Rumour Reel: Football’s changing

Madrid pushing for European Super League

The much talked about European Super League – a competition for the continent’s elite only – is said to be a step closer to becoming reality, with Real Madrid driving the idea forward. Furious that their game at the weekend with Celta Vigo was postponed, Blancos appear to have had enough and are adopting the age-old tactic – it’s my ball and my rules!

Such an idea would surely put an end to the Champions League and, with it, extend the gap further between the top teams in the sport, and those scraping to make a living from the beautiful game. The days of Leicester and Celtic taking on the best side’s in the continent will be long gone. That can’t be good.

New York, New York

It’s not often Sunderland players have something to smile about, but after hammering Crystal Palace at the weekend, the Black Cats are being whisked away to New York on a team-bonding trip (we usually have to make do with Romford dogs).

Manager David Moyes is said to be keen on the idea, and its chances of helping them remain in the division, and the money men at the Stadium of Light obviously agree. If a four-day jolly-up, sorry, team-building exercise, helps them finish outside of the drop zone, the money spent will be well worth it.

Big Sam in big trouble

Apparently, the bosses at Crystal Palace were so furious following Saturday’s heavy defeat to bottom of the league Sunderland, they sent chairman Steve Parish to the dressing room after the match to have a full and frank conversation with the players.

Any hope of a Sunday lie-in to help those tired legs recover were dashed as Allardyce stuck the boot in, telling his men to report to training at 7.00am in a bid to shake them to life. Saturday’s loss leaves The Eagles joint-bottom of the league.

No place for Griffiths

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths looks to be on borrowed time at the Scottish champions and he missed Sunday’s emphatic 5-2 win over St Johnstone on Sunday through injury. But it looks like The Bhoys are getting on perfectly fine without the Scotland forward.

Brendan Rodgers has used him sparingly this season and the fact Celtic rattled in five goals without his help won’t do the player any good either. Moussa Dembele came off the bench and scored a hat-trick and it’s only a matter of time before he is back in England.

Warburton on thin ice

Another man said to be on a shaky peg in Glasgow is Rangers manager Mark Warburton, with reports in the media north of the border suggesting anything other than a solid Scottish Cup win over Championship side Greenock Morton this weekend would spell the end.

The Gers are 27 points behind bitter rivals Celtic, having lost to them three times already this season, and are now third in the league following Saturday’s draw with Ross County. Aberdeen sit in second-place.

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