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Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed

Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee

April 15, 2025

Scottish Football: A Broken System That Needs Fixing

Scottish football is in crisis. The league structure is outdated, TV deals are laughable, and youth development is stagnant. Fans are desperate for change, but the decision-makers continue to bury their heads in the sand. Joe Quinn, a former SPFL scout, has had enough. His proposal isn’t just a tweak to the system—it’s a complete overhaul. The question is, will Scottish football finally listen, or will self-interest and inaction win again? The Root of the Problem: A Game Run by Self-Preservation Scottish football is a closed shop. Quinn argues that change doesn’t happen because too many people in power benefit from keeping things exactly as they are. Whenever real reform is proposed, clubs and officials close ranks, protecting their own positions rather than the health of the game. Fans already know the issues: the league is predictable and stale, smaller clubs get a raw deal, Scottish talent is leaving in droves, and the women’s game is consistently underfunded and ignored. Quinn’s proposal isn’t just another discussion paper—it’s a radical blueprint to drag Scottish football into the modern era. But will those in charge finally step aside for progress? The 14-14-14 League Model: Genuine Reform or a New Coat of Paint? One of Quinn’s most controversial ideas is a 14-14-14 league structure designed to increase competition, fairness, and financial stability. The potential benefits are clear: fewer repetitive fixtures, proper promotion and relegation battles, and more clubs at the top level. On paper, it makes sense. But history tells us good ideas don’t always make it past the SPFL boardroom. Mid-table clubs happy with the status quo will fight this to the bitter end. The SPFL has a habit of discussing reform, only to back down when it matters most. Will this time be different? Ditching Gambling Sponsors: Ethical Stand or Financial Suicide? Scottish football is swimming in gambling sponsorships. Betting logos are plastered across shirts, advertising boards, and broadcasts. Quinn’s plan calls for an outright ban, following the example set by the English Premier League. The moral argument? Clear-cut. Gambling addiction destroys lives, and football shouldn’t be complicit in feeding the problem. The financial reality? A nightmare. Clubs, particularly those outside the Premiership, rely on gambling sponsorships to stay afloat. If the SPFL cuts ties with the industry, where does the replacement funding come from? Quinn believes it’s the right move in the long term, but without a clear financial alternative, this could cripple smaller clubs. The League Cup: Time to Stop the Snoozefest Quinn is clear on this: the League Cup group stage is a glorified pre-season exercise. Fans aren’t engaged, clubs don’t take it seriously, and the format is uninspiring. His solution? Scrap the groups, return to a straight knockout competition, and inject real jeopardy and excitement back into the tournament. It’s a simple, logical fix. Whether the SPFL will embrace it is another matter entirely. Youth Development & Women’s Football: Time for Real Investment Scottish football prides itself on producing top talent. But in reality, Quinn believes the system is failing young players. The best prospects leave Scotland at the first opportunity, the women’s game grows despite, not because of, governing body support, and clubs treat youth and women’s football as an afterthought rather than a priority. His proposal calls for real, sustained investment—not just PR soundbites and token gestures. If Scottish football wants a strong future, it has to stop relying on the accidental emergence of “golden generations.” TV Deals: Why Does Scotland Keep Selling Itself Short? Scottish football’s TV contracts are, frankly, embarrassing. Sky Sports cherry-picks matches and does the bare minimum to promote them, clubs earn a fraction of what smaller European leagues generate from broadcasting deals, and fans are either overcharged or locked out entirely. Quinn demands a more aggressive approach to negotiating TV rights. Germany and other European nations offer free-to-air matches. Why is Scotland still accepting scraps? According to Quinn, the SPFL’s usual excuse is “It’s the best deal we can get.” He disagrees. In his view, Scottish football’s leaders don’t fight hard enough for a better deal. Will Anything Actually Change? Scottish football has heard big ideas before. We’ve seen bold proposals, promising plans, and endless discussions. And yet, nothing changes. This time, though, the pressure is mounting. Fans are growing restless. The game is losing relevance. If the SPFL and SFA continue to ignore these problems, they risk losing an entire generation of supporters. So, will Quinn’s plan finally force real action? Or will it be another great idea destined to gather dust? Have Your Say Is Scottish football stuck in the past? Would you support these changes? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on social media using #SNNSports

April 2, 2025

Dundee’s First-Half Blitz Secures Historic Derby Win at Tannadice

Dundee delivered a breathtaking first-half performance to claim a long-awaited derby victory over Dundee United at Tannadice, their first at the ground since 2004. The crucial win also eases their relegation worries in the Scottish Premiership. Jordan McGhee set the tone for the visitors with a towering header to open the scoring, before Scott Tiffoney’s speculative strike from distance slipped through goalkeeper Jack Walton’s hands to double Dundee’s lead. United responded through Glenn Middleton’s curling effort, but McGhee struck again before the break, whipping home his second to restore Dundee’s two-goal cushion. The visitors could have been even further ahead, with two goals ruled out for marginal offsides and Simon Murray going agonisingly close with a sharp effort inside the box. United, comprehensively second-best in the opening 45 minutes, fought back after the interval when Kristijan Trapanovski’s deflected strike found the net, injecting life into the home side’s comeback hopes. Both teams had further chances—Joe Shaughnessy’s looping header landed just over the bar for Dundee, while Sam Dalby sent a headed opportunity wide for United. As the hosts desperately pushed for an equaliser, they were caught out at the back. A moment of recklessness from Emmanuel Adegboyega, United’s last defender, saw him shove Murray inside the box, earning a second yellow card and reducing his side to ten men. Murray stepped up to calmly convert the penalty before sprinting the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the United fans, sealing a famous derby win. ‘A Performance Full of Spirit’ – Docherty Dundee’s long wait for a league victory—dating back to 5 January—finally ended, with this triumph marking their first top-flight success at Tannadice since a 2-1 win under Jim Duffy 20 years ago. Manager Tony Docherty was full of praise for his side: “That’s the performance we’re capable of. I take huge pride, not just in the result but in the way we played. We’ve won here for the first time in 20 years, and that meant a lot today. The spirit and mentality of the players was fantastic, and I had full trust in them.” The victory lifts Dundee to within a point of Kilmarnock in 10th place, moving them five clear of bottom side St Johnstone. For United, defeat leaves them in fifth, three points ahead of Motherwell in seventh, with just three games left before the league split. Dundee Shake Off Recent Struggles in Stunning Style Docherty and his team had been under serious pressure ahead of this derby, arriving at Tannadice winless in eight league matches and having conceded 24 goals in that time. However, any fears of another collapse were swiftly banished as they flew out of the blocks. They thought they had the lead when Lyall Cameron slotted home after Walton parried Josh Mulligan’s shot, only for VAR to intervene, ruling out the goal for an offside against Oluwaseun Adewumi. Undeterred, Dundee kept pushing forward, and when McGhee met Ziyad Larkeche’s cross with a powerful header, there was no doubt this time. Tiffoney soon added a second, and although Middleton’s goal threatened to drag United back into contention, McGhee’s sublime finish ensured Dundee went into half-time with a deserved 3-1 lead. VAR denied them a fourth when Murray was ruled offside before Ross Graham’s own goal, but Dundee’s relentless attacking display had already done enough damage. United Face Tough Battle for Top-Six Spot While Dundee’s brilliance was clear, United manager Jim Goodwin will be alarmed at his team’s first-half performance, which saw them completely overwhelmed. “The first half was completely unacceptable in every department,” Goodwin admitted. “Every mistake we made, Dundee punished us. We haven’t been as bad as that all season. It’s so hard to put your finger on why.” United’s struggles were compounded by Walton’s uncharacteristic error for Dundee’s second goal and poor marking that allowed McGhee to score twice. Adegboyega’s late dismissal, a moment of desperation as he wrestled Murray to the ground, summed up a frustrating night for the home side. His suspension now adds to Goodwin’s selection headaches ahead of a crucial run-in, with games against Hearts, St Johnstone, and Motherwell set to determine their final league position. With the race for a top-six finish intensifying, United must regroup quickly—while Dundee will look to build on this statement victory and push towards safety.

March 17, 2025

Dour draw at Dens Park as Saints hold Dundee

Far from being a nail-biter, it looked as though there was a real danger a game of football was going to break out at Dens Park as neither side registered any opportunities of note for nearly forty minutes with the spoils shared on the day. However with the break fast approaching, play burst into life as Makenzie Kirk met a Sam Curtis cross to give visitors a lead, albeit hardly a surprising one. What did catch fans off guard was the response from Tony Docherty’s men, the players looking as subdued as the supporters themselves were awoken as Simon Murray levelled after Joe Shaughnessy’s flick on from Aaron Donnelly’s throw in for his 11th league goal of the season. Adama Sidibeh will not doubt be kicking himself into Monday as he let a golden opportunity pass through his feet, unable to set himself a yard out from goal to give his side the opener in the first-half. With arguably an even greater opportunity was Murray, who profited from a lapse in concentration from Trevor Carson who picked up a back pass just a few metres from his goal line. As St Johnstone camped out on their line to defend, Murray opted for a low driven shot that was blocked by the rushing line of defence to spare the keeper’s blushes. After providing the crucial assist, Curtis would see his header saved off the line in a second-half as both sides struggled to land the killer blow. Against the run of play an excellent driving run from Cesar Garza teed up substitute Scott Tiffoney who lashed a shot past an oblivious Carson, who no doubt exhaled a huge sigh of relief as it rattled his post. A point shared, both sides remain at the bottom of the table. The hosts looking to earn their first win in nine away to Dundee United next week as St Johnstone host Aberdeen. Reliance on Murray a worry Where once the striker was face of a side with resilience and threats from all angles of the park, Simon Murray has suddenly morphed into becoming the entire body. No doubt fatigue is rearing its head as a congested month takes its toll. Seven games in the last four weeks would sap even the best stocked clubs. But with a threadbare squad, barely strenghthened in the window, there was an alarming lack of impetus from Tony Docherty’s players. Then came Murray, with his 17th goal in all competitions, the Dundee native prowled the box and found his opening. Not that he needs much of one anyway. A point is not the end of the world, but it marks 1 from a possible 17 as the side continue to sleep walk into relegation. If they do not snap out of it soon, there won’t be a whole lot their talisman forward will be able to do to prevent a drop to the Championship. Saints find new edge It may not be three points, but compared to their performance 3-1 defeat in early January the last time these sides met this might as well feel like six. A crux of the progressive style of football Simo Valakari pushes for has been the side’s soft underbelly, threatening to undermine any positive play at a moment’s notice. Drawing a Dens Park feels a positive step, albeit teething issues in their development remain. Conceding just five minutes after scoring is endemic of a wider problem for the side that allowed Hearts to score four minutes after Sidibeh had levelled. Despite picking up a respectable 10 points from 18, the players will need no reminding that they remain six from safety. However, Valakari has emphasised that we are observing the building blocks of a foundation being laid, they will need to work double speed if they are to withstand the whirlwind that is the bottom half. Line-ups: Dundee: Carson, Larkeche, Donnelly, Shaughnessy (c), McGhee, Garza, Sylla (Robertson 46), Mulligan (Reilly 72), Cameron, Murray, Adewumi (Tiffoney 72) Unused subs: Astley, Samuels, Ingram, López, McCracken, Sharp Booked: Garza Goals: Murray (45) St Johnstone: Fisher, Douglas, Mitchell, Balodis, Wright, Holt (Svedgberg 63), Sprangler (c), Curtis, Duke-McKenna, Sidibeh (Clark 77), Kirk (Carey 63) Unused subs: Franczak, McPake, Sinclair, Smith, Steven, Watt Booked: Goals: Kirk (40) Referee: Steven McLean Attendance: 7,681

March 1, 2025

SPFL Weekly: Five Talking Points

Rangers’ second-half performance saves Barry Ferguson’s embarrassment, Hibbies go 14 games unbeaten and Hearts move into top six. There was also a debut home win for new ‘Well boss Michael Wimmer, St Johnstone closes the gap at the bottom, and Celtic win emphatically in unconvincing display. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 28 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. AvenGERS thrust into blockbuster action A heroic second-half performance saw the Light Blues come from two goals down to defeat Killie 4-2. The script replicated a typical superhero blockbuster with the protagonist struggling against a grave threat, only to overcome it in the picture’s second half. Cyriel Dessers was the hero who saved Barry Ferguson, the man chosen as Phillipe Clement’s successor on Monday. Dessers’ two decisive goals carried the Light Blues into the lead to give the interim manager his first SPFL victory. Throughout the first half, Ranger’s defence was terrorized by Kilmarnock’s front two, Bobby Wales and Marley Watkins, prompting Ferguson to make the bold decision to hook French centre-back Clinton Nsiala after just 30 minutes. A goal from Vaclav Cerny ten minutes before half-time gave them hope, and the team talk from boss Captain Hamilton must have helped rally the gang as his team put on a gritty and determined performance in the second half. A tired Kilmarnock ran out of steam as the game wore on, and the Glasgow side only grew in confidence. Ferguson’s team must continue to perform to close the 13-point gap on Celtic. Is there a Hollywood ending in sight, or is it too little or too late? All eyes will be on this weekend’s sequel as Motherwell visits Ibrox. Unbe-Leith-able! Hibs march on Hibernian extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches after late goals from Kieron Bowie and Junior Hoilett, which gave them a dramatic 3-1 victory at Tannadice. Their goals came after Dundee United had a second-half leader disallowed for handball in the second half following a lengthy VAR check. Jim Goodwin was incensed by the decision, but referee Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch agreed with the VAR’s decision that Sam Dalby headed the ball onto his arm. The positive vibes continue to build in Leith following the announcement that they have signed Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath on a pre-contract deal, and Hibs owner plans to make £7m donation to cover club losses. Wimmer feels at home Michael Wimmer experienced his first taste of victory on his Fir Park debut following his arrival last week. Attendance last night was at 4,258, and the home fans would have been excited to see how their new boss got their team playing. However, it was set pieces where they looked most dangerous. Defender Dan Casey scored the two goals to stop the Lanarkshire side’s rot, leading them to their first win in eight matches. The game also saw a landmark for ‘Well midfielder Callum Slattery, who made his 100th appearance for the Steelmen, with his first appearance coming against Annan Athletic just over four years ago. The visitors, Dundee, will now look over their shoulder as they have now lost five games in a row, leaving them three points off bottom spot. Jammin’ Jambos into top six Hearts fought a challenging game, coming from behind to beat St Mirren 3-1, which saw them leapfrog the Paisley side. Victory has taken them into the top six for the first time since August. 17-year-old James Wilson got the equaliser and won man of the match, amusingly posing post-match with a bottle of rum that his parents probably don’t want him drinking. The goal that put the Jambos ahead at Tynecastle was by Calem Nieuwenhof, who was making his first start in almost a year. Hearts manager Neil Critchley told BBC Sport after the game: “It was a really tough game. I didn’t think we were at our best, but we’re finding ways to win games. “We weren’t clean or efficient in our play. I wouldn’t say sloppiness but not our usual selves on the ball. But moments went for us, and we showed real grit and resilience.” Hearts now have eight wins in their last 10 in all competitions. Their next game? Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday. Saints close the gap St Johnstone’s 1-0 victory over top-six hopefuls Ross County significantly boosts their fight for Premiership survival. Only 3 points now separate them and Dundee, who are above them in the play-off relegation spot with 10 games left to play. Fans at McDiarmid Park will feel better about themselves after the win following back-to-back defeats. Mackenzie Kirk’s close-range finish was the decisive goal that, despite a slim scoreline, was a thoroughly deserved result. County ‘keeper Jordan Amissah put in an inspired performance to keep the Saints at bay and the scoreline respectable. Saints Manager Simo Valakari told BBC Sport about the importance of the result: “It was a big win. This match was our most must-win game for our hopes for the rest of the season.” “I’m most happy with how the players performed in this high-pressure game.” County came into this with four wins from their previous five away league games. Their fans were hopeful of the top six but now will have one eye on what’s happening behind them as they still are worryingly close to the relegation play-off spot. League Table

February 27, 2025

SPFL Weekly: Five Talking Points

Rangers gave Philippe Clement his marching orders, Hibernian defeated a lethargic Celtic, there was no new manager bounce for Motherwell, and the cool-as-ice Kabangu kept Hearts ticking. Meanwhile, Ross County continued their push for the top six, and Aberdeen stave off capitulation with back-to-back wins. Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 27 in the 2024/25 SPFL season. Clement sacked – Who’s next? Rangers 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren was the straw that broke the camel’s back. A dismal showing at Ibrox sealed Philippe Clement’s fate in a week filled with speculation about a potential US-led takeover by San Francisco 49ers’ investors. His dismissal came just hours after our report last night, which anticipated the club’s official announcement. After the match, Clement apologised to the fans, telling BBC Sport: “I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch. We all know this was by far below the standards we all expect.” However, for Rangers supporters, it was too little, too late. Some even set up a JustGiving page to fund his rumoured £1.2 million compensation fee. During his 16-month tenure, Clement showed rare glimpses of promise, particularly in Europe, where Rangers secured automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Yet, he struggled to translate those performances into domestic success, leaving the club 13 points adrift of league leaders Celtic. Attention now turns to his long-term successor, with former Everton boss Sean Dyche, ex-Rangers title-winning manager Steven Gerrard, club legend Barry Ferguson, and former Light Blues midfielder Gennaro Gattuso all linked. Ferguson has been announced by the club to manage until the end of the season. VAR controversy mars heroic Hibs performance The heat on VAR grows with Brendan Rodgers’ latest comments following Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian. An equaliser for Celtic was ruled out in the second half after the VAR overruled the on-field officials. Their decision was that Alistair Johnston crossed the ball after it was out of play, with the linesman originally calling it in. Regarding the controversy, Rodgers told BBC Sport: “I was very disappointed we didn’t get that, especially when the linesman didn’t think it was out. He probably has the best view. “I don’t know how you can tell the ball is definitely out from an image from the 18-yard line. We need to see evidence the ball was out. If you don’t have that, you’re having a guess.” However, the debate surrounding the decision has unfairly overshadowed Hibernian’s outstanding and fully deserved performance. They fought with grit and determination to withstand Celtic’s attacks while capitalising on a fatigued Hoops defence in transition. A defining moment came when Rocky Bushiri heroically cleared the ball off the goal line following a surging run from Jota, sparking a deafening roar from the home crowd. By the final whistle, as Sunshine on Leith echoed around Easter Road, there could be no denying that Hibs had earned their moment of celebration. No new manager bounce for the ‘Well One could forgive the neutral fan who gave little thought to this fixture last weekend. However, there has been renewed interest following the appointment of Michael Wimmer as Motherwell’s manager. The German spoke about bringing “intensity, energy, and passion” to proceedings. Still, there was little evidence of this in the first half of a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United. Both sides came into the game in poor form, but the Tangerines struck first and stopped the Lanarkshire side from having a new manager bounce. The visitors did react positively in the second half but lacked the clinical edge to get back into the match. On the second-half performance, Wimmer told BBC Sport: “We can work with the second half. It was really good. It was aggressive, we had opportunities, and we played forward. That’s what we want to see.” The Steelmen are now on their joint longest losing streak in ten years and worryingly looking over their shoulders at the teams behind them in the table. Kabangu injection saves Hearts Nine years ago, the Perth club witnessed a bejewelled Elton John in a stellar concert at McDiarmid Park, singing hits such as Crocodile Rock and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This weekend, they saw another Elton dazzle before their eyes. Elton Kabangu, the January recruit from Hearts. The Belgian scored twice in a 2-1 away victory to see Hearts look towards the top six and European places. Putting aside last week’s disappointing home result to Rangers, where he failed to take his chances, he was a thorn in the Saints’ side throughout and put away two clinical finishes to take his toll up to six goals from seven games. Hearts boss Neil Crichtley told BBC Sport about his performance: “I’m delighted for Elton Kabangu to get two goals after his disappointment last week. He’s such a great personality to have at the training ground every day. I thought he was fantastic again.” The Saints are running out of games to turn things around, languishing six points adrift at the bottom of the table. Their manager, Simo Valakari, joined the club in October to do just that. With each passing game, that is looking increasingly less likely, and preparations for the Championship may lie ahead. Battle for top six Ross County is on an excellent run of form, with five wins from their last 9. Their only two defeats from that run came against the two Glasgow giants. They came from behind this weekend to beat Dundee 3-1. On the performance, Cowie told BBC Sport: “I was most pleased with how we responded to going behind, we were not spooked by it and deservedly got back in the game at 1-1. “We came out the traps flying after half-time and scored two goals. A fantastic win, and it keeps the momentum going.” The man from Inverness has given the Dingwall fans hope, as the club is only two points off the

February 24, 2025

Drama, Decisions & Deciders: Scottish Football Managers in the Spotlight!

With a crucial Champions League showdown looming, Brendan Rodgers has issued a rallying cry to his Celtic squad—go bold or go home! The Hoops boss is urging his side to seize the moment in Germany, where they must overturn a 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich to keep their European dream alive. Meanwhile, Bayern’s own Vincent Kompany is playing it cool, suggesting that his side’s 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen was the perfect defensive test ahead of Celtic’s visit. But could Jota shake things up? The Portuguese winger has surely staked his claim for a starting spot after a dazzling performance in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Dundee United. Speaking of Dundee United, Jim Goodwin insists that Will Ferry and Kevin Holt were merely rested against Celtic and should be back in action next week. Nothing to see here, folks—just a precaution! Over at Rangers, Philippe Clement is facing the heat. His side’s shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park has left fans fuming, and his decision to hook Bailey Rice at half-time didn’t go unnoticed. The 18-year-old was dropped for failing to “break the lines” with his passing, but Clement insists he still believes in the youngster. With pressure mounting, Clement is standing firm, refusing to walk away from what he calls the “toughest period” of his career. Elsewhere in Scottish football, Hibs’ new shot-stopper Jordan Smith has been left “blown away” by the standard of the game, while Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has showered praise on the travelling Dons support after their gritty win at Dundee. And let’s not forget the SWPL drama—Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross has been grilling refereeing chief Willie Collum over some questionable decisions. With all these talking points, Scottish football is delivering non-stop drama on and off the pitch!

February 16, 2025

Aberdeen End Winless Run with Vital Victory Over Dundee

Aberdeen finally put an end to their club-record 14-game Scottish Premiership winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dundee, reclaiming third place in the table. In a high-energy encounter filled with chances, goals from Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen proved the difference. Nisbet capitalised on a rebound after Kristers Tobers’ back-post volley was parried by Jon McCracken, giving Aberdeen a crucial early lead. Dundee, despite an array of opportunities, failed to convert through Simon Murray, Josh Mulligan, and a glaring miss from Jordan McGhee. Their profligacy was punished in spectacular fashion when Keskinen unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike, sending the travelling fans into delirium. However, the home side responded almost immediately. Mulligan’s dazzling solo run down the right culminated in a precise cross, which Seb Palmer-Houlden deftly guided past the Aberdeen goalkeeper to keep Dundee in contention. The final half-hour was a frantic affair. Dundee pushed forward, with Palmer-Houlden and Finlay Robertson coming close, while Aberdeen survived a goalmouth scramble and forced McCracken into a brilliant save from Tobers’ bullet header. Dundee’s attacking intent was evident with their 23 shots, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them. Dundee now sit in 11th place, two points adrift of Ross County and six clear of bottom side St Johnstone. Dundee’s Familiar Struggles in Front of Goal Dundee fans have seen this script before. Strong spells of play, missed opportunities, and ultimately, another frustrating defeat. This latest loss mirrors their previous home meeting with Aberdeen back in September—an early barrage of chances, two goals conceded, and an uphill battle to salvage something from the game. There’s no doubting the spirit in Tony Docherty’s squad, as seen in their performances against Rangers and Celtic, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. With crucial fixtures against Ross County, Motherwell, and St Johnstone on the horizon, Dundee’s hopes of a top-six push could hinge on how they navigate this defining period. Aberdeen’s Timely Return to Form For Aberdeen, Dundee have been a welcome opponent this season. Three wins from three against them, and just two defeats in their last 31 league meetings underline their dominance in this fixture. Jimmy Thelin desperately needed a win to revive his team’s faltering campaign, having secured just four points from the last available 42. This result might just be the turning point they need. Recent signings Mats Knoester, Alexander Jensen, and Kristers Tobers have added much-needed defensive solidity, while Jeppe Okkels has injected flair on the wing. Nisbet and Pape Gueye are beginning to form an effective partnership up front, and Keskinen’s stunning goal showcased why he could be a key figure moving forward. Back in third place, Aberdeen’s challenge now is to maintain this momentum. Can they solidify their position in the league’s upper reaches? Manager Reactions Dundee boss Tony Docherty: “I’m hugely disappointed. We need to learn lessons quickly. There are seven games to the split, and this was a match we should have taken something from. “The first goal, there was a tug on [Antonio] Portales’ jersey—VAR should have picked it up. We were naive defensively, and we paid the price.” Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: “I saw the happiness on the faces of our players and fans—people who have stuck with us through difficult times. “The team fought together, defended as a unit, and put their bodies on the line when it mattered. We made our supporters proud.”

February 16, 2025

Dundee put drubbings behind them to waltz past Airdrie into Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals

Dundee made amends for their consecutive six goal defeats by dishing out a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of their own to Championship strugglers Airdrie. Forcing the visitors back early on, Lyall Cameron’s corner put a clear header on a platter for Clark Robertson who butted the ball past Kieran Wright to break the deadlock after thirteen minutes. Airdrie looked for a way back into the game but their efforts were undone by some sloppiness in possession, MacDonald’s pass back to the keeper intercepted by Scott Tiffoney who squared the ball to Tiffoney who smashed home his side’s second. Tiffoney’s impressive afternoon continued with a defence splitting pass to unleash Oluwaseun Adewumi in the opposition box before the player on loan from Burnley produced a cute finish to extend his side’s lead. With just minutes to go until the break, a lapse in concentration was again on display. This time Dean McMaster was caught doddling in possession as Airdrie looked to play out from the back but saw his pocket picked by Simon Murray who put Cameron in for a brace to all but confirm Dundee’s progression to the next round. The warnings had been visible for all to see in the early exchanges, Tiffoney unable to take advantage of McMaster’s earlier carelessness but the midfielder could only fire low and wide. Often Rhys McCabe’s side were kept from an even greater drubbing by some handy goalkeeping from Wright, who denied Murray from point blank range in the second half. Airdrie’s chances were not forthcoming as they struggled to get numbers forward and often wasting the opportunities when they did come. Lewis McGrattan guilty of not even forcing a dive from Jon McCracken with a low shot straight into the keeper’s arms. McMaster, who endured a torrid time at Dens Park, found himself in space outside the box and, although McCracken was forced into a good save, could have done more with the time offered to him. Having dipped in energy after the break, the game roared into life when Adam Frizzell saw his curling free-kick rattle the crossbar. The captain would be halted again, this time by a McCracken returning to the starting line-up after a long absence, denying Frizzell what looked a certain goal with a brilliant save from point blank. Seconds later Dundee came agonisingly close, Murray hitting the bar himself after some good work to control the ball. More to follow … Line-Ups: Dundee: McCracken, Portales, C. Robertson, Donnelly, Larkeche (Samuels 71), Cameron (Sylla 71), McGhee (F. Robertson 72), Mulligan , Adewumi (Lopez 61), Murray (c), Tiffoney Unused subs: Carson, Astley, Garza, Shaughnessy Booked: Cameron (59), Robertson (64) Goals: Robertson (13), Cameron (25, 44), Adewumi (40) Airdrie: Wright, Bruce (Hancock 66), Graham, Watson, MacDonald, McMaster (Armstrong 57), Frizzell (c), Wilson (Cooper 80), McGrattan (McGregor 57), Mochrie (McStravick 66) Unused subs: Bannon, Duffy, Hutton Booked: MacDonald (87) Referee: Euan Anderson Attendance: 4,335

February 8, 2025

Dundee United Demands VAR Overhaul, Pulls Out of Key Incident Review

Dundee United has recently taken a strong stance on VAR practices, arguing that the system’s application is marred by inconsistent rule interpretations. In a significant move, the club announced its decision to withdraw from the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel, expressing deep concerns about the panel’s intended purpose and overall impact. Background on the Review Panel The Scottish FA launched the KMI panel in September of last year as a five-member group comprised of club representatives, ex-referees, former players, and coaches. The panel is tasked with examining critical incidents from the previous week’s SPFL Premiership games and other competitions where VAR is in use. Its role is to assess and vote on whether both the on-field decisions and any VAR interventions were correct. A Catalyst for Change Dundee United’s decision comes on the heels of a controversial 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock. In that match, Marley Watkins’ goal – which clinched the win for Kilmarnock – was allowed to stand after a VAR check, despite significant questions regarding its legitimacy. This incident appears to have been the tipping point for United. In an official statement, the club explained: “Dundee United FC has formally notified the Scottish FA that we are withdrawing our representation from the KMI panel. This decision is the result of extensive discussions throughout the season with the Refereeing Department. We have raised serious concerns about the panel’s purpose, effectiveness, and overall impact on the game. We feel that the panel’s outcomes are not aligned with the feedback provided to the Scottish FA.” The statement went on to criticise instances where on-field decisions, once validated by both VAR and the Refereeing Department, were later contradicted by the panel. According to Dundee United, many of the panel members lack sufficient expertise in the laws of the game, which has contributed to what the club sees as a flawed review process. Media and External Pressures The club also highlighted how some of the panel’s decisions have been magnified by media reports, adding undue pressure on match officials. This, they argue, could have repercussions for future refereeing decisions and undermine the confidence in the system. Broader Implications for VAR Beyond the immediate concerns with the KMI panel, Dundee United has called for a comprehensive review of VAR practices in Scottish football. The club noted that inconsistent interpretations of the laws of the game by VAR have frustrated several Premiership clubs. In their view, while errors are an unavoidable part of football, the heightened scrutiny brought about by VAR has made refereeing decisions a highly public issue. “We are committed to ensuring that our club is treated fairly at all times. At the same time, we want to contribute to a broader improvement in Scottish football. We are reaching out to both the Scottish FA and the SPFL to advocate for a more robust VAR protocol and review process. This is essential for protecting our match officials and preserving the integrity of the game.” Additional Reactions In a related development, St Mirren recently voiced its displeasure following a VAR decision that denied them a penalty in a match against St Johnstone. The club’s statement underlined their ongoing concerns with recent officiating errors, calling on the Scottish FA to address these issues promptly. Participation in the KMI panel is voluntary for clubs, with an external expert advising the panel on the laws of the game. Despite these measures, Dundee United’s recent actions underline the growing discontent within Scottish football regarding the current VAR framework. The Scottish FA is reportedly exploring further enhancements to the VAR system, as it has been actively evolving the protocol since its introduction in October 2022. Sky Sports News has reached out to the Scottish FA for further comment on the matter.

February 6, 2025

Dundee

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