Scottish Gossip: Paatelainen on United, League Cup to change

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

New Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen says beating relegation is the Tannadice squad's top priority this season. (Daily Record)

Paatelainen has told United's players they must toughen up. (Sun)

Meanwhile, United midfielder Paul Paton has backed former Tangerines boss Jackie McNamara to land another job soon. (Herald)

Celtic's Gary Mackay-Steven admits he has struggled for form this season

Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven is eager to re-establish himself in the Scottish champions' first team after being unable to re-capture last season's form so far this term. (Daily Mail)

Aberdeen have accused rumour-mongers of trying to unsettle the club after issuing a statement denying Derek McInnes was set to leave the club. The statement came after Ladbrokes made McInnes favourite to become the next Premiership boss to exit his post. (Scotsman)

And Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster has attempted to defuse a fallout between the Dons and the bookmaker, who sponsor the league organisation, by ordering an investigation into the matter. (Daily Record)

Doncaster is in discussions with clubs over changing the format of the League Cup

Doncaster has urged the BBC to pay the going rate for its SPFL coverage with the two organisations due to negotiate a new deal in time for next season. (Daily Mail)

And Doncaster has confirmed the Scottish League Cup will be revamped next season. (Sun)

Doncaster expects the new format to be confirmed before the end of 2015 with the changes, which could include a group stage and regionalisation, taking effect in July next year. (Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Three-match bans for Scotland forwards Ross Ford and Jonny Gray came after some of the evidence from the match referee in Saturday's Rugby World Cup win over Samoa was ruled to be inadmissible. (Herald)

Ford and Gray's World Cup could be over, but Scottish Rugby may appeal against the bans

The match referee was adamant no further action should be taken against the pair. (Daily Mail)

Tennis coach Amelie Mauresmo is expected to return to Andy Murray's team soon following maternity leave. (Daily Mail)