As the January transfer window approaches its final days, we get a fans’ perspective on their club’s season so far.
Aberdeen (by @aberdeenfc83)
How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I think the season has gone alright so far. In a race for third in our manager’s first season in Scotland, but considering where we were at the start of the season, I’ve got to be disappointed with where we are now. I expect to finish 4th this season along with a good run in the Scottish Cup. 6/10
Star players/ flops I would say the star players of Aberdeen’s season so far would be Pape (Gueye), even though he has been injured and Nicky Devlin, who was probably our most consistent performer during that winning run at the start of the campaign.
Biggest surprise of the season so far? My biggest surprise of the season so far would be Shayden Morris. He looked like he didn’t have a future at Aberdeen last season, but this season he has been a sensational asset to bring off the bench.
Best/ worst away fans? The best away fans I’ve seen at Pittodrie would be PAOK (from Greece), when I walked into the stadium about half an hour before kick off, the away end was packed and making noise. The worst away fans would probably have to be either Ross County or Livingston.
How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Aberdeen have done pretty well in the transfer window. We’ve signed Tobers, Jensen, Dorrington and Okkels. However, we do still need a striker.
One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would take Lyall Cameron from Dundee. We have been linked with a move for him which I am pleased about.
Celtic (by Aidan and Mack Kelly: Scottish Football Covered Podcast)
How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? So far, it’s been nearly perfect. The only real disappointment was the level of performance at Ibrox. The improvement in Europe has been so satisfying to see as that’s always been that illusive piece of the puzzle. Going forward, I would like to see us complete the domestic treble, and make a good showing in Europe. 9.5/10 (Mack)
Star players/ flops Nicolas Kuhn probably been standout so far this season. Arne Engels been excellent recently too proved doubters wrong, Cameron Carter-Vickers always up there and Kasper Schmeichel been a great signing. Not many flops if any, would have to say Luis Palma. (Aidan)
Biggest surprise of the season so far? Has to be Celtic making Champions League knock-out football finally, but Kyogo leaving is up there now. (Aidan)
Best/ worst away fans? Hard to say about away fans since they’re tucked away in a corner and the allocation is so small. Best domestically Aberdeen in the 2-2 draw, but Young Boys were very good aswell. Would be harsh to say Ross County worst so will go RB Leipzig. (Aidan)
How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? January has been quiet, which is typical last minute of Celtic. The signing of Jota has been a welcomed surprise but it’s bittersweet as it sees Kyogo go the other way, which was so unexpected considering he’s still in great form as well. Hopefully Kieran Tierney can get up the road this month rather than the end of the season, and we sign Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brondby) or some sort of Craig Bellamy/Robbie Keane loan signing for some firepower. (Mack)
One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would sign Lennon Miller. The sky is the limit for him and would fit the homegrown quota. Although if I’m being honest, there’s a solid argument to suggest his development would very well be best suited elsewhere, but if the right compromise can be met, I would love to see us sign him and avoid another John McGinn scenario. (Mack)
Dundee (by Jackie)
How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I feel Dundee’s season has been very inconsistent. We’ve had some real good days and some really bad days. I feel the loss of Luke McCowan has had an impact on the team and the team had to try to adjust without him. I feel that this has taken some time and we are still struggling a bit. We have had some really good results recently and long may that continue. We have also had a good few injuries recently and have still come out with a point against each of the old firm at home and beat Utd in the cup. We were very unlucky against them at New Year. I hope as our injured players return we can only get better. 7/10
Star players/ flops Mo Sylla has been outstanding! Player of the season for me! Also Josh Mulligan! We need to get them signed up quickly. I don’t like to say who our flops are as it’s a team and I genuinely can’t pick someone, however, Jon McCracken has had some seriously questionable games!
Biggest surprise of the season so far? At the start of January after being beaten by our rivals & looking at our fixtures, I had us bottom of the league & out of the Scottish Cup by the end of January! They definitely proved me wrong!
Best/ worst away fans? Best – Dundee Utd, as much as I don’t like them for 90 mins, the atmosphere is the best from both sets of fans! Worst – Celtic/Rangers – I’m not fond of their song choices or when they try to set our stand on fire…
How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Not too bad I’m happy! We got Aaron Donnelly back. We need to get our out of contract players signed up!
One player you would take from another Premiership side? 100% Luke McCowan – we miss him!
Dundee United (by @dudfcway)
How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? The season has been better than what I thought it would be for Dundee United. Signed good players and that’s why we’re 3rd. People didn’t expect us to be where we are neither did I but hopefully this brilliant start can continue. We’ve been good one half and poor one half in games but we’ve been grinding out results. And for the rest of it I expect it to be tough and close games like it has been so far. 10/10
Star players/ flops Stars – Jack Walton, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Kevin Holt, Will Ferry, Vicko Ševelj, Sam Dalby. Been very good players for us this season. Flops – Meshack Ubochioma, Richard Odada. Meshack Ubochioma scored against Hibs at Tannadice and that’s all he’s done, Richard Odada hasn’t done much and should go out on loan for game time.
Biggest surprise of the season so far? I’d say competing with every team in the league, taking points off Celtic and Rangers this season. Winning away at Tynecastle which isn’t easy.
Best/ worst away fans? Best – Dundee United. I love the away atmosphere at Dundee United games, we bring a good away support. Worst – Ross County. They bring no atmosphere.
How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Having signed 13 players I’m sure it was in the summer we didn’t have to do much in January. We signed Ruari Paton and Lewis Fiorini who are decent signings. I also think we need to sign a back up left back this window.
One player you would take from another Premiership side? Tawanda Maswanhise. He’s been really good for Motherwell this season and Dundee United couldn’t handle his pace when we played against Motherwell this season. And Dundee United lack pace in attack.
Hearts (by Ana and Steven)
How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? Beginning of the season was pretty poor so it was quite disappointing considering the last season results. I think we’re going in the right direction now with (Neil) Critchley buying his own players and bringing a positive and refreshing mindset. I’m not expecting to be in top three like last year but I would expect improvement in terms of game quality, filling the lack in defence, move the ball forward and really focus on setting up the next season more than trying to save this one. I think top six is achievable considering the current table. 6/10 (Ana)
Star players/ flops Stars – Cammy Devlin. His mentality is always on top as well which has been essential during the fans bashing earlier this year. He’s a real asset for the team. Wilson and Penrice, the two lads gave so much to the club already and they have a lot more to offer under Critchley. It’s more proof that we need to give a chance to young players and trust the academy to provide gems like that. (Ana) Flops – Lawrence Shankland however I do sympathise because of poor team performances around him too. (Steven)
Biggest surprise of the season so far? Biggest surprise has to be Dundee United, they’ve put a relatively unknown squad together with some experienced Scottish league players and its working 10 fold, addition of dalby appears fantastic business and they sit 3rd, can’t argue with how they’re performing at all (Steven)
Best/ worst away fans? Excluding Hibs who get the full allocation, I’d say Aberdeen, there home crowds embarrassing but they travel really well and in good numbers. Worst away fans I’d have to say st johnstone, it’s a tiny trip and they bring literally no one through. (Steven)
How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Critchley has been very reactive when the window opened and that’s what everyone was waiting for. We’ve signed three good players that have already done their part on the pitch so I’m excited to see what time and training will do. I think we could do with another winger and striker to be completely covered. (Ana)
One player you would take from another Premiership side? Danny Armstrong. I think it would be a great asset to the current team. His stats from last season are great and I think we can get the best of him even though he’s not been amazing this season. We need a left footed winger and he’s probably the best we could get when he’ll leave Killie in summer. (Ana)
Hibs (by Keith Cook: Journalist for SPFL News Now and @hibeemedia)
How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? It would’ve been lower but cannot ignore the run we’re currently on. Drew against Rangers and beat Hearts at Tynecastle. However, the start of the season was nothing short of shambolic and relegation was a legitimate possibility. Two days of the window left, if we can get some bodies in, I think European and a battle for third is a genuine prospect. If we continue with the same group of players however, it’ll be a battle for top six. We do not have the depth off the bench to compete over the next few months in my opinion. 6/10 (Keith)
Star players/ flops Stars – Nicky Cadden. Best left back in the league for me, excelling as a wing back. His form is one of the key reasons in Hibs turning their form around. The quality he has in putting balls into dangerous area is second to none. Jack Iredale. Came in purely for cover at centre-back, the switch to a back 3 and injuries meant him given a chance and he has excelled since his debut. He is currently our most in-form defender.
Flops – Josif Bursik. Our replacement for the retiring David Marshall and has been nothing short of woeful. Blunder after blunder, mistake after mistake. One of the worst goalkeepers Hibs have ever had and that is a long long list. Warren O’Hora. Might be unfair but he was brought in as a ball-playing centreback that was hopefully the answer to our defensive issues but it hasn’t materialized. Looks weak defensively and takes far too long on the ball. (Keith)
Biggest surprise of the season so far? Our recent run of form – I think the way we started the season off so poorly a lot of fans were calling for Gray to be sacked but thankfully the board have stuck with him as he deserved backing from fans, players and most importantly the board. (Hibee)
Best/ worst away fans? The best away fans so far this season have been Aberdeen due to the very big support for a midweek game, selling the whole bottom tier. Worst – Motherwell, created no noise and brought a shockingly bad travelling support (Hibee)
How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Currently only signed one player, deep-lying midfielder Alasana Manneh, who was schooled at Barcelona. He’s a largely unknown though so jury is out. We desperately need a creative player and some fire-power up front so im hoping we bring that in, in the next few days. We’ve gotten rid of some deadweight however, Jake Doyle-Hayes & Nohan Kenneh but more are badly needing rid of. (Keith)
One player you would take from another Premiership side? Nicolas Kuhn. He’s very talented on the ball and likes to show his skill when he know it’s right to do so and has a great left foot. The perfect Martin Boyle replacement some would say. In all seriousness, a great players and his stats show it with fifteen G/A. (Hibee)