Drama, Decisions & Deciders: Scottish Football Managers in the Spotlight!

With a crucial Champions League showdown looming, Brendan Rodgers has issued a rallying cry to his Celtic squad—go bold or go home! The Hoops boss is urging his side to seize the moment in Germany, where they must overturn a 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich to keep their European dream alive. Meanwhile, Bayern’s own Vincent Kompany is playing it cool, suggesting that his side’s 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen was the perfect defensive test ahead of Celtic’s visit. But could Jota shake things up? The Portuguese winger has surely staked his claim for a starting spot after a dazzling performance in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Dundee United. Speaking of Dundee United, Jim Goodwin insists that Will Ferry and Kevin Holt were merely rested against Celtic and should be back in action next week. Nothing to see here, folks—just a precaution! Over at Rangers, Philippe Clement is facing the heat. His side’s shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park has left fans fuming, and his decision to hook Bailey Rice at half-time didn’t go unnoticed. The 18-year-old was dropped for failing to “break the lines” with his passing, but Clement insists he still believes in the youngster. With pressure mounting, Clement is standing firm, refusing to walk away from what he calls the “toughest period” of his career. Elsewhere in Scottish football, Hibs’ new shot-stopper Jordan Smith has been left “blown away” by the standard of the game, while Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has showered praise on the travelling Dons support after their gritty win at Dundee. And let’s not forget the SWPL drama—Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross has been grilling refereeing chief Willie Collum over some questionable decisions. With all these talking points, Scottish football is delivering non-stop drama on and off the pitch!

St Mirren and Hibernian Battle to Hard-Fought Draw in Entertaining Stalemate

Alasana Manneh endured a nightmare start to his Hibernian career, receiving a red card just 13 minutes after coming on, as David Gray’s side extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a goalless draw against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. The Gambian midfielder, a product of Barcelona’s famed youth academy, entered the pitch in the 70th minute but was booked almost immediately for a trip. His debut went from bad to worse when another reckless challenge saw him pick up a second yellow. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Hibs held firm to secure a point, though they missed the opportunity to climb to fourth. Meanwhile, St Mirren moved up to sixth, edging ahead of Kilmarnock on goal difference. Both teams had opportunities, but goalkeepers Zach Hemming and Jordan Smith pulled off crucial second-half saves to ensure the match remained goalless. Hibs thought they had a penalty when referee Ross Hardie pointed to the spot for a handball against Killian Phillips. However, a review overturned the decision, with replays clearly showing the ball had struck the midfielder’s face instead.  MORE TO COME…

McCart’s Misfortune Hands Rangers a 3-1 Win at Tynecastle Park

Rangers secured a vital 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle Park, thanks in no small part to an unfortunate brace of own goals from Jamie McCart. The win came after a disappointing 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park, with Rangers boss Philippe Clement urging his side to bounce back—something they did with precision. Rangers started brightly and took the lead after 20 minutes when Ianis Hagi’s cross found its way into the net via McCart’s unfortunate deflection. Despite the early setback, Hearts showed resilience and pulled level four minutes after the break. Michael Steinwender, the club’s recent signing, made his mark by glancing home James Penrice’s corner to equalise. However, the match turned in Rangers’ favour when Vaclav Cerny, continuing his impressive league form, netted his 10th goal of the campaign in the 61st minute, putting the visitors back in front. Things went from bad to worse for McCart in the 73rd minute, as another miscue saw him put the ball into his own net once again, sealing a comfortable win for Rangers. The game was one of mixed fortunes. For Rangers, the victory was much-needed following their recent struggles, but for McCart, it was an unforgettable evening. The win lifted some of the pressure off Clement, but with Rangers still 13 points behind Celtic, many fans continue to voice dissatisfaction with the club’s current direction. As Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd pointed out before the match, Rangers’ league campaign has been far below expectations. “Europe is a bonus and your bread and butter is the league. It has not been good enough,” Boyd stated, clearly reflecting the frustration felt by many supporters. While the result offered some short-term relief for Clement, Rangers’ uphill battle to challenge Celtic for the title remains daunting.

Celtic Tighten Grip on Scottish Premiership Title with Commanding Win Over Dundee United

Celtic strengthened their hold on another Scottish Premiership title with a comfortable victory over Dundee United, moving 16 points clear of Rangers, who face Hearts on Sunday live on Sky Sports. Callum McGregor fired the Hoops ahead as they looked to bounce back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Jota, netting his first goal at Celtic Park since his return, curled a superb effort into the bottom corner to double their lead before the break. Adam Idah sealed the win late on with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box, notching his fifth goal in five matches. Dundee United Struggle Continues Dundee United, now without a win since mid-January, drop to fourth after Aberdeen ended their own winless streak. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made several changes to the starting XI, resting Daizen Maeda after his strong performance in Germany. However, Idah showcased his ability once again, bringing down a headed clearance before volleying into the top corner for a spectacular finish. Greg Taylor, Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn, and Maeda all started on the bench after featuring in the midweek clash against Bayern. McGregor and Jota Shine for Celtic Visiting goalkeeper Jack Walton survived the opening 25 minutes without facing a shot on target, with early efforts from Idah and Cameron Carter-Vickers missing the mark. However, McGregor took matters into his own hands, collecting a pass from Yang Hyun-jun, bursting past Allan Campbell, and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 16 yards. The Celtic captain almost doubled his tally soon after, while left-back Jeffrey Schlupp struck the inside of the post from 20 yards. Jota, whose last home goal had come in a 3-2 victory over Rangers in April 2023, marked his return in style before setting up Idah for a chance that Walton did well to save. Campbell had half-chances in both halves but failed to seriously test Kasper Schmeichel. Walton also denied Luke McCowan’s free-kick and Taylor’s effort in a quiet second half, before Idah lit up the closing stages with his emphatic finish. Rodgers Praises “Three Goals of Individual Brilliance” Speaking to Sky Sports News, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side’s response to their European setback: “The attitude going into the game after a tough midweek match was fantastic. Our record after the Champions League has been excellent. “The quality of our football, especially in the first half, was at a really high level. The speed of our play, our connections in the game, and all three goals were moments of individual brilliance. “The players are synchronised in their work and connect well. The concentration is there until the very end, as they push to score more while defending resolutely. Now we recover and prepare for a different challenge on Tuesday.” Goodwin: “We Were Beaten by the Better Team” Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin admitted his side struggled to cope with Celtic’s intensity: “We were outplayed and beaten by the better team. “You hope Celtic might have one eye on next week’s Champions League match, but credit to Brendan Rodgers and his players, they maintained their high standards. “We pressed higher in the second half and forced more turnovers, but even then, Celtic’s organisation and desire to win the ball back made things extremely difficult. “We’ve seen what they’ve done to other teams here, and unfortunately, we’re on the wrong end of the result. Now, our focus shifts to the seven huge games before the split.” What’s Next in the Scottish Premiership? With Celtic cruising at the top and Rangers facing Hearts next, the title race looks increasingly one-sided. Dundee United, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they fight for a European spot in the run-up to the league split.

Kilmarnock Climb into Top Six with Convincing Win Over St Johnstone

Kilmarnock moved into the top six of the Scottish Premiership with a commanding 3-1 victory over bottom side St Johnstone at Rugby Park. Early Lead Sets the Tone Liam Polworth gave the hosts an early advantage, capitalising on a mistake by Elliot Watt before displaying great composure to chip the ball over Andy Fisher in the St Johnstone goal. Killie Seal the Win in Three-Minute Blitz Kilmarnock put the game beyond doubt with two goals in three second-half minutes. Fraser Murray doubled their lead with a sensational free-kick from 25 yards, curling the ball past Fisher into the bottom corner. Moments later, Bobby Wales showcased his finishing ability by controlling a pass from Lewis Mayo and slotting home a composed low finish, making it 3-0. St Johnstone’s Revival Stalls Despite coming into the match on a four-game winning streak, St Johnstone struggled to impose themselves. Their best first-half chance came in the 36th minute when Stephen Duke-McKenna’s cross-field pass found Sam Curtis, but his shot was comfortably saved by Kilmarnock goalkeeper Kieron O’Hara. Marley Watkins also came close for Killie, hitting the crossbar just before half-time. Saints boss Simo Valakari made tactical changes at the break, introducing Taylor Steven and Zach Mitchell in an attempt to turn the game around. However, Kilmarnock remained in control, with Brad Lyons forcing another fine save from Fisher early in the second half. Late Consolation for Saints St Johnstone finally found the net in added time when Graham Carey converted from close range, but it was little more than a consolation as Killie comfortably saw out the match to claim their second consecutive home victory. What the Managers Said Kilmarnock Manager Derek McInnes: “The league is unpredictable, with teams around us struggling to put wins together. It’s crucial to find consistency, and we’re determined to be a top-six team this season.” St Johnstone Manager Simo Valakari: “It was a tough result. Kilmarnock pressed well, and we struggled to play through it at key moments. We’ve defended well recently, but conceding an early goal changed the game’s dynamic. Credit to our opponent – they deserved the win.” Kilmarnock’s victory keeps their European hopes alive, while St Johnstone remain six points adrift at the bottom, facing an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone.

Aberdeen End Winless Run with Vital Victory Over Dundee

Aberdeen finally put an end to their club-record 14-game Scottish Premiership winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dundee, reclaiming third place in the table. In a high-energy encounter filled with chances, goals from Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen proved the difference. Nisbet capitalised on a rebound after Kristers Tobers’ back-post volley was parried by Jon McCracken, giving Aberdeen a crucial early lead. Dundee, despite an array of opportunities, failed to convert through Simon Murray, Josh Mulligan, and a glaring miss from Jordan McGhee. Their profligacy was punished in spectacular fashion when Keskinen unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike, sending the travelling fans into delirium. However, the home side responded almost immediately. Mulligan’s dazzling solo run down the right culminated in a precise cross, which Seb Palmer-Houlden deftly guided past the Aberdeen goalkeeper to keep Dundee in contention. The final half-hour was a frantic affair. Dundee pushed forward, with Palmer-Houlden and Finlay Robertson coming close, while Aberdeen survived a goalmouth scramble and forced McCracken into a brilliant save from Tobers’ bullet header. Dundee’s attacking intent was evident with their 23 shots, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them. Dundee now sit in 11th place, two points adrift of Ross County and six clear of bottom side St Johnstone. Dundee’s Familiar Struggles in Front of Goal Dundee fans have seen this script before. Strong spells of play, missed opportunities, and ultimately, another frustrating defeat. This latest loss mirrors their previous home meeting with Aberdeen back in September—an early barrage of chances, two goals conceded, and an uphill battle to salvage something from the game. There’s no doubting the spirit in Tony Docherty’s squad, as seen in their performances against Rangers and Celtic, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. With crucial fixtures against Ross County, Motherwell, and St Johnstone on the horizon, Dundee’s hopes of a top-six push could hinge on how they navigate this defining period. Aberdeen’s Timely Return to Form For Aberdeen, Dundee have been a welcome opponent this season. Three wins from three against them, and just two defeats in their last 31 league meetings underline their dominance in this fixture. Jimmy Thelin desperately needed a win to revive his team’s faltering campaign, having secured just four points from the last available 42. This result might just be the turning point they need. Recent signings Mats Knoester, Alexander Jensen, and Kristers Tobers have added much-needed defensive solidity, while Jeppe Okkels has injected flair on the wing. Nisbet and Pape Gueye are beginning to form an effective partnership up front, and Keskinen’s stunning goal showcased why he could be a key figure moving forward. Back in third place, Aberdeen’s challenge now is to maintain this momentum. Can they solidify their position in the league’s upper reaches? Manager Reactions Dundee boss Tony Docherty: “I’m hugely disappointed. We need to learn lessons quickly. There are seven games to the split, and this was a match we should have taken something from. “The first goal, there was a tug on [Antonio] Portales’ jersey—VAR should have picked it up. We were naive defensively, and we paid the price.” Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: “I saw the happiness on the faces of our players and fans—people who have stuck with us through difficult times. “The team fought together, defended as a unit, and put their bodies on the line when it mattered. We made our supporters proud.”

Three of the best as Staggies rout Motherwell

Ronan Hale was at the double, and Connor Randall added a third as Ross County ran out to a 3-0 rout over Motherwell at Fir Park.  Hale struck twice on either side of half-time, and Randall’s goal on the cusp of full-time gave Ross County all three points as Don Cowie celebrated his birthday with another away victory. The boos at full-time were loud as Motherwell slipped to a fifth straight defeat in a game where they never looked like scoring. Interim boss Stevie Frail made the bold call to start Tony Watt in attack alongside Luke Armstrong, leaving top-scorer Tawanda Maswanhise on the bench. Lennon Miller returned for his first start of the year, making his return from injury. Don Cowie, however, did opt for his top-scorer. Ronan Hale was on the bench for their trip to Ibrox, but he led the Staggies as they searched for a fourth away win in their last five trips away from Dingwall after going more than a year without one. First 45′ Both teams made a lightning start to the game, Watt almost repaid the faith shown in him by Stevie Frail. He created a yard of space inside the Staggies box and smashed it across the goal only for the ball to crash off the inside of the post, and Staggies keeper Jordan Amissah quickly collected the rebound. Ronan Hale looked to catch Ellery Balcombe out from around 40 yards from goal, but the Well keeper did well to scramble back in time. Ross County seemed to move through the gears. Nohan Kenneh and Kieran Phillips both had efforts that tested Balcombe, but Motherwell was beginning to look blunter in attack. Hale would finally make Motherwell pay; Chilvers had it at his feet, but when Miller thought he had dispossessed him, the ball fell to Hale. He took a touch and then struck it past Balcombe for his seventh league goal of the season to give County a deserved lead just after the half-hour. The boos rang out inside Fir Park when the half-time whistle blew. Fans were deeply unhappy with the performance being put on show, and there was a clear appetite for Maswanhise to be brought on. Despite this, Frail made zero changes to the team that failed to register a shot on target inside the first 45. Second 45′ Ross County started the second half well, and Hale doubled his tally just before the hour. Good work from Tomkinson down the right-hand channel found Chilvers on the inside; his ball completely separated the Motherwell defence, and Hale swept it past Balcombe to give County a 2-0 lead. With the atmosphere inside Fir Park turning toxic, Frail finally made a double switch, but still no Maswanhise resulted in even more anger for the Well support. Finally, on the 70th minute, the Zimbabwean would enter the fray as Well searched for a way to get back into the game. Motherwell did begin to show brief signs of threatening a comeback, Callum Slattery had a free-kick that went just over the bar, but Well continued to look out of ideas. They were urged on by Frail to get themselves further up the pitch, but each time they tried to drive forward, County looked to pick them off on the counterattack. Which is exactly what they did when Connor Randall added a third just before the full-time whistle. His low strike from distance seemed to catch Balcombe sleeping as he was far too slow at getting down and across as the ball went past his outstretched hands. That goal was enough for the Well fans to begin to stream out of Fir Park as the County fans behind the goal began to party their way home to Dingwall. FULL-TIME: MOTHERWELL 0 – 3 ROSS COUNTY Teams: Motherwell: Balcombe (GK); O’Donnell, Gordon, Balmer, Sparrow (Maswanhise 70’), Slattery (Nicholson 78′), Halliday (Plange 63’), Thompson (Wilson 63’), Armstrong, Watt, Miller Ross County: Amissah (GK); Tomkinson, Lopata, Campbell, Wright, Kenneh (Nisbet 85′), Chilvers (Grieves 85′), Randall, Harmon (Ashworth 72’), Phillips (White 65’), Hale (Robesten 72’)