Ex-Rangers man set to manage club for free as Newcastle United legend names key factor in Scottish title race

Hearts secured a much-needed first victory of the season in a behind closed doors Europa Conference League match against Dinamo Minsk in Azerbaijan.

The result put an end to the team’s 10-game wait for a win in all competitions and earned the club a tidy win bonus of around £335k, according to Hearts Standard.

The victory comes just days before the Premiership’s side’s challenging trip to league leaders Aberdeen - who have had a completely contrasting start to the season after winning all 12 games across all competitions following the appointment of Jimmy Thelin.

Infact the new Dons boss now boasts the best winning start of any manager in Scottish Premiership history, equalling Martin O’Neill’s 12-match winning streak with Celtic back in 2000.

Aberdeen are dark horses to end the Old Firm duo's 40-year hold on the Scottish Premiership title and Alan Shearer claims that the Reds lack of European football could be a key factor in this season’s title race.

Speaking to Betfair, the Newcastle legend explained: “When you look at the start to the season Aberdeen have had, winning all 12 games under a new manager, the longer it goes on you'd have to think they're serious contenders to upset Celtic and Rangers this season.”

“Everyone’s talking about them and that can only be a good thing. I hope it continues because it'd be great if someone upset the apple cart up in Scotland.

“It would be great for the Scottish Premiership if they could win the title. They've had an amazing start.

“When you look at what happened to Celtic in Dortmund earlier this week, the result, the travel and everything else then that can only help Aberdeen, there's no doubt about that.

“It's great that Celtic are in the Champions League but in terms of what Aberdeen are trying to achieve, the heavy defeat as well as the extra games in Europe can only help them achieve what seems like the impossible and win the top-flight title.”

Former Rangers star offers to manage Inverness for free

Former Rangers forward Duncan Ferguson is doing everything he can to try and help Inverness CT overcome their financial difficulties.

Ferguson joined Inverness in September last year but was unable to prevent the club from being relegated through the Championship play-offs.

The Everton legend sensationally agreed to take a 40 percent salary cut after the club’s relegation but has now confirmedthat his remaining £1200 a week wages, originally £3000 a week when he was lured north, will go towards the £200,000 Caley Jags say they must raise this month to stave off the immediate threat of administration.

“I’ve given up my wage to try and help the club. I’m now working for nothing. That’s by the by, it’s my own decision to try and help the club get through all this.” Ferguson told the Daily Record.

He added: “The players are worried, yes. They have contracts to fall upon, but it is the people around about the stadium, the staff, everyone’s jobs are on the line. I think you know since I’ve been here I’ve taken cuts and reductions.

“Now, when I realised the position the club is in, in needing to raise £200,000 this month, I decided I don’t need to get paid my wage. I’ll work for nothing just now to try and help them through this. The plight of the staff was in my mind. It always is.”

Inverness are sixth in League One with one victory, six draws and one defeat from their opening eight matches ahead of their trip to Abroath.