Steven Pressley on Luke Graham interest
Dundee defender Luke Graham has been attracting interest from several clubs within Scotland and down south. Scottish sides Hearts and Aberdeen and English Championship sides Portsmouth, Sheffield United and QPR have all been linked with the 21-year-old. The Scottish centre-back, who has started 20 of Dundee’s 21 Premiership matches this season, has received significant praise from his gaffer, who stated: “Any interest wouldn’t surprise me because I think Luke’s been exceptional, Steven stated. Especially over the last two or three months, he’s really grown in stature. “Although I don’t deal with these things, I would imagine it would take a big offer for a club like us to part with him. I think that when I look around at centre-backs, young centre-backs, he’s one of the top ones out there. “He’s played games in men’s football, which is the biggest developer for a young player. His last two or three months suggest to me that he’s moved on to another level. It’s never easy to say, but when I look at the talent out there, he’s as good as anything.”
Neil McCann Announced as New Kilmarnock Manager
Kilmarnock have announced former Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann as their new manager on a one-and-a-half-year contract. The 51-year-old has replaced Stuart Kettlewell who left the post on the 15th of December following a 10-match run without a win, a run that has now stretched to 14. McCann who had a glittering playing career winning major honours at both Tynecastle and Ibrox takes his third managerial job after previously working at both Dundee and Inverness Caley Thistle. McCann has also worked as an assistant coach at both Dunfermline Athletic and most recently when he worked under Barry Ferguson at Rangers at the end of last season. Billy Dodds will join McCann as his assistant after also working at Rangers last season, tasked with the job of saving Killie’s season. Both have spent long periods in-between coaching jobs working as pundits on BBC Sport Scotland TV and Radio programmes, respectively. Kilmarnock currently sit in 11th place with 13 points from 21 games, just four points above bottom place Livingston. The first game is a massive one for the new Killie coaching team as they face Livingston away in a real relegation 6-pointer which will clearly be seen as a must win for both teams. A cup game at home to Dundee then three league fixtures away to Motherwell, at home to Aberdeen, then away to Rangers fills out the rest of the next five games for Killie meaning it’s far from being an easy start to life at Rugby park for the new coaching staff. Killie have only spent one season outside the topflight since 1993, that being the 2021-22 season where Derek McInnes gained promotion straight back to the Scottish Premiership and McCann and Dodds will be desperate not to take the club back down.
Thelin has stated that he “accepts” his fate following the decision to end his time in the North-East.
The Swede enjoyed a historic high during his tenure, leading Aberdeen to Scottish Cup glory with a memorable victory over holders Celtic at the national stadium. However, despite that success, his spell in the Granite City has now come to an end. Thelin met with the Aberdeen board — Dave Cormack, Allan Burrows and Lutz Pfannenstiel — to formally conclude his departure, as the club begins its search for a sixth manager in the space of just four years. It is fair to say Thelin was backed financially, with significant investment made in Bilalovic, Milanovic and highly rated youngster Mitchell Frame. However, none were able to consistently live up to expectations. Peter Leven will take interim charge alongside Craig Hinchliffe for the upcoming double-header next week, where Aberdeen will face Rangers at Ibrox. Thelin said: “Today my time as manager at Aberdeen comes to an end. It is with great respect for this historic Club that I accept this decision. “Results ultimately decide the tenure of this profession, and as such I take my share of responsibility. “I believe wholly in the work that was done; however, football doesn’t always allow time for belief to become results. I would like to thank the players for their commitment and effort during my time as their coach, and the staff who worked every day with loyalty and pride. “I would also like to thank the supporters. Your passion for your team never waivers, even in disappointment. “Aberdeen will forever be a part of my journey, and it has been an honour to lead this great Club and share that memorable day together at Hampden. “I leave wishing success to everyone involved both on and off the pitch.” Chairman Dave Cormack added: “In wishing Jimmy and Christer the very best for the future I want to thank them for delivering our first Scottish Cup win in 35 years last May. “These memories will last a lifetime, and Jimmy will be forever etched into Aberdeen’s history for delivering such a special day for our supporters, as only one of six Aberdeen managers to win the Scottish Cup in our storied 122-year history. “However, after significant investment in recent windows, we have not kicked on in the way we hoped or expected following that success. We have tried to give the situation as much time as possible, but recent performances have been significantly below the standards we expect, and we believe it is now right to take a different direction.”
Jimmy Thelin sacked following a disappointing league campaign so far
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has been shown the exit door following a very poor season for Aberdeen this season as the Dons sit eighth in the Premiership. It is confirmed that it’s over for the Swedish boss as his time in the granite city has came to an end. Jimmy Thelin joined the Dons from Elfsborg back in 2024. Jimmy started off the best he could’ve hoped going on an 11 game unbeaten streak including a win over Rangers and coming back from 2-0 away to Celtic to level the game to 2-2. The Dons then went on a poor run of form which began with a 6-0 battering at Hampden against Celtic. In the League, Aberdeen went 14 games without a win which came as a shock following their exceptional league start. Just after the Christmas period, Aberdeen looked a lot better as they managed to see out wins again but some heavy defeats also. Aberdeen did book a place in the Scottish Cup Semi-finals as they defeated Hearts where they had a chance for silverware against the holders, Celtic. Aberdeen did manage to end their 35-year run without winning the Scottish Cup as a penalty shootout victory earned Aberdeen the proudest moment in recent times. Although, this season hasn’t brought the same emotions as it’s been a pretty dull campaign so far. Aberdeen were dumped out the Europa League by FCSB which they gained Conference League football but really struggled as they ended the campaign 35th out of 36 teams with 0 wins on the board. They also fell short in the Scottish League Cup to Motherwell after a 1-0 defeat at Pittodrie. Aberdeen sit 8th in the League after 20 games with 7 wins, 4 draws and 9 defeats. Thelin has now matched former Dons boss, Barry Robson’s win percentage at 42%. It is also noted Jimmy Thelin had offered his resignation twice back in November as it is set to be game over for Jimmy Thelin tonight.
Light at the end of the tunnel as Hamilton Accies complete takeover
Hamilton have today announced the takeover by Morley Sports Management Group after recent struggles. MSMG have taken 97.5% of the shares at the League One side taking the shares from Seref Zengin. Hamilton Accies have also confirmed that trio; Rob Edwards, Neil Blankstone and Allan Currie will take the hot seat as the board members at Hamilton. Rob Edwards and Neil Blankstone have been assigned as directors with Allan Currie being in interim chairman. Marley Sports Management is an investment and management team within the sports industry. The group works with Welsh outfit, Haverford West County FC. The team are also owners at American based Ohio Valley Wresting in Kentucky. Edwards took over the Welsh club in 2020 which have went on to be a dominant side in Wales competing in UEFA competitions in recent years. Neil has 40-years’ experience to his name as a top Investment manager as well as Allan Currie who in past times was the boss of Inward Investment within Scotland. In recent years, Hamilton have been forced to battle many storms with point deductions, stadium changes and relegations being thrown at Hamilton. The players were also set to go on strike during their game yesterday with East Fife but was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Exciting times ahead for the Hamilton support as they look to rise once again.
Aberdeen showing interest in young Dundee defender following impressive season so far
Aberdeen are believed to be keen on Dundee centre-back, Luke Graham as Jimmy Thelin insists, he’s keen to reinforce their backline. The 21-year-old began his career in Perth playing for the St Johnstone academy before making a short move to the Dundee youth academy in his early days. In 2021, he was given loan spell at SJFA Midlands League side, Lochee United in the sixth tier of Scottish Football to gain some valuable minutes as his age 16. The 2004 born defender made a loan move to Albion Rovers the following season being a critical player for Albion Rovers. After the impressive loan spell, Graham went on loan to League One outfit, Montrose making 27 appearances at Links Park. Graham was then sent out on loan to Falkirk in League One helping the Bairns to promotion to the Championship where he re-joins John McGlynn’s side on loan before being re-called midway through his spell in the Championship which Falkirk did make it back to the top-flight. So far this season, the Dundee youth prospect has made 23 appearances for the Dees picking up two goals along the way. Luke has also made five appearances for the Scotland U21s where he also grabbed his first International goal. Luke Graham has played the full 90 in all his last 13 outings and has helped Dundee pick up three consecutive wins for the first time in 11 years. With his impressive form at Dens so far this campaign, a move up North to Aberdeen could be on the cards with Jimmy Thelin interested in the young Scottish defender.
Jimmy Thelin feels his squad must “drop egos” following their 1-0 defeat at Falkirk yesterday.
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin feels the squad have an issue with their egos which must drop quickly. Aberdeen were defeated 1-0 away to Falkirk yesterday in which was a very flat performance by Aberdeen where the Dons boss has slammed some players for their ‘egos’. Dons boss Jimmy Thelin said: “I won’t talk much about the game, but more about ourselves. The desire, there’s too many individual decisions. “Football is more than technique and systems. It’s how you act on the football pitch. It’s about responsibility. We’ve been here before, we’ve bounced back, but now we’re back some steps again. “Even if you don’t have the perfect game, it should always feel like we give the fans everything, and right now we aren’t doing that. That’s not good enough. “I’m the manager, I’m responsible, but sometimes the players have to look in the mirror and know what football is about. “We had some good crosses today but we weren’t close to using these opportunities. We have to drop our egos and play much better as a team. “The second half, we start okay but in these small situations, the opponents win. We get beat, and down in these moments. We have to change this mentality.” This comes after Aberdeen were defeated 1-0 by the Bairns as pressure continues to ramp on Jimmy Thelin. Aberdeen are currently winless in their last five as the Dons slump down to eighth in the Scottish Premiership. In the Falkirk defeat, the Dons boss went for the back four for the first time this season after using a back three for the majority of the season so far. Aberdeen didn’t manage to pull off a single shot on target during their tight defeat at Falkirk. Jimmy added: He said: “We changed system and it didn’t work so well in the first half, although it was a little bit better in the second. “However, there were moments in the Hibs game (2-0 loss) and this one where there is too much ego. “When the ref doesn’t give us a free-kick we stop playing but we have to fight, fight, fight much more in the games to be more competitive. “We have talked about this before and we went on to be better. “But now we have dropped back again. “We have to change this otherwise it is so, so difficult to win football games.” The Aberdeen boss now has a win rate percentage of just 42% which is now the same as Barry Robson who was eventually sacked and most recently sacked by Scottish Championship side, Raith Rovers. Aberdeen have a very tough week ahead as they travel to Ibrox to face Rangers on Tuesday before the host Rangers again on Sunday at Pittodrie.
Dundee leave with the bragging rights in a tight victory over Dundee United
Dundee defeat Dundee United through a first half strike by Ashley Hay in the Dundee derby. Dundee United had a great early chance but Max Watters blocking his team-mates strike preventing the hosts firing ahead. Keresztes almost had Dundee United ahead, a header from close range but being tipped over by Jon McCracken in goals. Dundee nearly went ahead, a wonderful free-kick into the box by Dhanda but Koumetio flashed his header just wide of goal to keep the match goalless. A very end-to-end start but neither side able to break the deadlock. Both sides looking really lively in the early stages with challenges flying in. Dundee had a major chance to fire ahead, Graham with a ball into the back post which was met by Koumetio who took an extra touch which rattled the side netting. Moments on, Dundee should’ve scored again as Yogane smashed a ball in but Astley who took the shot fired well over. Dundee were awarded a dangerous free-kick just outside the box after a foul on Yogane, Yan Dhanda took the strike on but smashed into the wall which fell to Congreve who fired into the stands. Camara unleashed a strike from distance following a throw-in but his effort fires too high. Sapsford had a chance after 35 mins, a strike from close range which was spilt by McCracken with Watters racing to the ball but McCracken managing to save himself and collect the ball. Ashley Hay was close for Dundee, a strike from distance which flew high and wide despite Congreve being wide and open on the right-hand side. Dundee went ahead late first half, a darting run by Ashley Hay who found himself through on goal which struck it past Dave Richards to put the visitors in front. Into the second half, the home side started to show signs of a goal as Camara from distance took on a strike which was blocked. After brilliant play, Fatah had a chance from the flank but his effort was too high to cause any issues. Despite Dundee United dominating, Dundee were unlucky not to double the advantage, Jones from the edge of the box well stopped with goal-scorer, Hay striking the follow-up but a good stop by Richards. Camara had a massive chance inside the box with his volley being well blocked which was eventually cleared. Luca Stephenson had a fantastic chance, a tame effort from close range which looked to be set to go in but McCracken was down well to deny the ex-Liverpool man. Sapsford shortly later should’ve had the game level, Fatah with a pass into the striker who didn’t unleash first time making it a simple stop for the Dundee number one. Poor play by both Keresztes and Sibbald allowed young Finlay Robertson in but his effort being stopped by Dave Richards in goal which could’ve easily been the nail in the coffin in this game. Dundee regained the bragging rights with after edging past United with a late first-half strike by Ashley Hay for the visitors. A deserved victory in the derby for Dundee as they pick up a valuable three points on their short travel across the road. Dundee United: Richards (6), Esselink (6), Iovu (6), Camara (7), Sapsford (6), Ferry (6), Sibbald (5), Fatah (7), Stephenson (7), Keresztes (7), Watters (7). Substitutes: Graham (6), Trapanovski (6), Stirton (6), Dolcek (6). Dundee: McCracken (7), Astley (7), Koumetio(7), Wright (7), Hay (9), Yogane (8), Congreve (7), Dhanda (8), Graham (7), Jones (7), Hamilton (7). Substitutes: F. Robertson (7), Samuels (6), Digby (6).
St Johnstone vs Arbroath – Match Preview
St Johnstone and Arbroath go head-to-head this weekend in a huge encounter at the top of the Scottish Championship. These sides have met twice already this campaign. St Johnstone won the first encounter 3-0 at McDiarmid Park. Jack Baird, Jason Holt and Stephen Mallan got the goals for the hosts. However, in the most recent meeting, Arbroath won 3-1. Joshua McPake scored for the visitors inside 5 minutes, but Arbroath scored 3 goals in 11 minutes to secure the 3 points. Findlay Marshall scored a brace and Gavin Reilly also got on the scoresheet for Colin Hamilton’s side. St Johnstone come into this fixture off the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw against Ross County in Dingwall, who currently sit bottom of the league. Despite dropping 2 points, Partick Thistle and Arbroath both drew as well, so the Perth outfit remain 5 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship. In their last outing, Arbroath drew 1-1 at home to Airdrieonians, who sit second bottom. Arbroath broke the deadlock on 66 minutes through Arran Pettifer, but after being reduced to 10-men after Jack Wilkie was sent off with 10 minutes of normal time to go, Lewis Strapp found the equaliser for the visitors. Neither side above Arbroath have gained any ground on them, so as a result, Colin Hamilton’s side remain 4 points behind Partick Thistle in 2nd and 9 points behind their opponents for this weekend St Johnstone. The hosts for this weekend have scored the most goals so far in the Scottish Championship, by a healthy margin. Simo Valakari’s side have found the net 42 times, 12 more than Patrick Thistle who have scored the second most. Arbroath sit 15 behind on 27 goals scored. In terms of goals conceded, St Johnstone have conceded the fewest with 17. The Red Lichties have conceded 24 thus far. St Johnstone forward Joshua McPake is leading the way in terms of goals in the Scottish Championship. The 24-year-old Scotsman has 13 goals in only 19 games and has also provided 2 assists. Arbroath’s top scores so far this campaign is on loan midfielder Findlay Marshall. The 19-year-old Scotsman has made a massive impact in a short period of time. In the league, Marshall has 8 goals and has also provided 2 assists. Jason Holt’s reaction to St Johnston’s draw against Ross County: “We showed a different side to ourselves. It felt like we weren’t as free-flowing or smooth as in previous weeks, but we do need to show different sides to ourselves because no game in this league is going to be the same. “There are times you need to battle and earn the right to play first, which was probably the case on Saturday. “It was a tough game and I thought Ross County battled well. In the second half, I felt we were more in the ascendency and controlled larger spells of the game. “We had a few good chances that, on another day, we could have scored. We’re disappointed not to win the game but, when you strip it back, it could be an important point for us.”
Nancy urges patience amid growing pressure
Wilfried Nancy has indicated that he will need to be given the appropriate time to flourish during recent press conference. Nancy has gotten off to an abysmal start as Celtic boss with only two wins to his name after seven matches, but the Frenchman insists that he has been judged far too quickly. And with another defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday evening, the pressure is building rapidly, and supporters will be quick to express their emotions if they fail to get anything from this weekend’s Old Firm derby. Today, during Nancy’s press conference, which lasted an astonishing 25 minutes, he was clear that the criticism has come thick and fast, but believes there is more to come from his side. He said: “Give me time and you’re going to see what I do. You can already see what I did before because I didn’t start yesterday. I’m going to be a liar if I say, everything is happy, everything is good. No, it’s not the case, but I knew that before. “That’s why I’m calm during all the questions you ask me. I’m not pleased to hear people don’t like me, but they have the right to say it because in terms of results, this is not what we want. Tomorrow is a big game. But the context is that I’ve only had 13 training sessions with my team. Usually, we have four weeks of pre-season. “It’s totally normal that you guys kill me, I’m fine with that because I know where I want to go. Judge me in a few weeks or months. If you want to judge me now, you can do it. I didn’t have the results we wanted; it’s a fact, I cannot deny that.” Nancy’s appointment was made with a long-term plan, but the early weeks of his reign have been far from good enough. He expresses that the lack of time on the training ground has had an impact on how he implements his ideas to the squad. But the visit of rivals Rangers, now feels a must win, and Nancy will know that if he can snatch anything from this fixture it would offer some sort of confidence to himself and the team, while on the other hand a defeat would only add to the pressure on his position.
