Football: Party time begins for Nicholl

JIMMY NICHOLL, the player- manager of Raith Rovers, revelled in the atmosphere at Stark's Park on Saturday, writes David McKinney. His side not only won promotion to the top league for the first time in 23 years but also won the First Division title with a 2-0 win over Dumbarton.

However, the former Manchester United and Rangers defender might have little time to enjoy the fruits of his labours as envious eyes have been monitoring the two years he has been at Rovers and it is possible he will be on the move before the start of next season. Dundee United are reported to be interested in him and he is currently involved with the Northern Ireland side.

Saturday started a party which will last until August thanks to two Craig Brewster goals and no one was overly bothered about a Gordon Dalziel penalty miss except perhaps the player himself.

Rangers continued towards the Premier Division title with a 1-0 win over Motherwell with a late goal from John Brown. The Ibrox club have been credited with a continuing interest in Duncan Ferguson, the Dundee United striker, as is Ron Atkinson at Aston Villa.