More stories

  • in

    Celtic pay tribute to Lisbon Lions squad member Charlie Gallagher who has sadly passed away aged 80

    CELTIC have paid tribute to European Cup winner Charlie Gallagher who has sadly passed away at the age of 80.Gallagher was part of Jock Stein’s squad who swept the board in 1966/67 culminating in that historic win in Lisbon.
    Charlie Gallagher (Second from right) was always considered one of the Lisbon Lions
     🚨 Read our Scottish transfer live blog for the latest news & gossip 🚨
    And, although he didn’t feature in the final, the forward was always considered one of the Lions for his role in helping the team get to that stage.
    It was his corner turned in by Billy McNeill that enabled Celtic to see off Vojvodina in the European Cup quarter-final tie.
    Many observers felt he was unfortunate not to make the team for the final – but he was always considered an integral part of the group who savoured that famous success.
    He and McNeill had also combined in the same fashion two years previously as the Hoops defeated Dunfermline in the 1965 Scottish Cup final.
    BEST BETTING OFFERS – GET THE TOP EURO 2020 OFFERS AND SIGN-UP DEALS

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

    Olivier Ntcham trains on beach wearing Celtic gear with transfer exit up in the air More

  • in

    Rangers complete free transfer of John Lundstram as midfielder pens three-year deal at Ibrox

    RANGERS have completed the signing of John Lundstram on a free transfer.The former Sheffield United star has joined on a three-year deal and joins Fashion Sakala in joining the Scottish champions this summer.
    Rangers have snapped up Lundstram on a three-year dealCredit: PA
    🚨 Read our Scottish transfer live blog for the latest news & gossip 🚨
    Lundstram played 62 times in the English Premier League in the last two seasons at the Blades before leaving at the end of his contract.
    On his switch to Rangers, he told the club’s official website: “I spoke with the manager and he sold the club to me, and I was just taken aback by his ambition, vision and drive.
    “I know Glasgow is like Liverpool – a proper football city with proper football fans, and I know the people are very similar and I am buzzing to be a part of the atmosphere I am moving into.
    “The chance to work with Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister, as well as Michael Beale, was a huge draw.
    “The manager is from the same area as me, and I want to learn from those coaches and become a better version of myself and continue to develop under them.
    “As an outsider looking in, the scenes last season were unbelievable when the club won the league, and when I saw that, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and be a part of a club which wins more trophies for Rangers.
    BEST BETTING OFFERS – GET THE TOP EURO 2020 OFFERS AND SIGN-UP DEALS
    Lundstram admits playing under Gerrard was huge draw to join RangersCredit: Getty
    “There is something special still being built here and there is more to come. The pull of being in the Champions League was also massive for me and I want to help the team reach the group stage and make the most of that opportunity.”
    Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard added: “John is a player I have known for some time and knew he would enhance our squad.
    “Having played in the Premiership, he has the undoubted quality to enhance our midfield with his technical ability and physicality and I was impressed with his attitude and ambition when we spoke over recent weeks.
    Rangers sporting director Ross WilsonCredit: The Sun
    “John is a winner and knows what is required to succeed at a club of this stature.
    “He will add steel and presence to our midfield along with his quality which makes our squad much stronger, and to procure a player of John’s profile and experience is very pleasing.
    “Myself and the staff are looking forward to working with John. We know he is also very excited to get started at Rangers.”

    PICK IT OUT Watch former Rangers star Fraser Aird score stunner for FC Edmonton in Canada

    Sporting Director Ross Wilson expressed his delight at getting the signing over the line.
    And says the midfielder was a major transfer target this summer.
    He said: “John was a major transfer target as part of our squad plan this summer so naturally I am delighted that he becomes a Rangers player today.
    “We quietly worked hard at this deal in the background whilst understanding there was a lot of competition for his signature.

    “John has long been admired by Steven and there’s no better judge of a midfield player in my book.
    “His desire to make John a Rangers player will have been a massive plus in John’s decision making I am sure. We know John’s qualities and we know that in joining our team, with the quality we already have, his game will elevate further still.
    “He will particularly relish playing in the style of Rangers team that we have and playing in front of our huge fan base is an exciting prospect for him.
    “He joins at a time where we believe at 27 years old his peak years will be with us at Ibrox.”

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

    Rangers & Celtic fans react to Pointless contestant’s answer describing their rivalry as the ‘Old Firm’ More

  • in

    Burnley ready to snatch Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson as midfielder eyes exit after falling out with Ibrox chiefs

    BURNLEY plan to snatch Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson as he prepares to leave Steven Gerrard’s Scottish champions.The 19-year-old is rated as one of the best midfield prospects north of the border.
    Rangers youngster Ciaran Dickson looks set to depart Ibrox this summerCredit: PA:Press Association
    Burnley target Dickson made his Rangers debut in November against Falkirk in the League CupCredit: The Sun
    But he is believed to have fallen out with the Gers management at Ibrox.
    Dickson is one of a number of youngsters to be told he can go despite recently extending his deal.
    Clarets boss Sean Dyche’s scouts have been keeping an eye on Dickson.
    The Scotland Under-19 international could then be loaned out next season to gain first-team experience.
    Dickson earned his Rangers debut under Gerrard during the 2020-21 campaign when he came off the bench during the 4-0 League Cup win over Falkirk.
    He was then loaned out to Scottish Championship outfit Queen of the South in March until the end of the season.
    During his time with the Doonhamers he featured in six games in all competitions where he failed to chip in with a goal or an assist.
    It’s not just in midfield where Burnley are targeting this summer, with Dyche looking to bolster his backline.
    BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1

    Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips is being eyed up with the 24-year-old wanting to play regular first-team football.
    The former Stuttgart loanee impressed after coming into the side following the injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
    But his game time at Anfield could be limited with the trio set to return, as well as the arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
    And Burnley could also look to sign his Liverpool team-mate Neco Williams.
    Like Phillips, Williams is understood to want to play regularly having spent the majority of the previous term deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    Though the Clarets face competition from the likes of Leeds, Aston Villa and Southampton in the race to secure his services.
    England’s Euro 2020 stars have a water balloon fight as they relax ahead of Germany game More

  • in

    Leicester swoop for Dundee United defender Kerr Smith and will meet £500k transfer release clause

    LEICESTER are ready to meet the asking price for Dundee United’s teenage defender Kerr Smith.Boss Brendan Rodgers has moved ahead of Aston Villa, Manchester United and Crystal Palace with an offer for the youngster.
    Kerr Smith looks set to make the switch from Dundee United to Leicester City this summerCredit: Rex
    Smith, 16, made his debut late last season, having appeared aged 15 in a friendly in August 2020.
    He has a clause that means the club must accept a figure of about £500,000 and now it is down to him to decide if he wants to go.
    Dundee United had agreed to sell Smith’s team-mate Lewis Neilson to the Foxes — but the 18-year-old said no.
    It follows the Foxes snapping up 16-year-old Liverpool midfielder Jack Lewis.
    The youngster impressed on trial at Leicester’s academy towards the end of last season.
    It is thought Lewis has agreed a free transfer and a two-year scholarship contract from the new season.
    And he will have the option to convert the deal into a professional one when he turns 17.
    Leicester are also keen to sign Manchester United’s Wales youth international Chris Popov after the left-winger turned down an offer from the Red Devils.
    BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1
    Brendan Rodgers is hoping to recruit new talent both for the first team and academy this summerCredit: Getty

    He could join his former Manchester United team-mate Jahmari Lindsay after the left-back swapped Old Trafford for the King Power last season.
    Meanwhile the Foxes hope to beat Chelsea to sign Hartlepool United’s 19-year-old goalie Brad Young on a three-year deal.
    On the senior front, Rodgers is also closing in on the double signing of Boubakary Soumare and Patson Daka while Ozan Kabak has been linked with a King Power switch.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    James Maddison shows England what they’re missing with stunning free-kick goal after Southgate bemoans poor set-pieces More

  • in

    Celtic announce little-known former Australia manager Ange Postecoglou as new boss after Eddie Howe talks break down

    CELTIC have announced the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as their new manager.The Aussie’s arrival finally ends the wait for Neil Lennon’s successor at Parkhead, a hunt that lasted over 100 days.
    WIN £50,000!Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
    Ange Postecoglou previously managed in JapanCredit: Getty

    Postecoglou, described as a ‘modern, progressive coach’ arrives from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, having only briefly worked in Europe before.
    Upon the announcement, the 55-year-old beamed: “The opportunity that has been given to me is one of the greatest honours in football and the responsibility to lead our magnificent football club into the future is one that I will cherish dearly.
    “Celtic is one of THE names in world football, of that there is no doubt – a giant of a club, a proper footballing institution and so much more – real history, real substance, real authenticity and real soul.
    “I know Celtic is a true way of life for so many people and I know the demands which come with this position – I am ready to do all I can to meet those demands.
    “I will be doing everything I can to get our great Club back on top and, at the same time, deliver the kind of football which our fans appreciate.
    “We want to entertain our fans and we want to win, these are the objectives which I always set myself and which I now begin work on.
    “When you think of Celtic, you think of supporters and my dream is to see our fans back at Celtic Park with us as soon as possible. We all hope things are changing for the better and can see our fans soon as they are vital to everything I want to do.
    “We need our supporters back by our side and I can’t wait to be with them back in a packed Paradise.
    Postecoglou coached Yokohama F.Marinos to a league title in 2019Credit: Getty
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

    “I have already had great discussions with Peter, Dom and the Board about their ideas and strategy for the future of the club.
    “I know the Club’s new modern vision aligns very much with mine and we now look to go and deliver on this. In everything we do we aim to give our fans a successful team of real quality, which they are excited about and can be proud of.
    “We have already begun work on our plans for adding to the squad – we aim to bring players of quality to Celtic to enhance the existing core of great talent.
    “I very much look forward to meeting with the players on their return from the close season break and I can’t wait to get started as Celtic Manager.”
    We have already begun work on our plans for adding to the squadAnge Postecoglou
    Postecoglou’s arrival follows a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.
    The Hoops were in negotiations with the Englishman, but moved quickly for Postecoglou when talks broke down.
    The experienced coach began his career with South Melbourne, spending four years there before joining Australia’s youth set-up in 2000.
    He spent seven years working with the Socceroos’ Under-17 and Under-20 sides, before returning to club management in 2008.
    His stint at third-tier Greek side Panachaiki was a brief one, and he moved to Australia’s A-League in 2009.
    After four glittering years working with Brisbane Roar and then Melbourne Victory, Postecoglou landed the Socceroos’ top job in 2013.
    Postecoglou walked out on the Australia job in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors
    Eddie Howe had been strongly linked with the Celtic jobCredit: PA
    He won the AFC Asian Cup in 2015, before guiding his country to the 2018 World Cup.
    Postecoglou moved to Yokohama F.Marinos in 2018, and guided them to the J1-League title the following year.
    He arrives in Glasgow with Celtic at a low ebb, having just surrendered their fabled ‘Ten in a Row’ opportunity in meek fashion.
    A number of key players, including Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer appear on the way out, while captain Scott Brown has left the club to take up a player-coach role at Aberdeen.
    Odsonne Edouard is among those likely to leave Celtic this summerCredit: The SunWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

    The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
    And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
    Dream Team Euros

    £50,000 jackpot
    The best fantasy football game this summer
    Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
    FREE to play

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Watch Celtic frontrunner Ange Postecoglou’s infamous TV bust-up with Australian football analyst Craig Foster More

  • in

    Rangers star Jermain Defoe signs new one-year deal to become player-coach of Scottish champions under Steven Gerrard

    JERMAIN DEFOE has signed a one-year deal at Rangers that will see him take on the role of player-coach.The former England striker, 38, will take the next step in his career by upping his behind-the-scenes influence.
    Jermain Defoe will be player-coach at Rangers next season after signing a one-year dealCredit: Getty
    Gerrard and Defoe have expressed their delight at getting the deal over the lineCredit: The Sun
    On signing his new deal, Defoe revealed his delight, telling the Rangers website: “It is well-documented how much I love the club and the relationship I have with the fans, the players and the staff at the club.
    “So to get the deal over the line, I am just delighted.
    “It is something I wanted to happen, even before the season finished, especially the way we finished the season with winning the league.
    “It was the perfect time to be at the football club and it was so special, so to sign another contract as a player-coach, and to still be a part of it, it is an amazing feeling for me and my family.
    “It is something different and it is something new for me, and first of all, I want to thank the board, Ross [Wilson] and the manager and all the staff that have made this happen.
    “It is an unbelievable opportunity for me and it just shows the appreciation I get from everyone at the football club which is the best feeling in the world more than anything else.
    “I can imagine once I get started, hopefully I will just flow into it and everything will happen quite naturally.”
    Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who played for the Three Lions, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be retaining the services of Jermain both as a player, and now also as a coach.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
    WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
    The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
    And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
    Dream Team Euros

    £50,000 jackpot
    The best fantasy football game this summer
    Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
    FREE to play

    “It is well-documented the relationship I have with him having known him for so many years.
    “I am thrilled that he is going to be passing on his amazing experience and professionalism to the attacking players throughout the club.
    “He has shown this season, however, what an asset he can still be for us on the pitch, and I won’t be afraid to use him when necessary.
    “I look forward to Jermain’s return and him beginning his new role when pre-season begins at the end of the month.”
    Defoe has played 72 games for Rangers in all competitions since arriving on loan in January 2019, scoring 32 goals in the process.
    And sporting director, Ross Wilson, revealed Defoe has fallen in love with the club since his move and has been a great influence around Ibrox.

    He said: “Jermain Defoe has loved playing for Rangers and in particular the energy and passion of our fans.
    “He’s one of the finest goal scorers of his generation, the ninth in English Premier League history and his record for Rangers speaks for itself.
    “Jermain will now transition towards the next part of his career into a player-coach role and I am delighted we have reached an agreement to restructure his contract to reflect this.
    “JD’s popularity and influence on our squad is clear while our academy players and particularly young attacking players will only learn and develop by working with someone of his calibre.
    “I’m delighted that his positive influence will continue and I am sure extend.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Rangers star Jermain Defoe delivers Premiership winners’ medal to delighted mum in touching gesture More

  • in

    Steve Clarke gives Billy Gilmour update after midfielder subbed with head knock

    STEVE CLARKE revealed taking Billy Gilmour off was purely a precautionary move.Scotland ran out 1-0 winners in Luxembourg but passed up a host of opportunities to make it more emphatic.
    Scotland starlet Billy Gilmour
    Gilmour was smashed less than half an hour after coming off the bench by a cowardly, aerial Olivier Thill challenge to the head.
    It left the youngster in a crumpled heap for a couple of minutes before heading to the sidelines.
    The Scots doctors stepped in to send him to the stand, with James Forrest sent on in his absence.
    Even though it was a short cameo, it has the Tartan Army’s tongues wagging.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BACK SCOTLAND AT HUGE 60/1 ODDS BOOST TO WIN OPENING MATCH AGAINST CZECH REPUBLIC
    Gilmour left in a heap
    And Clarke said the youngster was sitting fine in the dressing room after the game.
    Clarke said: “The good news is he is fine. The doctors took him off as a precaution and we’ll assess him over the next couple of days.
    “He’s a tough boy; he’s from Ardrossan! He’s fine.
    “The challenge happened and I didn’t get a good view of it and I am yet to see it back.
    WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
    The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
    And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
    Dream Team Euros

    £50,000 jackpot
    The best fantasy football game this summer
    Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
    FREE to play

    “But its one of those things that happen in football.
    “The reaction of the players was good in surrounding to show we are together.
    “Let’s not make that the big story. The big story is we are now fully prepared for our first tournament in 23 years.”

    OD CHOICE Arsenal transfer blow as striker Odsonne Edouard favours Leicester move to reunite with ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers

    Team-mate Lyndon Dykes was also pleased to see his teammates stand up for Gilmour when the midfielder was thumped.
    He said: “I am not too sure. It was a late challenge in the air and you see everyone in the team back him up.
    “It was not a good one to see him come off after recently coming on.

    “He has come in and done really well and I’m sure he’ll recover quick.”
    And Clarke wasn’t too disappointed about the missed opportunities and was pleased with his striker’s work.
    “We didn’t do enough crossing and finishing in training!
    “We had a lot of chances. Lyndon is in there and disappointed he didn’t get the match ball to be honest.
    “Che had a few too. It was nice to see us with two striker though.
    “I can’t wait for next week.”

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

    Rangers & Celtic fans react to Pointless contestant’s answer describing their rivalry as the ‘Old Firm’ More

  • in

    Leicester agree £15m transfer fee for Odsonne Edouard as Brendan Rodgers beats Arsenal to Celtic striker

    LEICESTER CITY are closing in on top summer target Odsonne Edouard after agreeing a £15million transfer in principle with Celtic.The 23-year-old French striker cost Celtic a club-record £8million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018.
    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
    Brendan Rodgers looks set to be reunited with Odsonne Edouard at Leicester this summerCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    He formed a strong bond with Brendan Rodgers, who described him as the best young player he had ever worked with.
    Now the Foxes boss is set to be reunited with the prolific striker who has scored 55 goals in 75 Scottish Premiership starts for Celtic to become the pin-up boy of Parkhead.
    Rodgers’ relationship with Edouard, who has entered the final year of his Celtic contract, gave him the edge over fellow admirers Arsenal and Inter Milan.
    The Gunners remain on the hunt for a new striker, especially as Eddie Nketiah looks set to leave the Emirates this summer while Alexandre Lacazette may also be offloaded.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang endured a below-par season last term but Mikel Arteta cannot offer Eduoard European football.
    The Frenchman has rejected the offer of a new, improved deal and wants out after Celtic finished 25 points behind Steven Gerrard’s title-winning Rangers side last season.
    Despite a poor season by his own high standards, Edouard still scored 22 goals and believes teaming up with Rodgers again will help him make a smooth transition to the Premier League.
    Rodgers sees Edouard as a potential successor to Jamie Vardy, who turns 35 next season, and wants him to compete with Kelechi Iheanacho for a starting place next season.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
    WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
    The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
    And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
    Dream Team Euros

    £50,000 jackpot
    The best fantasy football game this summer
    Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
    FREE to play

    Iheanacho’s stunning form in the second half of the campaign propelled him to 19 goals to end as Leicester’s top scorer, two clear of Vardy.
    As well as pushing to break back into the top four, City will also have a Europa League campaign to negotiate and Rodgers is keen for a bolstered squad to challenge on all fronts.
    Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare is expected to complete his £20m switch to the King Power in the coming days.
    Celtic do not want to confirm the sale of Edouard until they have received Uefa clearance to appoint new boss Ange Postecoglou from Yokohama F Marinos, amid fan unrest.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

    Brendan Rodgers confirms he will not be leaving Leicester despite final day Champions League heartbreak More