“It’s been a really good week” as Findlay Marshall Reacts on a Very Busy Week
Findlay Marshall agrees “it’s been a really good week” as Aberdeen are now just within touching distance of fourth and at Hampden in October. Marshall has featured in the last three games throughout the week, getting 30 minutes in Ayrshire as well as two back-to-back starts against both Motherwell and Hibernian after some impressive displays. Marshall who had an impressive loan spell at Arbroath last season has been given a huge chance to play for his boyhood side, which he has taken very well and has been a key player in the side. After a busy week, Aberdeen confirmed a place at Hampden against Rangers, a massive win over Motherwell and a point at Easter Road. Marshall said: “Yeah, I think it’s been a really good week, obviously making it to the semi-final and then went on Tuesday and today I feel obviously we want to come and win but I think it’s a good point in the end.” The Aberdeen midfielder was full of praise for Kevin Nisbet who netted his twelfth goal for his side and how beneficial having someone like Nisbet is in the squad. The 20-year-old said: “Yeah I think, I’ve not played with a striker as clinical as him, even today his goal, I wanted him to set me but he goes and scores, it’s so good to have that and then, Olusanya as well obviously he just works so hard and I think both of them together are a really good pair.” Robinson who has been under a lot of stick has the full backing of Marshall and the team. He added: “I think he’s bringing a togetherness, I feel like we’re a really good team, you could probably see that see that in the past few games, playing forward quick, I think our defence has shaped very good and I feel like, he’s just all round really good with everyone.” Robinson earlier in the week stated he had no plans to put Marshall out on loan as the pair had discussions about the matter. Marshall said: “We had it actually (the conversation) still before the window had shut, a few good weeks of the window, there was no chance of you going out on loan, he (Stephen Robinson) said, keep working hard and you’ll get your chance.” He added: “After that conversation, it had actually helped because I feel like you always, you are obviously in the back of your mind maybe thinking you’re not 100% sure if you’re going to be here or out on loan, but I got that clarity which has helped me even more.”
Robinson praises his side following a “good week” after a successful week amid pressure on Robinson
Stephen Robinson called it a “good week” after claiming a spot at Hampden as well as a huge win at Fir Park and a point in Leith. There’s been a lot of pressure on the Aberdeen boss this season so far after a poor start to their campaign but that past week has shown something positive signs. The Dons claimed a place at Hampden after overcoming Kilmarnock at Rugby Park following a penalty shootout victory which was followed by a sensational 4-0 win away to Motherwell before drawing 1-1 at Easter Road yesterday afternoon. Aberdeen of course recorded their first 2026 away win on Tuesday evening with that 4-0 win at Fir Park against a usually reliable Motherwell side. Nisbet did what he did best and got goal number 12 of the season but Martin Boyle converted from the penalty spot as Hibs claimed a point. Robinson said: “It’s been a great week. “The fixture list was very, very unkind to us with the travelling and the turnaround. “We have managed to finish this mini block of games two points off fourth and in a semi-final. “Credit to the players and staff as they have worked tirelessly to implement what we are trying to do. “Probably a point was deserved by both teams.” Aberdeen defender who’s been out of the team selection of late got awarded with a start in Edinburgh, but the 22-year-old was at fault in awarding Hibs the penalty. Stephen Robinson admitted it was a “bad decision” by the Aberdeen man as he barged Jason Kerr which gave John Potter’s men the penalty. The Australian International made no mistake and got his side back on level terms as the Aberdeen keeper was unable to do exactly what he did last week in Kilmarnock. Robinson said: “It was a penalty. “I feel if you defend that deep you are going to make a mistake and be punished at some stage in the game. “In the first half our line of engagement was higher and I thought we played really well on the counter at times, some really good stuff. “But ultimately you are open to a mistake and we made one with a bad decision and were punished for that.”
Hibs 1-1 Aberdeen – Hibs Rescue a Point in an Even Affair in the Capital
Nisbet opened the scoring after 17 minutes but a second half Boyle penalty ensured Stephen Robinson’s side didn’t leave with the full three points. A slow opening period as neither side show any threat in the attacking phase with Hibs seeing most the ball but can’t make it count. Aberdeen took a lead on the first attempt of the clash, Nisbet who controlled the ball perfectly and neatly tucked it past Sallinger to give the visitors a lead in the capital. Callum Wright on 23 minutes did well to get past his man with fantastic footwork and took on a strike but was blocked by the Dons defence which saw Muller take a sore one but the first real chance for Hibs. Just after half an hour, Nisbet had a great chance from a free-kick which he’s known for but the Hibs wall doing ever so well to deny the former Hibs striker. A very frustrating opening for the hosts but have been very passive at times and have lost the ball too easily on many occasions as Hibs continue to fight to an equaliser. Aberdeen nearly doubled their lead just before the break as Ronan unleashed a strike from distance which was just wide of target. Overall, a positive half by Stephen Robinson’s men and a very frustrating half by the Edinburgh side but it’s Aberdeen who in, in front. Into the second period, Olusanya had the ball played through into his path but was unable to tuck it away which ended up fairly wide. Aberdeen had thought they had a second as a ball over the top found Olusanya in which he found the back of the net was the flag was up to deny a second. Hibs had their best chance 10 minutes into the second half as Mulligan had a chance from inside the box but somehow blasted it over to keep Aberdeen in the driving seat. Elding was very unlucky to not bring the game level following a ball into the box but didn’t manage to get the header right. Hibs were awarded a spot-kick on the hour mark in which Martin Boyle made no mistake and smashed it into the centre of the net to equalise. Aberdeen nearly responded after a corner by Guinness-Walker which found Milne but his header was straight at the Hibs number one. Callum Wright whipped a ball in following a mess from Milne to award a free-kick where Suto did well to get up but his header flashed wide of the target. A very fair score line amid late pressure by Hibs and a very nervy ending for the Dons but both sides leave with a deserved point in Leith as we head for a lengthy International break. Hibernian: Sallinger (6), Kerr (6), Hanley (6), Iredale (6), Passlack (6), Mulligan (7), Chaiwa (7), Wright (6), Mayor (7), Boyle (7), Elding (6). Substitutes: Suto (6), Lowe (5), Newell (6). Aberdeen: Muller (6), Cadden (6), Milne (6), Knoester (6), Molloy (6), Guinness-Walker (6), Aremu (7), Ronan (7), Marshall (6), Olusanya (6), Nisbet (7). Substitutes: Armstrong (6), Mouloua (6), Happe (6), Breidl (6).
Aberdeen Chief Executive Steps Down From Pittodrie Role
After three and a half years at Aberdeen, Alan Burrows has left his role due to family reasons. Aberdeen chairman, Dave Cormack said: Chairman Dave Cormack said: “It goes without saying that Alan leaves with our very best wishes. Personally, I’ve enjoyed working with Alan, who has been a lead-from-the-front chief executive and someone who has put his heart and soul into the role. “The Club is in a much better commercial position because of his leadership. Thanks to Alan’s drive, determination and enthusiasm, we’ve made significant strides in many areas, most notably fan engagement, creating a stronger platform on which to build for the future. “On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Alan for all his efforts and reiterate that he will always be welcome at Pittodrie.” During his spell in the North-East, Burrows has seen many successful moments from playing in UEFA Competitions, reaching finals and semi-finals as well as lifting the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990. Off of the pitch, Aberdeen broke records with the most sales in season tickets during the 23/24 campaign, breaking it again two-years later as well as gaining a 40% rise in commercial revenue. Speaking on his time with the club, Alan said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being at Aberdeen and want to place on record my sincere thanks to Dave and the Board for giving me the opportunity to lead this great Club over the past three and a half years. “I’ve had the privilege of working with a phenomenal group of staff, past and present, across Pittodrie and Cormack Park. Their achievements, on and off the pitch, are something I’m immensely proud to have been a part of. I want to thank each one of them for their hard work, determination, and willingness to innovate and embrace change. “I’ve had so many fantastic memories, none more special than that unforgettable weekend of 24 May 2025 — that will live with me forever. “Lastly, I want to thank the supporters and sponsors for the warmth and kindness they’ve shown to me and my family from the moment I arrived. Aberdeen is a brilliant city in a wonderful part of the world, and I’ll always look forward to returning.”
Aberdeen League Cup Hero Reveals He Gave His Side a Passionate Post-Match Speech
Marius Muller revealed his gave his teammates a passionate speech following their win against Kilmarnock on penalties. Marius Muller was the hero of the night, saving three penalties in the shoot-out as well as making multiple key stops to get Aberdeen’s Hampden dreams alive. Aberdeen lead after 52 minutes through Kevin Nisbet but soon after, Dan Happe would be shown red which led to Neil McCann’s men equalising as the game went all the way to a penalty shoot-out. The former Wolfsburg keeper interrupted Robinson’s post match speech and gave a very passionate speech of his own. After looking on social media, the 33-year-old noticed pressure was building on Robinson and claimed it was “very hard” as the Aberdeen boss has done some “amazing work” with the club. Muller said: “The last week was not good for us, we had a tough week. “We had fight and worked hard and this feels good, as it does every time you win a game. “I am very happy for the boys and very happy for the gaffer because he does amazing work for us. “Sometimes it is very hard to read things and I saw some things on social media. “It is part of the game and part of the business but I read it and see in training how much effort everyone puts in. “I am just happy we showed another face. “He (Robinson) started and then to be fair I interrupted his speech because for me it very special to say thank you to the guys. “I was happy and wanted to speak to the guys. “For me it was special to say thank you to them. “The gaffer said afterwards it was amazing, my speech. “So hopefully we go on from this.” Kevin Nisbet, of course had the Dons level soon into the second period but that all collapsed as Dan Happe was shown red for last man which John-Jules netted following the free-kick into the box. Muller said: “It was a tough situation for Dan (Happe) as he had to make a foul after a mistake happened. “I enjoyed so much how the boys worked, ran and fought. It was just mental. “We have to take the self-confidence out of the 60 minutes we fought with 10 men. “To do it with 10 men over this time – as we had big, big chances in extra-time. “We work so hard from Monday to Friday but when you don’t bring it onto the pitch on Saturday you are not happy with this. “I am happy that we brought it against Kilmarnock. “There is not much time as the next game is on Tuesday (Motherwell away) so we have to prepare very well, recover very well and go on.” Muller made up for the poor start in the shoot-out which Nesta Guinness-Walker missed first but the Dons keeper made things up saving three crucial penalties. Muller said: “I said to my goalkeeper coach (Craig Hinchliffe) I go after my feeling and luckily I was right three times. “In life you learn and maybe I have learned for the future in penalty shootouts to always go with my feeling.” Aberdeen were originally meant to face Rangers in the league at Ibrox but this game will now be postponed as the Dons will still play Rangers, but at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final in which Hearts will take on Hibernian in the other fixture.
“We really shot ourselves in the foot” – Kettlewell as County defeated by Hibs
Kettlewell believes his side shot themselves in the foot as there were no excuses to their League Cup exit at the hands of Hibernian. After a bright start to the season, Hibs were a step too far for the Staggies as Hibs sealed a place at Hampden to face Hearts as Ross County’s cup dream crashed to an end. Kettlewell said: “To be honest, I think we’re all a bit frustrated with ourselves really because difficult one for me to sit here and say that I didn’t feel that there was loads between the sides, Hibs have won the game 3-0. I think when you play in a quarter-final tie against a team that’s a couple divisions above you and your goalkeeper makes one save in the game, and you’ve lost three goals, that probably tells the story itself.” He added: “That we really shot ourselves in the foot, we know they’ve got good players that don’t need much encouragement. We know that they’re a good side that doesn’t need any encouragement and I just felt the nature of the goals typified what the cup tie was essentially. The Ross County boss refused to use any excuses, insisting that they only have themselves to blame and can’t blame the referee, conditions or opponents. The Ross County manager side: “We can’t blame referee’s, we can blame opposition, conditions, pitch, or anything. That’s on us but heard a lot of managers say that it’s evolution and a lot of new signings and all the rest of it. We’ve got 9,10,11 new signings. That is no excuse for me. I think we’ve shown that we’re a better side than what we’ve did in stages today. Kettlewell pin-pointed his frustration to walking away empty handed and the aim was to not concede in the opening 15-20 minutes. He said after being asked on the frustration of getting nothing: “Yeah, it is and as I say, I think if you can get 15, 20 minutes into the game and I think there was nothing in the first eight minutes as ridiculous as that sounds when you concede an early goal but if we can get 15, 20 minutes, we can start to flash your teeth defensively. If we can show that we’re getting a handle of what they’re trying to throw at us, then nervous energy can be an amazing thing especially in cup ties, there might be moments of discontent of the Hibs supporters.” He added: “There might be a bit of doubt in their players but I didn’t ever feel we let it get to that stage, so it is a disappointment. I feel that we’ve got more in our dressing room and I think that we’ve shown that already this season.” Ross County need to quickly put this defeat to the side as they have a massive clash with Queen of the South on Tuesday in a game which could put the Staggies to the top of the league.
“A real professional performance” – Gray as Hibs Return to Hampden
David Gray shows his delight in the performance as Hibs return to the National Stadium. Hibs defeated Ross County 4-0 in Dingwall as Hibs return to Hampden Park, joining Hearts and Aberdeen as well as the winner of Rangers v Celtic tomorrow afternoon. David Gray said: “I thought that, I mentioned that a wee bit recently the last couple of games, much more like us, much more aggressive, I asked the players to really give the opposition a fright to show why we are a Premier League side, we did a verry good one at that, we put it all together, I thought it was a real professional performance with all the pressure going into the game, we know its a Premier League side against on paper, a league one side, I never once said that because I do believe that they are a very good side with a vey experienced manager, experienced players that played at much a higher level. So, it was always going to be a difficult tie.” Gray added: “Today was all about making sure you’re in the next round of the cup, we’re not getting carried away. I’m not thinking that everything’s great. It’s very much so a massive pat on the back for the players because of the pressure they they were under this week to make sure we delivered and bounced back and most importantly sent the club back to Hampden to a semi-final which is something that’s alluded to as a manager in the last couple of seasons.” Gray was asked whether players who didn’t feature in Dingwall on whether they will be back in time for Tuesday against Kilmarnock as well as the overall squad. Gray said: “It’s probably too early to say. It’s day by day with Marco really because he, him and Granty [Grant Hanley] are the two that we’re needing at this moment in time. You look at the end there Jason [Kerr] was limping a bit at the end Jack Iredale struggling a bit not with a lot of minutes so we’re a lot thin defensively but at the same time, same as today you just have to make sure you get on with it, recover the boys as quick as you can.” The Hibs boss added: “Jordan Obita won’t be back, Jordan Smith won’t be back until after the International break. Jamie McGrath will be touch and go between now and the International break but at the same time as we demonstrated today, you need everybody in your squad, it benefits having so many fixtures we had the boys are fit that have been playing and we’re going to need a big push now for the final week and then we can get a breather after that.” Hibs have a busy week ahead where they host Kilmarnock on Tuesday evening before welcoming Aberdeen to Leith on Saturday.
Martindale in for “as long as needed” as Livingston resume managerial search
Livingston interim manager David Martindale has insisted his return to the dugout is strictly temporary. However, he admits he does “miss coaching” as he prepares his side for Friday evening’s trip to Cappielow. The Lions confirmed the dismissal of manager Glenn Whelan after just nine games on Sunday, following a disappointing Championship start featuring two wins and three defeats. Martindale, who spent six years as manager before stepping into a sporting director role in January, stepped back into the dugout to give the board breathing room in their search for a successor. “I will step in as long as needed, but this isn’t something I’m looking to do in the long term, I’ve made that crystal clear,” Martindale said. “That ship’s sailed. I miss coaching, but long-term, I think we need to be looking elsewhere rather than Davie Martindale. “It probably buys us a wee bit of time to try and bring someone in so there’s no panic or immediate knee-jerk reaction.” Addressing the decision behind the early managerial change, Martindale highlighted the pressure and high expectations surrounding the club’s promotion push. “The expectation from ownership is that they want to win this league, and we’re all well aware that the start hasn’t been good enough,” he explained. “We were pretty keen to try and get to at least matchday nine, where everyone has played each other once, and then reassess. S “Sitting fifth in the league after losing three out of five games isn’t where we want to be. Dropping points against part-time teams, who have been magnificent to be fair, probably added a wee bit of fuel to the fire as well.” As the club begins its recruitment process, Martindale revealed that Livingston plan to “cast the net a wee bit wider” to find their next head coach. “We have a really strong knowledge base when it comes to UK football,” Martindale added. “You could ask me about almost any domestic league, and I can give you information or make a quick phone call. “European football is a little bit different, though. We need to bring in expertise and experience in different markets compared to the ones we’ve traditionally looked at.” Livingston face bottom side Greenock Morton on Friday evening, looking to break a two match winless run, and reignite their Championship campaign.
Napoli Give McTominay Update as Scotland Star Prepares for Heart Surgery
Napoli have confirmed that Scotland international Scott McTominay is not expected to return to action until mid-October as he prepares to undergo heart surgery. The procedure, which is scheduled to take place in London in the coming days, will correct a mild benign arrhythmia. Following surgery, the midfielder will enter a carefully managed recovery period before returning to full training and competitive action. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna provided an update on McTominay’s condition during an interview with DAZN, outlining the expected timeline for his return .”It will take 28 days to regain sporting fitness because he will be taking anticoagulant medication,” said Manna. “For two weeks, the player will rest before gradually resuming competitive activity without contact.” McTominay’s last appearance came in Napoli’s 2-1 home defeat to Como on 30 August, where he started and played 56 minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. While no definitive return date has been set, the Scotland star could miss Champions League clashes against Villarreal and Bodø/Glimt during his recovery. The 29-year-old has become one of Napoli’s most influential players since joining from Manchester United. He has registered 27 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the club’s 2024/25 Serie A title triumph. His outstanding performances were recognised with the Serie A Player of the Year award, underlining his importance to Antonio Conte’s side. Despite his long-term significance to the club, discussions over a contract extension have yet to reach a breakthrough. McTominay currently has two years remaining on his deal, although Napoli are eager to secure his future beyond that. Addressing the situation, Manna said: “McTominay’s contract renewal? Scott says he doesn’t know at this time whether he will renew. He has a two-year contract, we want to do it, and he wants to do it too. It’s not always easy to make everything align, but we’re working on it.” The midfielder will be unavailable for the nation’s opening four UEFA Nations League fixtures against Switzerland, North Macedonia and Slovenia, with Sébastien Pocognoli beginning his tenure at the helm of the national team without one of Scotland’s most experienced and influential players.
Simo Valakari Delighted For Josh Fowler After Two Goals to Defeat Hibs
Simo Valakari has expressed his delight for the St Johnstone number nine after netting a brace in their 2-1 win over Hibs. Josh now has four goals to his name for the Perth side with Fowler now sitting as top-goal-scorer in the Scottish Premiership after grabbing a double yesterday afternoon. It took 17 minutes for Fowler to get his first before Nathan Lowe equalised for the visitors before and calm penalty by Fowler sealed the win for the newly promoted side. Valakari said: “Josh is showing that he can score goals at this level. I have never doubted that – and Josh himself never doubted that. Of course, strikers live for goals and when you score them you get so much confidence. “But I always say that, in our team, our strikers need to work so hard without the ball. They’re our first line of defence. We go down as a team if we don’t do that. Josh has been working so hard on that side of the game, which pleases me as much.” Simo Valakari is verry with his side’s display as the side from Edinburgh controlled the second 45 but St Johnstone did ever so well to hold on to all three points. He added: “It was a good win and an important win,” said Valakari. “I think there was everything across the 90 minutes. In the first half we played some excellent football, progressing our passes and were very solid. “In the second half we had to show the other side of our game – this grittiness and readiness to put our bodies on the line and block shots. And Toby (Steward) had to make a couple of big saves.” St Johnstone leap-frog Hibs into seventh place with seven points on the board following a solid start to the season but thing’s are certainly set to get a whole lot tougher as Celtic are in town on Wednesday evening before having the weekend off.