Arfield takes interim post for remaining Livingston matches

Scott Arfield will be banking on experience after being appointed interim player-manager at Livingston, as The Lions look to end the season on a high despite relegation being confirmed. Saturday’s trip to Dundee will be Arfield’s first in the dugout, and he is under no illusion about the challenges that managerial posts can pose. “I was probably the most experienced within this group, hence the reason why I’m in this role.” “I’ve spoken to a lot of people that have done it and I understand how difficult it is, so we’ll see tomorrow how difficult it is,” Speaking with the media on Friday, the former Rangers midfielder was coy on any long-term managerial plans. “If I get a wee bit of grey hair then I’m not interested but if it’s three wins, we’ve only had two wins all season, you never know, you never know. “I don’t think you’re ever sure if you want to be in this position until you’re thrown in. I’m actually quite happy being thrown in at the deep end, I have been throughout my career at certain times and you either sink or you swim. “I wouldn’t throw my name in. They might throw my name in but I wouldn’t throw my name in. I still feel as if I’ve got a lot to give as a player. Arfield played under a player-manager setup in his early days at Falkirk, and recalled the difficulties the role can bring. “I remember when I was first coming through at Falkirk and Brian Rice was assistant to John Hughes, who was playing. John was the manager and I used to laugh when he was subbed off. “You’re completely fixated when you’re playing, you’re the manager but I think somebody has to make decisions because you can’t see it, you’re fixated in the game, people can see it from a vantage point so I think that’s a real difficult thing to do. “John Hughes didn’t take it very well, as you can imagine. The two of them started arguing and I had tears under my eyes, I thought it was hilarious.” With 760 career appearances, it is clear why the Livingston hierarchy turned to the Canadian for the remaining games.

Hearts continue to answer as title race edges towards conclusion

Derek McInnes believes anyone questioning his side’s mentality, “hasn’t been watching”, as Hearts turn their attention to Fir Park on Saturday evening. Hearts sit on the edge of immortality, aiming to break the Old Firm’s domestic dominance for the first time since 1985, but McInnes insists his only focus is Motherwell, who will pose another test for his side. “We can’t get obsessed with all the different connotations and what happens there if we win that one and they win that one, “They haven’t beaten us this season, but they’ve been problematic for most teams. In all three games they could have beaten us, but we’ve managed to do our job well enough for long enough in all the games to pick up points.” Hearts came from a goal down on Monday evening, delivering a haymaker blow to Rangers’ title charge. McInnes’ lauded his side’s consistent ability to manage the expectations in Gorgie. “It goes without saying, regardless of how this season plays out, you don’t, at Hearts, get to 76 points with three games to go if you’ve not got a good mentality, because there’s pressures at this club that you need to deal with. “There’s an insistence on winning games here and an expectation, so the players have answered that time and time again.” “Normally, days off can be a chance to switch off, but with the greatest will in the world, it’s hard to do that at the minute, particularly because there’s not many training days now.” A pivotal ten days await the Jambos, with trips to Fir Park and Parkhead sandwiched between Falkirk’s visit to Tynecastle. McInnes’ side will no doubt continue to relish their title challenge. “Now we’re going to have three games in a week that, for all we’ve done, will decide how it all plays out.”  

Who knows the rules anymore? – Newell admits VAR confusion in Celtic Defeat

Hibs captain Joe Newell admitted he wasn’t sure if his equalising goal against Celtic on Sunday would stand, following another lengthy VAR check in his side’s 2-1 defeat. The midfielder drew his team level on the stroke of half-time after a scramble in the six-yard box. The goal was ultimately awarded, despite Newell’s arm seemingly brushing the ball in the build-up. Speaking after the final whistle, he confessed that he had feared the goal would be disallowed. “I haven’t seen any replay, that’s the truth. So I don’t know. But just from what I remember, I felt like it was kind of between my hip bone and my arm. “And I don’t know if it hit it or not. But I didn’t have that elation because I kind of thought, hmm, who knows now. “And then when it was getting checked and it was an offside check and a handball check, you’re kind of thinking, oh, it’s not going to go your way. I’ve not seen any replays or anything. “So I don’t actually know. But yeah, who knows anymore? I don’t know. You know the rule. I don’t know the rule. Who knows?”. Jamie McGrath’s early dismissal gave David Gray’s men a mountain to climb, as they suffered their fourth red card in three matches. Newell felt his side defended admirably, but would rue conceding from a set piece. “There’s a lot to be done with 10 men again,” he said. “The boys dug in as expected. As I would expect, as everyone kind of expects of that group. “But we fell short. It’s a bit of a killer that comes from a set-piece. You kind of always feel like that can be avoided. So on the whole, I thought we defended really well again. “I feel like we just were not giving ourselves enough of a chance – nowhere near enough of a chance – to get a foothold in any game.” While some Hibs supporters might have been willing to accept the defeat to Celtic if it prevented their rivals, Hearts, from winning the league, the midfielder admitted he quickly noticed the reduced attendance at the fixture. “Going out for the warm-up, you can see the crowd. I don’t know the exact numbers, but you can see it was a bit lower than usual,” he added. “One thing I would say, I completely get it. I’ve got plenty of mates who are Hibs fans, and they’ve all been speaking to me. So I completely understand the situation. “But you play for Hibernian Football Club. This is a massive, massive club – a massive privilege. “So every time you go out there, you’re expected to play for the fans, for the people who turn up, for the club, the manager, yourself and the team. And that’s the way it was.”

“Now it’s Motherwell” – Braga and co focused on Fir Park after seismic win

PFA Player of the Season and Hearts star Claudio Braga has urged his teammates to remain “professional” after reestablishing their three-point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. A second-half comeback against Rangers extends the Jambo’s unbeaten home league run and secured a club-record points tally of 76. Speaking at full-time, Braga described their latest triumph as “crazy”. “We were all in the locker room, everybody was looking at each other, like ‘it’s three games to go and we are still top of the league’. “It’s not even easy to describe it with words, I’m not going to lie. It’s just a crazy feeling.” The Portuguese star has been a fan favourite in Gorgie, and insists that managing the excitement of their title challenge can be difficult. “It’s hard, I’m not going to lie, but we try to be as professional as we can,” “It’s been a long time that people have been saying that maybe this could be possible. “We’ve already had that [outside noise], and through the championship we have just taken it game by game. We dealt with Rangers, and now it’s Motherwell, and that’s it. We don’t care about Falkirk or Celtic for now, and hopefully we win that game, and then we go for the next one.”

McCann lauds “important” win but insists relegation scrap is far from over

Neil McCann has urged his side to stay grounded, despite moving out of the relegation playoff spot for the first time in 18 weeks, after a dominant home win against Dundee United. Saturday’s 3-0 victory sets up a tantalising encounter against rivals St Mirren next weekend. Speaking at full-time, the manager believes the result could prove a “big moment” for the entire club. “We’ve been stuck in the bottom two for such a long time. It feels nice that everyone can go and enjoy their weekend now, but there’s nothing done yet. We were right at it today, the last ten minutes we came away from ourselves, which I’ve just reminded the team that’s not what we are after, but to win a game of the size of it was today is so important.” “It’s such a brilliant result. It’s such a big day for the club that we’ve managed to get another win at home.” “The away form’s really important as well. We need to do a job away from home as well. We’ve got three games left and we’ll look to try and win all three of those. Findlay Curtis doubled Killie’s lead in the second half, continuing his fine form on loan from Rangers. With National boss Steve Clarke in attendance, it could help to earn another Scotland call-up before the World Cup. “Findlay Curtis has shown his versatility. He did more than fine. He did great against a really, really top player in Will Ferry, who’s been scoring goals and creating goals for Dundee United, so we knew we had to nullify him. A great finish and a top all-round performance.” Skipper Robbie Deas agreed on the impact of the youngster. “He comes in, he works so hard, and he fits in so well. He deserves everything he’s got. I’m delighted for him. “He’s got his [Scotland] call-up and his debut, but he knows himself that he still needs to work hard. You can see that today.” “He’s playing different positions. I don’t know how many positions he’s played today, but he’s more than capable of it. He’s a very level-headed guy. “I’m absolutely delighted for him, and I hope he keeps it up.” Kilmarnock return to action with three games in a hectic eight-day schedule. With an opportunity to move four clear of relegation, the motivation is crystal clear for McCann’s team.

Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee Utd: Hosts leapfrog relegation rivals to boost survival hopes

Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee United Deas (21′)  Curtis (51′) Hugill (64′) Kilmarnock took a huge step towards automatic safety after a clinical home victory against Dundee United at the BBSP Rugby Park. Both sides had early chances in a frantic opening. Max Stryjek saved Zac Sapsford’s shot inside the penalty area after positive play from Will Ferry down the United left. Neil McCann knew a victory could potentially propel Kilmarnock out of the relegation playoff, and responded minutes later. Dave Richards tipped Tom Lowery’s header over the bar for their first effort of the game. United’s best threat looked to be coming from Ferry, who was influential in last weekend’s derby victory. His latest cross deflected to Sapsford inside the box, whose low shot arrowed wide from 12 yards. If they could build on the 3-0 win against their bitter rivals, they could wrap up the top spot in the relegation group. Dave Richards produced another top-class save in the 17th minute to keep the scores level. Greg Kiltie raced through on goal, but the Welshman spread himself to deny from close range. Killie hit the front from their first corner of the match in the 21st minute. A deep cross was headed home by captain Robbie Deas to lift Killie from the relegation spots. News of Dundee’s opener against St Mirren spread across all corners of the BBSP Rugby Park, to reinvigorate the home faithful . The tenacious Tshibola went close to doubling the lead in the 38th minute. But after dispossessing the United midfield, his speculative 25-yard effort was tipped over. Sapsford’s blazed over Neil Farrugia’s cross close to the break, as United pushed for the leveller. Kilmarnock’s excellent home form looked to be delivering another victory as the halftime whistle blew. Findlay Curtis endured a quiet first half but burst into life in the 50th minute. After latching onto a speculative forward pass, the winger showcases composure beyond his years, sidefooting past Richards to double the host’s lead. With national boss Steve Clarke in attendance, the youngster’s strike could help to foster another Scotland call-up with the World Cup on the horizon. Matters got worse for the Arabs, and especially for the unfortunate Samuel Cleall-Harding, in the 64th minute. The young defender misjudged a backpass, allowing Jordan Hugill to poke Killie into a 3-goal advantage and effectively end any hopes of a Dundee comeback. United were unable to test Stryjek in the first half, and Jim Goodwin quickly moved to his bench before the hour mark. Though safety is all but secured in the top flight, the manager would have hoped for a strong end to the season. The visitors pushed for a way back, with Kilmarnock happier to drop deep and defend their lead. Farrugia and Ivan Dolcek’s efforts were saved by the Pole, determined to keep his clean sheet. Victory moves Kilmarnock out of the relegation playoff spots for the first time in 18 games, but McCann insists “we’ve achieved nothing yet” ahead of a seismic clash against St Mirren next weekend. Teams Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7 Curtis 8 Stanger 7 Deas 7 Schjonning-Larsen 8 Kiltie 7 Lowery 7 Tshibola 8 Hugill 7 Anderson 7 Clescenco 6 Substitutes: Thompson 6 Polwarth 6 Curtis 6 Mayo 6 Dundee United: Richards 5 Cleall-Harding 4 Graham 6 Keresztes 6 Naamo 6 Ferry 6 Camara 5 Agyei 5 Sapsford 6 Watters 5 Farrugia 6 Substitutes: Dolcek 6 Sevelj 6 Russell 5 Sibbald 5 Stirton 4 Attendance: 5,529  

Dundee FC Announces Multi-Year Partnership Renewal with Assai Records

Dundee Football Club is proud to announce a multi-year partnership renewal with Assai Records, the award-winning independent record retailer renowned for its deep roots in Scottish music culture. This exciting collaboration brings together two iconic Dundee brands, uniting football and music to create unique experiences for fans and the wider community. As part of the partnership, Assai Records will remain the official audio partner of Dundee FC, with the distinctive Assai logo on the warm-up tops and club-inspired playlists on the dual-branded Spotify channel. As part of the agreement, fans can look forward to exclusive events and collaborative campaigns celebrating the shared passion for sport and music in Dundee. The partnership will also explore opportunities to support local artists and enhance matchday experiences through music-driven activations. John Nelms, Managing Director at Dundee FC, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Assai Records as a partner of Dundee Football Club. This collaboration reflects our commitment to connecting with our community in new and creative ways. Assai’s reputation and passion for music align perfectly with the energy and identity of our club and supporters.” Keith Ingram, Owner at Assai Records, added: “Partnering with Dundee FC is a natural fit for us. Both organisations are deeply embedded in the city’s culture, and we’re excited to bring music and football fans together through this partnership. We look forward to creating something truly special over the coming years.” This partnership marks another step in Dundee FC’s ongoing efforts to build strong, meaningful relationships with local and national brands, enhancing the experience for supporters and contributing to the vibrancy of the Dundee community.

Man Utd 2-1 Brentford: Champions League in Sight for Hosts

Manchester Utd 2-1 Brentford Casemiro (11′) Sesko (43′)      Jensen (87′) Manchester United moved one victory from Champions League qualification after edging out Brentford at Old Trafford. The hosts established a two-goal lead in an entertaining first half to deliver Michael Carrick’s ninth win as interim head coach. Casemiro headed the opener in the 11th minute from a narrow angle, after Harry Maguire kept a deep cross alive. Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead after a swift counter-attacking move. The Slovenian showed poise to finish high into the net after collecting a pass from Bruno Fernandes on the stroke of halftime Brentford offered their own threat in the first half. A last-ditch Ayden Heaven tackle, and several stunning saves by Senne Lammens denied Igor Thiago from netting his 22nd goal of the league season. Keith Andrews’ side set up a nervy ending for United after a powerful Mathias Jensen strike from 25 yards, but the hosts would eventually see out proceedings, taking another positive step forward towards the promised land of the Champions League. Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw (Yoro 73′) Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbuemo (Mount 74′) Fernandes, Diallo (Mazraoui 46′) Sesko (Zirkzee 88′) Brentford: Kelleher, Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Yarmoliuk, Jensen, Damsgaard, Schade (Nelson 73′) Ouattara, Thiago

Motherwell Spoil Ibrox Party to Provide Timely Reminder for Title Challengers

Jens Berthel Askou has urged his side to “attack the league” after Sunday’s victory over Rangers, putting Motherwell in a commanding position to wrap up European football for the first time since 2022. Goals from Lukas Fadinger and Emmanuel Longelo’s double wrestled a five-goal thriller into the Steelmen’s favour, as they delivered a third Ibrox victory in three seasons. Speaking at full-time, Askou was delighted to watch his side end their five-match winless run. “The result, it’s hard not to say that’s very pleasing. We’ve been a few points short over the last five games in terms of how we’ve performed. “First half was right up there with us at the very best. We know we needed that today to win the game. Second half became a much more difficult half, both because Rangers stepped up and lifted their game and because we didn’t have that same sharpness in our game, especially in the final third, that we had in the first half. “There were moments to score the third goal earlier in that second half but I’m very happy that we took the chance when it arrived at the end, even though the legs and the heads will be a little bit tired. Motherwell’s free-flowing nature under the Dane has been a breath of fresh air for Scottish football’s top flight. The 3-2 win was the third time this season that the Fir Park side has taken points from Rangers. Their ability to stem Ibrox’s raucous atmosphere was reminiscent of a high-level European side regularly playing through the lines. Askou was thrilled with their composure and clinical nature. “To stay cool and to still play our game when you have more than 50,000 trying to help push for the winner and to just be composed and do what we do and first of all defend with our lives, which we needed, and then to produce that final moment of quality to decide the game – really impressed with that. “And extremely happy that just looking at the performances and trying to improve the little things that it finally paid off with a win. With four league games remaining, the manager has urged his confident side to stay hungry, as they chase European football for the first time since 2022. “We want to win every game. I see a group of players that are talented enough to compete for the win in every game no matter who we play and where we play. I’ve said that throughout the season. Today was another testament to that and a demonstration of that anything is possible if you really go for it and reach out for it. “We’ve not arrived here to just say, ‘fine, top six, everything is good, now we’re in fourth place, let’s just try and defend’. We want to attack the league and get as many points as possible because that’s our mindset and that’s what gives us the best opportunity to make sure that we stay in this position.” Motherwell travel to Falkirk this weekend, before hosting Hearts under the lights at Fir Park. If Sunday is anything to go by – Askou’s boys will have plenty to say in this fascinating title race.

Bartley hopes for “the beginning of a miracle” as Livingston break winless run

Livingston’s first league win in 259 days was a welcome result for manager Marvin Bartley, who praised his side’s positive attitude despite their perilous situation.  Defeat for Kilmarnock at Pittodrie edged The Lions nine points behind their closest rivals. Survival may be a long shot, but Bartley hopes this can be “the beginning of a miracle”. “It’s one game at a time. We need to produce our best at both ends of the pitch, and the players have managed to do that today. “The players have given me everything every day, it’s not just about the match on a Saturday. The wins have run away from us, but hopefully this win can give them a lift and belief as well. Scott Pittman’s strike, coupled with Alex Gogic’s own goal, ended a 31-match winless run against St Mirren. Bartley hopes his team can use victory as a platform for the remaining matches. “We have to grow in belief, when you’ve been on the run we’ve been on it’s difficult mentally. We also have to keep our feet grounded. We’re still bottom of the league. But all we can do is train well and prepare for Aberdeen. “It’s not about me. I come in to work, work as hard as I can, preparing the players as best as I can, and hope they produce on a Saturday. “I’ve never seen them down in the dumps, because they know they have to work hard. It’s a constant for them. They don’t get too high or low. “It’s a fantastic feeling at this moment in time. It’s only our third clean sheet of the season. I have to give a massive shout-out to Neil Hastings, because they saw what was happening in the first half, articulated what was happening, and the players took it up a notch.” Livingston return to action against Aberdeen next Friday before travelling to Dundee eight days later.