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Rangers lost the initiative in the SPL title race after they were held to a draw by Motherwell at Fir Park.

Christian Dailly took advantage of a poor decision from goalkeeper Graeme Smith to head Rangers in front.

But Chris Porter stabbed home from close range to level matters early in the second half.

The beaten Uefa Cup finalists are now three points behind leaders Celtic with a game in hand. Their goal difference is also inferior to Celtic's by seven.

Rangers travel to St Mirren on Monday before ending the campaign at Pittodrie on Thursday, when Celtic visit Dundee United.

Following two defeats and two draws on their league travels, Rangers knew they could not afford another slip-up.

Walter Smith's side sta ... Read more »

The bid to find a prospective buyer for struggling Gretna Football Club is into its final hours.

The Scottish Premier League side went into administration in March with debts of close to £4m.

Administrators set a deadline of 17 May for potential purchasers to express an interest in the Raydale Park side.

Chairman Ron McGregor has hinted that there could be a late takeover bid for the business but if it fails to materialise then the club will fold.

Four potential buyers have been linked with the south of Scotland side.

However, if no deal can be agreed they will go out of business.

A statement on the future of the club is expected to be released early next week.

Gretna played their last SPL fixture - a victory over Hearts - on Tuesday evening.

Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch insists his side still have enough energy left to complete the treble.

The club's hopes of a quadruple ended with defeat by Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday in the Uefa Cup final.

But four games in seven days, starting at Motherwell on Saturday, will decide if the Gers can add the SPL and Scottish Cup to their CIS Cup win.

Asked if Rangers can succeed despite their hectic schedule, McCulloch replied with an emphatic "definitely".

He said: "We have people who have been out injured coming back and we have a big squad. Saturday is the big game - if we win it puts us in a great position.

"We won't be feeling sorry for ourselves. We have done well in getting to the final but the main thing is that there are still two medals to play for and we won't let it affect us.

"It would be brilliant to win the tr ... Read more »

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Celtic legend Tommy Burns has died at the age of 51 after losing his long-running battle against cancer.

Burns had been undergoing treatment in both Glasgow and France in recent weeks after being diagnosed in March.

The former Scotland midfielder was treated for skin cancer in 2006, but it returned earlier this year.

Burns was with Celtic from 1974 to 1989, had a spell as manager in the mid-1990s and was the club's first-team coach before being granted leave.

A statement from Celtic said: "Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man will be sadly missed by us all. Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Tommy's wife, Rosemary, and ... Read more »

Referee Mike McCurry has admitted that he was wrong not to award a penalty and to disallow a goal for Dundee United in their 3-1 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.

United were denied what seemed a clear penalty and had a goal chalked off for offside in a controversial second half.

Having seen television replays, McCurry explained that his view was blocked at the penalty claim and his assistant referee flagged offside for the "goal".

The defeat ended United's hopes of clinching a Uefa Cup place.

Writing on the Scottish FA's Whistleblower website, McCurry said that he saw Noel Hunt fall to the ground with David Weir in close behind him and that his vantage point of what had happened was poor.

"I believe that were it not for the fact that I had been caught out of position by the quick transfer of play I would have awarded Dundee United a penalty and wo ... Read more »

Administrators have confirmed Gretna FC will fold at the end of the season if a buyer is not found for the club.

The Scottish Premier League team went into administration in March with debts of about £4m.

After a creditors meeting in the town administrators said it had been decided to let the side continue to play its remaining fixtures.

However, if no deal can be done to take over the club by a 17 May deadline then it will go out of business.

David Elliot of administrators Wilson Field Ltd said there were still four potential buyers.

'Remain hopeful'

"The proposal is that we continue to trade and allow the club to continue to play football until the end of the season while we seek a buyer," he said.

"We have got four interested parties and I would like to remain hopeful that one will come through before the end of the season."

Gr ... Read more »

Scotland manager George Burley has criticised the Scottish Premier League fixture list for failing to help Rangers ahead of the Uefa Cup final.

"I think it's ridiculous that I'm naming the squad and Rangers still have seven games to play," he said ahead of Scotland's game with Czech Republic.

"They are being punished for their success in reaching the Uefa Cup final.

"And it's something that the SPL and everyone in Scottish football has got to look at."

The SPL had delayed its final-day fixtures by four days after Rangers reached the Uefa Cup final.

But that still left Rangers facing four games in eight days as they chase the European trophy, the Scottish title and look to add the Scottish Cup to the CIS Insurance Cup they have already lifted this season.

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Rangers have described the SPL's decision not to extend the season for a second time as "laughable".

The Ibrox club failed in their attempt to have Saturday's league game against Dundee United postponed.

Rangers wanted time to prepare for next Wednesday's Uefa Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg, but the SPL said no "viable alternative" could be found.

"Throughout the world, people will laugh at this decision in disbelief," said Rangers chairman Sir David Murray.

The SPL said on Tuesday that the season would not be extended again to ease Rangers' fixture congestion.

... Read more »

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Charlie Adam is a surprise addition to the Rangers squad for Motherwell's visit having previously been ruled out for the season through injury.

Fellow midfielders Lee McCulloch and DaMarcus Beasley are likewise close to fitness but miss out against Well along with injured goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Motherwell team news to follow.

Rangers (from): Alexander, Broadfoot, Papac, Weir, Cuellar, Dailly, Whittaker, Ferguson, Thomson, Hemdani, Novo, Boyd, Darcheville, Cousin, Adam, Davis, Lennon, Smith.

Aberdeen defender Jackie McNamara has been released from his contract at Pittodrie, the club have announced.

The former Celtic captain - who had a year left on his deal - joined the club last summer after a spell at Wolves.

Boss Jimmy Calderwood told the club's website: "Between travelling and injuries it's been a frustrating spell for him and he's decided to leave.

"He is a great professional and it has been a pleasure to work with him. He'll certainly be a big loss."

It is not yet clear whether the 34-year-old will retire and move in to coaching.

However, Calderwood says he expects to to be lining-up against the former Scotland international in the dug-out soon.