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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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      Fireworks set off during two-minute silence for Prince Philip as Celtic and Livingston players try to pay respects

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      CELTIC fans appear to have set off fireworks during a two-minute silence for Prince Philip.Football grounds across the United Kingdom fell silent on Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to the Prince of Edinburgh, who passed away at Windsor Castle on Friday morning at the age of 99.
      Celtic and Livingston’s players observe a minute’s silence for Prince Philip – but it was disturbed by fireworksCredit: The Sun
      Celtic were facing Livingston on Saturday afternoon as they got back to Premiership action with a thumping 6-0 win.
      However, the result was overshadowed by events before kick-off as fireworks could be heard being set off outside the Glasgow stadium, as players stood silent on the pitch.
      Several stars from both sides looked upwards to the skies.
      The noise of the fireworks going off were picked up on both the radio and Celtic TV’s coverage of the game.
      A commentator said: ‘I think that was some fireworks going off outside Celtic Park. Not sure what that was but some pretty loud bangs anyway.’ 
      It remains unclear exactly where or who it was that set them off during the silence.
      Prince Philip passed away yesterdayCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, Celtic interim boss John Kennedy admits he hasn’t spoken to club chiefs about his concerns over the SPFL’s inconsistencies in punishments.
      Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear were handed six-game bans after breaching Covid-19 restrictions.
      However, Rangers have since appealed the verdicts and their case now won’t be heard until April 20.
      That frees the players up for next week’s Old firm clash with Celtic.
      Kennedy said: “I haven’t spoken to anyone at the club regarding that, I was asked for my opinion on it.

      “A lot of that was directed towards the SFA’s protocols in terms of how they deal with these matters.
      “I said what I had to say at the time.
      “I was asked for my opinion, I gave it and from now on, it’s up to them to deal with that and we’ll focus on our football.
      “It’s Rangers’ situation and the SFA’s. We just ask the question in terms of the consistency in those decisions.”
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      Rangers track Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes with ex-Atletico Madrid youth’s contract up in the summer

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      RANGERS are tracking Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes.The Senegal-born attacker, 22, has been watched a number of times this season and the Scottish champions have contacted the League Two side about a potential move.
      Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes, 22, is being tracked by RangersCredit: Getty
      SunSport also understands Rangers have done their due diligence on the ex-Atletico Madrid youth.
      Gomes is out of contract at the end of this season and could be available on a free if he doesn’t sign a new contract at Morecambe.
      The forward, who was born in Dakar and raised in Tenerife, moved to Manchester with his family when he was 15.
      He spent two years in the Atletico academy, but his first two years in English football were spent at non-league West Didsbury.
      He operates mainly on the right wing and has been with the Shrimps for three seasons.
      Meanwhile, Celtic have been in contact with the SFA demanding clarification over the Rangers Covid five delay.
      Hoops chiefs are seeking answers from Hampden after charges against the Ibrox rule-breakers – with an appeal still to be heard nearly two months on from the illegal incident.
      Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear were caught up at a house gathering in February, in a clear breach of coronavirus protocol.
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      The Gers have been watching the Senegal-born attacker closelyCredit: Alamy

      The five players were each hit with with four-match bans, plus a further two games suspended.
      However, Rangers appealed this decision, therefore freeing up Patterson and the rest to play for their respective clubs in the mean time.
      The hearing will now be held on Saturday – with Patterson, Zungu and Bassey therefore free to face Celtic.
      The Hoops are unhappy as Hampden chiefs hit them with punishment for Boli Bolingoli’s breach within four days earlier this season, with the Hoops having games postponed that left them playing catch up in the league.
      And now, Celtic have met with Scottish football’s governing body to seek clarity on the Ibrox five situation.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      West Ham fighting Dortmund for Jordan Larsson – son of Celtic hero Henrik – as 23-year-old impresses at Spartak Moscow

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      WEST HAM and Borussia Dortmund are both reportedly keen on signing Spartak Moscow star Jordan Larsson – son of Celtic legend Henrik.The striker, 23, has been in excellent form in the Russian Premier League this season and has attracted attention from across Europe.
      West Ham and Borussia Dortmund could go head to head for Jordan LarssonCredit: Getty
      Henrik Larsson and son Jordan at his testimonial match between Celtic and Sevilla in 2004Credit: PA:Press Association
      West Ham are in desperate need of striker with injury prone Michail Antonio their only recognised front man on the books.
      And with Erling Haaland heavily linked with a move away from Dortmund at the end of this season, the Bundesliga side are in the market for a replacement.
      Larsson is on the radar of both teams, according to Goal.
      Spartak signed Larsson from Swedish side Norrkoping for £3.5million in August 2019.
      The Sweden international has bagged 12 goals for Spartak in 23 Russian Prem matches so far this season.
      He was also voted the club’s player of the month for March
      Jordan grew up in football circles with dad Henrik playing for Celtic, Barcelona and Manchester United since he was born in 1997.
      And in December, he revealed he would love to follow in his dad’s footsteps and play for the Bhoys in Green.
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      He said: “For me Celtic will always have a special place in my heart.
      “Not that I’ve played there in that sense, but it was the first place where I saw football as a young kid going with my mother to see games when my father was playing.
      “That’s where I have the biggest memories in my head.
      “‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ you have all the scarves before the games and everything so of course it will always have a special place in my heart.
      “But at the same time since my father is who he is at the club I think for me personally if I would ever have the chance to play there then I would like to establish myself even more, make my own name before I would play there if that chance would ever come up but of course it’s tempting.
      “Not that they are interested in that sense but If I think about it to be able to play there would be a dream in that sense.
      “For me my whole life has been about proving I’m a good player, that I’m my own person you know.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Eddie Howe plotting Josh King transfer move to Celtic from Everton ahead of being confirmed as boss this week

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      EDDIE HOWE wants Josh King to snub the Premier League and become one of his first Celtic signings.The incoming Hoops boss has identified the Norwegian hitman as a replacement for wantaway striker Odsonne Edouard.
      Eddie Howe wants Everton flop Joshua King should he be confirmed Celtic bossCredit: Ryan Browne – The Times
      King has struggled to impress at Everton after joining on a short-term deal from Bournemouth, but several English clubs are still keen on him.
      Howe will have to talk his former Cherries striker into taking a wage cut if they are to be reunited in Glasgow.
      King, 29 – understood to be earning £45,000 a week at Goodison – enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career when he worked under Howe.
      He has yet to start a match for Everton and looks certain to quit the club this summer.
      That could see Celtic land a player, linked with a big-money return to first club Manchester United two years ago, on a free.
      King’s 169 top-flight appearances in England have produced 48 goals. He is also capable of operating on either flank.
      He credits mentor Howe for his rise and would relish the chance to work under him again.
      Howe might not be confirmed as Neil Lennon’s successor until next week and may not take charge until the summer.
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      King played his best football under Howe at BournemouthCredit: Reuters

      But he’s working flat out behind the scenes in a bid to identify signings.
      SunSport revealed last Sunday that Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook, 29, is another target.
      Howe faces a huge rebuild at Parkhead, with Scott Brown heading a list of players leaving.
      Moi Elyounoussi, Diego Laxalt, Jonjoe Kenny and Shane Duffy will all return to their parent clubs.
      And Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie could all be sold in big-money deals.
      ⚽ 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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      Leicester keen on Hibs star Josh Doig, 18, with Man City, Arsenal and Leeds also interested in £1.5m teenager

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      LEICESTER CITY have joined the growing list of clubs interested in £1.5million-rated Hibs kid Josh Doig.SunSport can reveal the high-flying Foxes had the young Hibees left-back watched in action during their Scottish Cup victory over Queen of the South on Monday night.
      Hibs starlet Josh Doig, 18, is being chased by a number of Premier League clubsCredit: The Sun
      Doig, 18, has had scouts flocking to see him play throughout his debut season at Easter Road.
      Manchester City, Leeds United and Arsenal have all been linked with the attacking full-back.
      Now Brendan Rodgers’ recruitment department at the King Power Stadium have started doing their own homework on the up-and-coming starlet.
      Doig strolled through the cup clash with Queens at Palmerston in his latest impressive display.
      Hibs have got Doig tied down on a long-term contract which runs until the summer of 2025.
      But they are realistic enough to know that big clubs are set to swoop this summer and make serious bids to lure him away from Edinburgh.
      Scotland Under-18 cap Doig has been at Hibs for only 14 months having been released by city rivals Hearts.
      The young defender was sent on loan to Queen’s Park for the remainder of last season.
      Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester are keen on the full-backCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Doig scores against Hamilton at Easter RoadCredit: The Sun

      But he has grabbed his chance in Jack Ross’ first team this time around and gone from strength to strength as Hibs look to seal third place in the Premiership.
      Hibs pal Darren McGregor last month told SunSport Hearts’ decision to let go of Doig was “incredible”.
      He added: “Josh is one of the best technically, he has a really bright future. He’s level-headed as well, which is half the battle.”
      Meanwhile, BBC Scotland will broadcast Forfar Athletic vs Dundee United in the Scottish Cup on Friday April 16, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
      Less than 24 hours, Hibernian’s 12.15pm clash in Stranraer will also be covered by the Beeb.
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      England strikers coach takes Aberdeen job but will stick with Three Lions until 2022 World Cup

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      ALLAN RUSSELL is the former Hamilton, St Mirren and Forest Green forward who is the England squad’s striker coach.The self-styled ‘world’s No 1 striker-specific coach’ from Scotland was once again working with Gareth Southgate’s squad during last month’s three World Cup qualifiers.
      Allan Russell has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at AberdeenCredit: Getty
      Since March 2017 he has been employed by the FA to improve the team’s goal threat, particularly from set-pieces — though it helps when you have Harry Kane in the side.
      But Russell, 40, has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at Aberdeen following the appointment of former Newcastle and Watford defender Stephen Glass as Pittodrie boss.
      England manager Southgate and the FA have no problems with Russell splitting his roles.
      He looks certain to continue through this summer’s Euro 2020 and on to the World Cup in Qatar in winter 2022.
      He is also running his consultancy business called Superior Striker, which his official website claims is a “game changer at the highest level.”
      And ironically Russell will be hoping to get one over his fellow countrymen when England play Scotland in the Euro group stages at Wembley.
      Russell knew he would be fine working for Aberdeen as there is a precedent of Southgate’s backroom team being employed elsewhere.
      England’s Welsh goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson also works for Swansea while former Charlton defender Chris Powell, who helps coach the Three Lions senior team, is now head of coaching at Tottenham’s academy.
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      Kyril has place in the Sun
      SWISS billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at Sunderland.
      The Black Cats owner, whose takeover was ratified in February, is the 23-year-old son of the late Swiss-French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus who was Marseille’s majority shareholder.
      Louis-Dreyfus, who lives with Russian fiancee Alexandra Nowikovsky, has homes in Geneva and the sun-kissed south of France.
      But he has moved into a modest bungalow on the grounds of Sunderland’s Academy of Light training ground in Cleadon, to gain a good understanding of the club 24 hours a day.
      He is already doing things the right way and sees the important role now played by data analysts.
      Louis-Dreyfus is relaxed about whether the promotion chasers get out of League One and will not feel it is a crisis if they miss out.He sees Sunderland as a big rebuilding job.
      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at SunderlandCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      No more cash to burn
      PREMEMBER the times when all Premier League clubs lost the plot over summer and spent shedloads of cash?
      Well, it won’t be happening this summer. Expect another quiet transfer window like January.
      Teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea will spend big while Manchester United and Liverpool have money to strengthen but it will be nothing like some fans hope.
      As for the others, some clubs are already admitting to agents they have “zero budget” for the summer. This means one player leaving before another comes in.
      Even the top six are looking to move high earners out on loan. One of the bigger clubs has a player budget of just £8million.
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