100 Years of Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium celebrates 100 years, and to mark the occasion Scottish Rugby has released a new playing top, paying homage to those worn a century ago. For a century, Murrayfield has been more than just a stadium,it’s been the beating heart of Scottish rugby, echoing with triumph, heartbreak, and hope. It stands as a symbol of national pride, uniting generations through the shared rhythm of the game. I thought it would be fitting to take a trip back through my own experiences of the stadium, the matches that stand out for me and the memories that have made Murrayfield such a special place in my life. Murrayfield has always held a special place in my heart. I’vebeen lucky enough to attend matches there since I was a young boy, going along with my family or on big club trips with the Cartha Queens Park Minis. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching the world’s best teams play at Murrayfield and witnessing some unforgettable Scottish victories. This autumn, Scotland host the USA, New Zealand, Argentinaand Tonga for the Autumn Series. All eyes will, of course, be on New Zealand, a team Scotland have never beaten. The closest we’ve come were two draws, both at Murrayfield, in 1964 (0–0) and 1983 (25–25). That’s 32 Tests in total: 30 All Black wins, 0 Scotland wins, and 2 draws. Could this November finally be the time? Some say Scotland have their best chance yet, with the All Blacks not at their dominant best, though still ranked No. 2 in the world while Scotland sit at No. 8. But Murrayfield is a special place in November, a place where upsets can happen. Beginnings at Murrayfield When I was 16, I started working for Scottish Rugby as a Modern Apprentice, a two-year programme that set me on the path I’m still on today, working in Rugby Development for West of Scotland FC, a club celebrating its own milestone: 160 years of rugby. My very first day as an apprentice was spent at Murrayfield, meeting in one of the suites. I couldn’t believe my luck. We were given a brief tour of the stadium, quiet and still, unlike those electric matchdays. My excitement grew even further when I was told that part of the apprenticeship included two complimentary tickets to every Scotland home game. My parents had taken me and my brothers to Murrayfield for years, with tickets often coming through school or club connections. I was lucky enough to be there for Scotland’s victories over France and England in 2006, the first time I truly felt that spark of Scottish hope: maybe we could really compete in the Six Nations. That hope still burns bright, rising and falling each year. Maybe 2026 will be our year with the same fixtures as 2006, England and France both at home. Those two tickets from Scottish Rugby would continue to bring me joy for many years, as I remained involved in the game and worked alongside the organisation for over 16 years. I’ve attended countless Six Nations matches and even more Autumn Tests. I feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed so much rugby at Murrayfield. A Brief History Murrayfield Stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland, the fifth largest in the UK, and the 22nd largest in Europe, with a capacity of 67,144. It officially opened on 21 March 1925 with a Scotland v England match, Scotland won that day and secured the Grand Slam. Not a bad start for their new home! The land was purchased by the SRU from Edinburgh Polo Club. Before Murrayfield, international matches were played at Inverleith, the home of Stewart’s Melville RFC, from 1899. However, Inverleith could no longer accommodate the growing number of spectators. During the Second World War, Murrayfield was offered to the nation and used as a supply depot by the Royal Army Service Corps. The record attendance at Murrayfield came on 1 March 1975, when Scotland defeated Wales 12–10 in the Five Nations — a world record crowd at the time. Over the years, the stadium has evolved dramatically. The original stands gave way to modern concrete terraces, floodlights were added in the 1950s, and the East Stand was rebuilt in the 1980s to increase capacity. More recently, upgrades to seating, hospitality areas, and accessibility have ensured Murrayfield remains one of Europe’s premier rugby venues while preserving its traditional character. Over the years, Murrayfield has undergone many transformations and upgrades to become the stadium we know today. Those who remember the old ground will always feel a deep nostalgia for it, especially as the glory days on the pitch were more frequent back then. For me, though, the current stadium is my Murrayfield, from watching my first match there in 2003 (a World Cup warm-up against Ireland) to coaching West of Scotland Women in a Shield Final. The ground holds a special place in my life, as I’m sure it does for thousands of others. My Top Games Scotland v South Africa | 2010 | Autumn Tests One of my favourite Murrayfield memories came in 2010, when Scotland hosted the reigning world and Tri Nations champions, South Africa. Scotland edged a scrappy 21–17 win in wet conditions. Unlike today, where we’re spoiled with tries, those 21 points came entirely from the boot of Dan Parks, six penalties and a drop goal. Parks was a player who divided opinion, sometimes cheered, sometimes booed, but on this day, he was the hero. Beating the world champions reignited that familiar Scottish flame of hope once again. Scotland v Australia | 2017 | Autumn Tests In 2017, Scotland tore Australia apart, winning 53–24, a match packed with attacking flair and confidence. A red card for Australia just before half-time (while they were leading 12–10) swung the momentum entirely. Tries came from everywhere: Ali Price darting through, Sean Maitland sprinting 50 metres, Johnny Gray strolling under the posts, a young Huw Jones scoring yet again, John Barclay bulldozing over, and Stuart
Scotland’s Trailblazer – Hollie Davidson
Fresh from becoming only the second match official to referee two World Cup Finals, Hollie Davidson is once again smashing through the glass ceiling of world rugby. When the All Blacks visit Wales in November, Hollie will become the first female match official to referee the All Blacks. Since her days training for Scotland as a player were cut short by injury, Hollie quickly progressed as a match official and is now seen by many as one of the best referees in both the men’s and women’s games. A firm fan favourite, other notable highlights include receiving her official refereeing cap from the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) in February 2025, the second Scottish referee and first female to receive it. Later in the year, she received the World Rugby Referee Award shortly ahead of the World Cup Final. As well as award-winning performances on the field, her achievements have seen her take charge of an EPCR Final (the first female to do so). She has refereed the Springboks, led the first all-female team to officiate a Six Nations match, and has refereed some high-profile Sevens games. Not bad for the age of 33. She has her sights well and truly set on the next Men’s World Cup. Over the coming weeks, SNN will look at the impact referees can have all the way from the community game to inspiring younger generations, building up to Hollie’s match in November.
Russell Martin Remains Under Fire as Rangers Held by Falkirk
Falkirk 1-1 Rangers Cartwright (73) – Miovski (41) Second-bottom Falkirk hosted Russell Martin’s struggling Rangers side at the Falkirk Stadium this afternoon, with both teams looking to rebound from disappointing defeats in their previous matches. The Bairns returned to home action after a 3-0 defeat away to Hearts at Tynecastle, following a credible 2-2 draw with Hibs the week before, a match in which they came back from two goals down to earn a point. Rangers, meanwhile, finally secured their first league win of the season – and their first under Martin, with a 94th-minute victory over Livingston last weekend. However, any momentum gained was quickly squandered with a 2-1 defeat to Austrian side Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League midweek, both goals coming because of typically catastrophic defending. Wearing their white away kit, Rangers got the match underway at Grangemouth and had the ball in the net inside three minutes. Good work from Mikey Moore created space for a shot that Scott Bain managed to parry, but Djeidi Gassama’s follow-up was ruled out for offside after a VAR check by Steven MacLean. Despite that early warning, it was the hosts who took control. Falkirk’s willingness to spread play wide from defence, coupled with relentless pressing and an aerial bombardment of the Rangers box, put the visitors under intense pressure from the outset, much to the delight of the ferocious home crowd. Despite sustained Falkirk pressure, it was Rangers who offered their head coach some relief with a goal just before half-time. Derek Cornelius, operating at left-back, whipped a ball right across goal for Bojan Miovski to tap home with ease. The away support briefly celebrated before resuming chants against Martin, a reminder that, despite any fleeting signs of progress, they remain firmly opposed to his continued tenure. Into the second half and Rangers did not push on, Falkirk came close on the hour mark, MacIver putting his header wide at the back post despite Butland coming and completely missing the cross. But Rangers slackness would be punished, substitute Henry Cartwright was allowed so much room to drive through the middle of the park before driving his strike past the rooted Butland sending two and a half sides of the Falkirk stadium into delirium. That goal meaning Rangers have set a new club record- 23 away games without a clean sheet. The Bairns would then chase a victory, catching Rangers on the break after a slack Mohammed Diomande pass, Alfredo Agyeman broke forward but his strike went just past the post and Brian Graham would come an inch away from squeezing hot shot from close range under Butland, with the former England goalkeeper just catching his effort by landing on top of the ball. In the end it was to end all square, with chants from the away end of ‘Russell Martin, get out of our club’ it is difficult to see how the former Scotland defender carries on from here as we head into an international break and an opportunity for the Ibrox board to look for potential replacements. For the hosts it is a valuable point that lifts them above Dundee and out of the relegation playoff spot. Falkirk Bain 6; Adams 6, Henderson 6, Neilson 6, McCann 7, Spencer 6, Tait 6 (Cartwright 8), Wilson 6 (Agyeman 6), Williams 7 (Arfield 5), Miller 6 (Samuel-Ogunsuyi 5), MacIver 5 (Graham 5) Subs not used: Hogarth, Oliver, Allan, Lissah Rangers Butland 6; Tavernier 6, Souttar 6, Djiga 7, Cornelius 8; Barron 6 (Bajrami 5), Rothwell 6 (Diomande 5), Raskin 6 (Aasgaard 5); Moore 6 (Antman 6), Gassama 7, Miovski 7 (Chermiti 6) Subs not used: Kelly; Aarons, Cameron, Meghoma Att: 7652
Scottish Cup First Round Roundup: Cup Magic Returns
After Auchinleck Talbot secured the Ayrshire bragging rights with their 2-1 victory over Cumnock in the first match of the Scottish Cup’s first round weekend live on television Friday night, the rest of the inaugural round proper kicked off yesterday. The whole of tier five joined the competition, adding to the 38 junior sides who successfully advanced from the preliminary rounds at the end of August, with some shocks across the country, setting up the chance for some big ties against SPFL League 2 opposition in the second round later this month. Cumbernauld Colts also secured their place in round two on Friday, defeating Glasgow University 4-0. Here is a full rundown of Saturday’s results: Bo’ness United 0-3 Banks O’ Dee The Aberdeenshire side showed no signs of travel fatigue as they returned North from Falkirk with a thumping victory over their East of Scotland Premier Division opponents who had lost their goalkeeper to a red card late in the first half. Berwick Rangers 0-2 Nairn County The longest away day of the round did not phase the Highland League outfit one bit as they travelled across the border to the only English side in the competition and returned with a 2-0 victory, becoming the first ever Highland League side to defeat The Wee Gers in the competition. Brora Rangers 0-1 Fraserburgh The Broch emerged victorious from this all-Highland League encounter. Having already defeated Brora 3-0 in the league fixture in early August at home, they secured the double over their opponents thanks to a Logan Watt goal inside the opening five minutes. Carluke Rovers 0-4 Gretna 2008 2008, the phoenix club of 2006 Scottish Cup finalists Gretna edged one step closer to another cup final with a thumping victory at the John Cumming Stadium. The Lowland League’s bottom side getting a much needed victory with a quartet of second half goals. Clachnacuddin 2-1 Kilwinning Rangers Another Highland League victory seen Inverness’s oldest club emerge victorious over the Buffs at Grant Street Park, coming from behind with two second half goals to send the visitors back to Ayrshire dejected and eliminated. Cowdenbeath 1-2 Benburb The shock of the round as West of Scotland First Division (tier 7) side Benburb defeated one-time quarter finalists and Lowland League side Cowdenbeath at Central Park. A goal behind at half time the visitors scored twice in five minutes to turn the match around and secure their place in the hat for tomorrow’s draw. Forres Mechanics 0-2 Caledonian Braves Lowland League outfit Caley Braves defeated their Highland counterparts away from home to make it through. The 2025 Fenix Trophy winners kept their Scottish Cup dreams alive thanks to a duo of late goals from Ross McNeil and Cammy Breadner. Huntly 1-3 Buckie Thistle Buckie emerged victorious from this Highland League tie, three second half goals turned the tide as Thistle make it through. They memorably faced Celtic in 2023/24 and are one step closer to a cash-generating tie with this victory. Jeanfield Swifts 0-4 Clydebank Clydebank are unbeaten in the Lowland League and their mentality and confidence was on full show with a thumping victory over Jeanfield away from home. Clydebank memorably drew Premiership side Hibernian last season and will be dreaming of another big tie after today’s win. The 1990 semi finalists victory was secured via goals from Neil McLaughlin, former Aberdeen midfielder Nicky Low and a Kier Samson double. Lochee United 1-3 Brechin City Now a Highland League side, Brechin were playing Championship football as recently as 2018 but have dropped out of the football league since. They did, however, show signs of a more promising future with a 3-1 win at Thomson Park to earn their place in this evening’s draw, where they could once again face SPFL opponents. Musselburgh Athletic 2-0 Bonnyton Thistle East of Scotland Premier Division champions Musselburgh secured their place in the next round of the cup with two second half goals against eighth tier Bonnyton. The hosts lost out on a place in the Lowland League at the end of last season, losing to West champions Clydebank but could earn a rematch against the Bankies in the next round. Strathspey Thistle 1-2 Dundee North End Highland outfit Strathspey took the lead over their opponents, the Midland League champions, but a late equaliser and extra-time winner would see the Dundee based side emerge victorious, leaving the hosts to concentrate league football up North. Turrif United 2-1 Hill of Beath Hawthorn Turiff took the game to their opponents from the off, racing into a two goal lead at the interval, with both goals coming within the first quarter of the half. Hill of Beath would respond with a goal ten minutes from the end and would push hard for extra-time but had left themselves too much to do and would drop out of the competition. Bo’ness Athletic 2-1 Keith Bo’ness have had a dramatic rise in recent years, winning three consecutive promotions from tier 9 to tier 6, scoring a record breaking amount of goals. They continued their journey by progressing to the second round for the second consecutive year by defeating Keith 2-1. The visitors famously faced Rangers in this competition in the mid-90’s but there will be no repeat this season as they exit at round one. Johnstone Burgh 4-0 Threave Rovers Last season’s Junior Cup winners advanced in the Scottish Cup proper with a comfortable victory over their Second Division opponents at Keanie Park. Four different goal scorers for the Burgh, with a goal of the competition contender from captain Del Esplin, who spoke with SNN in pre-season about lifting the Junior Cup for his side. Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Broxburn Athletic Two East coast rivals met in this crunch cup tie, Bonnyrigg recently relegated from League 2 emerged victorious despite conceding a goal late on, and will be relishing the chance to face opponents who contributed to their relegation once again to prove they can compete at their level again in the near future. Camelon
“Headache Every Week” – David Gray On Hibs Goalkeeping Dilemma Ahead of Trip to Celtic
Hibernian travel to Celtic Park on Saturday looking to make history and become the first Hibs side to win at the home of the Scottish Premiership champions since 2010. David Gray’s side head into the match away to Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten Hoops off the back of six matches without a win across all competitions, but like the hosts, remain undefeated in the league with one win and four draws so far in the Premiership. However, a Premier Sports Cup defeat at Ibrox was followed by a two each draw away at newly promoted Falkirk, where the Hibees managed to leave with a single point despite being two goals ahead of the Bairns on 44 minutes. Gray has recruited strongly over the past two seasons and has build an excellent core of players but one position has been called into question ahead of the trip to Glasgow. Goalkeeper. Following Tuesday evening’s score draw at Falkirk, Gray spoke about his depth of options between the sticks: “I think this is something that you can get caught up in with labels who’s your number one? “I think goalkeepers are always in a position where, it’s a very vulnerable place, if you make a mistake, there’s no hiding place for them, they both get the opportunity every single day in training, and I think both goalies have done well when they’ve played. “I’ve spoken to Smudge [Jordan Smith] a few times about areas in which he’s been disappointing with some goals he’s lost, but he has also had some big performances. “In terms of the goalkeeping department, I’ve got two very good goalkeepers at the club, and it’s another headache for me every single week, to decide what we’re going to do.” Gray was questioned on the situation after opting to retain usual backup Raphael Sallinger between the sticks of the league match against Falkirk, having played in the previous weekend’s cup clash at Ibrox. Gray gave his reasoning behind the decision: “Rafael was always going to play the Rangers game, that was something we decided beforehand. “I spoke to goalkeepers about that, it wasn’t as if I was looking at Smudge thinking that I need to change it. “I was just very honest, with Smudge tonight, I seen things in the game at Rangers that I thought would benefit us tonight and for Rafael to keep the gloves. “He was good again tonight, again, I’m not doing it because I felt that there was an issue, I just felt Rafael starting would give us the best opportunity tonight.” With four conceded over the two games, but some good saves in both matches, it will be a big call for the former Hibs captain whether he reinstates long-term first choice Smith for the clash at Parkhead or continues with the Austrian understudy who featured these past two weeks. Celtic, whilst in good form, head into the match amid a fury of fan protests against their incumbent board after a poor transfer window and shock UEFA Champions League exit to Karait Almaty in the qualifying round.
McTominay and Weir Represent Scotland on Football’s Biggest Stage
Midfielders Scott McTominay and Caroline Weir were celebrated at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. McTominay’s stunning form for Napoli earned him an 18th-place finish in the men’s rankings. His outstanding debut season in Serie A not only saw him win the league’s Player of the Year award but also helped fire Napoli to the Scudetto over Champions League finalists Inter Milan. The midfielder’s high ranking placed him above players like Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Virgil van Dijk, with Ousmane Dembele taking home the top prize. On the women’s side, Caroline Weir became the first Scottish woman to ever receive a Ballon d’Or nomination. Finishing 30th, she was a part of a field that saw Aitana Bonmatí claim the award for a third straight year. Weir’s journey started at Hibernian, before moves to clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and now Real Madrid. She has netted 31 goals in 59 appearances since moving to Spain.
Glasgow Warriors Pre-Season Q&A
With a new URC season fast approaching, nearly 200 season ticket holders gathered at Scotstoun Stadium for a Q&A evening with Glasgow Warriors. Hosted expertly by Allan Sneddon, the event featured new signings Ottavio Tuipulotu, Dan Lancaster, and Alex Craig, followed by a panel including new Managing Director Kenny Brown, Head Coach Franco Smith, and Club Captain Kyle Steyn. As always, the evening was filled with energy and curiosity from the fans. Before the open-floor questions began, Allan quizzed the new signings on some essential Glasgow slang. By the end, they had mastered terms like “bottle of ginger,” “gie it laldy,” and the alternative meaning of “mince.” On a more serious note, with two of the three recovering from knee injuries (or, as Allan light-heartedly put it, “a sore knee”), it was encouraging to hear how quickly they felt welcomed by the squad. Ottavio, who is living with his brother Sione, spoke about feeling at home straight away, while Dan highlighted the positive atmosphere within the team. He also reflected on the pre-season fixtures, praising the response against Northampton and the contribution of younger players. Some of the new signings also shared their long-term ambitions of representing Scotland—though, as they noted, their first priority is performing for Glasgow. The second part of the evening featured Kenny Brown, fresh into his role as Managing Director; Franco Smith, recently signed to a new contract; and Kyle Steyn, who revealed (to his mock dismay) that he is now considered not just a senior player, but one of the “older” members of the squad. Kenny fielded operational questions, giving a candid account of his first few busy weeks. From stadium improvements and Hampden planning to fan concerns about facilities, it was clear he has hit the ground running since taking over from Al Kellock, who has moved to Head of Performance Pathways at the SRU. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a key milestone for the stadium, after which the club hopes to open further discussions with the Council on its long-term future. Franco spoke passionately about player development, highlighting the integration of academy players into professional training, the importance of ‘A’ games, and pathways for youth rugby. He praised the academy for producing players ready to step up, especially during international windows, while also acknowledging the financial challenges of recent success—higher player values and a reduced squad size making youth development more crucial than ever. Kyle, meanwhile, showed his deep commitment to both the club and the city. He explained that academy players who suddenly appear in the matchday squad are not “unknowns,” but have usually trained with the team for years and are fully trusted by teammates and coaches alike. He pointed to players like Duncan Munn—who progressed from grassroots club rugby through the academy into the professional ranks—as the blueprint for both Glasgow and Scottish rugby’s future. Fans left the evening reassured by the clarity, passion, and openness of the senior team and management. Optimism for the season ahead was palpable, with confidence that the squad remains hungry for success. Friday’s season opener, along with fixtures such as the derby against Edinburgh at Hampden, promises to build on recent achievements rather than rest on them.
Carrying the Momentum: World Cup Legacy and the WXV Global Series
The record-breaking 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup enters its final week with hosts England set to face world number two Canada in the final on Saturday 27 September. This tournament has smashed attendance records, drawn in new fans, and lifted women’s rugby to unprecedented heights. The final promises to be the biggest game in women’s rugby history, with a sold-out Twickenham crowd of 82,000. That figure eclipses the previous record of 58,498, set when England faced France in the 2023 Six Nations at the same venue. From viral TikTok clips to standout performances by superstars like Ilona Maher and Ellie Kildunne, and from rugby podcasts to mainstream media, the women’s game has never had more eyes on it. The challenge now is to turn that buzz into lasting change. For World Rugby and the home nations, the priority will be ensuring the tournament leaves a legacy — one that keeps fans engaged, inspires new players, and helps the game continue to grow. To carry this momentum forward, World Rugby has launched the WXV Global Series — a new, aligned international calendar designed to strengthen competition between now and the 2029 World Cup in Australia. The top 12 ranked nations — England, Canada, New Zealand, France, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, USA, Italy, South Africa, Japan and Wales — will play in a home-and-away touring model beginning in 2026. This gives unions the chance to host regular home fixtures, engage their own supporters, and build commercial strength. Teams ranked 13 to 18 — Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong China, Netherlands, Samoa and Spain — will compete in a centrally hosted tournament in both 2026 and 2028, with World Rugby covering the costs. Rankings were determined at the close of WXV 2024 and will remain fixed until 2028, providing stability across the cycle. Importantly, the series will also form part of the qualification pathway for the 2029 World Cup, ensuring every fixture has meaning as well as profile. In Scotland, the World Cup has brought renewed optimism. This has been the team’s best tournament since 2002, reaching the quarter-finals before bowing out to the hosts. There are stars to celebrate: Francesca McGhie, who scored six tries this World Cup, and Evie Gallagher, who made 72 tackles and currently sits fourth in the entire competition, have sparked real excitement about the talent Scotland can produce. The wider picture is not without challenges. Reports of players missing out on contract renewals in their prime years and a decline in junior female teams underline the work still to be done. Yet with coaching changes on the horizon and the structure of the WXV Global Series now in place, Scotland has a clean slate and a real chance to plan for the future. If the energy of this World Cup can be harnessed, the game at home could take a major step forward — from grassroots participation through to international competition The 2025 World Cup has set the stage. With the WXV Global Series, the Six Nations, and even a historic British & Irish Lions women’s tour to New Zealand in the pipeline, the profile of the women’s game has never been higher. If unions seize this moment and invest wisely, the future looks bright: more packed stadiums, more young players inspired, more world-class contests, and a 2029 World Cup in Australia that reflects the growth ignited here in 2025.
SNN’s Scottish League Cup Quarter Final Preview
Kilmarnock v St Mirren The two sides open proceedings under the lights at BBSP Rugby Park. Killie arrive following a heartbreaking 2-1 league defeat against Champions Celtic, courtesy of a 96th-minute Kelechi Iheanacho penalty. After safely negotiating Group H, they bested Premiership rivals Dundee United in the 2nd Round. Brad Lyons was the hero, thanks to a 69th-minute volley. St Mirren registered their first league victory away at Falkirk last Saturday, currently sitting 4th in the Scottish Premiership. Despite losing their opening group match against Arbroath on penalties, they recovered to top Group D. Narrow victories over Forfar and Ayr, as well as a marauding 8-2 victory over Annan, secured passage. Shamal George was the hero in the 2nd round, saving Claudio Braga’s penalty to progress at the expense of Hearts. Stephen Robinson will have full focus on securing the Buddies’ first trip to Hampden for 5 seasons. Aberdeen v Motherwell Motherwell visit Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon, having drawn their opening five games in the Scottish Premiership. Jens Berthel Askou’s side have impressed with their free-flowing football, summer signings Elliot Watt, Elijah Just, and Lukas Fadinger invigorate the Fir Park midfield. Watt and Fadinger combined in the last round, the latter netted in the 109th minute to fire Askou’s boys into the quarters against relegated St Johnstone. 4 wins out of 4 in Group G. They aim for back-to-back League Cup semi-final appearances, after facing Rangers at Hampden 10 months ago. They face an Aberdeen side who currently sit at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. With three defeats, one draw, and zero goals scored, the cup game may present a welcome distraction for the Aberdeen faithful. After a 16-game unbeaten start last season, they were beaten 6-0 by Celtic in the League Cup semis. However, this was Thelin’s only domestic cup defeat after securing a famous Scottish Cup victory in May, Aberdeen’s first since 1990. They defeated Morton at Cappielow in the last round, a comfortable 3-0 victory. Rangers v Hibernian Russell Martin remains under serious pressure as Hibernian visit Ibrox on Saturday evening. Their only win in eight games came in the previous League Cup round, a 4-2 victory over 3rd tier Alloa Athletic. A Lawrence Shankland double last Saturday means Martin has failed to win any of his first five league games. The first Rangers manager since John Greig in 1978. He will look to lead Rangers to a second League Cup title in three years, after Philippe Clement’s side beat Aberdeen to the trophy in 2023. They meet David Gray’s Hibernian, who are unbeaten in their previous 3 games against Rangers. Their last trip to Ibrox ended in a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Dylan Levitt and Martin Boyle. The Leith side have lost just 2 of 26 league matches after a turbulent start left them bottom in November. They beat Livingston 2-0 in the 2nd round. Goals from summer signings Thibault Klidje and Josh Mulligan secured the quarter-final showdown. Partick Thistle v Celtic Sunday afternoon sees the League Cup champions visit Partick Thistle. The Firhill side is the only non-Premiership team remaining in the competition. Goals from Dan O’Reilly and Tony Watt saw The Jags defeat Ayr United in the previous round, after 4 wins and 11 goals scored in Group B. Manager Mark Wilson spent 6 years at Celtic, making 98 appearances for the Glasgow giants. They have recovered well from an opening day drubbing at McDiarmid Park, currently sitting 3rd in the Scottish Championship. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are perched at the top of the Scottish Premiership, and defeated Premiership newbies Falkirk 4-1 in the last round. Despite their league position, unrest remains amongst the Celtic fanbase following a subdued transfer window and a Champions League qualifying exit. They have dominated the League Cup in recent years, winning 7 of the last 9 finals, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers last December.
‘He will test you’ – Ex-Rangers coach weighs in on the treatment of Nico Raskin
Raskin was bombed out of the squad for the last two Premiership fixtures, as the under-fire Martin stated that the midfielder has to gain the ‘trust’ of the players and staff at the football club. This week Martin and the squad visited Loch Lomond for a team bonding session, two days following their 2-0 loss to Hearts at Ibrox, which left the Light Blues 10th in the league. It’s the Gers’ worst league start in 47 years and have only managed to win three of their last 12 games. The Rangers faithful have given up on the Englishman with fan groups such as the Union Bears and the Rangers Fan Advisory Board demanding for his dismissal. One person who knows the Belgian international well is former Rangers star and coach Billy Dodds, who was part of Barry Ferguson’s backroom team last season. Speaking on Go Radio, Dodds said that Raskin is the type of player who will ask questions and test you, but believes that’s a positive thing: “Raskin will test you football-wise. But if it gets personal, you sort him. “He’s not bad, he’s a good lad. “He just wants to question why you’re doing this football-wise, why you’re doing that football-wise and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. “I’d prefer it if they just went okay and got on with it but we’re not all like that, we’re not all the same personalities. “But he’s not a personal boy and this is where I’m a bit confused. “If it is personal then no problem he’s out the team, and it does seem a bit personal between him and Russell Martin, and I think that’s where the problem lies. “If it’s football, and you keep it football, and he’s testing you, then you keep him in the team because he’s your best player.”
