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FOOTBALL

KAUNAS BOSS AXED

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Saturday July 19,2008

By Scott Burns

FBK Kaunas have hit the Champions League self destruct button by sacking their manager - less than two weeks before they are due to face Rangers.

Boss Andrei Zygmantovich was fired by the Lithuanian champions just days after he had guided them past Andorran minnows Santa Coloma in the opening leg of the first qualifying round.

Zygmantovich, who doesn’t have the UEFA pro-licence to manage in European club competition, will remain on the Kaunas coaching staff but will be replaced by former Porto coach Jose Couceiro.

The former Portuguese under-21 coach will takeover the hotseat after the switch which was given the full backing from major sponsor and Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov.

The 45-year—old will be able to get an insight into his team when Kaunas go into their second leg against Santa Coloma next week.

The Lithuanians are, barring no last minute slip-ups, then expected to travel to Ibrox on July 30 for their third round, first leg clash.

Meanwhile, Rangers were last night still maneuvering behind the scenes to try and strike a deal with Cardiff for Dutch defender Glenn Loovens.

The Ibrox side have enquired about the centre half and are trying to strike a deal which will see striker Daniel Cousin head in the opposition direction.

Cousin though is not prepared to take a wage cut to drop down to the Championship and won’t budge unless the money is upped.
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Cardiff had wanted Scotland star Kris Boyd but he isn’t interested in the move and Rangers have also said they would be reluctant to sell.

The Bluebirds are also refusing to budge on their £2.5 million asking price and unless a compromise can be reached the move could collapse.

It may also see Rangers renew their interest in Watford defender Danny Shittu.

The Nigerian international failed to agree terms with Walter Smith earlier this week but Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd still thinks a deal could still be done.

He said:  “I don’t think the deal is dead and it may still occur. 

“It’s one of those things where personal needs aren’t met. 

“It’s down to a lack of communication that needs resolving by the player and the club.” 


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