Hearts: Edinburgh Derby Preview

Derek McInnes has provided important updates ahead of the final Edinburgh Derby this season. Speaking with media today the Hearts boss was asked about the team’s recent trip to Spain for a training camp ahead of the final five games. He said “I think it was exactly what we hoped it would be, to be honest. It was a nice, calm environment. Obviously we wanted to try and get away for loads of reasons” “But we knew what’s ahead of us. It’s the kind of calm before the storm. All the focus and all the spotlight on the season” “You know we tried to top up work into some of the lads that needed it. As I said before, pitches were good, environment was good, and we came back on Friday ready to set about this week” “It’s such an important week for us, an important game so going the right way” “Harry Milne is progressing well, neither in or out for the weekend. If the weekend comes to soon for him then hopefully he will be fit for the next game against Rangers” He also provided an injury update on Oisin McEntee who required scan whilst the team were abroad. He confirmed the Irishman will miss out of the remainder of the season saying “Unfortunately, Oisin got bad news on the scan and will be out for the season, which is a real blow for us.” “We had a few days to deal with that and let that sink in, on top of Tomas Magnusson being out. So, we have to deal with that.” “We’ve dealt with key players being injured before. Both Oisin and Tomas give us real strength. It gives us real reliability, and they give us that real competitive nature, which your team always wants to have.” “I’m trying to focus on the ones I have available and as harsh as that is, we need to deal with the games without these boys.” McInnes also reflected on the season overall as well stating “I’m just so proud of the players for getting us in this position.” ”Because a lot has been said about how we arrived at this situation, the boardroom support, Jamestown and all the rest of it. But the players have been the biggest driver in all of this to get us to where we are.” “70 points is a great number to get to going into the split. I think it’s the first time Hearts have done that at this stage, the quickest we’ve got to that.” ”The first team outwith Rangers and Celtic to be top, going into the split. The players have done so well to get us here. We just want to try and enjoy it now and finish off the job.” With only five games remaining and with the top three teams being so close on points, Hearts will be looking to start of their split campaign strong with a victory against their rivals.

Retaining Premiership status a real possibility for Kilmarnock under Neil McCann

Prior to McCann’s arrival in January, Kilmarnock looked destined for the drop, but McCann has since turned Killie’s fortunes around as the gap has closed on their fellow relegation battlers. Stuart Kettlewell was relieved of his duties at Rugby Park last December after going 10 games without a win, including six defeats in a row during that period. Leaving Kilmarnock second bottom with just a three-point gap above bottom side Livingston. Since Neil McCann’s arrival to the Kilmarnock dugout, the former Scotland international has steadied Killie’s ship, picking up vital points including back-to-back victories against league leaders Hearts and fellow strugglers Livingston. Killie find themselves in eleventh place, but more importantly, the gap to the bottom spot has increased massively in their favour to twelve points, all but securing them from automatic relegation. Neil McCann’s side are just two points off St. Mirren in 10th place, leapfrogging the buddies come the end of the season will mean they are safe from a relegation play-off with a Championship team. “These next five games are huge for not only ourselves, but the club as a whole and the fans, and we understand the importance of them.” “I’m not frightened by the challenge ahead. I’ve been here before, and my positivity is the exact same, and that’s reinforced because I do believe that teams are actually realising that Kilmarnock have got a right good side.” “All in all, my reflection on where we’ve been since I’ve come in to where we are now, I feel were in a great place to really finish the season strongly.” As we enter the split, it is do or die for Killie, but Neil McCann has all the confidence in himself and his players in avoiding the drop. Kilmarnock kick off split fixtures with a trip away to Aberdeen this coming Saturday. The last time these two faced each other, Neil McCann comfortably guided Kilmarnock to a 3-0 victory, and he will be aiming for more of the same this weekend. Despite a brief season in the championship in 2021/22, Kilmarnock have established themselves as a solid Premiership side this century, lifting the Scottish League Cup in 2012 and having several impressive league finishes, such as a finishing in third place in 2018/19 under current national team manager Steve Clarke, and a fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 campaign. Kilmarnock post-split fixtures: Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (25 April 3:00 pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee United (2 May 3:00 pm) St. Mirren v Kilmarnock (9 May 3:00 pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee FC (12 May 7:45 pm) Livingston v Kilmarnock (17 May 2:00 pm) 💬 Have Your Say What do you think? Let us know in the comments or on social media @SNNsports.

St Mirren’s fan-owned structure: How influential has it been to the club?

Five years ago, St Mirren executed their long wait into becoming a fan-owned club. The St Mirren Independent Supporter’s Association (SMiSA) purchased the leftover shares to turn the club into an official fan-owned system, gaining 51% stake. Partners Kibble own 27.5% and then the rest has been shared amongst various shareholders at the club. And ever since the purchase, the club has progressed monumentally. With a Scottish League cup to their name, European football and achieved three consecutive top-flight finishes. Their three consecutive top-flight finishes were accomplished with the second lowest budget in the league, which is a remarkable accomplishment. When SMiSA became the majority shareholder of the club, they had a total of 1200 members. Now their aim is to expand that number to 3,000 members by October 2027, which is also the 150th anniversary of St Mirren. St Mirren’s SMiSA also holds a minimum of four seats on the board, which contributes massively to allowing fans opinions and ideas to be heard. And most importantly, give help towards both the team and club itself. Also launched in June 2022, was the “Help a Buddie campaign”, which is a chance for people to give to those who are less fortunate, in aid to bring more support to the team. Ultimately St Mirren’s fan-owned structure has made a significant impact to the club’s progress over the last few years. Their structure may be an idea which other clubs take into consideration over the coming seasons.

St Mirren applaud “brilliant” Tamosevicius debut in Hampden cauldron

A 6-2 pummelling could drain the confidence of any side, but St Mirren’s defeat to Celtic at Hampden offered several positives, including the introduction of 17-year-old debutant Grant Tamosevicius. Ryan Mullen’s early injury handed the academy goalkeeper the opportunity of a lifetime, striding onto the National Stadium’s turf to face the Scottish Champions in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Grant’s teammates, including defensive stalwart Alex Gogic, hailed the youngster’s maturity in handling the occasion. “For Grant it was a special moment,” Gogic stated. “I just told him when he comes in, just enjoy every second, because you never know if you will ever come back. “I just told him, if you have nerves, just relax, enjoy every second, it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, just enjoy every second of it, because you never know. “I’m 32 and you don’t come here often, so I said enjoy it, take it in and enjoy every moment. “It’s special, the boys were over at him and especially the fans, and he did brilliantly, some good saves.” Craig McLeish’s objective is simple – keep St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Clawing back a two-goal deficit to Celtic, thanks to a Mikael Mandron double, should offer further confidence to the side, who have already picked up crucial victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk. After three straight top-six finishes, the Paisley faithful have endured a testing campaign in the latest campaign. But having already lifted the Scottish League Cup trophy in December, surviving this intriguing relegation battle would cap off another memorable season.

Ross County to Host Scotland’s First International Transplant Football Tournament

Ross County to Host Scotland’s First International Transplant Football Tournament SNN Sports is pleased to share that Ross County Football Club will host the first-ever international transplant football tournament to take place in Scotland. The Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall will stage the Four Nations Transplant Football Championship from 29th to 30th May. The tournament will see Scotland Transplant Active Football compete as the home nation against England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The event is open to all, with supporters encouraged to attend and be part of a special occasion that celebrates far more than football. Duncan Macaulay of Scotland Transplant Active Football said: “Scotland Transplant Active Football are incredibly proud to bring the Four Nations Transplant Football Championship to Ross County FC, marking the first-ever international transplant football tournament to be held in Scotland. This event is about far more than football – it celebrates life, second chances, resilience and the extraordinary impact of organ donation. Hosting it in Dingwall, at such a welcoming and community-focused club, makes it even more special and provides the perfect venue to showcase these inspiring athletes from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, representing Transplant Sport UK on an international stage.” Mark Ridgers, Business Development Executive at Ross County Football Club, said: “Ross County Football Club is proud to host this upcoming event, which represents far more than what takes place on the pitch. Being involved is an opportunity we could not overlook and showcases a great way to support Transplant Scotland. We would like to extend our sincere recognition to Duncan Macaulay, whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing this event to the Highlands. His commitment and vision deserve the highest praise. This event will be free for all to come along and support, but donations to Transplant Scotland are welcome. Also, any local businesses who are interested in supporting the event in some way, we would be happy to hear from you. This occasion not only allows us to stage a truly remarkable event, but also provides an excellent platform to showcase both the Highlands and the outstanding facilities at the Global Energy Stadium to all those attending. We very much look forward to the tournament and, like many others, we extend our best wishes to Duncan and the team for every success.” Supporters can follow Scotland Transplant Active Football channels for further updates and event information in the lead-up to the tournament.