Ross Wilson has wished Rangers "nothing but the best" following his exit to join Nottingham Forest as their new chief football officer.
Wilson has succeeded former sporting director Filippo Giraldi, who was relieved of his duties on Tuesday. Wilson spent successful years in Scottish football, and held football leadership positions in English football, at Southampton, Huddersfield and Watford.
In a parting statement on the Rangers website, Wilson said: "I would like to thank the players, led superbly by captain James Tavernier, and the manager Michael Beale, as well as all those who have come before them in the three-and-a-half years I have spent at Rangers.
"I would like to thank Douglas Park, Stewart Robertson and the board for their support. I wish John Bennett – a true Rangers man – a successful chairmanship. This is a great club, and there are so many reasons for Rangers to face the decades ahead with optimism and pride.
"Thank you for your support. I wish everyone associated with Rangers nothing but the best for the future."
Murphy backs Cooper
Pundit Danny Murphy has come out in defence of Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper amid recent speculation over his future.
Reports from Brazil had claimed that former Santos boss Jorge Sampaoli had been approached by Forest, before refusing an offer to replace Cooper at the helm. Forest have endured a difficult run of results and are winless in their last nine games - raising question marks over Cooper's future.
Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis has issued a statement giving public backing to the Welshman. And when discussing the manager's achievements at the club, Murphy told talkSPORT: "It’s not the way to go."
Signings rated and slated
Forest’s recruitment has come under scrutiny as the club battle to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
The Reds find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone with eight games to go, on the back of a nine-match winless run. Head coach Steve Cooper has come under pressure, but it was sporting director Filippo Giraldi who was axed earlier this week.
The Italian was appointed in October and oversaw a January transfer window which added seven new arrivals to the 22 additions made last summer. Recruitment chiefs George Syrianos and Andy Scott had already paid the price for Forest’s difficult start to the season, being sacked prior to Giraldi’s appointment, while chief executive Dane Murphy left in January.
The Reds have moved quickly to replace Giraldi, bringing in Ross Wilson from Rangers as chief football officer. But with their top-flight status hanging in the balance, the success (or not) of signings from the last two windows has been in the spotlight.
Here’s our verdict on how Forest’s recruits have fared so far this term...
Dean Henderson: Had been doing well until injury stopped him in his tracks. Made some big saves and had become something of a fans’ favourite at a time when Cooper’s men had built up a bit of a momentum after their early season woes. A big call to make over who starts in goal when he returns. Rating: 7/10
Wayne Hennessey: Looked like he had the makings of being a capable deputy when he shut out Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup. That Forest felt they needed to bring in another goalkeeper in January, to cover for Henderson, probably says a lot, though. Rating: 6/10
Giulian Biancone: Showed promise with the three run-outs he managed before suffering a season-ending injury in November. A real shame he hasn’t really been able to show what he’s about yet. Rating: 6/10
Moussa Niakhate: Was a big miss while sidelined for seven months, and seeing him limp off against Aston Villa last week was a real worry. Losing him again for any period of time is the last thing the Reds need. Rating: 6.5/10
Scarpa injury update
Gustavo Scarpa has provided a positive update as he works towards making a return for Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder picked up an injury prior to the Reds’ 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. It ruled him out of the trip to Villa Park and added to the significant number of absentees head coach Steve Cooper is having to contend with.
Scarpa’s last appearance was as a substitute against Leeds United, having also been a doubt for that clash after missing the 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cooper has not indicated how long the Brazilian could be sidelined for, but the player has uploaded an encouraging post on social media.
Scarpa posted a picture of himself in the gym at the Nigel Doughty Academy. He wrote: “Getting better.”
Ground development process
Forest are in talks with Nottingham Britannia Rowing Club over a relocation of a boathouse as part of the redevelopment of the City Ground, with progress said to be being made on negotiations.
The proposal was given planning permission by Rushcliffe Borough Council last year. The plan will involve demolishing the Peter Taylor stand before replacing it with a new structure, which will increase the capacity of the stadium by 5,000, to 35,000.
Last month a club spokesman provided an update , saying in a statement: "The [planning] resolution contained a number of specific conditions which need to be satisfied before final permission is obtained, which will enable work to commence. The club is currently working through those conditions with its adviser and the numerous third parties involved.
United injury crisis
Manchester United will be sweating over the fitness of two defenders for the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The Red Devils visit the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, three days after the first leg of their Europa League quarter final against Sevilla. Erik Ten Hag’s side took on the Spanish team on Thursday night.
A first half brace from Marcel Sabitzer made it seem like it would be an easy night for Manchester United. But a late fight-back from Sevilla saw them come back to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire.
There was more bad news for United during the game when both Raphael Varane and Lautaro Martinez were forced off with injuries. The two have been United’s first choice centre-back pairing recently, but now both could be major doubts for the clash against Forest with Martinez carried off the pitch.
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