Rangers’ owners are backing Russell Martin despite fan discontent. Dundee clubs are seeking midfield reinforcements, with Dundee United’s Dolček deal facing hurdles. Other news includes Postecoglou’s potential assistant, Baraclough’s accident, Graham’s career choices, Brown’s belief in King, and Fraser’s trial with Ross County.
Despite mounting pressure from disgruntled fans, Rangers' ownership is reportedly maintaining its support for head coach Russell Martin. This backing comes at a crucial time, with the team facing challenges on the pitch and Martin's leadership under intense scrutiny.
The news arrives as both Dundee clubs are actively exploring midfield reinforcements, adding another layer of intrigue to the Scottish football landscape.
Russell Martin's tenure at Rangers has been far from smooth sailing. After a rocky start, the team's performance has failed to consistently meet the high expectations of the Rangers faithful. Calls for Martin's dismissal have grown louder in recent weeks, fueled by perceived tactical shortcomings and disappointing results. However, sources close to the club insist that the owners remain committed to Martin's long-term vision and believe he is the right man to steer the team forward.
This unwavering support from the top brass provides Martin with a much-needed vote of confidence, allowing him to focus on addressing the team's weaknesses and implementing his strategies without the immediate threat of losing his job. It also sends a clear message to the players and staff that the club is unified in its belief in Martin's leadership.
Meanwhile, in Dundee, both Dundee United and Dundee FC are actively seeking to bolster their midfield options. Dundee United's pursuit of Ivan Dolček has hit a snag, with personal terms proving to be a major stumbling block. Despite agreeing a fee with Dunjaska Streda for the permanent transfer of the on-loan winger, Dolček has yet to agree to the terms offered by the club. Negotiations between the 25-year-old Croat and the Premiership club are ongoing but could potentially drag on until January, leaving Dundee United in a state of uncertainty.
Across the city, Dundee FC is also facing midfield challenges, with head coach Steven Pressley acknowledging the limited options available in the free-agent market. With Cesar Garza potentially absent due to international commitments with Mexico's Under-20 World Cup squad, Pressley is keen to add depth and experience to his midfield ranks. However, he admits that finding the right player at this stage of the season is proving to be a difficult task.
In other news, new Nottingham Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou may bring former Scotland Under-21 international and ex-Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery, who was one of his assistants with Tottenham Hotspur.
Partick Thistle sporting director Ian Baraclough has revealed how his horror honeymoon swimming accident in Mauritius in June left him fearing he might never walk again.
Dundee's 21-year-old centre-half, Luke Graham, has expressed relief that he turned down a lucrative move to a Premier League club when he was a teenager and instead gained first-team experience on loan to Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk.
Ayr United manager Scott Brown believes Leon King, who is on loan from Rangers, can still achieve the levels he was expected to reach when the 21-year-old centre-half broke into the first team at Ibrox as a teenager.
Scott Fraser, who left Dundee United this summer, is now on trial with Ross County after the 30-year-old midfielder's training spell with Championship rivals St Johnstone came to an end.