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      Jose Mourinho enters next Celtic manager market as ex-Tottenham boss claims he is ready to jump back in

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      JOSE MOURINHO has entered the race to become the next Celtic manager with the sacked Spurs boss ‘ready to go again’.The Special One was relieved of his duties in North London on Monday morning.
      Jose Mourinho is in the running for the vacant managerial post at Celtic following his Spurs sackingCredit: Reuters
      But he insisted he does not need a break from football.
      And with no permanent Celtic boss sorted for next season, could that mean a knee slide along the touchline north of the border before long?
      European Super League-bound Tottenham announced the 58-year-old was fired just six days before the Carabao Cup final.
      So could Mourinho and the Hoops be a match?
      His wages, line of suitors and past honours make it an extremely farfetched scenario.
      Not to mention – as SunSport broke first – Eddie Howe remains the overwhelming favourite for the Parkhead job.
      However, Mourinho can be backed at as short at 13/1 with Paddy Power to tackle Steven Gerrard’s rampant Rangers next season.
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      The Portuguese said on Monday that he did not need to recharge his batteries and was ready to jump straight back into another job.
      But this could be the time when he takes a stab at his national side and go back to being a pundit.

      Betfair have the Portugal job as favourite for Mourinho’s next job, with any MLS team and Juventus next in the market.
      A return to Porto and taking over from Gareth Southgate at England are the next two followed by the Celts gig.

      He has a reputation of falling out with the top players at his club, suggesting it is a ‘battle of the egos’ that he gets involved in.
      But Spurs stars Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, two players who could walk into most clubs around Europe, were both disappointed to see him going.
      Kane posted on social media: “Thank you for everything Boss. A pleasure to have worked together. I wish you all the best for your next chapter.”
      While his Tottenham strike partner Son said: “I have no words to describe how I’m feeling, it’s been a pleasure to work with you, I’m sorry things didn’t work out and truly grateful for the time we’ve had together. Good luck and all the best for the future.”
      ⚽ Follow all of the latest news and live reaction to Jose Mourinho’s sacking here
      Eddie Howe remains the favourite for the Parkhead gig after a year out of the gameCredit: PA

      Tottenham fans react to Jose Mourinho sacking in the week of their Carabao Cup final game against Man City More

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      Jose Mourinho enters next Celtic manager market as ex-Spurs boss claims he’s ready to jump back in

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO has entered the race to become the next Celtic manager with the sacked Spurs boss ‘ready to go again’.The Special One was relieved of his duties in North London on Monday morning.
      Jose Mourinho is in the running for the vacant managerial post at Celtic following his Spurs sackingCredit: Reuters
      But he insisted he does not need a break from football.
      And with no permanent Celtic boss sorted for next season, could that mean a knee slide along the touchline north of the border before long?
      European Super League-bound Tottenham announced the 58-year-old was fired just six days before the Carabao Cup final.
      So could Mourinho and the Hoops be a match?
      His wages, line of suitors and past honours make it an extremely farfetched scenario.
      Not to mention – as SunSport broke first – Eddie Howe remains the overwhelming favourite for the Parkhead job.
      However, Mourinho can be backed at as short at 13/1 with Paddy Power to tackle Steven Gerrard’s rampant Rangers next season.
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      The Portuguese said on Monday that he did not need to recharge his batteries and was ready to jump straight back into another job.
      But this could be the time when he takes a stab at his national side and go back to being a pundit.
      Betfair have the Portugal job as favourite for Mourinho’s next job, with any MLS team and Juventus next in the market.
      A return to Porto and taking over from Gareth Southgate at England are the next two followed by the Celts gig.

      He has a reputation of falling out with the top players at his club, suggesting it is a ‘battle of the egos’ that he gets involved in.
      But Spurs stars Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, two players who could walk into most clubs around Europe, were both disappointed to see him going.
      Kane posted on social media: “Thank you for everything Boss. A pleasure to have worked together. I wish you all the best for your next chapter.”
      While his Tottenham strike partner Son said: “I have no words to describe how I’m feeling, it’s been a pleasure to work with you, I’m sorry things didn’t work out and truly grateful for the time we’ve had together. Good luck and all the best for the future.”
      ⚽ Follow all of the latest news and live reaction to Jose Mourinho’s sacking here
      Eddie Howe remains the favourite for the Parkhead gig after a year out of the gameCredit: PA

      Jose Mourinho clears out Tottenham office – including pictures from Amazon doc – as he breaks silence after sacking More

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      Rangers 2 Celtic 0: Steven Gerrard’s Gers end Old Firm rivals’ trophy hopes as champions set sights on double

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      RANGERS’ hopes of a league and Scottish Cup Double are ON after a derby win over Celtic at Ibrox.The Light Blues ran out 2-0 winners to secure a spot in the quarter-final stage of the competition as they aim to add to their Premiership triumph.
      Rangers claimed a big Old Firm win on SundayCredit: The Sun
      Steven Davis and an own goal from Jonjoe Kenny handed Steven Gerrard’s men another victory over the Hoops this season and ensured their rivals won’t end the season with any silverware this campaign.
      Celtic were handed a massive chance to pull a goal back with 11 minutes to play from the spot after sub Leigh Griffiths was bundled over by Joe Aribo.
      However, Allan McGregor dived low to his right to deny Odsonne Edouard. It was a good stop from the Rangers keeper but the Frenchman will be disappointed with his effort.
      Betfred Cup winners St Johnstone are next up for Rangers with the duo set to go head-to-head at Ibrox next weekend.
      The hosts – who are yet to taste defeat in the league this season – grabbed the opener after just 10 minutes following a stunning goal from veteran midfielder Davis.
      The Northern Ireland international produced a wonderful acrobatic overhead kick to leave Hoops keeper Scott Bain with no chance following Aribo’s deflected shot that spun through the air into his path in the box.
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      Steven Gerrard had Allan McGregor to thank for the clean sheetCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper saved Odsonne Edouard’s penalty with the score at 2-0Credit: The Sun
      Celtic grew into the game despite trailing with Edouard forcing McGregor into a fine spot before Filip Helander cleared off his own goal line as the visitors looked for a way back into the contest.
      But they were unable to make the pressure count and Rangers doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break.
      A well worked move released Aribo down the right-side and after tearing past Diego Laxalt with some impressive footwork the midfielder fired across the face of goal towards Ryan Kent but the last touch came off Kenny as he turned the ball past his own keeper.
      One minute into the second half McGregor was forced into a flying save from David Turnbull as John Kennedy’s men looked for the perfect start to the half to bring them back into the match.
      The Rangers No1 was called into action once again as he produced another big save, something he has done on numerous occasions this season.
      Kenny’s ball down the channel found Elyounoussi who turned away from two Rangers defenders before firing low at goal but McGregor was quick off his line to deny the attacker with his body.

      The rebound landed at the feet of Edouard but the Frenchman fired over the bar.
      Two minutes later the Hoops missed a golden chance to pull a goal back.
      A mistake at the back from Nathan Patterson allowed Edouard to race down on goal before laying in Elyounoussi – but the Norwegian took a poor touch that allowed McGregor to dive out to his feet and deny the attacker. It really was a huge chance for the Hoops man.
      Just after the hour the hosts could have put their Old Firm rivals out of sight.
      Steven Davis acrobatically put Rangers aheadCredit: Getty
      The Gers are looking to pull off a league and cup doubleCredit: The Sun

      Kent expertly turned Brown before unleashing a shot at goal and after being denied by Bain, the follow-up fell to Morelos in the box but he fired straight into the hands of Celtic No1.
      With 11 minutes to play Celtic were handed a massive chance to get themselves back into the contest after Griffiths went down after a push from Aribo
      But McGregor produced a fine stop to deny the Frenchman from 12-yards.
      It proved to be the last act of the game as the Light Blues advanced to last eight with St Johnstone awaiting the champions next weekend.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Rangers fan unveils incredible home bar complete with pool table & signed Gerrard shirt in outhouse More

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      Celtic manager search has TALIBAN following developments and captain Brown hailed as ‘very strong leader’

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      CELTIC’s search for a new manager has dominated the headlines since February – and now even the TALIBAN are following developments.Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and Hoops fan Jamie Doran has been filming a new documentary in Afghanistan.
      The Taliban are following developments on Celtic’s search for a new manager, it’s been claimedCredit: The Sun
      Jamie Doran in 2002 has been filming a documentary in AfghanistanCredit: Alamy
      This week, he travelled with journalist Najibullah Quraishi and a cameraman to mountains outside the city of Herat, near the border with Iran.
      They were due to interview one of the Taliban’s military leaders for the documentary, which is scheduled to be released later this year.
      However, Doran was surprised when fighters who accompanied them as guards recognised the Celtic jersey he was wearing.
      And he admits it was bizarre to hear of their interest in the club’s search for a new manager, and players such as Odsonne Edouard and Scott Brown.
      Speaking to BelfastMedia.com, Doran said: “It was a pretty bizarre situation.
      “They seemed just like ordinary blokes in many ways, wanting to know which team I supported.
      “They’d obviously spotted the Celtic top underneath my tunic and, when I confirmed this to them, they couldn’t stop talking about Odsonne Edouard, Scott Brown – ‘he is a very strong leader’ – and a couple of other players.
      “But the biggest topic was the new manager.
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      Taliban fighters in AfghanistanCredit: AFP
      “They’d heard of Eddie Howe, but wondered why we weren’t going for someone more famous. I wasn’t about to disagree with them.
      “From what I could gather, their fascination with the club stems from the support Celtic fans have given to the Palestinian cause over the years.
      “This is close to the heart of all Muslims and the backing from the Celtic diaspora has obviously struck a chord.”
      We told you earlier this year how Doran had made a documentary on Celtic and its supporters for Al Jazeera TV.
      And speaking at the time, he admitted it was vastly different from anything else he had ever made.

      He said: “I’ve been shot at and dodged bombs on so many occasions, I’ve lost count, so no doubt they expected Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Islamic State, Al-Shabaab and the other usual suspects to feature in anything I planned to make.
      “But no, not this time. This time I wanted to do something very different.
      “I suggested that we produce a series on football fans; on what it means to be a true follower of six of the most iconic teams in the world.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      A look at the career of Eddie Howe as Celtic pursue the former Bournemouth boss More

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      Rangers star Kemar Roofe slapped with FOUR-GAME ban by Uefa for ‘assaulting’ Slavia Prague keeper in horror challenge

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      UEFA have banned Rangers striker Kemar Roofe for four games after his horror tackle on the Slavia Prague goalkeeper.Steven Gerrard’s side were also hit with a massive fine by the European football chiefs.
      Kemar Roofe catches Ondrej Kolar with his bootCredit: Reuters
      Roofe, 28, clattered into Slavia stopper Ondrej Kolar with an out-of-control high boot in their Europa League clash on March 18.
      The keeper needed a stretcher to take him off the field.
      And it was revealed the 26-year-old had in fact fractured his skull in the process.
      Pictures after the match showed the gruesome cuts to the face sustained in the challenge.
      The Gers striker was found guilty of ‘assault’, being cited under Article 15(1).
      The decision made by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body said: “To suspend Rangers FC player, Mr. Kemar Roofe, for four (4) Uefa club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible, for dangerously assaulting another player.”
      Rangers were stung with a £7,800 fine by European football’s governing body.
      The Ibrox club breached Article 15(4), where five or more players were found to have been guilty of improper conduct.
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      They have 90 days to fulfil the payment.
      Uefa say Rangers must ensure them that Roofe is personally informed of the decision.
      Injured keeper Kolar, who returned to action against Arsenal three weeks on from the incident, will have to wear a head guard for the rest of his career.
      And earlier today, the Slavia ace lashed out at Roofe as he revealed he has yet to receive an apology from the Englishman over the high-boot.
      He also opened up on the messages of hate from Rangers fans on social media.
      Speaking for the first time about the incident, he said: “I read what he said. He said he was first to the ball, but he didn’t add that he kicked it out of my hand, collided with my leg and hit me on the head.
      “He saw me the whole time. Anyone who has ever kicked a ball knows that the foot can always be pulled down. It’s a game of football, it shouldn’t be about my health.
      “If I ever met him again I’d say nothing. I’d wait for him to see if he apologised and asked about my health.
      I was disappointed that Roofe did not apologiseOndrej Kolar
      “I waited for Roofe to write me a message on Instagram for example. Instead, I read hate messages from Rangers fans, ‘he should have kicked your head in’…’he should have broken your spine.’
      “I know things aren’t good between Slavia and Rangers right now, but that?
      “I was disappointed that Roofe did not apologise through the media. I’m not vindictive, I don’t need him to give me something back, but he should think more because maybe the next time, he could ruin someone’s life.”
      Roofe insisted he felt guilty about what happened to Kolar and at the time stressed: “The tackle looks bad, it is bad for the goalkeeper. It hurt him a lot.
      “But it was not on purpose at all. I received a ball over the top from Connor Goldson and with the speed we play at, you can’t move out the way or prevent things from happening. It was literally a bad accident.
      “People that know me, they know I’m not that type of player or person. I never go on the pitch to fight or hurt somebody. All I want to do is play well and help the team win games. That’s what I was trying to do.”

      It’s understood that the Uefa disciplinary panel will meet today to discuss the incidents surrounding Ondrej Kudela and Glen Kamara.
      Kamara claims Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela directed racist language at him during the Light Blues’ second leg loss in the Europa League.
      The Finnish ace alleges that he was branded a “f*****g monkey” by Kudela, with team-mate Bongani Zungu backing up those claims.
      The defender could be seen walking up to Kamara to speak in his ear, sparking a furious reaction from the 25-year-old and his Ibrox team-mates.
      Uefa provisionally suspended the Slavia defender for ONE match as they officially launched proceedings against both him and Rangers midfielder Kamara.
      The Czech international denies the charge and counterclaims that he was assaulted by the Gers midfielder in the tunnel post-match.
      Roofe is shown a straight red card for the tackleCredit: AFP
      Kolar left on the deck after Roofe’s challenge and must now wear a head guardCredit: AFP
      Rangers star Glen Kamara breaks silence on Ondrej Kudela racism allegations as Uefa continue investigation More

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      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard can be best British boss since Man Utd’s Sir Alex Ferguson, says Celtic fan Steve Evans

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      STEVE EVANS believes Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is in line to become the best British manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.And the Gillingham gaffer reckons his fellow Celtic fans must now be praying that Liverpoolswoop to take Gerrard away from Ibrox.
      Steve Evans rates Steven Gerrard as the best British boss since Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Steven Evans reckons Steven Gerrard could go on to do as well as Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA
      Evans has been hugely impressed by the job the former England midfielder has done in delivering Rangers’ first title for a decade.
      And he thinks Gerrard’s humility has been the key behind that success.
      The former Leeds United boss told the Sunday Mail: “I think Steven could become the best British manager in a long time, since Sir Alex .
      “And that’s a big problem for the club that I love most, Celtic.
      “I just love Steven’s passion. I listened to a podcast recently with him and Jamie Carragher.
      “A lot of what he discussed about Glasgow Rangers was about how big it is and where he can take it.
      “He’s a really humble boy, from a humble background. And that’s the same as the people from Glasgow, who are the most humble in the world.
      “Steven being there is a worry for Celtic. Every Celtic fan is waking up now hoping Liverpool get beat that day.
      Steve Evans manages Gillingham in League OneCredit: Getty
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      “Because there’s only one club in the world Steven would leave Rangers for, Liverpool.
      “Every day he’s at Rangers, is a problem for the club that I love most in the world.
      “It was hard for me to tell my family in Glasgow that I thought Rangers would be champions.
      “But that was based on their recruitment.
      “I knew all the players Rangers were getting because I’ve come across them as a manager in my own career.”
      Evans also thinks James Tavernier will hang around at Ibrox because he loves the club – despite Premier League clubs coming in for the Rangers skipper who he managed at Rotherham.
      Some days when he’s out for a run, he’ll go past Ibrox – just to have a look at the placeSteve Evans on Gers skipper James Tavernier
      He added: “I believe Premier League clubs have come in for James. I’ve spoken to four or five bosses who wanted a character reference on him. That’s just in the last six months.
      “But James loves being at that club. Some days when he’s out for a run, he’ll go past Ibrox – just to have a look at the place.
      “He’d never say that in public but that tells you how much the kid loves it there.”
      Rangers skipper James Tavernier is wanted by a number of Premier League clubsCredit: PA
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rangers star Glen Kamara breaks silence on Ondrej Kudela racism allegations as Uefa continue investigation More

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

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      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, 62, 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, 79, told the Irish tycoon he had identified O’Leary, Curbishley and O’Neill.
      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. 
      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, 63, were able to match 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.
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