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      Raith Rovers’ women’s team cut ties with men’s side over transfer of rapist David Goodwillie

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      RAITH ROVERS’ women’s team have cut ties with the men’s side following the signing of rapist David Goodwillie.It comes after the club defended the decision to sign Goodwillie from Clyde.
      Goodwillie joined Raith Rovers from Clyde on deadline dayCredit: PA
      A petition with more than 2,000 signatures has already been started in a bid to force Rovers to get rid of Goodwillie.
      And bestselling crime novelist Val McDermid has withdrawn her sponsorship from the club, instead opting to sponsor the women’s team who will wear shirts without the Raith Rovers crest.
      Denise Clair, 30, claimed Goodwillie and David Robertson raped her at a flat in Armadale, West Lothian, after a night out in nearby Bathgate on January 2, 2011.
      The two footballers have never faced criminal trial over the allegations as the charges were dropped in July that year.
      But in a civil ruling on the case on January 17, 2017, heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Lord Armstrong said Goodwillie and Robertson “each raped her”.
      Ms Clair sued striker Goodwillie and his then Dundee United colleague Robertson after being left “devastated” by a Crown decision not to prosecute.
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      She waived her right to anonymity.
      Robertson and Goodwillie were told to pay £100,000 in damages.
      Defending their decision to sign Goodwillie, Rovers released a statement on Tuesday which read: “As announced on our website last night, Raith Rovers FC can confirm that we have signed David Goodwillie from Clyde FC.
      “David is a proven goal scorer, and this will be his second stint with the club, having previously played for us on loan from Dundee United during season 2007-08.
      “As with all new signings, the club has carefully considered our position as a Community Club and we completely respect the differing views among fans and stakeholders, many of whom we have spoken to directly in the past 24 hours and are continuing to engage with.
      “As David has previously played for Raith Rovers earlier in his career, we consider him to be part of Raith Rovers Football Club.
      “The management team is familiar with David’s career and background and – in particular – his footballing ability. That is our foremost consideration, and we believe that he will strengthen the Raith Rovers playing squad.
      “Please be assured that as a community football club we fully acknowledge this signing has divided opinion amongst our loyal fans and commercial stakeholders; We aim to rebuild that trust.
      “While acknowledging the gravity of what happened ten years ago, as a club we fully support and encourage rehabilitation, and many factors influenced our signing.
      “First and foremost, this was a football related decision.”
      On Wednesday, Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “What it effectively seemed to be saying was it didn’t matter how a man treated a woman, the only thing that mattered to them was whether he could score goals for the football club.”
      “Football players are role models and football clubs have a responsibility to make sure they are positive role models for the wee boys and the wee girls who look up to them.
      “This is a player who was found in a civil court, albeit on the balance of probabilities, to have raped a woman and as far as I’m aware has not shown any remorse or reflection for that.
      “Raith Rovers really do have to reflect on the message that sends.”
      Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also condemned the signing.
      Raith Rovers Women’s match on Sunday will be played away from Stark Park at another ground in the town.
      Meanwhile, Rovers fan Martin Glass has set up a fundraising page for Rape Crisis Scotland and already raised almost £9,000. More

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      Aaron Ramsey unlikely to make Rangers debut in Old Firm derby against Celtic after deadline day transfer

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      AARON RAMSEY concedes he is unlikely to be fit to make his Rangers debut in tomorrow’s Old Firm derby.The Welshman, 31, sealed a shock loan move to the Scottish champions from Juventus on deadline day after rejecting a number of Premier League clubs.
      Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to be fit to play in tomorrow’s Old Firm derbyCredit: Rex
      The star joined Rangers from Juventus in a shock deadline day moveCredit: Rex
      But the ex-Arsenal midfielder admits the Parkhead clash with Glasgow rivals Celtic will probably come too soon for him.
      Ramsey said: “I’m probably going to be a little bit short for the Old Firm game but hopefully I can get myself ready this week and look forward to getting ready for the weekend, really.
      “I’ve had these conversations with the manager and the staff and hopefully we can get a plan in place to get going and back up to match fitness as soon as possible.”
      That means Ramsey, whose career in Italy has been plagued by injuries, is likely to make his Rangers debut against Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday.
      The move north of the border is also a boost for Wales ahead of the World Cup play-offs in March.
      Ramsey has played just 112 minutes of club football this season due to a series of fitness issues compared to 331 minutes for his country.
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      Ironically, 71-cap Rambo and Wales could end up facing Scotland for a spot at the Qatar finals should they overcome Austria and Ukraine in their respective semi-finals.
      But Ramsey, who received a good luck message on Instagram from ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, now at Aston Villa, is just focussed on building up his match sharpness in the short-term.
      He added: “Rangers is a massive club, huge around the world. It’s a possession-based team that plays the way I like to play.
      “There are many benefits to being here, in European football and to experience a couple of the Old Firm games as well.
      “I’m just excited to be here and be a part of that really. I just want to get back to playing and showing what I can do again. It’s a great opportunity here for me to do that.
      “The last couple of years have been a bit difficult at times but for me now it’s about looking forward, pulling on that blue jersey and hopefully showing what I can do.”
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blog More

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      Watch Man Utd star Amad Diallo score just FOUR minutes into Rangers debut as he makes instant impact after loan transfer

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      AMAD DIALLO scored FOUR minutes into his Rangers debut to get his loan spell off to a flier.The Manchester United winger, 19, completed his switch to Ibrox on Thursday evening.
      Amad Diallo took just four minutes and eight seconds to open his account for RangersCredit: Willie Vass
      It was the Manchester United loanee’s first goal since MarchCredit: Willie Vass

      And he started in Gers’ Scottish Premiership clash at Ross County.
      As the clock ticked just past the four-minute mark at Victoria Park, Joe Aribo picked up a loose ball down the left channel.
      He drove with intent into the corner of the County penalty area.
      And then Aribo picked out Diallo at the back post with a perfect left-footed pass.
      The Ivorian No9 simply could not miss as he tapped in from a yard out with his left foot in poacher’s fashion.
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      Defender Jake Vokins and goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer watched on helplessly.
      Diallo did a knee slide to celebrate before being mobbed by his new Rangers team-mates.
      United star Marcus Rashford tweeted a series of clapping emojis in support of his pal’s finish.
      The goal was just the £37million former Atalanta youngster’s second goal on British soil since his mega transfer to Old Trafford a year ago.
      His sole strike in nine United appearances came in a 1-1 Europa League draw with AC Milan on March 11.
      But with just 68 minutes of first-team football under his belt this term and 17 career matches, Ralf Rangnick approved his loan deal to build his experience.
      Diallo, whose shot was spilled for Rangers’ second goal, said: “It is good to come to a club which wins trophies every year, like Rangers.
      “I think I made the right decision to come here.
      “I can bring lots of things to the team — liveliness, speed and also attacking flair in terms of a threat to the opposition. It would be good to win trophies, but to win them we all need to remain focused.
      “I’ve come here to bring something to the team and I hope my involvement will go well.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Amad Diallo joins Rangers until end of the season in loan transfer after Anthony Elanga takes first-team spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S AMAD DIALLO has joined Scottish Premiership champions Rangers until the end of the season.The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger has made only nine first-team appearances since joining the Red Devils in a £37million switch from Italian side Atalanta a year ago.
      Amad Diallo has joined Rangers on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Rangers
      The winger has struggled for match action since his arrival at Old Trafford a year agoCredit: Getty
      And Anthony Elanga’s recent run of games out wide has further limited his chances of getting minutes for United.
      Diallo said: “I am delighted to join Rangers until the end of the season.
      “It is fantastic for me at this stage of my career to have the opportunity to come to such a big club that is challenging on a number of fronts and will give me some excellent opportunities to test myself in many environments.
      “I look forward to training with my team-mates for the first-time tomorrow and to meeting the fans for the first time at Ross County on Saturday.”
      Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst currently has Rangers top of the league and is delighted to complete the move for the teenager who still only has 17 first-team appearances in his career for Atalanta, United and Ivory Coast combined.
      Van Bronckhorst said: “I am really pleased to add Amad to our squad for the rest of the season.
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      “He is a player who I have been aware of for some time, and when the opportunity to sign him came up, we were very keen to make it happen. He will add a lot to our squad and provide even more competition for the players in the forward areas.”
      There is no option for the player to be bought at the end of the loan term with United still seeing the winger as one for the future.
      He has made only one first team appearance this season in United’s final Champions League group game when the team had already qualified for the knockout stages.
      By contrast, Elanga is up to eight appearances for the season and grabbed his first goal against Brentford last week.
      United have already let Anthony Martial head to Sevilla on loan this month but still have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford in the squad.
      English clubs have until 11pm on Monday to get all their January business done, while those in Scotland have an extra hour until midnight.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd whiz ‘Amad Diallo on the brink of joining Rangers in loan transfer’ after Anthony Elanga takes first-team spot

      by

      AMAD DIALLO is in Scotland on the brink of joining Rangers on loan, according to reports.The Manchester United winger, 19, has seen opportunities limited at Old Trafford since his £37million transfer from Atalanta a year ago.
      Amad Diallo is set to join Rangers on loan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      And Anthony Elanga’s recent run of games out wide has further limited his chances of getting minutes.
      According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the final details are being sorted on his temporary transfer to Ibrox where he will play under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
      It is understood the deal will be for six months.
      Rangers do not have an option to make the switch permanent in the summer because his parent clubs have big plans for his future at Old Trafford.
      Romano adds interim Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick agreed to let the youngster go and Gers could even announce the signing within the next few hours.
      United will be hoping Diallo grasps the chance to gain first-team experience north of the border.
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      Despite his hefty transfer fee, the teenager still has just 17 senior appearances under his belt for Atalanta, United and Ivory Coast combined.
      Of those, nine are for the English giants, with three starts and one goal in 12 months.
      Diallo’s only appearance for the Red Devils this season has been in the Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys when a number of youngsters were given chances.
      By contrast, Elanga is up to eight run-outs for the 2021-22 season and grabbed his first goal against Brentford last week.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      United have already let Anthony Martial head to Sevilla on loan this month but still have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford in the squad.
      English clubs have until 11pm on Monday to get all their January business done, while those in Scotland have an extra hour until midnight.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Former England and Tottenham star Defoe leaves Rangers after three years at Ibrox and set to become TV pundit

      by

      JERMAIN DEFOE is on his way out of Rangers – and is set to focus on his new career as a TV punditThe 39-year-old striker’s departure has been confirmed as manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst reshapes his attack for the second half of the season.
      Defoe is reportedly leaving Rangers after three years at the clubCredit: Willie Vass
      Rangers today issued a statement that said: “Everyone at the club would again like to thank Jermain for his contribution and wish him and his family every success for the future.”
      Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said: “Jermain has made a significant contribution to Rangers over the last number of seasons.
      “Even in the ‘twilight years’ of his career, he has shown the expert movement and finishing ability that took him to the very top in his career.
      “His contribution within the training centre was excellent, as he became a role model for his peers, showing professionalism on a daily basis.
      “I was particularly pleased that he leaves with a league championship winning medal. It has been a privilege to have an England international of his quality within our group and we wish him well for the future.”
      The former West Ham and Tottenham star – who took on a player-coach role in the summer – has made only two appearances for the Scottish champions this season.
      And after van Bronckhorst brought in his own backroom team with coaches Roy Makaay, former Ajax youth expert Dave Vos, Yori Bosschaart and Arno Phillps joining Rangers, Defoe was told to focus on his role as a player.
      He has scored 32 goals in 74 appearances since joining the Light Blues in 2019.
      But he has now called time on his career in Glasgow to pursue TV work.
      Defoe has appeared as a studio pundit on Sky’s coverage of the Premier League, even at the same time as Rangers have been playing.
      In October, he was part of the coverage when West Ham played Tottenham just hours after Rangers played at St Mirren. 
      Defoe scored 20 goals in 57 appearances for England between 2004 and 2017.
      Last year he got engaged to beauty therapist Donna Tierney after presenting her with a stunning diamond ring.
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      Jermain Defoe is set to focus on his TV pundit workCredit: Rex
      Last year he got engaged to beauty therapist Donna Tierney
      His departure comes as Swiss star Cedric Itten returns to Rangers.
      Itten joined Bundesliga new boys Greuther Furth on a season-long loan deal on deadline day last summer.
      But Rangers held the right to recall him in January and they have now triggered that option.
      The two moves are NOT linked, however, with Defoe’s exit strategy thrashed out last month by Ibrox bosses.
      In his five months in Germany, Itten bagged two goals for Greuther Furth  – including one against Bayern Munich.
      Jermain Defoe has 57 caps for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Speaking previously about Defoe, Rangers boss van Bronckhorst said: “He’s been really good. 
      “When I came here, of course he was part of the coaching staff, but also a player.
      “He’s also busy with his training badges, which is really good because we’ve already started thinking about team processes and tactical possibilities.
      “But, for now, Jermain is still a player and we’ll use him only as a player.” More

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      in Soccer

      Capacity crowds allowed back at major sport events in Scotland like football and rugby, says Nicola Sturgeon

      by

      SCOTLAND will welcome back capacity crowds to big football and rugby matches from Monday. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced she was lifting the rules that restricted crowds to just 500 supporters from December 26 due to the Omicron wave.
      Nicola Sturgeon has good news for sports fans
      Rangers are due to visit Celtic Park on February 2
      Scottish clubs had been considering playing matches in England in an attempt to get round the rules.
      But clubs in the north of England or the Midlands could charge sums north of £250,000 for the privilege of using their grounds.
      Ahead of Ms Sturgeon’s statement, SNP ministers agreed to lift the 500-person limit on outdoor gatherings as planned from Monday.
      However restrictions on indoor events and on hospitality venues – like mandatory table service and one-metre distancing between groups – have been extended for a further week until at least January 24.
      It also emerged Scots would now need to have had a booster to use vaccine passports – including for football grounds.
      On December 21, Ms Sturgeon announced measures “for a period of three weeks”, meaning more restrictions on large events, hospitality and indoor sports than in England.
      Despite the aim to keep them in place for three weeks from December 26 and 27, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs was “prudent to remain careful and cautious” despite “signs that we may be starting to turn a corner” in the Omicron wave.
      The change means crowds will be able to return to Premiership football games and for the Six Nations rugby tournament. 
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      Premiership clubs return from their early winter break next week – with Celtic playing host to Hibs on January 17.
      But there was no mention from the First Minister of whether restrictions on people participating on indoor sports would be lifted.
      Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “We will begin to lift the protective measures announced before Christmas from Monday but in a phased way that will allow us to form in the days ahead a clearer picture of the trends in infections and associated impacts.
      “As a quick reminder, the measures I am specifically referring to here are limits on attendances at live public events, the requirement for distancing between groups in public indoor places, and the requirement for table service in hospitality venues serving alcohol on the premises.
      “I expect to confirm further dates next week. However I can confirm today that the attendance limit of 500 at large-scale outdoor events will be lifted from Monday, 17 January.
      “That means, for example, that spectators will be permitted again at major outdoor sporting events, including football fixtures scheduled for early next week, and the forthcoming Six Nations rugby matches.”
      Revealing the changes to the Covid certification scheme, she said: “Firstly, our guidance will now stipulate that the organisers of large events of 1000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees, rather than the current 20%, or at least 1,000 people – whichever figure is higher.
      “And, second, from Monday the requirement to be ‘fully vaccinated’ for the purposes of Covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago.”
      A Rangers fan group staged a demonstration at the Scottish parliament about the Government’s handling of the Covid fan curbs. More

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      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson chose David O’Leary, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’Neill as possible Man Utd manager in 2000 if he quit

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could have had Martin O’Neill, Alan Curbishley or David O’Leary as their manager in the year 2000.The trio were Sir Alex Ferguson’s picks if he had decided to leave Old Trafford at the turn of the century.
      Sir Alex Ferguson recommended three managers to take over from him at Man Utd in 2000Credit: PA
      Celtic chief Dermot Desmond revealed the trio had been eyed as replacements for the legend.
      At the time O’Leary, 63, was managing Premier League new boys Leeds while Curbishley and O’Neill were head coaches at Charlton and Leicester. 
      And Desmond told The Athletic he offered to increase Ferguson’s salary by 50 per cent with Scottish giants Celtic in 1997. 
      However the Red Devils boss’ wish to win the Champions League saw him remain with the Manchester giants. 
      And the Old Trafford side went on to capture the trophy two years later. 
      Desmond, 70, reportedly went back to Ferguson a few years later to enquire as to who the Glasgow-born manager would choose to replace him at United. 
      He said there were three people: Dave O’Leary, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’NeillDermot Desmond
      And Ferguson, 80, told the Irish tycoon he had identified O’Leary, Curbishley and O’Neill as potential bosses at Old Trafford.
      The latter would eventually land the Celtic manager’s job thanks to a meeting with the club’s then directors – Brian Quinn and Pat Sheehy – which came about through Ferguson’s input. 
      Desmond said: “In 2000, I went back and asked him if he was to pick his replacement at that time who would it be. 
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      Alan Curbishley was also eyed as a possible Manchester United coach and Ferguson replacementCredit: Back Page Images
      “He said there were three people: Dave O’Leary, Alan Curbishley and Martin O’Neill. 
      “I said the one I’m interested in is Martin O’Neill. 
      “I had previously asked a prominent broadcaster if Martin would be interested in the job and I got a response in the negative. 
      “I then asked Alex if he would speak with Martin, to see if he would meet with me, and the response was that he would be very interested in meeting. 
      “So I met Martin for dinner and we got on very well. I introduced him to Pat and Brian and they also felt he was a remarkable individual, so we hired Martin.” 
      Having captured two League Cups with Leicester in 1997 and 2000, O’Neill went on to win three trophies in just over 11 months following his arrival at Celtic.
      And the 69-year-old and his team won three Scottish Premiership titles with a team boasting stars including Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton. 
      David O’Leary led Leeds United to the Champions League semis after being eyed as a potential Old Trafford managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But neither he nor O’Leary or Curbishley, 64, were able to come close to Ferguson’s trophy-winning record. 
      However the Northern Irishman proved to be the most successful of the three. 
      He went on to manage Sunderland and Aston Villa as well as doing a five-year international management spell with the Republic of Ireland. 
      His most recent managerial post was with Nottingham Forest with the Championship club sacking the coach just five months into the job. 
      Elsewhere, O’Leary’s tenure with Leeds came to an end in 2002 with the former Gunners player helping the Elland Road club to reach the semis of the Champions League. 
      And Curbishley’s 15-year stint at Charlton finished 2006 after he helped the club secure promotion in 1998. 
      It’s reported the managerial trio were identified prior to the eventual succession plan put in place for Ferguson with David Moyes landing the job as his United replacement. 
      However the former Everton boss, 57, who is now in charge of West Ham, lasted just eight months in the Old Trafford hotseat before being sacked in 2014. 
      United finished seventh in the league in the 2013-14 season. More