Ex Celtic hero joins non-league club as Steven Gerrard ‘reunites’ with former Rangers man in Saudi Arabia

Rangers are continuing their hunt for a new manager and have jetted out to Cyprus ahead of their Europa League clash with Aris Limassol on Thursday, while Celtic are set for their crucial Champions League encounter with Lazio tonight.

Steven Davis has been placed in interim charge of the Ibrox club, with club chiefs staying behind in Glasgow to continue the process to appoint Michael Beale’s successor. Meanwhile, the Hoops are readying themselves to face the Italian outfit on home soil.

There has been plenty going on behind the scenes with a former Hoops striker psigning for a non-league English club. Also, Al Etiffaq boss Steven Gerrard has been reunited with a former Rangers colleague in Saudi Arabia. Here are the latest Celtic and Rangers transfer news headlines on Wednesday, October 4:

Ex Celtic strike hero finds new club aged 35

Celtic hero Gary Hoops has finally found a new club at the age of 35 - a month after rolling back the years for the Hoops at the Masters Football tournament in Glasgow.

The former Hoops, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday striker returned from a spell in the United Arab Emirates over the summer and has now agreed a deal with National League side Barnet.

Named top goalscorer at the Braehead Arena tournament, Hooper declared he was not ready to hang up his boots just yet and even suggested he would be open to a return to his former club under Brendan Rodgers. Originally joining from Scunthorpe United for £2.4million in 2010, Hooper netted 82 goals in 137 appearances over a three-year spell at Parkhead before being sold to Norwich City for £5m.

He also proved a hit in the English Championship and has now signed up for his 13th senior club as he looks to win promotion with the Bees back into the English senior leagues.

A club statement read: “Barnet FC is delighted to announce that former Celtic and Norwich City forward Gary Hooper is set to join The Bees. The deal is subject to international clearance and more details will be announced in the coming days.”

Steven Gerrard ‘reunites’ with former Rangers sporting director

Former Rangers director of football Mark Allen has reunited with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia at Al Etiffaq on a two-year deal. Allen, who spent two seasons at Ibrox between 2017 and 2019, was credited as being the man responsible for persuading Gerrard to become Light Blues manager, before departing for a short spell at Swansea City.

Liverpool legend Gerrard has now decided to bring Allen with him to the Middle East after the club’s ‘football technical committee’ approved the hiring of the 60-year-old Welshman eight months after he was sacked by Swansea. Allen will reportedly be involved with the club’s recruitment and development of players.

Commenting on Allen’s departure from Rangers back in September 2019, Gerrard said: “I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to Mark for the incredible support he has shown to me and all of my staff since I came to the club 16 months ago. Mark’s success here is evident for all to see.”