The Long Ball: Transfer Latest, Furman rejects Rangers contract and The Short Ball
Published: June 30, 2009
Hibs have snapped up former Falkirk player Patrick Cregg, Dean Furman has rejected a new contract at Rangers to join up with League One outfit Oldham Athletic despite the Ibrox club wanting him to stay. Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher looks destined to join Premiership new boys Burnley, St. Mirren snp up Dunfermline goalkeeper and Motherwell chairman continues selling the club’s assets before the new manager sits in the Fir Park hot seat, plus more in The Short Ball.
Cregg links up with former Gaffer at Easter Road
As we reported last week John Hughes has made his first signing as Hibernian manager after sealing a deal for midfielder Patrick Cregg. The former Republic of Ireland U21 player was a free agent after leaving Falkirk, Hughes’ former club, and will be unveiled at a press conference next week.
Hughes said, “Patrick loves getting on the ball and has loads of energy, he’s just the sort of player I want at the club. He has his best years in front of him and will thrive on the big stage at Easter Road.”
Cregg, added, “I loved working with the gaffer at Falkirk, so to be joining him at a club the size of Hibernian is a great opportunity for me. I’m very excited about pre-season and can’t wait to start work at the training centre this week with the rest of the boys.”
Furman shuns Rangers for Oldham
Dean Furman has rejected the offer of a new contract with Rangers and signed for Oldham Athletic. The 21-year-old South African midfielder had impressed while on loan to Bradford City last season. But, despite being told he was still wanted at Ibrox, he decided to sign a two-year contract with Oldham in search of regular first-team football.
The League One outfit have agreed a compensation package with Rangers, for whom he made just one first-team appearance. Furman, told the Official Rangers website, “I was offered a new contract by Rangers, but I didn’t think I was going to get as much football as I’d have liked. The chance to join Oldham came up and straight away I got a good feel for the club. I feel it’s time for me to move on because I enjoyed getting first-team football at Bradford last season and I was keen to keep progressing. I’ve got no guarantees I’ll be playing every week and it’s up to me to prove I’m good enough for this team.”
Hibs accept Burnley bid for Steven Fletcher
Hibs have reportedly accepted a bid of £2.9m from Burnley for striker Steven Fletcher. Hibs chairman Rod Petrie has negotiated add-ons in the deal that could eventually net the Hibees £3.6m for the 22-year-old. Fletcher is reportedly on his way to Burnley tonight for signing talks, to become the Lancashire clubs record signing, with a £15,000 a week deal on the table for Fletcher to move South.
Wigan have also attempted to join the race for the player late last night, but seem to have left it too late, as the Scottish international is on his way to talk to boss Owen Coyle and Burnley chief executive Brendan Flood. If a deal can be struck and a medical passed tomorrow morning, Fletcher will sign on at Turf moor.
Fletcher has played 150 games for Hibs scoring over 50 goals. He has 4 caps for Scotland and has scored 1 goal. Fletcher will becomis just the latest Hibernian youth product to win himself a big money move following a first team break through at Easter Road. Following the likes of Garry O’Connor, Derek Riordan, Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson, Ian Murray and Steven Whittaker out of Easter Road.
Former Norwich City keeper signs on at New St. Mirren Park
St. Mirren have signed Pars goalkeeper Paul Gallacher on a two year deal, after being told by the East End Park club that he was to be part of cut backs at Dunfermline, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
The 29-year-old, passed a medical to become St Mirren’s third summer signing, joining Lee Mair and Michael Higdon in Paisley.
Gallacher said, “I’m delighted to have signed for St Mirren. I grew up in Paisley, so I know a lot about the club. It’s a great club and it’s one that’s progressing in the right direction.”
Motherwell sell their top asset for £600,000
Motherwell Chairman John Boyle looks destined to send his club to Division One next season, after selling one of their top assets in the guise of David Clarkson. As we reported last week Bristol City were in for Motherwell’s top scorer and the £600,000 move to the Robins has now gone through.
Clarkson has signed a three-year deal at Ashton Gate after completing his move. The 23-year-old Scotland striker told City’s website, “The club’s ambition is clearly to win promotion to the Premier League and that’s my aim as a player. Last season the club just missed out on the play-offs, but that will be our minimum aim this year. We want to challenge for promotion.”
While Boyle has announced Jim Gannon as the new Motherwell manager, Gannon won’t be happy that the Chairman is selling all his best players ahead of his appointment. Defender Paul Quinn, has also been linked with a move down south to Championship side Cardiff City. But one thing is clear, with no money coming in from tv rights this summer – to date – Motherwell are selling in a bid to cut costs, and there certainly won’t be any money to spend for the new man coming in.
The Short Ball
Sporting Lisbon defender Tonel hopes to clinch a summer move to Rangers to experience playing in a foreign league. The 29-year-old centre half says Pedro Mendes has encouraged him to make the move.
Brighton have made an offer to out-of-contract Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith who has still to find a club after leaving Fir Park.
Rangers target Warren Feeney, who spent last season on loan at Dundee United from Cardiff, is on the brink of signing for Leeds United.
Plymouth have joined the list of clubs tracking Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam.
Falkirk have made a late bid to beat St Mirren to the signature of Motherwell defender Brian McLean.
Queen of the South have signed freed Clyde goalkeeper David Hutton on a two-year deal.
Aberdeen fear they will lose out on transfer target Stephen Hughes because they can’t afford him.
Chris McMenamin has returned to Berwick Rangers after the defender was released by Airdrie United following their relegation to Division Two.
Referee Craig Thomson has been promoted to the Elite group of European officials – the first Scot in seven years to do so. The 37-year-old will now become a regular fixture in the top Champions League matches.
Burnley manager Owen Coyle has launched a £6.5m raid for Hearts winger Andrew Driver, Hibs striker Steven Fletcher and Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy.
Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune’s agent says the player will delay a decision on whether to join Celtic or Hull until Wednesday at the earliest.
Rangers are set to lose defender Madjid Bougherra for a month of their SPL title defence as the Algerian is likely to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations next January.
Hearts will complete the signing of Spanish winger Jesus Manuel Santana Abreu within 24 hours.
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