SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE:CELTIC WILL consider Billy Davies as a candidate to become their manager after it emerged he would in principle be agreeable to leaving Nottingham Forest to return to his native Glasgow.
Davies has enjoyed success at the City Ground, guiding Forest into this season’s play-offs for a place in the Premier League. However, he has made clear his frustrations regarding the club’s complex transfer policy, most recently last month. The former Preston North End and Derby County manager was a candidate to replace Gary Megson at Bolton Wanderers before Owen Coyle took that job.
There is a growing possibility Davies will seek a new club at the end of this campaign, regardless of whether Forest gain promotion, and those close to him in Scotland are adamant Celtic are a realistic option.
Yet the arrival of the 45-year-old at Parkhead would be controversial, with Davies known to have been a boyhood Rangers supporter.
Compensation to Forest may also prove a problem to Celtic, who paid that to lure Tony Mowbray and his coaching team from West Bromwich Albion last summer before suffering the cost implications of sacking that trio.
Gordon Smith has resigned as the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association. A combination of personal circumstances and growing disenchantment with the position led to the surprise news.
Smith, who had been in the post since June 2007, has left Hampden Park with immediate effect. The Scottish FA is to issue a statement today, once legal formalities relating to the departure have been completed.
Sources within the governing body have confirmed Smith has endured a turbulent family period after his mother was seriously injured in a fall. His father is also suffering from an illness.
He had also grown weary of controversies that threatened to undermine his position. Smith was heavily responsible for the appointment of George Burley, who had a disastrous spell as Scotland’s manager and oversaw the Boozegate and gesture scandal involving Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor.
Guardian Service
