Chris Davies has two strong candidates to fill the spot left by Birmingham City’s unstoppable departure

For the next League One games, Chris Davies has to take over as captain of Birmingham City from Krystian Bielik.

The search for a new Krystian Bielik manager began on Tuesday night, when Birmingham City beat Shrewsbury Town badly.

Blues kept a clean sheet thanks to Ben Davies and Dion Sanderson, who were both in the running. Next weekend, the Blues will play fourth-placed Lincoln City in League One. One of them will play with Christoph Klarer.

Davies is without a question the favorite. He has learned the Chris Davies way after a poor start against Walsall last month. The defender, who is 29 years old and has played for Preston, Liverpool, and Rangers, hasn’t done a bad thing since. Blues fans can take comfort in Davies’s strong performance against Rotherham United. It shows that the team can do without their leader.

What about Sanderson, though? The former leader of the team played for the first time in two months at Shrewsbury after recovering from a foot injury.

Sanderson was very helpful defensively by clearing the ball off the goal line to keep the clean sheet. He also made a great pass to Scott Wright that split Shrewsbury’s defense and set up Tomoki Iwata’s goal.

Chris Davies was pleased enough. “He looked like he hadn’t been out at all for someone who’s been out for so long,” the Blues boss said. “He did a good job.” The way he passed was nice and quick, and he was good at positioning and being bold in duels. He usually speaks up and holds the line well, so it was a good runout for him.

Who should start instead of Bielik? Listen to what Brian Dick and Alex Dicken had to say on the Keep Right On Podcast…

“Davies had a rough game against Walsall in this competition, but he was great against Rotherham and seems to be getting into a groove, even though he didn’t play at Charlton from the start.” We are seeing a center back with good family history. What an amazing range of talent this Blues team has, as we’ve said many times. In League One, you can have someone like Ben Davies as your second choice center back. He stepped in and did a great job. To be honest, I don’t have many problems. Even though Bielik is good, Ben Davies has a left foot that will come in handy.

AD: “I believe Davies’ left foot gives him the edge.” It makes things fair. I know Bielik can’t play on the left foot, but I don’t think Klarer or Sanderson would want to play there either. Cleary won’t be dropped, so I believe it will be Davies and Cleary.

Rangers’ board is confronted with “Big Decisions” as a potential Middle East investment is considered at Ibrox, according to a finance expert

Dan Plumley, an expert in football business, says Rangers will consider investment from the Middle East if it makes sense for the team.

Some Light Blues board members are thought to be open to talking to outside investors at Ibrox as long as they can find someone they can trust [Andy Newport, September 3].

Former chairman Dave King said that if he were to come back, he would try to get money from the US and the Middle East [Rangers Review, September 15], but Plumley thinks that the Gers board will have to make some tough decisions.

“It’s kind of the norm these days,” Plumley told Ibrox News in an exclusive interview.

“No matter where the investment comes from, there will always be a discussion within the company about whether they are a good fit for us and whether we agree with them.”

“There must be a good investment fit, especially if you’re looking at a minority investment to begin with and then work your way up. You must be able to work with these people and get along with them.”

“There is a conversation in the boardroom that it has to be right for the club as well, no matter where the money is coming from.”

“That’s why these things aren’t taken lightly in the end.”

“These are big decisions made in the boardroom, so even though Rangers is an appealing investment opportunity, it has to work for both the investors and the team going forward.”

Will Rangers get more money from the Middle East at Ibrox?

To catch up to Celtic, both on the field and in terms of money, Rangers knows they need to make more investments.

The Light Blues will only want to do business with companies they trust, even though investment from the Middle East seems like a good idea because of the money that can be made in Saudi Arabia and other places.

The Light Blues should be able to come to a deal with someone soon so that things can really start to move forward in Glasgow.

Clement asserts that the Hagi challenge was merely “clumsy” following the Romanian’s dismissal

Ring rust has been attributed by Philippe Clement for the red card against St Johnstone that return man Ianis Hagi received.

Not seen in a Rangers match team since August last year, the midfielder was sent packing 35 minutes after he came off the bench in a 2-0 victory at Ibrox. Assisting Vaclav Cerny’s second goal of the evening, the Romanian international then saw red as he rushed into a dangerous tackle on goalscorer Benjamin Kimpioka.

Clement said Hagi’s tackle looked awkward rather than forceful, even if the referees followed VAR’s advice and increased the first yellow card. The Rangers manager noted: ” Ianis didn’t play for a long time.” The red card serves as a clumsy challenge. It’s one from a player not quite fit right now.

“This is the only approach to get him in shape and ready.” This is more of a sloppy and unfortunate one than a violent one with great energy.

Looking at it later, it was obviously a red card. Since he is only in the building, in that sense, exercising with us cannot disappoint me.

One of my key values is that I do not desire such type of challenge. I don’t want people (to) elevate their feet, I don’t want them to block these challenges or utilize their body in that manner, as then you run the danger of losing these moments.

Ianis Hagi’s comeback lasted just 35 minutes due to his reckless challenge on  Benjamin Kimpioka.

Hagi was initially shown a yellow card, but it was upgraded to red on VAR’s recommendation.

Vaclav Cerny headed straight for manager Philippe Clement after the first of his two goals.

Everybody in the team understands this, except Ianis, we haven’t discussed them yet, hence this is a tough lesson. However, as you see it’s not with great intensity, I do not believe it will be a very significant suspension. He will go with his national team now, and I hope he gets minutes there. We will get him back in training when he returns.

Set up Cerny for the second of his two objectives, Hagi resolved a long-standing contract issue with the Ibrox club midweek.

From the emotional upheaval brought on by an incredible miss in the 4-1 Europa League defeat to Lyon, the Czech winger recovered. He canceled his Instagram account after hostile remarks directed at supporters.

Clement said, “You don’t like to miss opportunities like on Thursday, and he is an experienced player.”

He understands the need of not reaching that target. It turned the tide of things. About that he was somewhat depressed. It is also the reason he came to me after the first goal.

He maintained my trust; that is not debatable. I am aware of his labor pace, quality, and desired contribution to this club. The objectives then follow, and I’m really pleased for him to have scored two nice goals.

St Johnstone believed they had grabbed one back via Nicky Clark when an offside flag cut short the celebrations using a numerical advantage.

Simo Valakari, the new manager of the Perth team, watched from the main stand while awaiting a work permit.

“There’s definitely positives we can take from the game – and the fact the new manager will be able to work pretty soon and he’s got to see the players live, see what he’s got to do, and hopefully we can improve,” Interim boss Andy Kirk said.

The manager prefers to play front foot and has a quite optimistic mindset. Now in the worldwide break, we have some opportunity to work with the gamers and convey that to them.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s ‘statement’ against James Tavernier is the true cause for Lyon’s replacement

The defender was hauled off during the 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Ligue 1 club.

Rory Loy has denied that Philippe Clement made a “statement” regarding Rangers captain James Tavernier after he was replaced against Lyon.

The captain failed to deal with the visitors’ persistent onslaught, as Malick Fofana created havoc down the left side under the Ibrox lights, scored a double as he repeatedly brushed off the attention of Tavernier in the 4-1 defeat. Clement replaced the right-back with Feyenoord loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo after 61 minutes in the Europa League game.

Tavernier, who has been a regular of Rangers’ starting lineup since 2015, has seldom been replaced. This decision has sparked concerns over his role in the next match against St Johnstone on Sunday night. On BBC Sportsound, Kenny Macintyre questioned if the Belgian had made a “statement” by removing the captain in the middle of the defeat.

Former Rangers player Loy immediately interjected: “I don’t believe so; I think that was a necessity the other night. That is not being too judgmental of Tavernier; this occurs all the time with gamers.

“It simply hasn’t occurred very often with Tavernier. On Thursday, it reached the damage limitation stage, and it was the wisest thing to do to get him out.”

‘You can’t do this’ – Kris Boyd criticizes a Rangers player for his actions against Lyon

In the Europa League match against Rangers on Thursday, October 3, Connor Barron was criticized by Kris Boyd for his weak pass, which resulted in a Lyon goal.

Boyd criticized Barron’s no-look pass on Sky Sports Scotland (October 3, 8:25 p.m.), which was directly intercepted by Malick Fofana. Fofana then drove into the box and set up Alexandre Lacazette for a 2-1 score.

Barron had attempted to locate John Souttar after receiving a pass from Robin Propper. However, Fofana capitalized on the opportunity, raced clear, and set up the goal, which propelled Lyon to a resounding 4-1 victory at Ibrox.

Boyd stated, “Once more, it is an inadequate pass for Connor Barron; this is unacceptable at this level.” He has been attempting to play it blind, but Fofana has quickly caught on.

“Barron’s pass is exceedingly inadequate; he endeavors to regain possession, but his efforts are unsuccessful.”

In a tumultuous first half against Lyon, Connor Barron is costing Rangers.

The Gers were left with a wide open backline as a result of Barron’s startling back-pass, which also ended a fleeting period of serenity that Philippe Clement’s team had managed to establish in the first half.

Vaclav Cerny missed a golden opportunity from close range, but the Light Blues were unable to capitalize on Lyon’s shaky defense despite generating numerous early opportunities.

Three goals inside 20 minutes at Ibrox as Lyon retake the lead 😲 pic.twitter.com/Hjz48YoH4B

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 3, 2024

Lyon did, however, capitalize on the Gers’ overcommitment by scoring a goal on the break and securing a 1-0 lead to quiet the boisterous Ibrox crowd, mere minutes after Clement’s substitution.

Nevertheless, the Bears had regained some control just minutes later with Tom Lawrence’s gritty equalizer. However, this was all for naught within the next five minutes, as Fofana was able to infiltrate the field as a result of Barron’s pass.

The game could have been significantly different if it had not been for Barron’s errant pass, as Lacazette’s goal placed Lyon 2-1 up and he added an additional goal just before halftime.

Former Rangers player struggles after summer exit as he loses his position; only 14 minutes in five matches

It is fitting to emphasize that the grass is not always greener on the other side as another erstwhile Rangers stalwart experiences a bitter post-Ibrox existence.

Antonio Colak scored only three goals during a challenging season at Parma.Filip Helander was relegated from Denmark’s top division before departing Odense Boldklub under a cloud.

Ryan Kent has not played a single game in fury for Fenerbahce in the past year.

Glen Kamara, who is currently playing for Rennes in France, was a play-off finalist with Leeds before being defeated. In Brazil, Alfredo Morelos’ previously gleaming reputation has been further diminished, and inquiries regarding the transfer of John Lundstram to Trabzonspor are already being raised.

In terms of Trabzonspor, neither Lundstram nor Borna Barisic anticipated a substitute position when they signed a contract with the Turkish Super Lig team during the summer.

Borna Barisic is experiencing difficulty at Trabzonspor following his departure from the Rangers.

Both athletes departed Rangers upon the expiration of their contracts.

Lundstram has only participated in the entire 90 minutes of the Super Lig once. Barisic, on the other hand, began the season as a starter before being demoted to the substitute’s bench in recent weeks.

The Croatian left-back has appeared in a total of 14 minutes during Trabzonspor’s most recent five top-flight matches. At the conclusion of a goalless stalemate with Gazientep, all of those occurred in a fleeting cameo.

Barisic was excluded from the September match against Besiktas and was unable to reunite with his former Ibrox manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, due to a Turkish club regulation that limits the number of foreign players allowed in their squad for a league match to 12.

So, although their Rangers replacements are beginning to establish themselves in the left-back and deep-lying midfielder positions – Jefte and Connor Barron appear to be improving by the week – the struggles of Lundstram and Barisic will do little to bolster the argument that Philippe Clement and his colleagues were a bit hasty in moving them on.

To compound the situation, the individual who characterized Barisic’s arrival as a “beautiful” business transaction during the summer has been succeeded by Senol Gunes, a seasoned professional.

John Lundstram, the former Ibrox star, is already confronting an uncertain future in Turkey.

Abdullah Avci was terminated as the head coach of Trabzonspor due to a string of unfavorable outcomes.

Last month, president Ertogrul Dogan intimated that Lundstram’s tenure on the banks of the Black may be coming to an end, despite the fact that Gunes is evidently not a fan of Barisic and prefers Eren Elmali as a left-back.

In September, Dogan informed reporters that the most recent transfers were previously agreed upon with the previous manager. “Our squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of young and significant players.” I believe that we will be able to generate revenue from them in the future.

“We will promptly execute any request made by our coach.” We have transmitted the athletes we have previously investigated to him, and he is currently evaluating them.

“Our coach and Lundstram have not yet had the opportunity to interact.” Nevertheless, these athletes complied with Abdullah Avci’s request to participate. Every instructor has a unique method of consuming yogurt.

“We will take into account any request that (Gunes) may have.”

Clement’s team, which has maintained a clean sheet in six of the previous seven games, is preparing to face Lyon on Thursday in Glasgow.Clement is exceedingly pleased with the manner in which Rangers rookie Jefte has assumed Barisic’s role.

Barron’s performance in the 2-0 victory at Malmo was again characterized by his characteristic maturity, and Rangers legend Ally McCoist cannot express his admiration for him enough.

“I believe he has made a strong start,” the former striker says of Barron. Additionally, McCoist is effusive in his praise for Neraysho Kasanwirjo, new to the Rangers.

“There were several factors that were against [Barron].” The team is experiencing considerable stress. It is significantly simpler to join a team that is performing well.

So I believe that Connor Barron is performing exceptionally well.

The two major Rangers vs Hibs gripes rejected by Philippe Clement were rebuked as Kris Boyd strikes back against Ibrox management

After the tough 1-0 victory at Ibrox, Sky commentator Boyd was not hearing any Belgian complaints.

After Rangers’ hard-earned victory against Hibs, Kris Boyd has discounted Philippe Clement’s two main complaints.

After the visitors missed a penalty and then failed to take their opportunities in the second-half, Gers were lucky to finish the day with all three points. Inside Ibrox, there was a tense environment as angry supporters vented their wrath, which made Vaclav Cerny lash back at the home crowd’s yells.

And while Clement acknowledged it wasn’t a classic exhibition, the Gers manager fired a shot at the earlier 12noon kick-off time after Thursday night Europa League exploits in Malmo. The Belgian also believed that John Souttar was unjustly punished as Hibs were given a spotkick only to have Jack Butland stop Mykola Kuharevich’s feeble attempt.

But Boyd, the ex-Light Blues goal machine, believes Clement’s objections are unfounded. First, examine the penalty; the Sky Sports commentator remarked: “His arm comes up and then it hits him.” It’s a penalty available all day. Philippe Clement would be claiming it’s a penalty kick if you flip it the other way and it was at the other end.”

James McFadden concurred, adding, “I get what he’s trying to say but I think when you put your arm up and put it higher as the ball’s hit, then for me, it’s a penalty kick.”

Boyd also dismissed Clement’s concerns about the early kick-off time and reminded the Belgian he would be managing a Thursday-Sunday schedule had he guided the club into the Champions League.

Boyd said, “I know he’s having a little pop at the scheduling there as well, listen that’s what happens when you’re in Europe. That defines life. Though challenging, you will have to play if you want to be successful.

“Well, should you be successful, you would be playing Tuesday or Wednesday and thereafter would have had Saturday off. You are in Europa; you were knocked out of the Champions League. Rangers have competed in this over many years; you should be accustomed to it since it is a competition.

David Murray’s era had no financial gap; now, it is a matter of worry

During the irresponsible Sir David Murray period, financial gap was not a factor of worry. Suddenly, it is now a thing.

St Johnstone v Celtic – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers salutes the fans after the William Hill Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

After our great Saturday night victory over St Johnstone, Ewan Murray the Hearts supporter golf hack has taken a go at Celtic.

Murray expressed his emotions on X and muses about how meaningless celebrating such a victory is given the financial difference between the teams.

Indeed, the two teams have very different financial situations; we should be winning games with such certainty and simplicity, but that is our challenge. All we can do is play what is before us.

Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 0-2 lead. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, McDiarmid Park, Perth Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Ironically, hacks like Ewan kept their lips closed during the spend then bust David Murray years when the egotistical businessman was occupied spending other people’s money as the Ibrox side dominated Scottish football with a budget as huge as any side not only in Scotland but the whole United Kingdom.

Their mouths were most likely too full of tender lamb to be able to speak out, however.

Why then is the worry current? Well, that is really clear actually. For our Scottish hackers, Celtic dominating Scottish football is a painful one to consider. They all yearn for the days they spent eating leftovers from Murray’s table.

Auston Trusty applauds the Celtic fans at full-time following their 0-6 victory over St Johnstone. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, McDiarmid Park, Perth on 28 September 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The largest most successful club in Scottish football is Celtic; we are only going to become better, larger and wealthier. Their actual issue is like this.

Go through the answers to Ewan Murray’s tweet; the Celtic fans really does put him back in his box.

I understand why he has to do this but it’s contrived by necessity.

Celtic’s recently reported annual spend is £105m. St Johnstone turnover was £5.1m in their last accounting period.

It’s a competitive non event. A total waste of time. https://t.co/MnSgt0RdcN

— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) September 28, 2024

Only an Ordinary Bhoy

Rodgers’ post-match remarks are criticized by a pundit

Tam McManus, a former Hibernian forward, has criticized Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for what he considers to be a lack of contrition in response to comments made by Rodgers following Celtic’s 6-0 victory over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Rodgers addressed detractors who accused his team of playing sluggish and unproductive football during the post-match interviews held last season. Celtic’s impressive display at McDiarmid Park, which included a brace from Kyogo Furuhashi, as well as goals from Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah, prompted this response.

Rodgers’ rebuttal to his detractors was deemed superfluous by McManus, as it undermined his own principles of humility.

He published a message on the social media platform X:

Fantastic performance and result. Looks a seriously strong Celtic squad but no need for the pop as at the time Celtic were not playing good football. Not scoring a goal v Kilmarnock & St Johnstone in back to back weeks proves that. Brendan goes on about staying humble. Well i’m… https://t.co/yhRmvhQg8F

— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) September 28, 2024

Celtic’s excellent start to the season, which includes 20 goals scored and no conceded in their first six league matches, is a substantial departure from the criticisms of the previous year. The team is exhibiting a potentially more dynamic and effective style of play under Rodgers.

It could be argued that Celtic are employing Angeball in their attack, with a more organized counter press and a compact defensive unit.

Currently, the Hoops are experiencing success, as evidenced by their impressive goal difference of +20, which has been achieved in only six games. May it persist indefinitely.

An unforgettable Daizen Maeda moment

This has become so commonplace among Celtic fans that it may be considered an expectation. Nevertheless, we will never weary of Daizen Maeda’s pursuit of opposing players, even when the bhoys are 6-0 up with five minutes remaining.

The video of the Japanese star sprinting back to retrieve the ball after a sloppy pass in the final third has gone viral, marking another Daizen moment.

The winger could have been excused for allowing this one to fall, but in typical Daizen fashion, he witnesses Celtic loose the ball and sprints the length of the field to retrieve it.

Winning 6-0. 86 minutes. Daizen Maeda… pic.twitter.com/rvRlIOs28n

— Stewart Ross (@StewartRoss89) September 29, 2024

Maeda and Celtic will provide additional information in the future.

Celtic were exceptional throughout their performance in Perth. The boys truly demonstrated their capabilities. Nevertheless, you continue to believe that this group has more to offer and has not yet reached its peak.

Maeda was initially recruited by Ange Postecoglou; however, Brendan Rogers has since elevated him to greater heights. Maeda is an exceptional Celtic athlete due to his exceptional work ethic and integrity, both on and off the field.

The next challenge for the Hoops is a harrowing journey to Dortmund. We can hope for a positive outcome in Germany, but it will be a difficult evening