Gers cast confusion and
doubt in all directions
No formal moves for McLeish as Media
frenzy continues - STUART
CROWTHER
RED
HERRINGS FROM IBROX continued to
be the order of the day, with Rangers continuing to play the game of
slipping names into the public domain and then sitting back to admire the
chaos they are causing. It would actually be quite funny were it not
for the fact that Hibernian visit Ibrox on Wednesday night.
Hibernian
could be forgiven for feeling more than a little anger this morning, as it
emerged most of the media were convinced that Rangers had got their man
and that man was Alex McLeish. As usual it was the local media in
the form of the Edinburgh Evening News who put the whole story into
perspective; there was no 'release clause' in the Hibs boss's contract
that would allow him to go with little fuss for around £400,000, and
indeed it was revealed that the cost to Rangers, should they prise McLeish
from Easter Road, would be closer to £1m. Even that would be stark
consolation to Hibs fans, but then came confirmation from McLeish himself
that no approach had been made, although he would not discount a move when
pressed later in the day, saying only that any approach would have to come
through the proper channels.
The
proper channels of course would be the Hibs board, and Rod Petrie was
scathing in his own way when he said: "Hibernian
have had no approach for Mr McLeish's services. The board does not
sanction the acquisition of a player on the Friday at the manager's
request, expecting to lose the manager on the Monday. Alex McLeish
is under contract to Hibs and the rules state that if anyone wants to
speak to him they have to get our permission. There has been no
contact form anyone and the next contact I expect to have with Rangers is
when we go to Ibrox on Wednesday. Alex is on record as saying he has
a big job to do here and is committed to it. We are delighted with
the progress we have made over the period but we have a lot further to
go."
Hibs in action on Saturday against Motherwell - things are looking a
little better in retaining the manager for their next outing against
Rangers (sns)
Sources
at Ibrox meanwhile insist that the new boss will be in place before the
end of the week, and the name of the man to take over from Dick Advocaat
is known. If that is the case and Rangers are indeed so certain,
then it would appear that the media (and in that I'm sad to report I would
include Hibs.net)
have been led a merry dance. David Murray may raise a wry smile at
the chaos caused by a few leaked names to key media players, but the
damage such things can do to opponents should never be treated as anything
other than a serious manner. If indeed Alex McLeish was being
considered for the Rangers post, then that fact, along with other names,
should never have been spoken by Murray, naming his 'short list' for the
Ibrox job doing nothing for the credibility of a club that needs to gather
all the credibility it can muster in the Scottish game.
Of
course Alex McLeish might yet turn out to be the man Rangers wish to lead
them to whatever dream world they wish to tackle next, and if that turns
out to be so then it would be a great shame not only for Hibs but for Alex
McLeish! In the meantime the Hibs boss has a job to do, taking
something from a clash at Ibrox that has taken on an added edge. For
that clash Hibs are expected to recall Canadian Paul Fenwick, while Nick
Colgan is expected to retain his position in goal. Alen Orman,
surprisingly substituted against Motherwell on Saturday, will be hoping
that he can repeat his only goal for the club so far, a cracker from 25
yards scored the last time Hibs visited Govan.
The
annual East of Scotland Shield tie between Hibs and Hearts Under-21's will
take place at Easter Road on Monday evening.
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