Discovery Fire Sprinklers Extends Official Partnership with Dundee Football Club in Multi-Year Agreement
Dundee Football Club is proud to announce the extension of a multi-year partnership with Discovery Fire Sprinklers, a leading provider of fire protection solutions across Scotland and the UK. The agreement will see Discovery Fire Sprinklers continuing as an official partner of Dundee FC, strengthening the club’s commercial portfolio while aligning with a trusted, safety-focused brand. The partnership will include branding opportunities, digital activations, and community engagement initiatives throughout the duration of the agreement. As part of the collaboration, Discovery Fire Sprinklers will work alongside Dundee FC to support local initiatives, promoting safety awareness and contributing to projects within the Dundee community. John Nelms, Managing Director at Dundee Football Club, said: “Discovery Fire Sprinklers are a valued partner of Dundee Football Club. This multi-year agreement represents a strong alignment between two organisations committed to excellence, community, and long-term growth. We look forward to continuing to build a successful relationship in the coming years.” James Bryceland, Managing Director at Discovery Fire Sprinklers, added: “Partnering with Dundee Football Club is an exciting step for us as a business. The club sits at the heart of the local community, something we are incredibly passionate about supporting. This partnership gives us a fantastic platform while engaging with supporters and the wider Dundee community over the coming years. We’re proud to be associated with such a historic club and look forward to a successful relationship.”
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.
Bowie receiving “world class” test after Serie A move
Kieron Bowie still has dreams of rejoining Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad, but admits his main focus is on Hellas Verona’s season end, as they aim to steer clear of relegation from the Italian top flight. Speaking with BBC Alba on his latest move, Bowie spoke fondly of his 18-month spell in Scotland’s capital for Hibernian. Recalling his memorable strikes against Partizan Belgrade and Hearts. “I’m not sure I’ll ever score a goal like that again. I still speak to people who say, ‘I’ve never seen a goal like that in my life’. “But the Hearts one is probably the one that meant the most. “It was 3-2 in the end, but really, we should have won the game 5-0. When I arrived, those were the games everyone spoke about and how important it was to win them.” Bowie contributed 8 goals and 3 assists for the Easter Road side, before a reported 6 million pound move to Serie A. His short spell at Hellas Verona has yielded two goals in nine appearances. Although locked in a relegation battle, the move has benefitted Bowie’s personal development, regularly battling some of the best defences in Europe. “You definitely get more time on the ball here and, in a way, it makes it a bit easier – but the players you’re up against are also better. Some are world-class. Every week, you’re playing against a different type of player.” Bowie featured twice for Scotland as a substitute in 2025 and still has a steely determination to make the World Cup squad despite being left out of the recent international friendlies. “Obviously, I want to be on that plane, but for the moment I’m just focused on doing the best I can for Verona,” he said. “Just try and score as many goals as I can before the end of the season. “I want to be there but who knows what will happen.”
McLeish Commends Buddies after “Sore” Scottish Cup Exit
Craig McLeish believes there are plenty of positives to take from St Mirren’s semi-final defeat against Celtic, admitting he is “more critical” of himself following the 6-2 loss at Hampden. A second-half Mikael Mandron double pushed the tie into extra time, but the Buddies would eventually run out of steam, surrendering four goals in six minutes. Whilst they were unable to repeat their League Cup Final heroics, McLeish exuberated pride after the full-time whistle. “I’m so proud of the group and how they performed. To come back from the setbacks that we had early on in the game like losing a goalkeeper early on, losing the goal in the manner in which we did early on, to fight back from that and the fans pulled us through. “Second-half performance was up there with the best since I’ve been in charge of the group. We thought we were in a really good place going into extra time. We made some changes that probably helped us get back into the game. We end up with a lot of attacking players on the pitch. “We change our shape as well so taking those risks helps us get to extra time and then they maybe expose us a little bit there, the quality that Celtic bring on the pitch then takes its toll and they hurt us. “It’s maybe a wee bit of naivety on my part with the way we finished the 90 minutes and the message was to keep going. We were trying not to be reckless with it but we thought we were in a good place. There’s maybe bits that I need to look back on. “I’m not going to be critical of our group and our players at all. I’m probably first and foremost, I’m more critical of myself. The score line looks really sore. I don’t think we deserved that score line. “We have to retain our status in the league. There has to be positives that we take. We can’t just ignore negatives. We’ve got a massive five games, we’re fighting for survival, we know that, the group knows that.” McLeish acknowledged goalkeeper Ryan Mullen’s first-half injury. The 24-year-old’s error allowed Daizen Maeda to open the scoring in the first minute. “Ryan’s a professional, he’ll deal with that well.” “He kind of kicked the ground and then got robbed of the ball and he’s ended up kind of pulling his thigh muscle.” Five games remain for St Mirren, as they aim to consolidate their Premiership status. Victories over Falkirk and Aberdeen, as well as spirited displays against Celtic, will offer encouragement for the League Cup Champions. Sitting precariously above the relegation playoff spot, Saturday’s home encounter against Livingston could offer breathing space for the Paisley side, before crunch games against Dundee and Kilmarnock.
Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd: visitors take leap towards Champions League
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United Cunha (43′) Matheus Cunha’s clinical first-half strike pushed a rejuvenated Manchester United side onto the cusp of Champions League football. In an edgy affair at Stamford Bridge, the pivotal touch came two minutes before the halftime break. Bruno Fernandes marauded down the right flank, delivering a low cross from the byline for Cunha to sweep home in the penalty box. The right-footed effort sailed past Robert Sanchez and into the top corner, giving the hosts another setback in what has been a challenging period on the domestic front. Chelsea were frustrated by the woodwork, seeing three different efforts crash off the crossbar. The best opportunity fell to Wesley Fofana in the second period, who latched onto Pedro Neto’s dangerous inswinging corner. But from close range, the Frenchman’s header could only find the upright. Liam Rosenior’s side are now four matches without scoring in the Premier League, and back-to-back home defeats against the Manchester clubs leave them four points outside the Champions League spots. Carrick counted on experience, with the likes of Fernandes instrumental in the narrow victory. After bouncing back from Monday’s defeat to Leeds, the Red Devils sit comfortably in 3rd place with five matches to go. Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto (Acheampong 81′) Fofana (Chalobah 81′) Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernández (Lavia 88′) Palmer, Neto, Estavao (Garnacho 16′) Delap Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbuemo (Zirkzee 87′) Fernandes, Cunha (Mount 81′) Sesko (Diallo 80′)
Dunfermline 0-0 Falkirk (4-2 pens): Pars edge bitter rivals to advance to Scottish Cup Final
Dunfermline 0-0 Falkirk Dunfermline progress 4-2 on penalties Dunfermline held their nerve on penalties to advance to a first Scottish Cup final since 2007, beating their third Premiership side, and bitter rivals Falkirk, at Hampden. Neil Lennon’s side started superbly, with former Falkirk star Callum Morrison latching onto Chris Kane’s headed pass in the opening minutes, but his right-footed strike flew wide of Scott Bain’s goal. Despite their Premiership status, Falkirk struggled with the physicality and intensity of Dunfermline’s press. Lennon’s side hunted the ball, harassing navy shirts at every opportunity. John McGlynn cut a frustrated figure on the Hampden touchline. The early opportunity was a wake-up call for the Premiership side, who eventually found their rhythm. Filip Lissah headed over from Calvin Miller’s free kick, after beating the press for the first time in the match. Barney Stewart got his first sight of goal on the half-hour mark, Aston Oxborough gathered his back-post header, before flicking Keelan Adam’s cross wide moments later. The former Dunfermline loanee had been on the receiving end of some crunching tackles from his previous teammates. Miller has been one of McGlynn’s many bright sparks throughout the season, with 6 goals and 9 assists in the Scottish Premiership. The winger was continually afforded too much time in the attacking left areas; another low cross narrowly evaded Stewart as the half crept to an end. Lennon’s side matched their opposition physically, but needed to gain more control of the ball to halt the continuous waves of Falkirk attacks. The second half began much like the first, with Morrison bursting toward goal after winning possession on the halfway line. However, a lapse in decision-making saw the chance go begging – a simple pass to the unmarked Tod might have been the better option. Despite the pedigree of two sides who have combined for 95 league goals this season, the game remained uncharacteristically tense. With 20 minutes remaining, Kyrell Wilson spearheaded a break before finding Ben Broggio in space on the left. The Aston Villa loanee cut inside, but his right-footed effort drifted wide, leaving both sides still searching for a breakthrough. John Beaton brought an abject second half to a close. Falkirk’s trademark free-flowing form was nowhere to be found. Instead, Lennon’s determined Pars continued to frustrate their bitter rivals, and with a bit more quality up front, could steal the game. Dunfermline were inches away from securing their final place in extra time. Tashan Oakley-Boothe delivered a dangerous low cross, which Lucas Fyfe couldn’t convert on the stretch. The opening goal would surely decide this tentative semi-final. In the 108th minute, another chance flashed for Fyfe. The 17-year-old nipped in to recover a hopeful ball on the edge of the box; however, his resulting shot was tame and easily gathered by Scott Bain. Incredibly, Fyfe spurned a golden opportunity moments later. Todd and Oakley-Boothe combined brilliantly down the left to square the ball to the youngster, only for his effort to crash off the crossbar. Substitute Ethan Ross forced Oxborough into a save moments later. Both teams were sapped of energy in the Hampden sun, but were producing the best period of the match. Pars fans would have had their hearts in their mouths after Henry Cartwright fell to the floor in the Dunfermline box. But John Beaton quickly awarded the midfielder his second yellow card after a blatant dive. The lottery of a penalty shootout ensued. Falkirk missed their first two penalties to give Dunfermline the advantage. Oakley-Boothe smashed home the winning penalty to secure an emotional victory for Lennon’s inspired side. Dunfermline: Oxborough, Chilokoa-Mullen (Hamilton 106’) Abdulai, Ngwenya, Todd (Fyfe 101’) Amade (Oakley-Boothe 76’), Gilmour, Fraser, Tod, Morrison (Morrison 68’) Kane (Cooper 76’) Falkirk: Bain, Lissah, Allan (Neilson 109’) Henderson, McCann, Spencer, Tait, (Cartwright 102’) Yeats (63’) Miller (Ross 102’) Broggio, (Graham 106’) Stewart (Parkinson 83’)
“We’re getting punished” – Lennon rues fixture placement ahead of Semi-Final
Neil Lennon believes his side’s rescheduled calendar has been “unfair” as his Dunfermline side aim to reach their first Scottish Cup Final since 2007 this weekend. Speaking ahead of their tie with Falkirk, the manager reckons his side have been “punished” for international call-ups. Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Airdrieonians means The Pars have played four matches across the last fourteen days leading up to the semi-final. “We’re getting punished for players getting picked for Scotland and for getting to the semi-final.” “I’m really annoyed about how many games we’ve had to play leading into this game. It’s been really, I think, unfair.” “The game on Tuesday could have been moved a couple of weeks down the line before the end of the season. So we’ve had to go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday into this game.” “People might have been complaining about the integrity of our team selection on Tuesday,” Lennon suggested. “Well, it’s not our fault. Our hands were forced into that – and we got the result anyway. “But, if other clubs were upset about my team selection, they should take it up elsewhere. We did ask a couple of times if other games could be moved, and it was a big flat ‘no’.” Lennon won the Scottish Cup four times as a Celtic player, and having picked off Hibernian and Aberdeen earlier in the competition, the Pars manager is no stranger to upsetting Premiership opposition. We’ve played very well to get here, so we want to make the most of it.” “I’ve told the players that nobody remembers the semi-finals, so let’s try and make that next step. “It would just be another accomplishment for me. I’ve had a good career. I’ve faced up to a lot of challenges and overcome them. This would be up there with any of them – I’m really excited about it.” Lennon praised his opposing manager, John McGlynn, and believes his success with Falkirk should put the Scottish Champions, Celtic, on notice in their search for a new manager. “I think he should be in the conversation for the next Celtic manager as well. “Whether that would appeal to John, I don’t know, and I don’t want to throw him under the bus. I apologise to the Falkirk people as well, but that’s how I rate John. “I don’t think I’ve ever come up against him in a competitive game. He’s in the way on Saturday, so we’ll just have to go at it as best we can. “I’ve got such admiration and respect for what he’s achieved, not just at Falkirk but throughout his career.”
Double trouble (X2!) at Killie Community Easter camp
Staff at the Killie Community experienced Déjà vu on Thursday (April 16th) when FOUR sets of twins took to the pitch at their Easter holiday camp. Fully kitted out in Killie colours ranging from Rory McKenzie’s special testimonial strip, this season’s multicoloured goalkeeper jersey, our Paper Roses kit and of course, the club’s iconic blue and white stripes, the respective pairs of brothers were all thrilled to pose for a photo in unique circumstances at the Community Hub. Involved in the Killie Community’s dedicated Easter camp were: Ollie & Alfie, aged 5 Calvin & Corey, aged 6 Struan & Alexander, aged 5 Rory & Arlo, aged 5 The boys were part of the programme which saw over 150 children, aged 5 – 12, from the local area enjoy football coaching and other fun, engaging activities during the school holidays. Last week’s participants were lucky enough to spend some time with vice-captain Robbie Deas and academy product David Watson as the first team players signed autographs. The kids played on the club’s community nine-a-side pitch at the rear of the Moffat Stand, before enjoying a snack and healthy lunch during breaks throughout the dedicated, fun-filled days of the initiative. Spaces in the camp are partly funded by Scottish Gas, the Scottish FA and various other local and national organisations to allow youngsters to attend at no cost. Thumbnail Photo Credit: Jeff Holmes
Askou urges Motherwell to rediscover “clinical” nature
Jens Berthel Askou admits his side’s lack of sharpness is “one of the major reasons” why Motherwell have not tipped results in their favour. Saturday’s defeat at Tynecastle extends the Steelmen’s winless run to five matches, but the Dane is “positive” his side can find their cutting edge in the split. “Earlier in the season, we didn’t need many chances to score goals; now we need a little bit more. And we’re working on that every week, and that’s football. “Sometimes you have spells like that, but I’m really positive that we created these chances in a difficult place to create chances.” Askou labelled the award of Lawrence Shankland’s penalty as “very soft”, and VAR urged Matthew McDiarmid to consult the video monitor. Askou asked what Stephen Welsh was expected to do against a player “dribbling” with his head at ground level. “It’s a shame for the game that it gets decided like that.” “You can argue every time there’s contact that there’s a foul. Then it’s about the amount of contact, the speed of contact, the situation.” Despite the defeat, Askou was encouraged by Motherwell’s display. “But what I want to underline again is that I’m really, really proud of our performance. “We took control of a very difficult game against a very good team who are really, really good at what they do, who have an atmosphere that really drives them and can get you emotionally unstable if you’re not there. We dealt with that extremely well. “Some of the play we set up in the second half, leading to our chances, also the goal, was absolutely outstanding.”
Man Utd 1-2 Leeds: Okafor double halts United momentum
Manchester United 1-2 Leeds United Casemiro (69′) Okafor (5′ , 29′) A ruthless first-half performance boosted Leeds United’s survival hopes against 10-man Manchester United. Noah Okafor was the hero for Daniel Farke, sending the visitors into an early lead after sidefooting Jayden Bogle’s cross past Senne Lammens in the 5th minute. The second arrived on the half-hour mark. A right-footed volley deflected past a helpless Lammens to send the away allocation into frenzy. Michael Carrick’s impact at Old Trafford has been evident since his interim appointment in mid-January. But his side were not at the races for large spells of the first half. Matters were made worse ten minutes into the second period, after Lisandro Martinez pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the floor by his hair. Paul Tierney decided to send off the Argentinian after a lengthy VAR wait. United rallied for the final half hour. A trademark Bruno Fernandes cross was bulleted into the net by Casemiro to offer a glimpse of hope for the European hopefuls. Leeds edged out the game, and a valuable three points move them six clear of the relegation spots. For United, their positive momentum was halted with defeat, but Carrick’s side remains in pole position to secure Champions League football next season with six to play. Manchester United: Lammens, Mazraoui (Dalot 70′), Martinez, Fernandes, Cunha, Yoro, Amad (Mbuemo 70′) Casemiro, Shaw, Ugarte, Sesko. Leeds United: Darlow, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Struijk, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson (Longstaff 86′) Bijol, Okafor (Gnonto 74′) Tanaka (Gruev 74′) Justin.