SFA CHARGE ST MIRREN CHIEF OVER RANGERS TWEETS

ST MIRREN chairman John Needham has been charged by the Scottish FA over historical tweets which included comments about Rangers. Needham faces a hearing on December 2 on counts of ‘discriminatory or offensive’ comments, bringing the game into disrepute and improper behaviour. He apologised on Twitter after ‘inappropriate’ historical posts, including derogatory references to Rangers fans, came to light last month. At least one of the tweets came after he joined St Mirren’s board last year. Following an investigation, the SFA have now issued him with a notice of complaint, with breaches of disciplinary rules 71, 73 and 77. Needham, a banker for over 40 years, took over as chairman in the summer when the Paisley club came under fan ownership. Meanwhile, St Mirren will look to bounce back from last week’s home defeat to Dundee when they face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park this afternoon. But the Perth side’s on-loan Rangers winger Glenn Middleton believes they can leapfrog the Paisley outfit in the Premiership table with victory.

A win at home — on the back of their victory at Dundee United last Saturday — could even lift Callum Davidson’s side into the top six after a stuttering start to the season. Last season’s double cup winners followed up a draw against Hearts with a 1-0 win at Tannadice, and Middleton believes they are beginning to pick up momentum. ‘It’s been really good,’ he said. ‘I think it was always coming. I don’t think there were ever too many worries from within the team. ‘It’s all about momentum. We had a good result last weekend. It’ll be a tough game against St Mirren but hopefully we can keep things going.’