“We Believe 100% That We Can Do It” – Tony Watt on Premiership Promotion Push
Partick Thistle striker Tony Watt has faith that he and his teammates will secure promotion to the Premiership on Monday night. The Maryhill club drew with St. Mirren 1-1 at Firhill in the first leg of the Premiership playoff, and go into the second leg on level terms thanks to a fantastic assist provided by Watt for Aidan Fitzpatrick’s equaliser. And the 32-year-old has taken belief from his side’s spirited second half performance that they can make Partick Thistle a Premiership team for the first time since 2018. “Yeah absolutely, we believe 100% that we can do it and I bet St. Mirren are the same.” Watt said post-match. “We showed a good account of ourselves second half, we changed the shape, we got a bit more control of the game and we’ve got 11 boys in the pitch, we’ve got a lot on the bench and we’ve got a coaching staff that know the game and can change it. “We were probably against the tide a wee bit in the first half and we changed it at half-time and I thought we were a better team second half.” Watt, who had a loan spell at St. Mirren in 2023, joined Mark Wilson’s side last summer and says that conversations with him from when he first signed gave him assurance that a promotion push was manageable. “I genuinely thought we could go and win the league when I was having conversations with the manager about signing. “I seen the squad and I knew he was going to sign and I know his budget was small but I knew he was going to work on a lot of stuff but nobody really gave us a chance. “Everybody kind of predicted us fifth, sixth, maybe even seventh, I think with all the turmoil behind the scenes at the club, and I think everybody’s chipped in, including the cup runs, including the league, including everything to help the club get to a better place. “Long may it continue, it’s a fantastic club, it deserves to be in a good place.” The former Scotland international has won the Premiership with Celtic and the Championship with Dundee United, but says earning promotion with Thistle could surpass both of those achievements. “I genuinely think number one, I think it would be probably the pinnacle. “I won the league at Celtic, who were my boyhood club, but Celtic were going to win the league that year, without me they’d have won it. “Dundee United was massive, I loved that, we were probably expected to win it but this year the expectation’s been on everybody else and we probably weren’t even tipped to be in the play-offs, “So look, it’s a straight shootout on Monday and we put ourselves in the race and it would probably be number one.”
“I Thought I Was a Bit of a Roy Keane, But Now I’m Turning Into Robbie!” – Phillips on Forward Deployment
St. Mirren’s Killian Phillips is embracing being deployed as a striker after scoring his side’s only goal in a 1-1 draw away to Partick Thistle in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership relegation playoff. The Irish international, who normally plays in centre midfield, has scored two in his last two appearances, which has seen him used as an attacker in both. And the 24-year-old joked that he has began transitioning from one Irish Keane to another. “It’s the business end of the season where anything goes, and look if it’s going to help the team I’ll play anywhere” Phillips said on the decision to play him up front. “It’s probably something that he [Craig McLeish] noticed in training. I don’t mind, I grew up playing football on the roads, so I think I can play anywhere on the pitch, and I think I’ve shown that. “I thought I was a bit of a Roy Keane, but now I’m turning into Robbie a little bit! My celebration isn’t as good!” Phillips scored the opener in the first half with a composed outside of the boot finish, but it would be cancelled out by an Aidan Fitzpatrick tap-in on the hour mark. The former Crystal Palace man however did not underestimate the challenge of the side in the division below. “They’re a very good side, they’re unbeaten at home, so we know how much of a fortress this is for them. “It’s level again, coming into our gaff, and I’m sure they’ll [St. Mirren fans] will be bouncing. “I think both sets of fans were unbelievable, it was rocking. They have a great set of fans here and it was bouncing, and I’m sure the SMISA will be bouncing next week. “I think we need to start well, I think that’s very important. We need to probably control the game a little bit more at times as well. “They’ll have spells where they’re on top and I think we need to nullify that. Tonight we probably didn’t do that as well as we’ve done through the season.” St. Mirren host Partick Thistle in the return leg this Monday night as Partick Thistle aim to redeem their playoff heartache of 2023.
Thomas Tuchel Announces England World Cup Squad
England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of many big names to be left at home, as well as Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has earned his seat on the plane despite not featuring for the Three Lions since June last year, and Spurs’ right-back Djed Spence has been trusted ahead of Alexander-Arnold despite breaking his jaw on Tuesday. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire broke the news last night that he would not be in the squad, letting his social media followers aware that he was ‘shocked and gutted’ of Tuchel’s decision. The likes of Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah have been preferred to the former Red Devils captain. The squad in full: GOALKEEPERS: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City) DEFENDERS: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City) MIDFIELDERS: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) FORWARDS: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munchen), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Partick Thistle 1-1 St. Mirren: Playoff Remains in Balance After First Leg Spoils Shared
Partick Thistle came from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw against St. Mirren in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership promotion/relegation playoff at Firhill. It was the Paisley Saints first time in this playoff since they defeated Dundee United on penalties in 2019, and Thistle’s first time getting this far since the infamous trip to Dingwall in 2023 when they fell short to a Ross County comeback in the final 20 minutes of the tie. It leaves the tie with everything to play for going into Monday night’s fixture at the Smisa Stadium, which will be as raucous at the capacity crowd at the Wire Stadium this evening. Aidan Fitzpatrick attempted to capitalise on the electric home atmosphere inside the first ten minutes, cutting on to his right foot and causing the St. Mirren defender to slip. His curled effort though, just wide. Scotland international Allan Campbell seen his name in the back of the paper moments later when a Killian Phillips’, who had been deployed as a striker, chested ball fell to him at the edge of the box, but the midfielder sliced the volley as Josh Clarke watched it sail over his crossbar. Irishman Phillips had a big chance of his own on 21 minutes when he received the ball in space after a well-worked St. Mirren move, but his effort was deflected wide. And just three minutes later, Thistle fashioned a big chance of their own. Alex Samuel pounced on a slack header from Richard King and was just about to stab an effort towards goal. However, it was saved by Ross Sinclair and ricocheted back off of the Welsh forward, trickling wide. The deadlock would be broken six minutes before half time through for the visitors by makeshift forward Phillips. The 24-year-old received the ball from strike partner Mikael Mandron, and put it beyond Clarke with the outside of his right boot to give the Premiership side the 1-0 lead. The hosts had a glaring opportunity from a Fitzpatrick corner to pull level just before the interval as his in swinging ball landed to an unmarked Lee Ashcroft. The Thistle captain was unable to steer his header on target from six yards out, letting the Paisley opposition away with one. The second period certainly began more nervy than the first, with on loan St. Mirren goalkeeper almost gifting Fitzpatrick a goal had the 25-year-old been able to control his poor kick out inside the opening minute of the half. And seven minutes later, Clarke of the Jags’ net inexplicably lost the ball in a shoulder-to-shoulder with physical forward Mandron in his own penalty box. With the angle tight, the Frenchman found Campbell, but the former Motherwell man’s chip attempt came nowhere near scoring. Fitzpatrick would make reprieve himself a moment after the hour mark when he tapped the ball into an empty net thanks to Tony Watt’s hard-work to get the ball in from the right hand side. It is the sixth time the Scot has found the back of the net this season, bringing his side level to 1-1 at a point when tensions were beginning to rise amongst the Jackie Husband and John Lambie stands. And the Thistle academy graduate should really have been made provider with 12 minutes of play remaining, when his tantalising ball zipped passed everyone across the six-yard box, needing just a mere touch from anyone to put the Maryhill team ahead but there was nobody home. Partick hit the post in the final minute of injury time to give their guests a scare, but the linesman’s flag was up for offside. The Championship side have their biggest chance to earn promotion since their capitulation in Dingwall three years ago, this time only facing a short journey down the M8 for a return trip to the promised land. As for St. Mirren, they will be doing everything to ensure the do not tarnish their League Cup winning season with the blemish of relegation and maintain their Premiership status for a ninth consecutive season. PARTICK THISTLE: Clarke 5, Reading 6, Ashcroft 5, Samuel 7, Chalmers 3 (Lets’osa 46’ 3), Crawford 6, McBeth 4 (Turner 80’ 1), Fitzpatrick 9 (Mackay-Steven 88’ 1), Loughrey 5 , McPherson 4 (Logan 59’ 2), Watt 7 SAINT MIRREN: Sinclair 5, Tanser 5, King 3 (Richardson 70’ 1), O’Hara 4 (Douglas 64’ 2), Devaney 6, Mandron 6, Gogic 7, Campbell 7, Freckleton 6, Fraser 5, Phillips 8 (Idowu 77’ 2)
Steve Clarke Announces Scotland World Cup Squad
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has announced his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Southampton forward Ross Stewart has earned his first call-up in four years, with the 29-year-old being preferred to the likes of Hellas Verona’s Kieron Bowie. Findlay Curtis is rewarded for his fine end to his loan spell at Kilmarnock, after the 19-year-old made his debut for the national side in March against Japan. But there is disappointment for domestic talents such as Hearts’ Harry Milne and Stuart Findlay, Falkirk’s Scott Bain and Calvin Miller, Motherwell’s Stephen Welsh who failed to make the plane, along with surprise omission Lennon Miller of Serie A side Udinese, who made 25 appearances for the Italians last campaign. GOALKEEPERS: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers) DEFENDERS: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic). MIDFIELDERS: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli). FORWARDS: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton).
Seamus Coleman to Leave Everton After 17 Years
Everton captain Seamus Coleman will leave the club at the end of this season after 17 years in Merseyside. The 37-year-old signed in 2009 from Sligo Rovers for £60,000, and has went on to play more times in the Premier League than any other Everton player in history. The Irishman has been offered a deal to stay on as part of David Moyes coaching staff, but will weigh up his options in the summer. He told Everton’s official website: “After more than 17 years at this great football club, I’ve decided this season will be my last as a player here. “I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You’ve helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I’ve always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me. I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I’ve taken your love of the Football Club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people. “I also thank my managers, teammates and all the staff at Everton. They’ve seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton Football Club. Thank you for making me a better captain and teammate. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people. “Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what’s next for me and my family. My love for Everton is something you all know about – and I’ve got a huge love for Ireland as well. “The Club have been unbelievable with me. They’ve offered me an opportunity to stay on at the Football Club. The manager and staff have been great, and I think with it being such an important decision over my future, I’m going to take a nice, long holiday and look back on what has been an amazing time as an Everton footballer.” Manager David Moyes signed Coleman in his first stint as Toffees manager, and the Scotsman spoke very highly of the man who has made 433 total appearances for Everton so far. Moyes also told the website: “It’s virtually impossible to put into words what I think of Seamus Coleman and the impact he’s had at this Club. “To represent Everton at the highest level for 17 years is a remarkable achievement and, speaking as his manager over two spells, it has been a genuine privilege to watch him grow as a player, a leader, and a man. “I know it’s going to be incredibly difficult to replace the characteristics Seamus brings to this Club. His influence behind the scenes is hard to measure and explain. He’s hugely respected by everyone, and we will miss his presence, on and off the pitch. “He deserves to have a special place in the Club’s history, but also in the hearts of every Evertonian because he embodies everything this Club stands for every time he pulls on the shirt. “I must also give huge credit to the people who were instrumental in bringing Seamus here in the first place. “To sign a player for £60,000 from Ireland, and to see him go on to make well over 400 appearances in the first-team, demonstrates just how important good recruitment is. “We wish Seamus all the very best in whatever he decides to do next, and he knows there will always be a place here for him if he chooses to return in the future.” Coleman’s farewell to the Evertonians could come in their final home clash of the season this Sunday to Sunderland, with a potential final ever appearance possibly coming away to Tottenham Hotspur the week after.
Motherwell 2-3 Celtic: Ice-Cold Kelechi Iheanacho Delivers Final Day Dogfight for Title
Celtic kept within a point of Hearts with the last kick of their 3-2 away win at Motherwell to ramp up the excitement going into the final game of the Premiership season. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to be the hero once more, netting from the spot following the awarding of a penalty that has been labelled ‘disgusting’ by Hearts’ boss Derek McInnes. The Gorgie side would have won the title tonight had Celtic lost, with Hearts cruising to a 3-0 win over Falkirk at Tynecastle. But now the title race will come to a conclusion this Saturday at Celtic Park, with Hearts knowing anything other than defeat will bring the Premiership trophy outside of Glasgow for the first time since 1985. Elliot Watt sent Fir Park and Tynecastle into raptures with his opener from the edge of the box 17 minutes in. The ball fell to the Englishman, whose effort seemed to take a knick on its way beyond Vilijami Sinisalo in the Celtic net. The message made its way East and the league leaders responded by going two goals in front, making them champions as things stood. However, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda burst through and fired home his 7th goal in five games to restore parity just before half-time, and keep the defending champions in the title picture. The Glasgow club would then go ahead just before the hour mark courtesy of a wonder goal from top scorer Benjamin Nygren. The Swede found the top corner of Calum Ward’s left hand side from a couple yards outside the box to bring his tally up to 21 for the season so far. Motherwell pushed for a way back into the game in the final quarter of an hour, and would get what many believed would be the equaliser through former Hearts youth player Liam Gordon. A stramash ensued with Sinisalo and his defence throwing themselves in front of the ball, but Gordon was in the right place at the right time to tap in to an empty net. With news coming through that Hearts were 3-0 up now against Falkirk, the Celtic faithful knew the uphill task ahead of them if they went into Saturday on the back of a draw. Yet in the final minute of added time, an Anthony Ralston throw looked to have been headed away by another former Hearts man in Sam Nicholson. Andrew Dallas recommended an on-field review, and John Beaton pointed to the spot after replays suggested to him that the midfielder had used his arm in the clearance. Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up, and calmly sent Ward the wrong way as his penalty nestled in the bottom left corner to the tune of the final whistle. Debate will rage on all the way until, and perhaps even beyond, Saturday’s title decider whether or not the penalty should have been awarded. But the story is set now. Celtic vs Hearts. One game with history on the line. A Hearts win or draw and the capital city side win their first league title since 1960. A Celtic win, and they become champions for the 56th time.
Hearts Set up Title Showdown With Celtic With Dominant Win Over Falkirk
League leaders Hearts defeated Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle on Wednesday night courtesy of goals from Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin and Blair Spittal. The Scottish Premiership title race will now be decided on the final day when Celtic face Hearts in a massive title deciding clash on Saturday lunchtime. Falkirk thought they had the lead in the opening few minutes when Dylan Tait played a well timed ball down the byline to Calvin Miller who raced onto it, before he slotted the ball beyond Alexander Schwolow, but the 28 year old was deemed to be offside, denying his side an early goal. The visitors had made a fast start to the game and were applying some early pressure onto the Hearts back line. Hearts’ first chance of the game came when Lawrence Shankland had done well to earn his team a corner, Stuart Findlay rose highest to meet it, however his header went sailing over the crossbar. The Jambos would then test Nicky Hogarth in the Falkirk goal once more, Shankland picked the ball up on the edge of the box, however his effort was tame and comfortably gathered. News broke inside Tynecastle that Motherwell were ahead against Celtic at Fir Park, Hearts didn’t waste time in responding to that as they took the lead on the half hour mark. Constant Hearts pressure was rewarded with a corner, Alexandros Kyziridis sent a high delivery into the box, which was met by Frankie Kent whose powerful header flew past Nicky Hogarth to send Tynecastle into ruptures. Hearts had all the momentum and netted a quick-fire second goal just minutes after their first. Talisman, Lawrence Shankland collected the ball with his back to goal before attempting to find Claudio Braga, Falkirk were all over the place trying to clear the ball from danger, before the ball eventually broke kindly to Cammy Devlin inside the area with his effort deflecting into the back of the net to double the Jambos lead ten minutes before the interval. The final piece of action in the opening 45 minutes was for Falkirk, Calvin Miller drove into the Hearts box, firing a shot towards goal from a tight angle which forced Alexander Schwolow to react well and tip the ball over the crossbar, Sam Hart would then send a header wide from the resulting corner. Both sides made changes at half time, Stephen Kingsley was brought on to replace Harry Milne for Hearts. Whilst Falkirk brought on Ben Parkinson and Ross MacIver for Dylan Tait and Kyrell Wilson. Hearts almost had a third goal within the opening five minutes of the second half, Alexandros Kyziridis used his pace on the right hand side to initially provide a ball into the box for his teammates but instead it would deflect onto the crossbar leaving Nicky Hogarth scrambling. Derek McInnes’ side were in control of proceedings and restricting Falkirk to very little on the ball. The hosts threatened with Stephen Kingsley sending an inch perfect cross into the box for Shankland who headed narrowly wide. Falkirk had a rare sighting of goal with twenty-five minutes remaining, Ross MacIver managed to connect with a long ball into the box before Ben Broggio scuffed his effort into the side netting. After returning from injury and scoring a crucial goal in the first half, Cammy Devlin would then leave the field to a standing ovation from all four stands in Tynecastle with Jordi Altena taking his place. After relentless pressure throughout the entirety of the second half, Hearts added a vital third goal shortly before additional time. A free kick on the right was followed by some good link-up play allowing Blair Spittal to receive the ball before striking a low strike into the far bottom corner to all but secure victory in Gorgie. Hearts now travel to Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon knowing that a draw or a win would crown them champions for the first time since 1960. Whereas Falkirk host Danny Rohl’s Rangers on Saturday with a 12:30 kick off.
Meet Dedicated Dumbarton Youngster Who Travels 500 Miles Each Week to Play
500 miles. No, not The Proclaimers most well known anthem, but instead the distance Dumbarton U14s midfielder Leah Dunn travels each week for training and matches. Dunn, from Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, plays for both Campbeltown Pupils Boys at home and Dumbarton Girls U14s, with 130 miles separating both towns. And her parents were more than happy to look into avenues far from home to help progress his daughters football career. Her father Kris said: “She’s [Leah] got dual registration, so she can play for the boy’s team. “She was part of the girl’s setup in Campbeltown, in a good wee team, but there’s no competitive football for them unfortunately in the rural areas. “So they can train, and they can go to a couple of festivals, but that is it unfortunately for the girls down there, so a lot of girls are being left behind. “So we got her into the boy’s team because there is actually a boys league, so they can play competitive football. But coinciding with that, Leah got picked up for the Scottish FA emerging talent.” Dad Kris and Mum Jen also play the role of driver, making the six-hour round trip twice a week. However, there was an occasion when daughter Leah FLEW into training! “So its 130 miles from Campbeltown to Dumbarton, so 260 mile round trip on a Wednesday and then 260 mile round trip on the Saturday night. “Two weeks ago, she actually flew up, flew up for her training! There’s actually a wee LoganAir flight that takes you from Campbeltown straight into Glasgow international, it’s quite funny!” And Leah herself is aiming higher than a LoganAir aircraft at peak altitude. “I’m 100% focused on becoming a pro footballer I want to become like my favourite footballers Caroline Weir who plays for Real Madrid and Leah Williamson who plays for Arsenal.” With Dumbarton now in the process of installing a synthetic pitch, all youth teams will soon be able to play and train at the iconic The Rock. Find Dumbarton’s website here: https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/ Find Campbeltown Pupils here: https://campbeltownpupils.co.uk/ And remember, if you have any local stories you want shared, send them to us on our socials!
Andy Halliday Set to Retire at the End of the Season
Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday will retire from professional football at the end of this season. The 34-year-old has only featured in two league games this season, but played in each of the Steelmen’s Premiership fixtures last campaign, picking up the Motherwell Players’ Player of the Year Award. With a career spanning 18 years at nine different clubs, Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, FK Gabala, Hearts and Motherwell, Halliday feels it is now the right time to hang his boots up. He said in an official statement: “I feel that time is right for me to step away from the playing side of the sport I adore. “There have been some ups and downs along the way, but when I look back on my career, I have zero regrets. So many players may not get to experience some of the things I’ve managed over the years, and for that, I’m grateful. “Being a footballer isn’t easy. It’s required a lot of sacrifice over the years, which is all part of what I signed up for, but for my loved ones, I owe them my deepest thank you. I simply wouldn’t have been able to get to where I got to without them. Their support has been incredible on this journey, and I don’t know what I would have done without them all. “I want to thank my teammates and staff at Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, Hearts and Motherwell for being a part of my journey. I’ve met some friends for life through this sport, and at every club I hold the fondest of memories that will stick with me. Thank you. “Despite this announcement and my appreciation for all the kind messages I’ve received recently, I don’t want any distractions for the boys as they look to finish this incredible season on a high. “We’re all desperate to close out as strongly as possible and gather as many points as we can, starting tomorrow against Hearts. “Thank you to the Motherwell fans for their support all season long, and let’s get stuck into these last three games.” Despite barely featuring under Jens Berthel Askou this season, Halliday was given the role of vice-captain at the beginning of the season as Motherwell currently sit fourth and in a strong position to lock that spot down as their own before the season ends. He has played 500 times for his nine different clubs, scoring 62 times, winning the Scottish Third Division with Livingston in 2010, and the Scottish Championship with Rangers and Hearts in 2016 and 2021. A familiar face already as a pundit, Halliday is likely to continue progressing in this career, but has spoke of a desire to also go into coaching.
