The Herald

Mcgeechan Assures London Scottish Full Role

LONDON SCOTTISH as well as the existing network of volunteers have been promised full involvement in a new professionally run Exiles organisation which should be functioning within weeks. Ian McGeechan offered that assurance last night after it emerged that alarmist documents are being widely circulated around the rugby community purporting to come from what is a non-existent body - the "Scottish Exiles District" - suggesting that Exiles rugby would be killed off by proposals which do not inc...

Seeker On a High in the Lincoln Opinion Differs As to What Is the Best Draw in First Major Handicap

SUPPORT for New Seeker, favourite for tomorrow's Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, has intensified following the razzmatazz that purports to be a draw ceremony yesterday. New Seeker, successful in the Britannia Handicap and Tote International two seasons ago, slipped to 5-1 from 6-1 for the first leg of the "spring double" when his saddle cloth number was fourth out, and stall No.21, close to the stand rail, was taken.

'I'm Not a Rangers Fan, ' Insists Davis Assistant Referee Breaks His Silence Over Tynecastle Row

ANDY DAVIS, the assistant referee whose intervention secured Rangers a last-minute penalty at Tynecastle last month and sparked a controversy about bias among match officials, last night broke his silence and proclaimed his innocence in the whole affair. Davis, a policeman from Glasgow, has repeatedly been accused of being a Rangers supporter since the Tynecastle match, which Rangers won 2-1.

Profits Up at Celtic but Club Will Count Cost of Euro Exit

THE imminent departure of Juninho is set to further brighten the financial outlook at Celtic after they announced an improved set of results for the final six months of last year. Work undertaken by Peter Lawwell, executive director at Parkhead, appears to be paying dividends with a pre-tax profit of - pounds2.04m recorded in contrast to a loss of - pounds2.86m for the same period of 2003. Group turnover increased 8.3% to - pounds38.98m, while debt was trimmed to - pounds17.38m from - pounds1...

Lucas Pleads with Andrews to Heed Medical Warnings

MARVIN ANDREWS, the Rangers defender, risks permanent disability unless he follows the advice of medical experts and has surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, according to Tom Lucas, the sports psychologist. Lucas, who works for Motherwell, said yesterday he believes there is a very high risk of Andrews sustaining serious damage if he continues to ignore doctors' advice to have surgery on his torn ligament.

Parkhead Interest in Belgian Keeper

ERWIN LEMMENS, the Belgian international goalkeeper, has emerged as a potential summer target for Celtic. Lemmens' compatriot, Thomas Buffel, meanwhile, could add to Rangers' injury woes after damaging his hamstring in his country's 2- 1 win over San Marino on Wednesday. The Ibrox club are also being courted by another international midfielder, Sweden's Kim Kllstrm.

In Brief

HEADING UP: Campbell Christie, the Falkirk chairman, has ensured the club will play in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague next season providing they finish the season as first division champions. The first division leaders, who are all but certain to claim promotion, had until 5pm yesterday to convince the SPL hierarchy their new ground at Westfield could meet capacity criteria and procure the required safety certificates. It duly did so and Christie is ecstatic at the completion of the new N...

Calderwood Set for Pittodrie Clear-Out

JIMMY CALDERWOOD, the Aberdeen manager, will retain only 14 of his current first-team squad at the end of the season. While Calderwood has selected the players who will remain, some of those who are surplus to requirements will still be under contract.

Brewster Not Ready to Retire Just Yet

CRAIG BREWSTER was defiant yesterday over fears that he may be forced to retire because of knee trouble. "There's a bit of wear and tear down to age, or so they say, but I'm fine, " said the Inverness Caley player manager.

Finally, Londoners Seem to Have Seen Some Sense

CHELSEA Football Club finally acknowledged the error of their ways yesterday. Without even waiting for UEFA to publish a detailed explanation for their manager, Jos Mourinho's, two-match touchline ban and accompanying fine, their chairman Bruce Buck all but ruled out the possibility of an appeal. Doubtless relieved that Chelsea live to fight another day in the Champions League, Buck was in no mood to champion his manager's cause. Weeks of defending the indefensible has taken its toll.

Jefferies Refutes Links with Vacant Dundee United Job

JIM JEFFERIES, the Kilmarnock manager, has refuted suggestions he has been installed as favourite to succeed Ian McCall at Dundee United and reaffirmed his commitment to the Rugby Park club. The former Hearts and Bradford City manager's experience and expertise in operating within tight budget constraints was reported to have been coveted by the United chairman, Eddie Thompson. Jefferies, though, insisted he will see out the remaining two years of his contract and ensure future prosperity des...

Konterman Wary of Faith Blinding Facts the Former Rangers Player, Also a Devout Christian, Fears for His Fellow Defender, Reports Darryl Broadfoot

THERE are few better qualified to comment on Marvin Andrews' controversial decision to ignore overwhelming medical advice in favour of faith healing to cure his cruciate ligament injury than Bert Konterman. Rangers' last high-profile Christian was lampooned for his beliefs throughout his colourful Ibrox career, yet not even the Dutchman endured the relentless public scrutiny and downright bewilderment caused by Andrews' alternative approach to a potentially career-threatening ailment.

Trial Forwards Sign On at Livingston

RICHARD GOUGH, the Livingston manager, has snapped up Hassan Kachloul and Pascal Nouma to aid the club's fight against relegation. Both forwards impressed while on trial and have joined the struggling Almondvale side until the end of the season.