Gary Holt Announced as New Partick Thistle Women’s Manager

Gary Holt has been appointed as the new manager of Partick Thistle Women. The former Livingston boss replaces David Elliot, who stepped down from the role today after taking the role in June, following the departure of Brian Graham who left to continue his playing career. Thistle sit 9th in the SWPL 1, and are five points above bottom placed Hamilton Academical, and marks Holt’s first job back in football since a spell as Falkirk’s football director from 2021-2022. In a club statement, Thistle Women’s CEO Caroline Mackie said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the football club. His experience and coaching record speaks for themselves. His enthusiasm to drive this club forward and develop players was clear to see from the very first conversation we had with him.  “We look forward to working and supporting him as much as we can as he leads the club forward.” Holt’s first match in charge is at home to Aberdeen this Sunday.

Raith Rovers Announce Sacking of Barry Robson

Raith Rovers have announced the sacking of manager Barry Robson after less than a year in charge. The former Aberdeen boss took over at Stark’s Park in late December of last year, just missing out on a play-off position by two points last season. The Kirkcaldy side are just one point behind rivals Dunfermline who sit in 4th, but three wins from their last eleven outings has proved costly for Robson and assistant manager Andy Kirk who has also been relieved of his duties. A short club statement read: “Raith Rovers Football Club can today announce that Barry Robson has been relieved of his duties as Manager.” “In addition, Assistant Manager Andy Kirk will leave his position with immediate effect. “Our thanks go to both for their time and effort during their time with us.” Raith face bottom of the league Airdrieonians at home this Saturday.

Nacho Novo Announced as Darvel FC Manager

Former Rangers hero Nacho Novo has been announced as new manager of 7th tier side Darvel FC.  Novo had been part of the background staff at Drumchapel United in the division above, and now takes his first step into management since his retirement from playing in 2017. Darvel sit 14th in the West of Scotland First Division after relegation last season from the Premier Division, and will be hoping that the Spaniard can change their fortunes. “Darvel FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Nacho Novo as the club’s new first team manager.” A statement on ‘X’ reads. “Nacho brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing talented players, and we look forward to working together as we continue to build for the future. “Welcome to Darvel FC, Nacho!” Novo said on the club’s social media: “It’s a got a history, it’s a family club as well. So yeah, I want to come and do a job. “One of the things that attracted me most was that it’s a family club, and doing a lot of things for the community. “I love these type of jobs.” Novo’s first game in charge is next Saturday, as Darvel travel to Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

Five Managers On The Celtic Shortlist

Celtic are still to appoint Brendan Rodgers’ replacement following the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation last week. The rumour mill was been going into overdrive over who is next going to take the Celtic Park hot seat, with ex-boss Martin O’Neill keeping it warm in interim charge just now. O’Neill has won both games in charge so far, but has insisted from the offset that he is just there for the short-term, whilst the hunt for a ‘younger’ manager goes on. Here are five coaches that Celtic could employ. 1. Kieran McKenna The bookies favourite. Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the Tractor Boys which seen them back in the Premier League in 2024 for the first time in 22 years. London born, McKenna was rumoured to have been raised in a ‘Celtic-supporting’ household in County Fermanagh, and refused to categorically rule himself out of the running when quizzed about it last week. He has a reported £5million release clause. 2. Kjetil Knutsen The Bodo/Glimt manager guided the Norwegian side to their first ever Eliteserien title in 2020, going on to win three more after that. In charge since 2018, Knutsen has supposedly said no to European giants Ajax in the past, and transformed his Arctic Circle side into a feared European side of their own, defeating Celtic in the 2022 Conference League before getting to last season’s Europa League semi finals and achieving Champions League qualification in the first time in the club’s history. His contract expires at the end of this calendar year. 3. Wilfried Nancy One name that won’t go away is Wilfried Nancy. The Columbus Crew manager won the Ohio side the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024. The Frenchman won MLS Coach of the Year in 2024 and is said to be thought of highly by Parkhead chiefs due to his expansive, possession-based style of play. Nancy managed current Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston during his time at CF Montreal, and MLS reporters describe a move to coach in Europe as an ‘inevitability’. 4. Nicky Hayen Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen is another coach with links swirling around him. The Belgian has been in charge of the Champions League Club since 2024 after replacing former Celtic manager Ronny Deila, and was able to deliver title success while still initially caretaker. He has added a Belgian Cup to his trophy cabinet since, and is another coach who has refused to dismiss any speculation when asked. He also enjoyed a spell as manager of Haverfordwest County, in the Welsh division, before a quick rise to European football. 5. Ange Postecoglou The noise surrounding the Australian has went quiet, if there ever was any concrete links to begin with. But there is no doubt that the Celtic treble winner has been discussed between the Celtic hierarchy. Leaving Celtic for Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, Postecoglou won Spurs their first trophy in 17 years with the Europa League, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, before being sacked after just over a month at Nottingham Forest. Now a free commodity again, the job could be his if he is looking to get back into football so quickly.

Thistle Keep Pressure on Saints After Glasgow Derby Heroics

Partick Thistle reign supreme in the Scottish Championship’s Glasgow Derby, destroying local rivals Queen’s Park 5-0 at Firhill Stadium. First half goals from Patrick Reading and Ben Stanway put Mark Wilson’s side ahead at the break, before three goals in the last fifteen minutes from Tsoanelo Letsosa, Logan Chalmers and Luke McBeth completed a derby day rout for the Jags. The result brings Thistle back to winning ways following a defeat last week to Raith, and keeps them only three points behind league leaders St. Johnstone. Patrick Reading got his first goal since the opening day of the season just after quarter of an hour played. A well worked free-kick routine seen Ben Stanway lay him off from the edge of the box, and the left-back unleashed a thunderbolt into the bottom right corner from all of 25 yards out to give Thistle the lead. Play was stopped for about ten minutes 24 minutes in due to a horror injury for Queen’s Park’s Charlie Fox. The centre half collided with Tony Watt on the touchline, and the Englishman was unable to get back to his feet. The referee rightly waved play on, but in a commendable act of good sportsmanship, Watt pleaded for play to be paused for Fox to receive treatment as quickly as possible. The game was halted, and Queen’s Park man was applauded by both sets of fans as he was stretchered off. The home side were able to get that two goal cushion deep into the added time provided from this lengthy stoppage. The ball broke to Ben Stanway, who, not one to be outdone by his teammate Reading, took aim from 20 yards and curled the ball into the top right corner in the final minute of the ten added on. The next goal in the second period was of upmost importance and the away side came agonisingly close to getting this and pulling themselves back into the game with 25 minutes to go. Tyrece McDonnell had an effort tipped over the bar, and from the resultant corner, he had a half volley cannon off the crossbar from the edge of the box. But the third goal of the contest would go Partick Thistle’s way. With just fifteen minutes to play, midfielder Tsoanelo Letsosa put a low ball in from the right hand side, and Logan Chalmers had the easy job of firing it beyond Callum Ferrie to make it 3-0. And just two minutes later, Chalmers turned architect for Letsosa. The winger created space on the left wing, and fizzed a ball across for the 21 year-old to get his name on the scoresheet for second time this campaign. There was time for a fifth to complete the rout. Jags’ Luke McBeth got his head on a cross with the last kick of the game to make it 5-0 as Hawaii Five-0 rang out on the Firhill speakers.  Thistle remain second, just three points off leaders St. Johnstone. The Jags travel to bottom of the league Airdrie on Friday night in an aim to reduce the gap to zero, for less than a day at least.  As for Queen’s Park, they are looking to end their winless run at home to Barry Robson’ s Raith Rovers on next Saturday but will be without Charlie Fox who has started every game for the Spiders so far this term.   PARTICK THISTLE: Clarke 5, Reading 8, O’Reilly 7, McBeth 6, McPherson 5 (Logan 78’ 1), Smyth 6, Fitzpatrick 5 (Lawless 68’ 2), Letsosa 7 (McArdle 78’ 1), Stanway 6 (Turner 46’ 5), Chalmers 8, Watt 6 (Samuel 68’ 2) QUEEN’S PARK: Ferrie 6, Pignatiello 4, Murray 4, Fox 2 (Friel 4 32’), Shiels 4, Savoury 5 (Sowa 82’ 1) Longridge 4, Connolly 4, Drozd 3 (McDonnell 62’ 4), McLean 5 (Carrick 62’ 2) Fowler 5 (Waugh 82’ 1)

Celtic Freeze Falkirk on Martin O’Neill’s Return

Celtic got back to winning ways with a 4-0 win over Falkirk as Martin O’Neill returned to the Parkhead side’s dugout for the first time since 2005. A first half Johnny Kenny double followed by goals from summer signings Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti helped the defending champions cut the the gap on Hearts to six points, after the league leaders drew 2-2 away to St. Mirren. It was only the second time Martin O’Neill had came up against Falkirk in his career, with the other encounter in 2004 seeing Celtic score double the number scored tonight, in an 8-1 cup victory. There was fan protests outside Celtic Park’s main stand prior the match versus the club’s board, but once on-field matters commenced, Celtic looked in total control. Benjamin Nygren missed a one-on-one earlier in the first half, but the Swede’s second strike of the game half an hour in rebounded off the post and striker Johnny Kenny was first to react, firing home to score his second goal of the season. Falkirk’s best chance at getting back into the game was just a moment after the opener. Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi’s strike took a slight deflection from the edge of the box, but it was well held by Kasper Schmeichel. But just ten minutes after his first, there would be a second for Kenny. Anthony Ralston looped a ball in from deep, and Nygren again made it easy for the Irish international as his headed pass was nodded into the Falkirk goal by Celtic’s number 24 to put them two goals ahead going into the break. Tired of being provider, Nygren got his own name on the scoresheet. Marcelo Sarrachi’s tame volley was pushed out by former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain, but only went as far as Celtic’s top scorer who bagged his fifth league goal of the campaign having been at heart of the other two goals previously. The home side made it four with 18 minutes to play. Substitute Luke McCowan from deep in his own half spotted the run of Sebastian Tounekti, who beat a sliding Liam Henderson to the ball and scored his first goal at Celtic Park since joining from Swedish side Hammarby on deadline day. Martin O’Neill marks his first managerial gig in six years with a result, with him and Shaun Maloney in the hot seat until the Celtic hierarchy find Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation on Monday night. The result is Celtic’s first win in three league contests, having lost to Dundee and Hearts consecutively before tonight. The Hoops face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday, before travelling to FC Midytlland of Denmark for Thursday evening Europa League action. As for Falkirk, tonight marks their first defeat in four having not tasted defeat since the back end of September. They host a Kilmarnock side on Saturday who fell to a 1-0 home defeat tonight to Aberdeen. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Ralston 5, Trusty 6, Scales 6, Sarrachi 7, Nygren 6 (McCowan 66′ 4), Engels 5, McGregor 6 (Hatate 76′ 1), Forrest 7 (Balikwisha 61′ 2), Kenny 8 (Maeda 66′ 3), Tounekti 7 (Osmand 76′ 2) FALKIRK: Bain 3, Adams 6, Allan 4, Henderson 4, Lissah 4 (Hart 62′ 2), Miller 5 (Agyeman 62′ 2), Tait 4, Arfield 4, Spencer 5 (Cartwright 68′ 1), Ross 4 (Williams 46′ 4), Samuel-Ogunsuyi 4 (Graham 62′ 2)

“The Facts Did Not Match His Public Narrative” – Dermot Desmond Scathing Rodgers Statement

Dermot Desmond says that former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ comments have ‘contributed to a toxic atmosphere’ around Celtic amid the Northern Irishman’s resignation. The Hoops minority shareholder released a statement to Celtic supporter’s after the shock announcement in the wake of Celtic’s 3-1 defeat yesterday away to Hearts. A breakdown in relationship between Rodgers and the boardroom has led to a number of fan protests this season, but Desmond has appeared to reserve the blame for the outgoing manager. The full statement reads: “I want to acknowledge Brendan’s contribution across his two spells as Manager, during which he helped deliver success that forms part of the club’s modern history. However, I must also express my deep disappointment at the way the past several months have unfolded. “When we brought Brendan back to Celtic two years ago, it was done with complete trust and belief in his ability to lead the club into a new era of sustained success. Unfortunately, his conduct and communication in recent months have not reflected that trust. “In June, both Michael Nicholson and I expressed to Brendan that we were keen to offer him a contract extension, to reaffirm the club’s full backing and long-term commitment to him. He said he would need to think about it and revert. Yet in subsequent press conferences, Brendan implied that the club had made no commitment to offer him a contract. That was simply untrue. “We met with Brendan regularly, including in December last year and at the start of the summer, with regular dialogue in between, to discuss and agree our collective strategy, priorities, and approach. Every player signed and every player sold during his tenure was done so with Brendan’s full knowledge, approval, and endorsement. Any insinuation otherwise is absolutely false. “His later public statements about transfers and club operations came entirely out of the blue. At no point prior to those remarks had he raised any such concerns with me, Michael, or any member of the Board or executive team. In reality, he was given final say over all football matters and was consistently backed in the recruitment process — including record investment in players he personally identified and approved. “When his comments were made publicly, I sought to address them directly. Brendan and I met for over three hours at his home in Scotland to discuss the issue. Despite ample opportunity, he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative. “Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the Board. Some of the abuse directed at them, and at their families, has been entirely unwarranted and unacceptable. “Every member of the Board and executive team is deeply passionate about Celtic and acts at all times with professionalism, integrity, and a shared desire for success. What has failed recently was not due to our structure or model, but to one individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others. “Celtic’s structure — where the manager oversees football, the Chief Executive manages operations, and the Board provides oversight — has served the club with great success for more than two decades. We all share the same ambition: to ensure Celtic’s continued success domestically and to achieve further progress in Europe. Every pound generated by the club is reinvested towards those goals and the continuous improvement of Celtic Football Club. “Celtic is greater than any one person. Our focus now is on restoring harmony, strengthening the squad, and continuing to build a club worthy of its values, traditions, and supporters.” Rodgers will be temporarily replaced by former Celtic gaffer Martin O’Neill and former player Shaun Maloney as the hunt for a replacement gets underway.

Brendan Rodgers Resigns As Celtic Manager

Brendan Rodgers has resigned from his position as Celtic manager. The Northern Irishman leaves under a cloud despite winning four trophies in a second spell, with a rocky relationship with the club’s hierarchy being well documented. A club statement said: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation. It has been accepted by the Club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. “The Club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club. “Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the Club and we wish him further success in the future. “The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and the Club will update supporters further on this as soon as possible. “We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player, Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters. Further details will be confirmed shortly.” Celtic host Falkirk on Wednesday night, before facing Rangers at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Sunday.

“The Players Always Have To Take Responsibility” – Callum McGregor

Celtic captain Callum McGregor says him and his teammates have to take accountability for Celtic’s poor start to the Premiership season. The defending champions fell eight points behind Hearts yesterday, after the league leaders beat them 3-1 at Tynecastle. And McGregor knows that the only way to claw at this gap is if the playing staff performing. “I said it last week, but we are too easy to play against” the 32 year-old said after the loss. “The players always have to take responsibility, I’ve been saying it since day one. “Even with the distraction of the board, and the signings, and everything else, I’ve been the one saying ‘no’, the players have to take responsibility. The only guys that can fix it is the guys on the pitch.” The former Scotland international believes that that the squad is capable of turning things around, but need to show their quality more regularly. “I think they [the players] understand the situation that we are in, of course we are, but we have to turn that into action on the pitch. “I see it on Thursday night, we were excellent, but we have to back it up three days later, and then another three days later we’ve got to do the same. “So that’s where we are. We’re showing flashes, but not on a consistent enough basis.” McGregor, who scored Celtic’s goal on Sunday, dismissed the idea that uproar of a lack of transfer activity could be negatively impacting the current crop of players. “Being at a big club like Celtic, there’s always speculation of who’s coming in. Even the guys who did well last year, you’ve got to keep doing well, the guys who maybe didn’t do so well, you’ve got to up your level. “There’s always a clamour to sign players at big clubs, and then it’s up to the players to react to that. Hopefully overtime, you push each other to new levels.” The Celtic academy product was quick to defend fellow graduates Colby Donovan and Dane Murray, who both made starts due to injured absentees. Murray scored an own goal, and gave away the penalty for Hearts’ third. “The young boys are exempt in this because they need help as well. So when young guys get chucked into the team, it’s the responsibility of the other players to protect them, because they need time to develop, time to get better, they need time to make mistakes. “I’ve been there as a young player when I’ve made mistakes. You need your senior players around you to pick you back up, and they need time to learn and develop into what could be really good Celtic players.” The midfielder recognised Hearts at title challengers, as the maroon side aim to break a 40 year duopoly on the league from the Glasgow big two. “We have to beat everyone if we’re going to win the league. “Yes they [Hearts] were good today, they’re eight points clear of us and now we are the team that are chasing, so if they are the guys at the top then of course we have to try and chase them.” Celtic now turn their attention to Falkirk at Celtic Park on Wednesday night, before a blockbuster Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Sunday against rangers at Hampden.

“There is No Pressure” – Alexandros Kyziridis

Hearts’ Alexandros Kyziridis insists him and his teammates are taking things a game at a time, as the Jambos extended their lead on Celtic to eight points yesterday. The Greek winger netted his side’s second in a 3-1 win over the defending champions, with a Dane Murray own goal and a Lawrence Shankland penalty also helping the Edinburgh side on their way. But Kyziridis was keen to play down any title talk just yet. “[I feel] amazing. Lots of feelings, but just for today. Tomorrow we need to be focused on our Wednesday game” he said post match. “I don’t want to talk about that [title bid], it was just a game. So many games are left, so we just need to be focussed on every game, game by game.” The summer recruit’s fifth goal of the season comes days after him and his wife introduced their newborn son to the world. “By far the best week of my life. It [preparation] was hard for me, but I will need to get used to it. “I sleep well, thanks to my wife! She looks for him, while I sleep, so I sleep well, thanks to her.” Impressive strikes from outside the box are becoming a calling card for 25 year-old, but he believes this group of players won’t be getting carried away with their fine start just yet. “There is no pressure. We are enjoying it and we have to continue like this. “For us, it’s important to see it game by game. We don’t want to see what happens in the future, no one knows. We just need to be humble and do our job, and this is what I will do.” Kyziridis is yet to be capped for the Greece national side, but the Hearts fan-favourite is eager to change this. “It’s one of my targets, for sure. “It’s a honour to play for your national team, I’m waiting and if they need me, I will be there, and I know that we play against Scotland!” Hearts travel to St. Mirren on Wednesday as they hope to maintain their unbeaten start to the league season, with the Paisley side the only team to defeat them domestically this campaign when they dumped them from the Premier Sports Cup in August.