Simo Valakari agrees contract extension
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari has signed a contract extension, which will see him remain at St Johnstone until the summer of 2029. The 52-year-old, who joined The Saints in October 2024, has guided them to 1st place in the Championship, with over half of the season gone, 5 points above Partick Thistle in 2nd place. The Perth outfit have scored 43 goals in 21 games, 10 more than any other side in the division and have also conceded the least, conceding 17. St Johnstone owner Adam Webb stated: “Since arriving in Perth, Simo has played a key role in driving standards on and off the pitch, embedding a clear footballing identity and demonstrating a strong commitment to our family club. “This new contract is not just a reward for recent progress, but a statement of trust and shared ambition. We believe in the direction we are heading, and stability is a crucial part of building long-term success. “His leadership, work ethic and connection with players, staff, supporters and the local community is exemplary, and we’re all looking forward to continuing this journey together.”
Dundee remain interested in Donovan
Dundee, who were close to signing 19-year-old Colby Donovan last window, are still keeping tabs on the right-back. Steven Pressley was keen on bringing the youngster to Dens and had a deal lined up in the summer, but an injury to Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston meant the deal did not happen. It’s understood that The Dark Blues will make an approach for the Scot, should Celtic show any sign of letting him out. Donovan has made 9 appearances for the Glasgow outfit so far in the Premiership, with 4 of those being starts. The Dees have been active in the January window, bringing in 21-year-old forward Joe Bevan, and Steven Pressley wants to add a left-back, a right-back, and could also look to bring in another midfielder on top of that.
Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview
Arsenal return to North London on Thursday night where they will welcome champions Liverpool to the Emirates. The previous meeting between these sides came at the end of August, where Dominik Szoboszlai’s fantastic free kick was the difference. In the two meetings between these sides last season, there was nothing to separates them, with both games ending in a 2-2 draw. In the first meeting, which took place in North London, Arsenal found themselves in front on two occasions, however, Arne Slot’s side responded twice to secure a point. In the other meeting, it was Arsenal who fought back. Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz both found net in the space of a minute, but second-half goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli secured Mikel Arteta’s side a point. Arsenal come into this fixture off the back of a narrow 3-2 win against Bournemouth away from home. Within 10 minutes, Evanilson pounced on an uncharacteristic Gabriel mistake to give the hosts the lead, but just over 5 minutes later, Gabriel scored an equaliser. Into the second period, Declan Rice scored a brace to put Arsenal in a commanding 3-1 lead, however, that deficit was reduced shortly after when Junior Kroupi found the net with a screamer from outside the area, but in the end it was only a consolation for Bournemouth, who have now failed to win in their last 11 attempts. With results going in their favour, Arsenal now sit 6 points ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa, going into Thursday night’s blockbuster clash. Liverpool come into the fixture off the back of a 2-2 draw away against Fulham. Liverpool found what they thought was the winner in the 94th minute, when Cody Gakpo got on the end of a Jeremie Frimpong cross to convert from close range, however, in the 7th minute of additional time, Harrison Reed scored an absolute screamer to give the hosts a point. Arsenal have made the Emirates a fortress this season. In their 13 matches at home, the Gunners have won 13, drawn 2, and in that run, scored 38 and only conceded 7. On the other hand, Liverpool don’t have a great record on the road so far this league campaign. The Merseyside outfit have won 4, drawn 2 and lost 4 on their travels. Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice: “Declan Rice is constantly adding things to his game. He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team. “I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. So, yeah, he’s such a pivotal player for us.” Arne Slot on Arsenal: “We look at that game [at Anfield in August] as well but that was the start, with new players for both teams, we did well defensively that game and you need to do well defensively to even have a chance to win it. Of course the fans help but our away fans will be a big help for us as well. We watch that August game but Arsenal have played a few others since then. Under Mikel, it is the same so much with some new things but we can expect a similar team and way of playing. Their fans will be up for it. They are top, incredible team and manager, so they look forward to this but so do we.”
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.
