Derek Llambias has been appointed chief executive officer of Rangers.
Llambias joined the club’s board as a non-executive member on November 2, having previously been managing director at Newcastle under Mike Ashley, who has an 8.9 per cent share in the Ibrox club.
David Somers will revert to his previous role as non-executive chairman.
Somers said: “I am delighted that Derek has agreed to step up to the chief executive role.
“He has impressed us with his grasp of the issues since joining the group and brings a wealth of experience.”
Gerrard calls for Sterling to sign
Steven Gerrard has told Liverpool team-mate Raheem Sterling to commit his future to the club.
Despite his current deal having two-and-a-half seasons to run, Sterling has seen his contract situation at Anfield become a talking point.
“I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years,” Gerrard said.
“He’s going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top player so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here.”
Balotelli: It won’t happen again
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has pledged to learn from his latest misdemeanour after apologising for incurring a one-match ban for an aggravated breach of the FA Rule E3.
He posted an image of computer game character Super Mario on Instagram which in-cluded the words “jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew”.
Balotelli said: “I am sorry that my team-mates and supporters of Liverpool FC have to be penalised for something I did and now come to regret.
“It is my intention to comply with the FA decision and make sure it never happens again.”
Rodriguez setback
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman expects Jay Rodriguez’s rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury to keep him out for at least another six weeks.
An awkward fall at Manchester City in April saw the 25-year-old rupture an anterior cruciate ligament. Rodriguez has yet to make his return more than eight months later and, having gone under the knife again last month, a comeback does not appear imminent.
“He had to make a step back in his recovery,” Koeman said.
“That was a pity because I remember when we spoke in the pre-season I said Jay will be like a fantastic signing for December or January and he isn’t.
“All these kind of unlucky moments are part of the difficult time that we have.”
Hernandez not set for Real exit
The season-long loan of Javier Hernandez at Real Madrid will not be cut short, according to his agent.
The Mexico forward moved to the Bernabeu on loan from Manchester United after struggling for playing time, but has found his opportunities similarly limited in Spain, prompting suggestions he may be keen to move elsewhere.
But his agent, Eduardo Hernandez, insists there is no truth in that whatsoever.
“Sometimes the media speculate too much and make assumptions,” he said.
“Javier will not leave the club. Yes, he is eager to have more minutes, but knows that hard work will open up the possibility of more playing time.”
Abidal quits
Former France defender Eric Abidal, who returned to playing after undergoing a liver transplant in April 2012, announced yesterday he was ending his career for ‘personal reasons’.
Abidal, 35, made 67 appearances for France and last featured in a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in November 2013.
He had stints at clubs including Barcelona, Lyon, Monaco and, most recently, Olympiakos, and played in the Greek club’s 2-0 Super League win at home to Panionios on Wednesday.
“Today I announce my decision to end my career here at Olympiakos,” Abidal said.
“The reasons are personal. Every top-level player understands that there comes a time and my time has come.”
Peru seek coach for Copa America
Peru are looking for a new coach, six months from the 2015 Copa America, after the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) elected a new president this week.
Uruguayan Pablo Bengoechea, who had been in the job since March, will not be retained, new FPF chief Edwin Oviedo said after winning the election.
“Bengoechea is not in the plans of our administration... we are already looking at alternatives,” said Oviedo, who won the vote against incumbent Manuel Burga, who had been in the position for 12 years.
Bengoechea had a contract until the June 11-July 4 Copa America in Chile but it included a clause saying his position would be reviewed after the FPF election.