Former Rangers and Sunderland boss contacted over management return as Dermot Desmond branded a Celtic coward

Rangers and Celtic have returned to action this weekend but focus isn’t solely on the pitch.

The Light Blues won 2-1 against Livingston on Saturday but controversy has stemmed from the visitors at Ibrox not being awarded a penalty for a possible handball, while the game was at 1-1.

When it comes to Celtic, fans are at civil war with the club’s board, who adjourned Friday’s AGM after disruptions amongst shareholders at Parkhead. From a scathing fan statement on major Celtic shareholder Dermot Desmond to a former Rangers and Sunderland boss’ possible shock dugout return, here are some of the latest Old Firm headlines.

Dermot Desmond slammed by Celtic fans

The Celtic Fans Collective have blasted Desmond for his no-show at the chaotic AGM. He chose to send his son Ross, to take his place and he proceeded to take on sections of the support in a no holds barred addressed. The collective are a group of supporters who have banded together to show their discontent with the board and have labelled Desmond Snr as cowardly for not showing up.

They said in a statement via X: “The AGM at Celtic Park confirmed what many of us already knew. The current board holds the Celtic support in open contempt and is now flagrantly attacking the fanbase to avoid facing basic accountability. As board members entered the meeting, they were roundly booed by the hall as Celtic fans and shareholders showed them the red card to send a clear message about the level of dissatisfaction and anger with their leadership.

“Major shareholder Dermot Desmond, for all his tough posturing, once again demonstrated that he is too cowardly to face supporters. He chose to send his pampered heir Ross, who had no right to address shareholders from the stage, and who has likely never paid into a Celtic match in his life, to profoundly insult and intentionally provoke supporters and shareholders with a speech that may come to be viewed as a historical low point of fan relations in the modern history of the club.

“Peter Lawwell’s chairing of the meeting was equally deplorable. He demeaned and dismissed supporters throughout, and in some instances, openly mocked those in attendance with sneering classist remarks, ultimately revealing what he truly thinks about Celtic supporters. As this unfolded, Chief Executive Michael Nicholson sat mute, which was befitting of his approach to his job over the last 4 years.”

Michael Beale possible return to management

Swedish side AIK have reportedly reached out to Michael Beale over a way to return to management. The coach was credited in some quarters as the brains behind title 55 at Rangers but lasted less than a year in the manager’s chair himself, before an ill-fated spell at Sunderland. He has only managed in the UK at senior level but Sweden could offer a surprise route back.

Expressen claim: “AIK may be forced to change coaches if Mikkjal Thomassen leaves this winter. The 49-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs abroad and "The Gnaget" has not decided to fire him. Expressen has previously revealed that AIK has contacted Kalle Karlsson and that he is one of the candidates. The parties have also met, but the former VSK manager has more interested parties and he has also met with Hammarby on at least two occasions, Expressen learns.

“But AIK has also checked out the foreign market. According to information provided to Expressen, Englishman Michael Beale, 45, is one of the candidates that AIK has been in contact with for the head coaching job for next season. The 45-year-old has extensive experience in British football. Beale has been manager of Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers and Glasgow Rangers, among others.