Latest news with #Greeks
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Russell Martin in unfiltered Rangers address as he sticks up for Souttar, buzzes over transfers and Dessers vow
The new Light Blues addressed a number of issues ahead of a return to pre-season training Russell Martin revealed it was John Souttar 's decision to delay his hernia operation because he was desperate to play in Scotland's friendly double header - as the new Rangers boss admitted he's buzzing at the calibre of potential new recruits. last week, after playing in low key bounce games for Steve Clarke's side against Finland and Liechtenstein which caused anger among some Gers fans. Martin - who will travel to Fir Park for the Scottish Premiership opener in front of the Sky Sports cameras on August 2 - is confident the 28-year-old will be fit for the massive Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. And he hopes to see the ex Hearts man joined by several new faces as Rangers prepare to ramp up their recruitment drive before their Euro showdown with the Greeks. Martin was also tight-lipped on striker Cyriel Dessers who we revealed has shaken on a deal with AEK Athens, with both clubs still negotiating a fee. Martin's men return to training on Monday and, speaking to Sky Sports, he addressed our story on Souttar, explaining: 'It's really difficult. John wants to play for his country and so many players, especially at the end of the season, get lambasted for pulling out of games or not going away for international games, for whatever reason. 'So he made a decision. He had a minor injury and was desperate to play for his country, which I admire, so the plan was to get it sorted after it. "So he's had a minor op and we expect him to be fit for the Panathinaikos game so it hasn't really affected the preparation. He's been able to go away and play and be ready for us.' On new signings, he said: 'We'll have a few before the European game, that's for sure. Everyone is working extremely hard. The bulk of the work has been about identifying character and talent we want in the building who can add to this group and add to us culturally and performance as well and I'm excited about the people we are starting to look at and hopefully will add.' Asked if there was any news on an exit for Dessers, he said: 'The updates will come when they are actually real. At the minute I'm expecting Cyriel to return on Monday and looking forward to working with him.' It's been a hectic start to life as Gers boss and he said: 'It's been everything I thought it would be: intense, great. But the real work starts on Monday - every manager and coach loves being on the grass and I'm really excited about it. 'Panathinaikos is incredibly exciting, it's going to be an amazing atmosphere at Ibrox. "People have said to me it's maybe the most difficult tie we could have got but if we want to compete in Europe we're going to have to beat some good teams, some really good teams. 'We'll be ready for it, we know what we're working towards now so we can have a good look at them but the work's going to be about us and making sure in the next three to four weeks the players, and we, know what it's going to take and open to learning and we can put in a performance we can proud of 'The priority is to work the players physically and tactically to get them to understand what we are demanding early on and what the team is going to look like. And also hopefully to add a few players to the group , I think we are all excepting that. It's exciting and we get the international players back a week later so we have a good bit of time to work with them.' The first Old Firm derby of the season takes place on matchday four at Ibrox on August 31 but Martin said: 'I'm not sure it matters when you play them (Celtic). We expected it to be early, it usually is, but we have a lot of games to focus on before then and a lot of work to do before then but they are exciting games, special games.' Martin is desperate to get Rangers off to a flyer after false starts in each of their last two seasons with an opening day to trip to Motherwell and a dug-out duel with his old Norwich City team-mate Jens Berthel Askou. It will be Martin's first domestic game in charge of the Light Blues, with the Sky Sports cameras heading to Lanarkshire for the 5.30pm kick off on Saturday, August 2. Rangers have a huge Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos before the new season kicks off. But Martin is desperate to build momentum with Philippe Clement held at Hearts on the opening day last season and Michael Beale losing at Kilmarnock 12 months prior to that. The 39-year-old said: 'It's really important to start well and build momentum, for us, for the fans, the club but it won't define our season so we have to make sure we're ready to perform in the European game before that, we have to make sure were ready again to go. 'It's exciting. We have a lot to do and a lot to focus on before then - a big European game - but it's one I'm looking forward to. "Me and Matt Gill played with Jens, the new manager at Motherwell, so it will be interesting. 'We've exchanged messages and knowing Jens and how intense he was about his work as a player and how he is as a person - seriously professional, intelligent - he'll have them very well organised and prepared. 'We have to make sure we're ready for any challenge whether it's Motherwell, European games, the Old Firm games, any of them - we need to be ready and we have a lot to do. 'We have a lot of work to do physically, tactically, the players haven't been in the building yet - they come back Monday which I'm excited about but we have something to work towards.'
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
I spared Rangers blushes last time they faced Panathinaikos – here is what they can expect this time
Nacho Novo was the hero last time the two sides face so knows what Rangers can expect this time out Nacho Novo remembers having a close shave the last time Rangers squared off against Panathinaikos - and not just because his goal spared Walter Smith's side the UEFA Cup chop. The Ibrox cult hero was the saviour back in 2008 when Gers last visited the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium. The Spaniard's late equaliser was enough to secure a 1-1 draw on aggregate and nudge the club a step closer to their brush with glory in that year's Manchester final. After a goalless draw at Ibrox, Smith's men were on the verge of going out when a screamer from defender Ioannis Goumas put the Greeks ahead in the last 32 showdown. But Novo - sporting a newly cropped barnet - provided the Light Blues with their hair-raising moment nine minutes from the end as he fired home the crucial finish that saw Rangers progress on away goals. The striker wasn't the only one who had taken a trip to the barbers having been joined by team-mates Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor Kris Boyd and Charlie Adam for a pre-match trim. And Rangers' Hair Bear Bunch ensured it was Rangers who made the Euro cut as they scalped the Athens giants. Novo told Record Sport: 'The thing I remember about that game is that I had a new haircut. A few of us did. 'Me, Fergie, Greegsy, Boydy and Charlie all went to the barbers in the hotel the day before the game and got our hair shaved short. 'I'm not sure what made us do it but we went for it - and it worked! It must have been a good luck omen. 'It was a crucial goal that season because it was the first game in the UEFA Cup after we'd been knocked out of the Champions League - but it meant we could set off on that incredible journey to Manchester. 'We had a lot of possession but their centre-back scored a wonder goal to give them the lead. He turned and hit one from about 20 yards out, right into the top corner. 'We'd created a lot of chances but didn't put them away. However, we kept our patience and got the goal we needed from a great play. Fergie played the ball out to Chris Burke. His cross came to me and I just hit it.' Novo lapped up his strike with a raise the roof gesture - with Ibrox legend and then assistant boss Ally McCoist the unlikely inspiration! 'It was an amazing night - apart from the celebration,' explained Nacho. "I got some stick for that one but people don't know what it was about. 'I was actually copying Ally McCoist dancing to 50 Cent before the game! He had been jumping out the dressing room throwing his arms in the air, so that one was for Coisty! 'We were a happy camp in those days. You had Coisty and Durranty in those days and they were always making people laugh.' There's likely to be a more serious mood next month when Russell Martin's side kick off their Champions League quest against the Shamrock. The new gaffer will see his side host Pana on July 22-23 before the return in the Greek capital a week later. Novo has warned today's squad they can expect a red-hot reception at the 16,000-capacity Nikolaidis and it's notorious Gate 13 ultras section - and not just because of the expected 30 degree-plus conditions. He said: 'It was a loud atmosphere the night we played Panathinaikos, even though the ground isn't the biggest. The fans are right on top of you and make a lot of noise. 'I wouldn't say it was the most crazy atmosphere I experienced. That was at Red Star Belgrade, who we faced that season in the Champions League qualifiers. Their fans were so intimidating. But Panathinaikos was a tough place to go. 'It was a narrow pitch and the fans created a good atmosphere. But we never feared those places because we always took a lot of Rangers fans with us. We had our back-up with those guys behind us.' And Novo reckons Rangers will need that same passionate support this time round as they face the first of three qualifying hurdles that need to be crossed on the way to the league phase. He added: 'The new manager won't have much time to get his team ready for such a big game. But everybody needs to get behind Russell. 'He's a young manager and will want to do well at Ibrox. He has the hunger you need to succeed at a club like Rangers. Obviously he knows the demands you get at Ibrox because he served here for a short period as a player. 'It will be a tough game but these qualifiers are always tough. That's when you need to show a strong mentality on the pitch. But I think with everybody working together, we can get a positive result.'
Time Business News
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Beginner's Guide to Options Trading Platforms
Beginner's Guide to Using an Options Trading Platform Effectively Getting started with an options trading platform can seem overwhelming for novices. With such tools, techniques, and moving elements, it's easy to wander away into the details. However, a good platform equips you with everything you want to make smarter, more knowledgeable choices. From real-time facts and option chains to earnings/loss calculators and strategy developers, those systems are designed to simplify complex choices and enhance your trading accuracy. If you're new to options, your consciousness must be on knowledge of how the platform works and how to use its capabilities successfully. This guide breaks down the necessities that will help you build self-assurance and create a strong foundation for long-term trading achievement. Start with the Basics: Know Your Options Before diving into tools and data, familiarize yourself with the key kinds of options: Calls: Contracts that come up with the proper to buy an asset at a certain price. Puts: Contracts that provide you with the right to promote an asset at a sure price. Understanding those basics enables you to navigate any choice trading platform optimistically. Most beginner-friendly platforms include academic content or AI-based assistants like Sensa Deep AI Chat to help you learn on the go. Explore Built-In Option Trading Strategies Once you're comfortable with the fundamental mechanics, start exploring built-in option trading strategies. A nicely designed platform will offer dozens (or even masses) of preset techniques primarily based on risk tolerance, marketplace outlook, and favored results. Some commonplace strategies encompass: Long Call or Long Put: Simple bets on charge motion. Iron Condor: Designed for minimum charge movement. Bull Call Spread or Bear Put Spread: Quality trade at low prices with limited threat/reward. Every strategy will have its own trade-offs, and a good options trading platform will allow you to practice the consequences of various strategies based on past market history before placing an actual trade. Use Real-Time Option Chains and Flow Data An option chain suggests all available options for a particular inventory, which includes strike prices, expiration dates, implied volatility, and more. Knowing the way to study a choice chain is important. Options trading platforms provide interactive, real-time option chains that will let you spot trends and compare contracts effortlessly. Additionally, live options flow data can monitor how institutional or large traders are positioning themselves in the marketplace. This perception of 'smart money' movements allows you to align your trades with high-confidence trends. Leverage Strategy Builders and Calculators Modern structures go beyond simple order access. With new options trading platforms, you can construct multi-leg trades visually and calculate: Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega) This degree of detail lets you understand your exchange from all angles before you devote. It's specifically helpful for novices who want to keep away from pointless surprises. Integrate Your Brokerage for Seamless Trading A powerful options trading platform will become even more beneficial when it integrates with your brokerage account. Options trading platforms offer direct integration with principal brokers like Tradier, TradeStation, and Lightspeed. This means you could research, construct, and execute trades—all from one vicinity—lowering friction and saving time. Monitor Insider, Institutional, and Political Activity Beginner buyers often overlook outside influences like political trades or insider buying/selling. The options trading platform functions offer real-time visibility into: These insights help you understand market sentiment and capability fee movement catalysts beyond basic charts and indicators. Practice Smart Risk Management Even with the quality tools, no trade is risk-free. Use prevent-loss orders, calculate role sizes carefully, and avoid putting all your capital into a single trade. A trusted options trading site will also help you to have a glimpse of strategies using paper trading or simulated environments, where you can gain confidence without using actual money. Final Thoughts Easily using an alternative trading platform does not mean clicking the button; rather, it means being aware of the tools at your disposal, applying the correct choice of trade methods, and making decisions based on data. Take time to monitor the opportunities, test strategies, and market trends. As your expertise increases, the rapid shift to buying and selling your ability will provide you with the opportunity to take advantage of opportunities in the world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
John Souttar ignites Rangers return from surgery in Portugal with key step as he fights to star vs Panathinaikos
Souttar finally went under the knife to have repair work carried out on an ongoing hernia issue in London last week John Souttar began light jogging on Thursday as he bids to return to fitness in time for Rangers Champions League showdown with Panathinaikos. Record Sport broke the bombshell news last night that the 28-year-old is already racing against the clock to be available for next month's crunch qualification double header - after delaying surgery to join up with Scotland 's squad for friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein. Souttar finally went under the knife to have repair work carried out on an ongoing hernia issue in London last week - three weeks after the end of his club's domestic season. He is understood to be going through a period of rehabilitation in Portugal with the aim of being given the green light to face the Greeks in the first leg of a potentially £60million tie with the Greeks at Ibrox on July 23. But the decision to push the routine procedure back until after those meaningless internationals has caused outrage among sections of the club's support - and will almost certainly have equally surprised new boss Russell Martin. It's understood the Ibrox club's own medical department signed off on the decision despite the obvious risks involved to Souttar's summer schedule. Experts say the standard recovery period following a hernia op varies between four and six weeks, assuming no setbacks along the way. Which means, even without any unexpected complications, Souttar is likely to be touch and go for Martin's first game since his appointment as head coach. We can reveal Souttar was operated on on Wednesday of last week, after returning to the UK following a 4-0 romp in Vaduz on Monday night. He sat on Steve Clarke's bench for that game as an unused sub but did play the full 90 minutes of a 3-1 defeat against Iceland at Hampden three nights earlier, scoring Scotland's only goal. Club sources insist Souttar should still be able to face Panathinaikos so long as his recuperation goes to plan without any hitches. And the initial indications appear to be positive given that Souttar was able to start jogging yesterday - just one week after climbing off the surgeon's table. But it still seems like an extraordinary gamble given the player's back catalogue of injury issues, which have plagued his career and limited his appearances in a Rangers shirt to just 68 games in his three seasons at Ibrox. When fit, Souttar is regarded by most as the club's most dependable central defensive option and his partnership with Leon Balogun became a cornerstone of the side which interim boss Barry Ferguson oversaw during the final three months of last season. But veteran Balogun was allowed to leave as a free agent after the club decided against offering him a new deal and Souttar - who has one year left to run on his own contract - has also not been tied down long term. If the former Hearts defender fails to beat the clock over the next five weeks, then new boss Martin could be left scrambling for defensive cover. A major overhaul of the squad is expected over the close season but, as things stand, Martin's only recognised options in central defence are Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala, Ben Davies and Leon King. Propper is on the brink of a quick-fire return to Twente Enschede after a dismal first season in Scottish football, while Nsiala also failed to nail down a regular place throughout his first campaign at the club. Davies and King, meanwhile, will return to Auchenhowie on Monday morning after falling so far out of the first team picture that they farmed out on loan last term.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Celtic transfer intel swarms the Hotline as Dermot Desmond deploys £50m response to Rangers takeover
The takeover, the new manager and transfer murmurs skyrocketing - but Rangers don't have Celtic worried just yet. The champions are making moves behind the scenes - and Dermot Desmond is set to give Brendan Rodgers the keys to the Parkhead coffers this summer. That is according to Martin 'Butch' Cassidy, Hamilton - who claims to be the man with the intel is leaking out of Celtic Park. He said: "I have worked in a world where wee whispers about Celtic land on my door and have then come to pass. I knew Brendan Rodgers would be the boss before it was announced two times over. "And now my source is telling me Dermot Desmond is eyeing a marquee summer. This Rangers takeover will have nothing on us and my inside man reckons we'll spend in excess of £50million. Over to you, Rangers." Transfer season is well underway - and Cyriel Dessers looks to be inching closer to the Ibrox exit door. But with AEK looking to snap up the striker for a lowball offer the door remains closed for the Nigeria international. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton emailed: "Much has been made of the fact that Dessers finished up Scotland's top goalscorer - so for Rangers reportedly holding out for a paltry £5million is beggars belief. "It's another example of Rangers desperate for finance and they will regret not having Rangers diehard Lawrence Shankland in place for the start of the season." Nicolas Kuhn is another who could be on the move - with the Celtic winger attracting interest from RB Leipzig. Alan Flett senses a shift in Glasgow amid wheeling and dealing at Parkhead: "RB Leipzig must be desperate if they're willing to pay £15m for Kuhn. He's been playing in Scotland for 18 months and has been largely anonymous for the majority of that period. "Despite their apparent wealth, the biscuit tin mentality is alive and well at Celtic Park. It's only a matter of time before Rangers are back on top of the Scottish game." Russell Martin knows who he will face in his first competitive match as Rangers boss - with the crucial Champions League qualifiers kicking off against Panathanaikos. But some have already written off their chances of joining Europe's elite next season - with Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh commenting: "Surely Champions League is beyond Rangers this season? "They're nowhere near enough ready , and I suggest Europa League far more realistic. Defeat by Panathanaikos would see Gers given a 5 million Euro softener" And the draw sparked some Hotline sparring between regulars - with Scott Gowers clamped over a potential UEFA conspiracy. John Scott said: "Scott Gowers thinks Ranger's are mysteriously getting tough draws in Euro qualification for the Champions League. Can we smell the pungent aroma of yet another conspiracy. Not more big male coo's and dungheaps surely?" John Souttar looks set to miss the clash with the Greeks after delaying surgery to turn out for Scotland at the end of the campaign. Baffled Dr Robert S Pender said: "Did nobody tell the Rangers player who pays his wages? To delay the surgery in order to turn out for Scotland friendlies was totally unexplainable. Now the player will miss important qualifying games. I think he will eventually will move on." Hibs have drawn FC Midtjylland in their Europa League qualifiers - and the Danes have been quick to play down the threat of the Premiership side with boss Thomas Thomasberg declaring his side would reach the next round. Neil Renton, Leith said: "Midtjylland boss Thomas Thomasberg might be super confident his side will beat Hibs in the Europa League but he can't write off the Easter Road side too quickly. Fingers crossed that his comments come back to haunt him and he's humbled by the Hibees."
