Premier Sports pundit and commentator joins Aberdeen
Premier Sports Pundit, Stephen Craigan has completed a move to join the backroom staff at Aberdeen as Stephen Robinson strengthens his coaching staff. Craigan, the former Northern Ireland captain makes the move to the Granite City bringing a high amount of experience from his playing days. The former midfielder made over 50 caps at International level for Northern Ireland as well as making over 300 appearances for Scottish Premiership side, Motherwell which included spells at both Partick Thistle and Scottish junior side, Blantyre Victoria during the early days of his career. The 49-year-old has a very small amount of managerial experience, taking caretaker charge of Motherwell on two separate occasions back in both 2009 and 2015. Stephen is known for his ability in developing players with Aberdeen boss, Stephen Robinson suggesting the appointment proves as a crucial step in the success of the first-team and in the future too. The Aberdeen boss said: “Stephen brings extensive playing and coaching experience, but just as importantly he has an outstanding track record of helping young players fulfil their potential. “We’ve identified the transition from Academy football into becoming an established first-team player as one of the most important stages in a player’s development. Too often, talented young players simply train with the first team and are expected to improve naturally. “Our ambition is to be much more deliberate than that. Stephen will work closely with our most promising young players on an individual basis, ensuring every aspect of their technical, tactical, physical and mental development is planned, monitored and challenged. “He’ll be an important link between our development group and the first team, helping create a pathway while giving our young players the very best opportunity to establish themselves at Aberdeen. “I’ve worked with Stephen twice before and know exactly the qualities he’ll bring. He’ll demand high standards every day, and he’ll help drive both the team’s success and the development of players who can make a real impact for this football club.” Stephen Craigan can’t wait to get started as he looks ahead to the future of developing players at Pittodrie. He said: “I’m delighted to join Aberdeen. The opportunity to come to a Club of this size was one I was incredibly excited about and I’m looking forward to supporting the staff and players. “There is a real sense of excitement around the place ahead of the new season and I’m looking forward to playing my part as we all work towards delivering success. “One of the biggest attractions of this role was the opportunity to work closely with the Club’s best young players. That’s an area I’ve always enjoyed and where I believe I’ve done some of my best work. “Every player develops differently. My role is to make sure our highest-potential players receive the individual support, challenge and guidance they need alongside their first-team training to maximise that potential. “That means looking at every aspect of their game and building tailored development plans that give them the best possible chance of succeeding. “Ultimately, if we can help more young players establish themselves in Aberdeen’s first team, contribute to winning matches and go on to enjoy successful careers, then we’ll have done our job.”
Scotland’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread after overnight results go against them
Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup Round of 32 have taken another major hit after two overnight results left Steve Clarke’s side with even less room for error. The Tartan Army’s chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams were dented after Ecuador stunned tournament favourites Germany with a shock 2-1 victory, while Sweden secured the point they needed in a 1-1 draw against Japan to book their place in the knockout stages. Those results leave Scotland relying on several favourable outcomes elsewhere if they are to squeeze into the last 32 with three points and a goal difference of -3. Here’s what Scotland fans should be watching over the coming fixtures: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Scotland need Cape Verde to suffer defeat. A draw would be enough to send Cape Verde above the Scots and end their World Cup dream. Belgium vs New Zealand Belgium require only a single point to move ahead of Scotland. The Red Devils will be favourites to get the result they need. DR Congo vs Uzbekistan A draw is enough for DR Congo to leapfrog Scotland, and with Uzbekistan already eliminated, they could even take all three points. Algeria vs Austria Algeria already sit above Scotland despite having played one game fewer. The Tartan Army will be hoping Austria can hand the Foxes a heavy defeat to keep qualification hopes alive. Senegal vs Iraq Senegal’s campaign has been underwhelming, but they would need to beat Iraq by more than six goals to overtake Scotland on goal difference. While Scotland’s fate now depends on results elsewhere, attention will also turn to England’s final group-stage fixture. The Three Lions face Panama on Saturday night, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm UK time. For Scotland supporters, it promises to be an anxious wait as hopes of extending their World Cup adventure continue to fade.