaps of the jersey being modelled on Twitter, but didn’t quite get the reaction they were hoping for as they got one key detail mixed up.

      They wrote: “Introducing @dundeeunitedfc’s new home kit.
      “Orange, elegant, it pays tribute to the iconic club founded in 1909.
      “The jersey features a stylish pattern of the club’s rampant lion logo, with white and black details on the collar and sleeves.”
      One particular aspect of that description left United fans with the same complaint.
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      Plenty of Arabs quickly pointed out to Erreà that their club’s official colour is of course tangerine, not orange.
      One exclaimed: “Excuse me, ORANGE? No, we play in tangerine.”
      While another, offering a more positive perspective, said: “*Tangerine. Looks great!”
      But a response from Erreà to one reply stood out above all others, with the manufacturers getting on the defensive.
      A supported commented: “Should be tangerine. Not orange. At least get the colour right!
      “Plus, we didn’t start playing in tangerine till 1966. Not off to a good start with 2 important stats incorrect!”
      Erreà seemed to get the claws out for their comeback.
      The brand said: “Sorry for the two inaccuracies James, we will improve so that everything will be perfect next time thanks to your valuable advice.
      “Congratulations you are a big fan of your club. Do you even like the jersey or did we get that wrong too?”
      Talking about the kit on its own, punters seemed to be mostly in approval.
      One called it a “stunning kit” while another said it “genuinely looks class”.
      A Hearts fan even chimed in: “Furious at how nice a kit that is.”
      Others shared their excitement and the fact they couldn’t wait to get their hands on the top.
      But, many agreed that the shirt looked better without one key feature…
      The sponsor on the front.
      One said: “Not United’s fault; the same can be said for most kits and money is money, but… That looks absolutely SENSATIONAL with no sponsor.”
      Another commented: “Going to be heartbreaking watching them plaster sponsors all over this masterpiece.”
      “Looks unreal without the sponsor on it,” came a further reply, and many after it…
      United’s head of commercial and sponsorship, Elliot Shaw, said: “I am absolutely delighted how our maiden kit of the Errea era has turned out.
      “The design is stylish and contemporary, and I have no doubts that it will be a real hit with our supporters.
      “I am also thrilled to introduce Bartercard as our new front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2023/24 season.
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      “Bartercard have been a fantastic partner to work with, and it is great to see how our initial conversations last summer around partnering with the club have developed at such a pace that they are now Principal Partners. I would like to thank Chris and the team for the magnificent support that they have given to Dundee United.”
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      Rapist footy star David Goodwillie signs for new club in Australia – only for contract to be SCRAPPED hours later

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      DISGRACED striker David Goodwillie’s signing was announced by an Australian club only for the move to be axed just HOURS later.Semi-pro outfit Sorrento FC announced the controversial player – who was ruled by a civil court in 2017 to have raped a woman – had joined the club alongside a couple of other signings.
      Goodwillie played for Clyde before his switch to RaithCredit: PA
      Raith received huge backlash for signing GoodwillieCredit: SNS
      A statement on social media from the Perth-based club announced his signing, lauding his experience.
      Sorrento, who are managed by Scottish former midfielder Steven McGarry, posted on Facebook: “With David, we get a player with real quality and experience. He’s played in the top leagues in England and Scotland while also representing Scotland at international level so he’s a massive addition to the club.”
      However, within a matter of hours, that post had been DELETED and Goodwillie’s contract dramatically RESCINDED.
      Another statement appeared on Facebook, reading: “Sorrento Football Club has rescinded its contract with David Goodwillie.

      “David was scheduled to arrive in Perth within the next week to commence playing with the club for the remainder of the 2023 NPLM season.
      “The arrangement was non-commercial in nature.
      “The club has informed David of its decision and apologises to anyone in our football and broader community that may have been caused offence by this signing.”
      Sorrento announced his signing on FacebookCredit: FACEBOOK
      But the deal was cancelled just HOURS laterCredit: FACEBOOK
      Goodwillie, 34, was ruled to be a rapist in a civil court case in 2017 and was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages by a judge over the incident six years previously.
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      He maintained his innocence and no criminal charges were brought against him.
      Goodwillie’s high-profile transfer to Championship club Raith Rovers in January 2022 caused a huge backlash and he eventually had his contract torn up without kicking a ball for the club.
      Clyde, with whom he’d been playing before joining Raith, re-signed him on loan but they too ended up performing a U-turn and terminated that deal too after they received severe criticism.
      Goodwillie subsequently appeared as a tralist for non-league Livingston United before moving to English club Radcliffe FC.
      However, that move too proved controversial and he was released having played just ONCE.
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      Rangers Wag sizzles in skimpy pink bikini in Ibiza as influencer branded ‘an angel’ parties with pals on holiday

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      IT’s summer time which means it’s time for footballers to take a well-earned break before pre-season gets back underway. But it’s not just the players who are taking some much-needed time off – their partners are too.
      This Rangers Wag stunned in her latest Instagram post
      Fans wowed over her latest snap
      And one Rangers Wag has opted for a luxury trip to Ibiza with her friends this week to recharge her batteries and enjoy some sun.
      Ella Thompson, who is a social media influencer with over 10k followers, has wowed her fans with some stunning snaps while lounging at the popular resort, Wi-ki-Woo Hotel Ibiza.
      She is the partner of Rangers midfielder Ross McCausland and they’ve been together for a few years.
      McCausland, 20, joined the Ibrox club in 2019 after impressing for the Linfield youth teams.

      Contracted until next summer, the Northern Ireland U21 international was a regular in the B team’s Lowland League campaign last season, scoring eight and assisting four in 31 appearances.
      He was handed his senior Rangers debut at the end of the 2021/22 season as he came off the bench against Hearts to replace Manchester Utd loan star Amad Diallo in the second half.
      McCausland has attracted several clubs since making a name for himself in Glasgow and was linked with three English clubs last summer following an impressive trial with De Graafschap.
      The Dutch club surprisingly dropped their interest though despite him scoring in his only appearance.
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      But now his girlfriend Ella is attracting interest for herself online with fans flocking to her profile to wow over her stunning snaps.
      And she sizzled in her latest Instagram post wearing a pink bikini while enjoying her time abroad.
      One fan branded her “an angel” whilst others commented their support too.
      Another comment read: “Every time😍.”
      Someone else wrote: “The best ever.”
      A fourth said: “There she is 😋.”
      And a fifth follower commented: “Pretty in pink.”
      Ross and Ella has been in a relationship for years
      She uploaded another pic on her story in a black bikini
      She enjoyed some nights out with friends during the holiday
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