Friday’s briefing: John McGinn gives Villa victory and more woe for Rangers
Aston Villa secured a first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Bologna in their Europa League opener at Villa Park.
Russell Martin Sport News
Emery hails ‘fantastic’ Martinez comeback for Villa after failed move to Man United
LIVERPOOL, England: Aston Villa manager Unai Emery welcomed the return of Emi Martinez and wants the Argentina goalkeeper to feel “comfortable and confident” in the team after failing to secure a move to Manchester United late in the transfer window. Martinez, the World Cup-winning ‘keeper from 2022, was left out of Villa’s lineup in their last match before the international break because of the uncertainty over his future at the club.
Martin won’t resign despite Rangers defeat to Hearts
GLASGOW: Rangers manager Russell Martin said he will not accede to fans’ demands to resign after a 2-0 home defeat to Hearts saw the Glasgow giants get off to their worst league start since 1978. A double from Lawrence Shankland delivered a first win at Ibrox since 2014 for top-of-the-table Hearts, who open up a nine-point lead on Rangers. Celtic can also go nine clear of their local rivals should the Scottish champions win at Kilmarnock on Sunday. Martin was hounded with chants for his exit during the 90 minutes after failing to win any of his first five Scottish Premiership matches. “The fans are entitled to their opinion so I can’t come out here and criticize that,” said Martin after replying “no” to whether he will resign. “I don’t think many of them (the supporters) wanted me here in the first place.” The appointment of the former Southampton boss appears to be a misguided first move from Rangers’ new American owners. Despite overhauling the squad with 13 new signings, Rangers’ hopes of adding to their sole league title in the past 14 years are already fading fast. “We have a lot of new guys in there. We have a lot of players trying to feel their way in an environment that’s really difficult to feel their way into,” added Martin. “There’s anxiety at the moment.
Adam Idah leaves as Celtic line up Sebastian Tounekti on Transfer Deadline Day
Adam Idah has completed his transfer deadline day move to Swansea as Celtic close in on the signing of Hammarby winger Sebastian Tounekti.
Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic lacked the firepower to beat Rangers
Brendan Rodgers felt Celtic lacked the firepower to get any more than a point from their goalless draw against Rangers at Ibrox.
Rangers and Celtic settle for a point each in Old Firm bore draw
Russell Martin was handed some much-needed respite as Rangers fought out a goalless draw against Celtic at Ibrox.
Djeidi Gassama brace puts much-changed Rangers in control against Viktoria Plzen
Russell Martin’s bold team selection paid off as Rangers battered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifier at Ibrox.
Saturday sport: Lions secure series win despite loss, Sharlene Mawdsley wins 200m title
Athlone Town manager Colin Fortune says it is an 'incredible achievement' for his team to advance to the second phase of the Women's Champions League qualifiers.