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Rangers fans react to Sky Sports news

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to the news that Sky Sports are livid with the club following their Premiership title celebrations.

On Sunday, the Gers’ status as champions was confirmed after Celtic could only manage a 0-0 draw with Dundee United. It is their 55th title, and both the fans and the players themselves appeared to enjoy their triumph, which was their first in 10 years.

However, it appears Sky were unable to cover the celebrations as they were denied access to most of it. They are said to be furious, especially when ITV were granted an interview with manager Steven Gerrard on Tuesday (Sky Sports). Sky paid for the TV rights for the Scottish top tier last summer, parting with £125m for the privilege.

Journalist Ewan Murray shared the news on Twitter via an article he wrote for The Guardian, and he attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“Desperate to get more coverage of Scotland’s top club. Rightly so.”

Credit: @thechosenfew10

“If sky want interviews, then show us the money.”

Credit: @Pr33De

“Oh dear. What a pity. Never mind.”

Credit: @JockTamsonsWean

“They treat Scottish football with contempt . No after game analysis like the English games”

Credit: @IBoyd1966

“Remember that time the Sky employee said an ex Rangers Player, Kris Boyd, loved the sectarian abuse aimed at him? Sky should take a long hard look at their own before complaining about anyone else.”

Credit: @Vodka2Whisky

“Maybe if Sky stopped paying our club less than 10% of what the side that finishes 20th in the EPL every year we’d treat them better? Our games bring in more viewers than most. The league is what it is but what they pay is still a pittance.”

Credit: @StyoorT

In other news, this politician makes an Old Firm threat.

Doucoure a huge loss for Everton

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned Everton that they must adapt following the injury to Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Doucoure, who joined Everton from Watford in the last summer transfer window, has been an important player for Carlo Ancelotti this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees.

However, the French midfielder is now expected to be a long-term absentee after picking up an injury against West Brom at the start of the month, leaving his manager with a huge headache.

It is a blow for Everton, who must now adapt, according to Palmer, as they continue to push for a Champions League spot. Discussing Doucoure’s injury with FFC, the former Sheffield Wednesday player said:

“He’s played exceptionally well for them. Every club misses their good players, every club misses their good players. So, yeah, they’re going to miss him, they’re going to have to reshuffle the pack a little bit, but what can you do? He’s injured and that’s why you’ve got a squad of players.

“They’re playing really well, Everton, so I think they can adapt to the loss. But it is a big loss for them.”

While Ancelotti will be without Doucoure for the foreseeable future, the Italian at least has Allan to call upon again. The Brazilian midfielder has also had his injury problems this season but is available for selection again in a massive boost for the Merseyside club.

Ancelotti, unfortunately, still has to contend with the absence of attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, though the 29-year-old should be fit to play again when the Premier League returns after the international break.

Newcastle ready to re-sign Armstrong

Mike Ashley must sanction a summer swoop for Newcastle United to re-sign Adam Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Toon chiefs are ready to push on with plans to lure Armstrong back to St. James’ Park at the end of the season, regardless of what division they are in.

United presently sit just two points above the Premier League drop zone, having only won two of their last 18 games to see a 10-point lead over Fulham be almost entirely eliminated.

Armstrong left Tyneside for Blackburn in 2018 for £2m in a deal sanctioned by Rafa Benitez but has excelled at Ewood Park to now be worth a reported £25m after scoring 19 goals in 33 Championship appearances this term.

Yet Newcastle could land Armstrong in the summer for far less, as the Magpies included a 40% sell-on clause in their agreement with Rovers. As such, the 24-year-old is expected to be available to Ashley for around £16m.

The Toon hierarchy seemingly believe that Armstrong represents good value for that sort of money, as they are said to be ready to present the forward with a path back to where his career began.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-newcastle-news” title=”Latest Newcastle news!”]

Armstrong would be interested in a return to his former academy side, per Chronicle Live, but he has endless respect for Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray for offering him the chance to reset a career stagnating under Benitez.

Newcastle are not alone in tracking the free-scoring second-tier star, also, as David Moyes is said to have marked Armstrong as West Ham United’s top striker target while Southampton, Everton and Fulham have previously been linked.

Should Newcastle sign Blackburn’s Armstrong?

Newcastle holding a 40% sell-on clause for any fee Blackburn pick up for Armstrong will undoubtedly prove beneficial should United look to bring the West Denton-born frontman back to St. James’ Park at the end of the season.

The Toon certainly ought to be exploring a reunion, as Steve Bruce is not seeing anywhere near the needed level of competition for places from Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll and Joelinton to leave 10-goal top-scorer Callum Wilson carrying the burden.

Gayle, Carroll and Joelinton each have scored just once in the Premier League this season, to extend appalling records of netting only five in 31, one in 35 and three in 61 games respectively over the past two campaigns combined.

Armstrong would be expected to offer a much higher level of competition for Wilson in the top-flight next term, should he be signed and Newcastle stay up, or fire the goals that secure United an immediate return from the second-tier.

Only Ivan Toney (28) and Teemu Pukki (22) have scored more often in the Championship this season than Armstrong (19), but each play for sides in Brentford and Norwich who have a chance of securing automatic promotion while Blackburn are 16 points adrift of the play-off places.

Yet Rovers boss Mowbray has no doubt in Armstrong’s talent, noting last month how the forward is “special” and has “Premier League quality”. It’s that type of quality that Lee Charnley should be working to bring back to St. James’ Park and Ashley must sanction the signing.

AND in other news, Newcastle are tracking a 20-year-old talent who has “played out of his skin”

Cooper back in training for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa has been gifted a big boost with the news that his captain Liam Cooper is back in Leeds training, following an absence through illness.

The 29-year-old has been a stalwart for the Whites since joining from Chesterfield back in 2014, making 220 appearances for the club.

Cooper skippered Leeds back into the Premier League after last season’s Championship triumph and he has continued to be a key man in 2020/21.

The centre-back has missed his side’s last two outings due to illness, however – the goalless home draw with Chelsea and the 2-1 win away to Fulham.

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Cooper returns to training

It looks as though Cooper has overcome his problem, though, with Leeds Live reporting that he was back in training on Friday.

That means the captain is in contention to start next Saturday’s visit of bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, as Marcelo Bielsa and his players reconvene after the international break.

Transfer Tavern take

Bielsa could have a potential centre-back dilemma on his hands for the Blades game, with Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk performing well in the last two games.

That being said, Cooper should still return to the starting lineup, with the Englishman proving how influential he is over a long period of time.

In other news, one Leeds star is reportedly on his way out of the exit door this summer – find out who it is here.

Noel Whelan makes Ryan Kent claim

Ryan Kent may have to change his role to a No.10 if he wants to join Leeds United, according to former Whites striker Noel Whelan.

Kent has enjoyed an excellent spell at Rangers in recent years, having joined from Liverpool in 2019, following an initial loan move at Ibrox.

The 24-year-old has been a key man as Steven Gerrard’s side have clinched Scottish Premiership glory, scoring 25 goals in 122 appearances for the club.

Kent was linked with a move to Leeds last summer and a bid of around £10m was rejected, per BBC, with Marcelo Bielsa clearly seeing him as a good option to come in and add more quality to his attack.

[freshpress-quiz id=“292682″]

Whelan makes Kent claim

A move could still potentially happen given that Rangers are expected to cash in on some players this summer, but speaking to Football Insider, ex-Whites star Whelan believes Kent may need to change his position in order for a transfer to materialise:

“They’ll consider their options. But now they have Raphinha, he’s now considered that top player.

“I don’t think we’ll look there now unless Kent really considers playing a number 10 role. He’s a player that can adapt across that midfield area, whether that’s on the left, the right or the centre.

“It depends on where they are looking to strengthen. We know we need more midfield players, that’s a fact. Do they want more of a natural attacking centre-midfield player?

“Mateusz Klich is out of favour but Stuart Dallas is doing a fantastic job in that area with his energy and quality. But we need more options.

“Ryan Kent will always be an option because he’s at the right age and he’s got lots of ability to go into a Premier League outfit.”

The winger’s current Rangers deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023, so Leeds would likely have to pay a sizeable fee to prise him away.

Transfer Tavern take

Kent could be an exciting addition for Leeds ahead of next season, with his pace, trickery and work-rate making him an ideal fit. He is is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, though, which is the one possible stumbling block.

He has scored 25 goals for Rangers, as mentioned, but he has also registered 26 assists, highlighting his all-round quality in the final third.

In other news, a Leeds regular is reportedly being eyed up by a number of clubs – find out who it is here.

Aston Villa: Fans react to City’s Grealish update

Several Aston Villa fans have been reacting to a transfer update regarding Manchester City and their interest in Jack Grealish.

The boyhood Villa fan was linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s side last month and was reportedly excited by a potential Etihad switch.

According to a fresh report from the Daily Mail, cited by Birmingham Live, City are set to go after Grealish in an audacious double summer swoop, along with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

Grealish to City progressing

The update claims a double deal could cost close to £200m, with Haaland seen as a perfect replacement for Sergio Aguero.

City’s interest in Grealish has thought to have progressed in recent weeks, according to the Daily Mail. They suggest that there is hope a deal can now be struck with Aston Villa, even though Villa are under no pressure to sell.

Grealish, who recently returned to training following a leg injury, is under contract in the Midlands until 2025.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the update regarding City’s interest in Grealish and Haaland on social media. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many not impressed.

“Dream on Jack ain’t going nowhere!”

Credit: @Tony89405449

“No way you get both those players for £200m. Not a chance.”

Credit: @jackmiller81

“Imagine those two in the same team WOW”

Credit: @nobasauras

“How about NSWE put a bid in for Haaland”

Credit: @VillanK7R

“I’d sell my kidney to keep Grealish”

Credit: @polarForest_

“Sorry but City have Foden they don’t need Grealish?”

Credit: @cameron_av

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz over recent footage; it’s not on Grealish, find out more here. 

UEFA miss deadline in Gers case

UEFA has missed the deadline to publish their report into the chaos surrounding Glasgow Rangers’ Europa League match against Slavia Prague at Ibrox last month.

UEFA miss deadline in Gers fiasco

The Gers were knocked out of the round of 16 by the Czech champions after losing 2-0 at Ibrox. However, the match was marred by a number of incidents, with Glen Kamara accusing Ondrej Kudela of racist abuse before the latter said the Finland international had hit him in the tunnel (slavia.cz).

Last week, Slavia president Jaroslav Tvrdik said UEFA had until April 5 to share their report (slavia.cz) – but they are yet to do so.

*Since this article was published, Ewan Murray has confirmed UEFA have opened ‘proceedings’ against Kudela.

Outcome is needed

Of course, it is important the European governing body carry out their due diligence to make sure they have all the information they need to make the right decision. However, for everyone involved in this sorry debacle, an outcome is needed sooner rather then later.

Depending on the decision, it is important that Kamara gets closure. What he is said to have been on the end of is out of order and must be eradicated both from the game of football and everyday life. UEFA will know they will be sending a message no matter the result – that is perhaps why they are taking so long to come to a decision.

In other news, some Rangers fans do not agree with these Steven Gerrard comments.

Gers fans react to Thompson tweet

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to a tweet from Alan Thompson taking aim at former Ibrox player Peter Lovenkrands.

Thompson is well-known as a former Celtic player, and he enjoyed many battles with both the Gers and the ex-Denmark international. In December 2004, the Englishman was sent off in the Old Firm derby after appearing to headbutt Lovenkrands – it was a game Rangers went on to win 2-0.

It is debatable as to whether it was actually worthy of a dismissal, but it is worth pointing out that this is an incident which occurred 17 years ago. Plenty of time has passed, and you would have thought most people would have forgotten. Not Thompson, though, who shared a picture of the coming together, signed by himself.

The photo was posted on his official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from Gers supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one wryly commenting that the 47-year-old “needs help”.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Thompson tweet below

“Its official 55 has destroyed them This was 17 years ago and they appealed the red card and lost but hey lovenkrands is a cheat”

Credit: @gersfan46

“This man needs help.”

Credit: @baarryswan

“This pain delights me”

Credit: @GovanLoyal72

“Keep crying”

Credit: @Robert88235

“Rent free…”

Credit: @MosesBrox

“You were down 2-0 and got sent off, SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO get over it Alan.”

Credit: @ottleti

In other news, many Rangers fans praise this man’s performance against Hibernian.

Kalajdzic responds to Newcastle interest

Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic has said that suggestions of transfer interest from Newcastle United represent recognition for his achievements.

Kalajdzic is enjoying an excellent season at the newly-promoted Bundesliga outfit, scoring 14 league goals in 18 starts, a tally eclipsed only by Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Andre Silva and Wout Weghorst in the German top flight.

Indeed, those 14 goals have come from just 47 attempts from the 23-year-old.

Kalajdzic: The Austrian Peter Crouch?

Kalajdzic caught the eye of UK audiences in March when he bagged a double against Scotland at Hampden Park in World Cup qualifying action.

He is the tallest player in the Bundesliga at 6 foot 5 and has been compared to Premier League centurion Peter Crouch, who he cited as an ‘example, definitely’ after he enjoyed a ‘top career’ in England.

SportBild claimed that Newcastle were keen on signing him before he opted to join Stuttgart last summer for a modest fee of £1.58m. The Magpies may retain an interest in Kalajdzic, but RB Leipzig are now said to have joined the race for his signature.

Kalajdzic: ‘It’s a compliment’ to be associated with Newcastle

“Much of what is said about me in the media is a nice confirmation,” he told SportBild when they recalled that he was wanted by the Magpies.

“I am not defending myself against it. It’s great that my achievements are recognized. It’s a compliment to be associated with other clubs – but that’s all, I don’t go crazy about it.”

Kalajdzic is valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, an estimate he describes as ‘cool’.

‘I don’t want to commit myself’

When he was asked whether the Premier League would be his next step, given that he is a ‘big England fan’, he expressed caution.

“I don’t like to speculate too much,” he said.

“All plans can be over with one action, and things can go down the drain again: I had a metatarsal fracture and a cruciate ligament tear in my still young career. That’s why I don’t want to commit myself.

“It’s nice that the rumors exist and that people talk a lot about me.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

Kalajdzic’s excellent goalscoring record means that it would be no surprise if he were to depart Stuttgart in the summer after just one year of service.

Newcastle are sure to face competition if they pursue a deal once again, but it would be some coup for the Magpies. He would very much be a long-term option at St James’ Park and would surely represent an upgrade on Joelinton, who has netted just nine goals in 75 appearances for the Geordies.

In other news, Lee Ryder dropped this promising update on the potential takeover.

Exclusive: Ex-Leicester winger hails Jamie Vardy role in Iheanacho run

Former Leicester midfielder Keith Gillespie has exclusively told Football FanCast that Kelechi Iheanacho’s recent form is partly down to the selflessness of Jamie Vardy.

The former England striker is struggling for goals himself, scoring just once since Christmas, with his 12 goals leaving him on course for his worst Premier League return for four seasons.

But whilst Vardy isn’t finding the net, Iheanacho is having little difficultly, and extended his outstanding recent run to eight goals in as many league matches, and five in three by netting a late brace at West Ham last weekend.

The Nigerian’s two goals at the London Stadium counted for little following Leicester’s 3-2 defeat, and whilst the former Manchester City man is playing the football of his career right now, Gillespie thinks that Vardy deserves credit.

He told Football FanCast:

“I know Jamie Vardy isn’t scoring goals at the minute, but the willingness that Vardy has, the non-stop running, he never gives defenders a minute’s peace.

“He isn’t scoring at the minute, but he’s part of the reason at times why Iheanacho is scoring. He can take defenders away and give Iheanacho that space.”

Meanwhile, Vardy himself is on an eight-game goal drought since netting against Liverpool more than two months ago, but Gillespie isn’t concerned.

He added:

“You always worry for strikers when they go through barren spells, but I don’t think you can be too worried about Vardy because you can see in other parts of his game how important he is to Leicester.”

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