Scottish Premiership

RANGERS manager Philippe Clement shocked the media by returning to his press conference to reveal Todd Cantwell has handed in a transfer request.Belgian coach Clement, 50, watched his side suffer a 2-1 friendly defeat to Birmingham on Wednesday.Rangers boss Philippe Clement returned to his press conference after a defeat to BirminghamCredit: X/ ScotlandSkyHe then informed the media Todd Cantwell has handed in a transfer requestCredit: X/ ScotlandSkyCantwell looks set to leave Rangers this summerCredit: ReutersBut it was in Clement’s post-match presser where the main action took place.After initially answering a series of regulation questions, he then returned to his seat after his media duties appeared to be concluded.He then proceeded to confirm playmaker Cantwell, 26, has made it clear on TWO occasions his desire to leave the Scottish giants.Clement said: “Todd Cantwell came to my office a while ago. We have a really good relationship and we talked a long time about that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He came a while ago to say he feels ready for another adventure, that he wants another challenge.”I spoke long with him because I think Rangers is a really good club for him.”I wanted to give him time also, so that’s why the last couple of weeks I didn’t speak about it.”But he came back with the same request.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCantwell played 30 of Rangers’ 36 Scottish Premiership matches last season”So I’m going to be focused on the next couple of weeks on guys who are with their heads with Rangers.”Cantwell, who has now been sent to train with the B team, joined Rangers from Norwich in January 2023 and has played 64 games for the club, scoring 14 goals and assisting 12.Philippe Clement breaks silence on Connor Goldson’s exitCardiff are understood to be interested in the Englishman, while Saudi Arabian clubs are also reportedly keen on him.Cantwell’s expected departure from Rangers comes as they also prepare to lose Connor Goldson to Cypriot side Aris Limassol. More

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.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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