The Rangers board will have to wait until next week to discover whether they can forge ahead with plans for an exclusive share offer.
The move is designed to provide much-needed cash and also dilute the influence of shareholder and Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley, who chairman Dave King accused of “bullying” members of the board.
The resolution needs 75 per cent support and a similar vote fell just short last year. Club secretary James Blair told the AGM yesterday that the results of all resolutions were not expected until early next week.
Ibe ‘fine’ after knifepoint robbery
Bournemouth winger Jordan Ibe has suffered no ill-effects from being robbed of an expensive watch at knifepoint recently, according to manager Eddie Howe.
“It was an unsavoury, unfortunate incident but Jordan is fine,” Howe told reporters.
“Security is strong here and there is plenty of advice available for players, but it is difficult once they are out of our control and they will be easy targets, especially given the cars they drive.”
Zola hails Conte impact at Chelsea
Chelsea’s squad quickly buying into the philosophy of new manager Antonio Conte was key to his instant impact at Stamford Bridge, according to former Blues star Gianfranco Zola.
Zola arrived from Parma in November 1996 and went on to play more than 300 times for Chelsea, scoring 80 goals.
The Italian feels Conte’s hard work on training is borne out by the team’s rapid progress.
Zola said: “They are doing very well, are on a good streak and look solid.
“Antonio has done exceptionally well. He is creating an atmosphere and a good basis to keep this form for a long time.
“I am pleased because they play well and are winning games deservedly.”
Bony is expected to honour loan
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes admits Wilfried Bony has a clause in his loan deal that allows Chinese Super League clubs to buy him in January, but he does not fear the Ivorian swapping The Potters for Far East riches.
Bony, 27, is on a season-long contract from Hughes’s old club Manchester City and has so far scored twice in 10 appearances.
Hughes said: “I don’t think he will want to go. I think he sees himself very much as a Premier League player this year and in the years to follow.
“Wilf is more focused on continuing his career in the Premier League with us. So, unless he comes and knocks on my door and says he’s had an offer... I’d be very surprised.”
Perotti says rabona goal was fluke
Roma forward Diego Perotti has admitted that his stunning rabona goal against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League was meant to be a cross.
Perotti initially looked as if he would try to get to the byline but then wrapped his right foot around the back of his standing left leg and chipped the ball into the far corner.
The Argentine’s celebrations were muted, immediately suggesting that the goal was a fluke.
“The truth is that I tried to cross it,” Perotti admitted after the 4-1 win which took Roma to the knockout stages.
“But it’s good that it went in – for the team, because it killed off the game, and for me because until then I had only scored from penalties.”
Iniesta’s recovery
Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta returned to training yesterday ahead of schedule after almost a month out of action.
The Spain midfielder sustained knee ligament damage during Barca’s 3-2 league win over Valencia on October 22.
Iniesta was expected to be out for up to eight weeks but the 32-year-old joined his team-mates in practice ahead of tomorrow’s La Liga game at Real Sociedad.
Midfielder Arda Turan missed training with a fever while right-back Aleix Vidal was absent due to personal reasons.
Barca are second in La Liga and four points adrift of Real Madrid, whom they face in the first Clasico of the season on December 3 at the Nou Camp.
Remy suffers new injury setback
Crystal Palace forward Loic Remy has suffered a new injury and will be out for up to three more weeks before making his debut, boss Alan Pardew said.
Signed on loan from Chelsea this season, the French international had to return to Stamford Bridge after less than a fortnight with a thigh strain.
“Loic has picked up a different injury. It’s the calf and that’s a disappointment,” Pardew told a news conference ahead of today’s Premier League game at bottom club Swansea City.
Both teams are in poor form, with the Welsh club looking for their first win under new American manager Bob Bradley and Palace on a run of five successive defeats.