St Mirren’s fan-owned structure: How influential has it been to the club?

Five years ago, St Mirren executed their long wait into becoming a fan-owned club. The St Mirren Independent Supporter’s Association (SMiSA) purchased the leftover shares to turn the club into an official fan-owned system, gaining 51% stake. Partners Kibble own 27.5% and then the rest has been shared amongst various shareholders at the club. And ever since the purchase, the club has progressed monumentally. With a Scottish League cup to their name, European football and achieved three consecutive top-flight finishes. Their three consecutive top-flight finishes were accomplished with the second lowest budget in the league, which is a remarkable accomplishment. When SMiSA became the majority shareholder of the club, they had a total of 1200 members. Now their aim is to expand that number to 3,000 members by October 2027, which is also the 150th anniversary of St Mirren. St Mirren’s SMiSA also holds a minimum of four seats on the board, which contributes massively to allowing fans opinions and ideas to be heard. And most importantly, give help towards both the team and club itself. Also launched in June 2022, was the “Help a Buddie campaign”, which is a chance for people to give to those who are less fortunate, in aid to bring more support to the team. Ultimately St Mirren’s fan-owned structure has made a significant impact to the club’s progress over the last few years. Their structure may be an idea which other clubs take into consideration over the coming seasons.

“Time will tell” – James Tavernier opens up on Rangers contract situation

The Rangers captain remains unaware if he will be at Ibrox next season, having yet to be offered a new contract. Tavernier has started 23 out of the 33 league games this season, with Danny Rohl rotating his squad in chase for the league title. Despite not as much game time, Tavernier has still contributed 14 goals across all competitions. Rangers are one point behind league leaders Hearts and two points ahead of Celtic with five games to go in this fascinating title run in. Speaking with the BBC on his future, Tavernier said: “I don’t know, time will tell for that one. “I’m a man who always focuses on short-term. Especially this week, I’m focusing on my family and focusing on my football. “My wife’s asking me about the summer holidays and what my kids need on holiday, and I’m saying, ‘talk to me at a later date because that’s just too far ahead for me.’ “Time will tell with this one. Obviously, I’m excited for what the future brings.” He was then asked about his shortage of game time, and if it would impact his decision if he was to be offered a deal. He said: “Nothing’s ever a guarantee in football. “You’ve got to earn the right. That’s been the case since day one since I’ve playing professional football. I’ve always had to earn that right to start.” With Rangers being in a tight title race, Tavernier’s focus will surely remain strongly on producing success for the Rangers support.

Ajax and Schalke interested in Rangers’ youngster Bailey Rice

Bailey Rice is being targeted by Dutch greats Ajax and German club Schalke as his deal at Ibrox is ready to expire in the summer. Fabrizio Romano has today reported that Bailey Rice is wanted by both European clubs on a free transfer. He said: “Ajax and Schalke are both trying to sign Bailey Rice from Rangers as a free agent. “Scottish midfielder is out of contract this summer and Schalke have made initial personal terms offer already. “Bailey hasn’t agreed yet with Rangers on a new deal and he’s open to options.” Rice has played in crucial Europa League ties, including a fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United and a quarter-final match against Athletic Club Bilbao, which he received plaudits for his performances. Unfortunately for Rice he picked up an injury at the beginning of the season, which required surgery, and has left him without any game-time. However, the youngster has been sought for previously by top clubs due to his fantastic youth development. Will a move away be the best option for Rice, as he looks to prove the big expectations that have been highlighted around him?

Alex Gogic disgusted with the criticism Ryan Mullen has received after horror start

Daizen Maeda was gifted a present to open the scoring in the first minute of the Scottish Cup semi-final, while Alex Gogic has defended the goalkeeper amid scrutiny. Following the nightmare opening 15 minutes, Mullen was substituted after he picked up an injury early in the match. Which granted 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius his debut in the national stadium during a massive semi-final fixture. Although rampant Celtic scored five goals in quick succession during the first half of extra-time, Tamosevicius should be proud of his efforts in what was a huge fixture to be thrown into. After the defeat, some supporters took to social media in anger against Mullen’s error. However, Gogic voiced his opinions on X in support of Mullen and in letdown of “disgraceful tweets”. He said: “I have seen some disgraceful tweets about Ryan Mullen after the game yesterday. “Ryan is a top goalkeeper and gives everything on and off the pitch and by no means did he want to leave the pitch yesterday. Every player makes mistakes it comes with the job and I’ve made plenty. “Unfortunately for Ryan yesterday he was unable to play on despite persevering at first. He does not deserve any of the negativity or accusations he is getting, it’s disgusting.” St Mirren are unaware of the severity of Mullen’s injury, and with Shamal George still out, it could leave The Buddies with Tamosevicius as the only option for the five final matches.

Scottish Premiership Team Of The Year 2026 – With five Motherwell and four Hearts players included

The Steelmen and Jambo’s dominate this year’s Premiership TOTY, with five players from Motherwell, four from Hearts and one from each of the Old Firm included. The team selected is as the following: Calum Ward (Motherwell) Paul McGinn (Motherwell) Craig Halkett (Hearts) Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers) Harry Milne (Hearts) Benjamin Nygren (Celtic) Elliot Watt (Motherwell) Elijah Just (Motherwell) Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell) Lawrence Shankland (Hearts) Claudio Braga (Hearts) Five massive fixtures to go in the league, will these players selected make a difference to the standings come the end of the season?

Dunfermline v Falkirk – Match Preview

A place in the Scottish Cup final awaits either Dunfermline or Falkirk, with both sides aiming to take a big step into lifting silverware come the end of the season. Dunfermline’s Scottish Cup run has been simply remarkable, with difficult ties against Hibs and Aberdeen. However, The Pars dispatched both Premiership sides, Aberdeen’s being with ease. Neil Lennon’s side currently sit in third position in the Scottish Championship and may well play top-flight football for the first time since 2012 if they can earn a spot and battle through the play-off’s. For Dunfermline, they haven’t won the Scottish Cup since 1968, that victory came against Hearts. Where Pat Gardner was the hero on the day scoring a brace to secure The Pars silverware. For Falkirk, they have earned a place in the top six of the Premiership after an incredible first season back in the top-flight. The Bairns knocked out league leaders Hearts on the road to Hampden and have also met rivals Stenhousemuir and Dundee United along the way to the semi-finals. Falkirk’s last delight in the Scottish Cup came in 1957. However, they have also suffered heartbreak on three final occasions. Falkirk and John McGlynn will know that tomorrow presents a fantastic opportunity to put themselves in a great position to lift silverware at the end of the season. Dunfermline know their journey this season still has a lot to offer and will be looking to knock-out another top-flight team. The winners of the tie will face either Celtic or St Mirren which will be decided on Sunday.

“I wasn’t in his plan” – Nico Raskin on Russell Martin

The Belgian international has revealed the issues that occurred with former boss Russell Martin during his 123-day tenure.  Nico Raskin was left out of Russell Martin’s squad on many occasions, including an Old-Firm derby and a crucial Champions League qualifying clash. Which almost resulted in the Belgian departing the club. During Raskin’s time watching from the stand, the Rangers fans were singing his song in protest against Martin’s decisions. Nowadays, Raskin is a key player in Danny Rohl’s squad and is in great contention to be granted a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad this summer. Raskin spoke to the Rangers Review on regards to the situation with Martin, he said: “He called me saying I wasn’t in his plan. “Whatever happened, I wouldn’t be in his plan, and it would be better for me to leave. I think that was just because the window was closing a couple of days after. It was kind of the last try [to get me to leave]. But I said to him, I’ll be coming to training on Monday, and then we’ll have a chat.” Raskin then spoke about his conversation with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Cortious, he said: “I remember Thibaut Courtois talking to me about that game [Brugge] and the Celtic game where I wasn’t involved, because he watched it and was surprised to not see me playing. It was difficult for me to explain why at the time.” From what was such a disappointing start to the season for Raskin and the rest of the Rangers squad, they now find themselves deep in the race for the Scottish Premiership.

“It gives me a lot of confidence” – Bojan Miovski

Bojan Miovski came of the bench in the second half to score a brace and help Rangers score five in 45 minutes in their push for league success. The North-Macedonian international may well have a big part to play in terms of Rangers split fixtures, as January signing Ryan Naderi looks to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. And he has stepped up to that pressure so far, with three crucial goals in two games against Dundee United and Falkirk. Miovski was also surprised last week by two supporters’ travelling all the way from North Macedonia to watch him in action. For the supporters’ delight, Miovski scored the winning goal in the match to seal the much needed three points for Rangers. And to top it all off, they were able to meet their hero in the tunnel after the fixture. On the special moment with the fan, Miovski said: “Yes, it’s amazing. I really love my country, and of course it’s nice when you see people come from Macedonia and give you support. It’s really nice and I made it special because I scored in that game.” Miovski hasn’t been first choice for Danny Rohl this season. However, with the impact he has made over the last few games, himself and Youssef Chermiti may well be leading the line for Rangers in the final five games. The Rangers fans were also singing Miovski’s name after his brace. When asked about how much confidence that gives him, he said: “It’s nice for the fans to say my name, it gives me a lot of confidence and I’m here to help the team.” Will Miovski play a vital role in what happens over the next month in the split?

“We’ll help him and he’ll go again” – Danny Rohl on Mikey Moore’s knock

Following Danny Rohl’s pre-match press conference during the week, there was uncertainty that Mikey Moore would be available for Sunday’s trip to Falkirk. However, Moore was included in the starting lineup but was replaced by brace-goalscorer Bojan Miovski at half-time. Rangers were trailing by two goals to one at the interval. Yet came out in the second half with real intent, scoring five goals to keep their title hopes alive. And after a relatively slow start to life at Rangers under Russel Martin, Moore has shown his real qualities in recent times under the management of Head Coach Danny Rohl. The Spurs loanee is one of Rohl’s best attacking threats and has produced many moments of magic throughout Rangers’ season, including a crucial goal at Celtic Park in January. Lucky enough for the Rangers fans, the squad now face a two-week break without a fixture, which will give the young Englishman time to recover after his knock. And after Rangers statement victory yesterday afternoon, Rohl followed up on Moore’s situation. He said: “It’s not easy for Mikey. He’s a key player for us but we’re managing him during the week with ups and downs. “It’s good to have a week now when we can recover him. This is crucial. “There is no question mark, he’s a top player for us. We’ll help him and he’ll go again.” The Rangers fans will be hoping that Moore will be fit and raring to go, for the five massive split-fixtures that await Rohl’s side.

Hearts 3-1 Motherwell: Jambos remain top as split awaits

Hearts leave it late, but pick up all three points to keep themselves top of the league going into the split. It was Lawrence Shankland who had the first opportunity of the match, when he picked up from a poor Stephen Welsh clearance. However, his effort drifted wide of Callum Ward’s goal. Motherwell quickly settled into the game, with Tawanda Maswanhise running down the wing and putting a dangerous cross into Hearts’ territory. No Motherwell player was in the box to convert, and it was put over the crossbar unconvincingly by Oisin McEntee. Hearts continued their pressure on the Motherwell backline. Callum Ward had a heart-in-mouth moment, as he spent too much time on the ball, allowing Claudio Braga to intercept, but Motherwell’s Stephen Welsh was there to clear any danger. In the 20th minute, Hearts had a great opportunity to open the scoring, as Oisin McEntee’s header was almost certain to hit the net. However, an outstanding save from Ward denied the Hearts full-back. End-to-end stuff at Tynecastle, saw Elliot Watt’s rocket effort parried away by Alexander Schwolow in the Hearts goal, after a promising Steelmen counter-attack. Another fantastic save in the 28th minute by Schwolow, as Ibrahim Said’s long-distance shot was parried and collected before Emmanuel Longelo could have any chance of earning a rebound. 31 minutes on the clock, saw Hearts produce a move off the training ground from a free-kick. The final chance fell to Blair Spittal, but his effort sailed just wide of the post. Tensions rose around Tynecastle, as many stoppages of play from referee Matthew MacDermid frustrated the Hearts crowd. Maswanhise had the first chance after the interval, as a looped cross fell to the back post. But his poor effort didn’t challenge Schwolow. It wasn’t long before Motherwell opened the scoring. A well-worked passage of play saw Lukas Fadinger’s cross fall to the back post for Longelo to tap home into the net, putting the away end into frenzy. Motherwell continued their good spell with a counter-attack that almost paid off. Maswanhise’s low-driven effort drifted slightly past Schwolow’s net, causing anxiety amongst the Hearts support. Hearts equalised in the 60th minute, when Stuart Findlay’s header from a corner landed to Claudio Braga, who pulled off an acrobatic effort which fell into the bottom left corner of Ward’s net. Putting the Portuguese international at 14 goals for the season in the league. Emmanuel Longelo had a fantastic opportunity to double his scoring in the 71st minute, as Elijah Just was given acres of space in the middle of the pitch, which allowed him to give the ball to Maswanhise out wide. Maswanhise’s cross fell to Longelo at the back post, but he was unable to punish. And shortly afterwards, Maswanhise had a wonderful chance to certainly make it two. The top goalscorer in the league found himself one-on-one with Schwolow, but the Motherwell talisman somehow failed to trouble the Hearts goalkeeper as his chance went wide. Hearts were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, after Stephen Welsh kicked Landy Kabore on the head. Lawrence Shankland stepped up from the spot, and the Hearts talisman converted off the inside of the post and into the back of the net, to give Hearts an almighty lead in this fascinating title race. Landry Kabore sealed the win in the dying minutes of the match, as his game-winning effort snuck under Callum Ward’s arm, sending Tynecastle into eruption. Another three points for Hearts and Derek McInnes means they remain on top of the league going into the split with only five games to play. Hearts also reached 70 points this afternoon with five games remaining, the second time they have ever done so in the top-flight. For Motherwell, it’s no win in five matches going into the split. However, Hibs also dropped points in Aberdeen this afternoon, which means they remain in fourth place. Hearts: Schwolow (6), Kingsley (6), Halkett (6), Baningime (6), Shankland (8), Braga (8), Devlin (7), Spittal (6), Findlay (6), McEntee (5), Kyziridis (4) Subs: Kabore (8), Kerjota (5), Altena (5), Steinwender (4), McCart (1) Motherwell: Ward (6), O’Donnell (6), Sparrow (5), Fadinger (5), McGinn (6), Maswanhise (5), Watt (7), Just (7), Longelo (7), Welsh (6), Said (6) Subs: McGhee (1), Hendry (1), Nicholson (1), Priestman (1)