Celtc’s Reserve coach leaves Parkhead for Ujpest as part of the club’s feeder programme, Steven Jennings set to become Motherwell’s first signing of the summer after Jim Gannon earmarked him as a player to bring in. Hearts have signed Spanish midfielder Suso Santana on a free transfer from Tenerife, Charlie Adam has pleaded with manager Walter Smith to give him a second chance at the Ibrox club and Phil McGuire leaves Inverness Caley. Plus much more and another wee installment of The Short Ball.

McStay takes over at Ujpest FC

Former Celtic FC defender Willie McStay has been named as the new coach of Hungarian side Újpest FC, who will take on FC Steaua Bucharest in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.

The 47-year-old has been coaching youth and reserve teams at Celtic since leaving Irish side Sligo Rovers FC in the wake of winning a historic treble in 1993/94. “It is a big step for me to leave Glasgow and join Újpest and also a real challenge,” said McStay, who has already been in Hungary for two weeks working with his new charges, last season’s NB I runners-up.

However McStay has not left the employment of Celtic, as his new position is part of Celtic forging closer links with the Hungarian side, as part of Celtic’s feeder club programme.

Jennings to be first Motherwell signing for Gannon

Tranmere midfielder Steven Jennings is set to be Jim Gannon’s first signing as Motherwell boss. Gannon, who was unveiled as Motherwell’s new manager on Tuesday, has moved quickly to strengthen his squad by lining up a deal for Jennings, who is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at Prenton Park.

Hearts snap up Spanish winger

Spanish midfielder Suso Santana has joined Hearts on a three-year contract. The 24-year-old, who was on loan at Fuerteventura last season has agreed to join the Jambos after his deal at Tenerife expired.

Suso said, “I like to take players on one v one and provide the final pass into the box. I’m a quick and aggressive. Everyone likes to score goals and I hit nine last season. I will have to get used to the physical nature of the game in Scotland.”

Suso cant wait to experience European competition for the first time when Hearts begin their Europa League campaign in two months.

He said, “It is very exciting. I want to work hard and help the club do as well as possible.”

Charlie Adam wants a second chance at Ibrox

Charlie Adam last night pleaded with Rangers boss Walter Smith to give him a second chance. The midfielder made only nine appearances last season before being farmed out on loan to Blackpool. A number of Championship clubs have shown interest in Adam and financial pressures could force Smith to cash in on the midfielder, rumoured to be worth around £500,000.

But Adam, said, “I have three years left on my contract and I’d love to see it out. I’m only thinking about being as fit as possible when Rangers start training next week. I really want to settle down with one club, preferably Rangers. But if I’m going to struggle for a starting place, I really will have to think seriously about my options.”

McGuire leaves Inverness

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have confirmed that defender Phil McGuire has left the First Division club. McGuire, made 37 appearances for Inverness, having joined on loan in August 2007 from Dunfermline before moving permanently in January 2008.

An ankle injury sustained against Celtic towards the end of 2008 ruled him out for part of the season.

Annan Athleic transfer list striker & release defender

Annan Athletic have placed striker Darren Johnstone on the transfer list and released defender Tom Short. The 18-year-old Short is to attend Lancaster University and “will play locally in Carlisle” according to Annan’s website.

“Following an enquiry from an undisclosed club, Annan Athletic FC are also willing to listen to offers for Darren Johnstone,” said a statement.

McLean signs on at Falkirk

Falkirk have signed Brian McLean from Motherwell on a two-year contract. The 24-year-old former Rangers player was out of contract at Fir Park and failed to agree a new deal before Mark McGhee left for Aberdeen. The defender played just 27 games during his three-year contract after twice rupturing cruciate ligaments.

Turnbull snubs Parkhead for Stamford Bridge

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has snubbed a late offer from Celtic to sign for Chelsea. The stopper had a number of offers but decided that the Blues offer was the most attractive.

Turnbull will replace Carlo Cudicini, who departed for Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, as cover for Petr Cech. The deal is set to be announced in the next 24 hours.

Clyde appoint Watt as Director of Football

Clyde have appointed former Stranraer and Ayr United manager Neil Watt as director of football. The Broadwood club, who released 14 first team players last month to avoid going into administration, are preparing to start from scratch after being relegated to Division Two last season. Watt’s role at the club, managed by John Brown, isn’t entirely clear although his business interests as a partner in a property management firm are sure to be welcomed by Clyde.

He told the Clyde website, “Having a short break from the game has been beneficial for me and I am full of energy and enthusiasm to take on this new challenge. The role of director of football is very often confusing and undefined to football supporters and I hope to bring clarity to the position once I have my feet under the table and have integrated with the club and the board.”

Bully Wee chairman, Ian Letham added, “We are delighted that Neil has accepted our offer for him to join the board. His business acumen as well as his experience in football will be of great benefit to Clyde.”

The Short Ball

Paul Hartley is set to choose between a move to Greek side Iraklis Salonika or a return to Hearts after being told he won’t feature in Tony Mowbray’s plans for Celtic. But Ipswich boss Roy Keane has joined the list of clubs tracking Hartley.

Celtic and Rangers are said to have been offered Barcelona’s Icelandic star Eidur Gudjohnsen but will baulk at his wages of £65,000 a week.

Motherwell boss Jim Gannon has made a move to keep Stephen Hughes at Fir Park. The free agent midfielder is interesting Aberdeen, Hearts and a host of Championship clubs.

Aberdeen are trying to thrash out a loan deal with Plymouth to bring midfielder Jim Paterson back north of the border.

Hearts and Aberdeen are chasing former Dundee United full back Jamie McCunnie after he was freed by Hartlepool.

Hamilton Accies are interested in freed Falkirk striker Steve Lovell.

Falkirk and St Johnstone are keen on signing Partick Thistle full back Marc Twaddle.

PARTICK THISTLE boss Ian McCall wants to sign Mark Corcoran after the attacking midfielder was told he could leave Hamilton. (Daily Express)

Albion Rovers have signed Paul Stewart after the midfielder was released by Third Division rivals Montrose.

Tagged with: ews, Long Ball, rumours, short ball, Transfers

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