“You’re judged on scoring goals” – Bowie after Hibernian 2-0 Dundee
After scoring his 4th league goal of the season against Dundee, Kieron Bowie referenced the “added incentive” of joining Steve Clarke’s Scotland World Cup squad. Speaking with the media after Hibernian’s 2-0 win over Dundee, Bowie referenced the importance of getting back to “basics” after a brief stint out of David Gray’s starting eleven: “When we played Livingston, I came out of the team, and he was just sort of reinforcing that it wasn’t performance-based. It was just a freshening up. “Since then, I’ve been back in the team, just trying to do the basics again, really like the start of the season, just trying to get back into that groove of things and being confident myself and taking shots more than I’m passing it, and thankfully, it paid off today.” The Hibs’ number 9 opened the scoring against Dundee. After taking a clever touch, he drilled a low strike past the helpless Jon McCracken on the half-hour mark. “Early on I felt like I couldn’t score. I missed from a yard out, which was almost impossible, but it happened, and it’s just about bouncing back after that. Just sort of got to laugh it off. “You’re judged on scoring goals, but the gaffer has obviously said that I’m doing everything that he wants me to do, and that’s obviously on my mind; that’s a positive. I want to keep scoring as many goals as I can, and hopefully I can continue to keep doing that” Bowie, like the entire nation, had watched Scotland’s monumental victory over Denmark to qualify for the World Cup next year. The young striker was upbeat despite missing out on the squad. “He (Steve Clarke) phoned me the night before just to let me know, so there wasn’t a surprise which was good. I’ve just got to get on with it and keep doing what I’m doing for the next one, so I can be in it, obviously, to watch the game. It was amazing for everybody. But yeah, you want to be there, like I said, and hopefully I can be in the next one.” It was unbelievable to watch it. Obviously, you want to be there to experience it. But unfortunately, that has not happened this time. It’s just an added incentive, we’ve got an amazing squad, good forwards, and it’ll be tough to get back in there, but I just need to keep doing here, and hopefully it’s just an added bonus.” Hibernian return to Scottish Premiership action on Tuesday evening against Motherwell at Fir Park, before hosting Celtic next Sunday.
Man Utd 0-1 Everton: Toffees Grab Priceless Victory Despite Bizarre Red Card
Manchester United 0-1 Everton Dewsbury-Hall (29′) Ten-man Everton secured their first victory at Old Trafford since 2013 after a stunning first-half strike by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, condemning Manchester United to a dismal defeat. The game started unusually, with Everton reduced to 10 men in the opening 15 minutes. Miscommunication in the box between Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye allowed Bruno Fernandes to unleash a dangerous shot on goal. Gueye was furious at his teammate for not clearing the ball, and after storming towards him, he appeared to slap the defender. Referee Tony Harrington quickly reached for his red card; the Senegalese midfielder had to be ushered towards the tunnel by Jordan Pickford. The home crowd found amusement in the incident, but it gave David Moyes’ side an unnecessary setback. Despite the deficit, Everton struck first through Dewsbury-Hall. Joe Garner split the United midfield with a clever pass, allowing the midfielder to turn and drive past several red jerseys. After tussling his way to the edge of the box, he delivered a curling, right-foot strike past the helpless Senne Lammens to confirm an unlikely lead. The Red Devils knocked on the door for the entire second half, going close on several occasions. Bryan Mbuemo linked with Joshua Zirkzee on the hour mark, but Pickford parried his strike from the edge of the box. Mason Mount found Fernandes in the box after a clipped Matthijs De Ligt pass 10 minutes later, but the Man Utd captain blazed over with the outside of his right foot. Pickford produced an outstanding save in the 80th minute to maintain Everton’s slender lead. Luke Shaw stood up a cross for Zirkzee to attack in the six-yard box; his header looked destined to nestle in the bottom right corner, if not for Pickford’s outstretched hand. The visitors were defending valiantly, but Pickford’s experience as England’s number one goalkeeper paid dividends for the Merseyside team, who secured a clean sheet and three points. Victory for Moyes’ side moved them above rivals, Liverpool, into 11th spot, as they secured back-to-back victories in the league. Rubin Amorim’s side remains in 10th, and is now three games without a win. Manchester United: Lammens Yoro De Ligt Shaw Mazraoui (Mount 46′) Casemiro (Mainoo 58′) Fernandes Dorgu (Dalot 58′) Amad Mbeumo Zirkzee Everton: Pickford Garner Tarkowski Keane Mykolenko Coleman (O’Brien 10′) Gueye Ndiaye (Beto 81′) Dewsbury-Hall (Alcaraz 88′) Grealish (McNeil 87′) Barry (Iroegbunam 81′)
Raith Rovers set to appoint Dougie Imrie as new boss
Raith Rovers are set to appoint Dougie Imrie as their new manager. The Kirkcaldy club approached Greenock Morton and talks have been progressing well. Rovers sacked Barry Robson earlier this month and are currently sixth in the league table and three points from the play-offs. The Fife club have spoken to a number of managers but are keen on replacing Robson with the Ton boss. Imrie has impressed in Greenock and done well and has worked with one of the smallest budgets in the league. Morton are currently seventh in the table and have won three of their 16 league games so far. Paul Hanlon has been put in interim charge until a replacement is found.
Why Rangers NEED to give James Tavernier a new deal
James Tavernier is a Rangers legend who arrived at the Ibrox club ten years ago whilst they were in the Scottish Championship and has carried the team for years. This season, he’s doing the exact same again as he’s their top goal scorer with six goals, and four assists. As he comes into the final year of his contract, it’s only right that he gets offered a new deal. It’s been a long journey for the Rangers captain with many ups and downs, but one thing is for sure is Tavernier has always given his all. The stats Tavernier has are nothing short of remarkable and is currently Britain’s highest scoring defender with a staggering 144 goals. The 34-year-old is a polarising figure amongst the Rangers faithful as many criticise him for not winning enough trophies, where as many others acknowledge the fact he’s worked with some poor players and managers. It’s not the right-back’s fault the Gers have only won three major trophies in ten years – there’s only so much one man can do and he’s bailed the club out time and time again. Tavernier was instrumental in the Light Blues’ iconic run to the Europa League final in 2022 as he finished top goal scorer in the competition with seven goals and helped deliver the club’s first league title in ten years. The Bradford born full-back is showing zero signs of slowing down as he’s been the Govan club’s best outfield player so far this season. He’s always fit, rarely injured, and is still hugely important to the team. At the start of the season, former boss Russell Martin dropped him and it was evident how much the team struggled without his presence. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson worked with Tavernier when he was interim charge last season and is baffled at why the skipper is always up for debate. He said on the Five Stars Podcast: “He’s always up for debate. I don’t understand why, I’ll be brutally honest. Maybe it’s labelled at him that he’s not won enough trophies as captain but I’ll tell you what, see as a player he gives you everything. “He’s got real good quality. Looks after himself, always available, doesn’t buckle under pressure and look at the start of the season it must’ve been hard for him because he was out of the team but you never heard a moan and groan from him. “I know what he would’ve done. He would’ve kept his head down and went and worked as hard as possible on the training ground and we seen how much we missed him. “He’s a real driving force and I’m delighted for him.” The Rangers Hall of Famer is set for his testimonial this season and with his Ibrox future uncertain – it’s only fitting that he gets a contract extension. Of course age catches up with everyone, but Tavernier is a freak of an athlete who still has plenty to offer the team. After Rangers won the League Cup two years, thanks to Tavernier’s winner against Aberdeen, Connor Goldson famously said “This football club won’t appreciate James Tavernier until James Tavernier is not here.” It’s a statement that is true because the fans won’t realise and appreciate the contributions of the captain until he’s no longer at the club. Some of the abuse that Tavernier’s endured has been nothing short of a disgrace but it doesn’t phase or affect him. He is without doubt one of the most mentally strong players in the game. Tavernier is playing well under new head coach Danny Rohl and he most definitely deserves to extend his stay at Ibrox.
Rangers sack Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart
Rangers have sacked sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart. The under-fire pair have felt the wrath of the Ibrox support due to the poor start to the season and were instrumental in the failed appointment of Russell Martin, who was sacked after 123 days in charge. Thelwell joined the Gers in June and received a huge amount of backlash after he sanctioned the controversial £8 million signing of Youssef Chermiti. Stewart was appointed as CEO 11 months ago, and has been heavily criticised over his poor decision making since taking on the role. A Rangers statement said: “Rangers Football Club confirms it has parted company with CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell. “Rangers expresses its sincere gratitude to both Patrick and Kevin for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the club. “Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Vice Chairman Paraag Marathe have already begun the search process and, until permanent hires are made, Director Fraser Thornton will assume the role of acting CEO.” Cavenagh added: “Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell are leaving Rangers Football Club. “Responsible change is measured and steady. Our first priority has been to improve the sporting performance, and that led to our decision to part ways with Russell [Martin] and bring in Danny [Rohl]. “Danny has now started the process of improving the on-pitch performance, and that has given us the chance to focus on other parts of the club. “Patrick and Kev are both skilled executives and have delivered a lot for the club in their time with it. “We’ve now had six months since we became part of Rangers to assess the club’s needs as well as to get to know Patrick and Kev a bit more. “Simply put, when we think about what we need in both CEO and sporting director today, it’s different than who we think Patrick and Kev are. “We want people that align with the vision for the next chapter. “I will not throw dirt on either of them. I think very highly of them both on personal and professional levels. “It’s just the reality that the club needs different things today than it did six months ago. “We’ve already started the hiring process and hope to have appointments soon, but we will prioritise quality and fit over speed. “I want to reassure our supporters that Danny will continue to have all the support that he needs. “In the interim, Fraser Thornton, our director, will be assuming the duties as acting CEO. “Change like this is always painful, especially when it involves people we care about. “But at the same time, we’re very excited about this opportunity to bring in fresh leadership to this great club. We appreciate everyone’s continued support.”
