Dundee United Archives

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

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

Hibs boys keep swinging as Bowie downs United

A first club goal for Kieron Bowie capped off Hibernian’s terrific run of fourteen games unbeaten, leapfrogging defeated Dundee United in the process with the hosts denied a controversial equaliser. As normal time had elapsed, it looked as though the visitors would head home with a creditable draw until a pinpoint through ball set Bowie on course to lash home the winner with a fitting finish for a player who had missed ten months of football prior to his return from injury.. However Hibs were made to work for it after a less than convincing header from Rocky Bushiri saw the ball land at Ross Graham’s feet, the defender firing a shot that took a deflection to loop over Jordan Smith and give the home side the lead just six minutes in. After firing his opening effort comfortably into the palms of Jack Walton, Mykola Kukharevych would make mistake with his second as he met Nicky Cadden’s corner at the back post for the equaliser. With Bowie’s belter setting them on their way, Junior Hoilett put the game out of reach with a goal in the tenth minute of added time after Dwight Gayle’s ball over the top of backtracking United defence left the Canadian to beat Walton one on one. Jim Goodwin’s far for impressed with the way VAR denied Sam Dalby a goal that would have put United ahead, ruling out the header from the league’s top scorer for a handball after a drawn out check offering little clarity to supporters. Dalby will rue not making the most of his header in the first half, sending Ryan Strain’s header well over with Strain’s free-kick in added time almost creating a leveller as the effort was spilled by Smith, the keeper’s blushes spared by the quick thinking of his defenders. Sunshine follows Hibs to Dundee A terrific performance against Celtic at Easter Road was capped off by the rendition of ‘Sunshine on Leith’ sung in unison by adoring fans and delighted players. Yet it seems that, contrary to popular belief, the there can be sunshine of Dundee as Hibernian produced a gritty performance to keep the party going for a remarkable fourteenth game. Tannadice is one of the most difficult grounds to travel to so for the side to earn a win with three goals is an achievement that should and will give them confidence. The result marks their first win in three attempts over Jim Goodwin’s side this season as they hopped over tonight’s losers into fourth and only one point behind Aberdeen. Standing in their way of the highest point in their campaign so far is Hearts, who travel to the ‘Holy Ground’ on Sunday. Turbulent year threatens good season For all the acclaim United have received for spending much of the season in fourth despite only just getting promoted, Jim Goodwin will be far from please with the performances he has seen from his side since the new year. Three wins and six losses have put fans in a bit of tizzle with split fast approaching. VAR decisions not withstanding you could hardly claim they were deserving of much in the game, unable to put Hibs under the kind of pressure they have done in the past. Granted, Sam Dalby will feel he should have added 13th league goal to his tally, if not for the effort chalked off then at least for the header that he will no doubt know he should have done better with. Now they must travel to an Aberdeen side only just showing signs of recovery following a turbulent few months of their own. Line-ups: Dundee United: Walton, Graham, Gallagher (c), Adegboyega, Ferry (Babunski 86), Campbell (Fiorini 86), Ševelj, Strain, Paton (van der Sande 72), Dalby Unused subs: Harding, Fotheringham, Middleton, Richards, Sibbald, Trapanovski Booked: Stephenson Goals: Graham (6) Hibs: Smith, Iredale, Bushiri, O’Hora, N. Cadden (Obita 67), Triantis, Moriah-Welsh, Miller, Campbell (Hoilett 76), Kuharevich (Bowie 67), Boyle (c) (Gayle 67) Unused subs: Bursik, C. Cadden, Ekpiteta, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, Manneh Booked: Kuharevich, Campbell Goals: Kuharevich (18), Bowie (90), Hoilett (90+10) Referee: David Dickinson Attendance: 10, 674

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

Celtic Tighten Grip on Scottish Premiership Title with Commanding Win Over Dundee United

Celtic strengthened their hold on another Scottish Premiership title with a comfortable victory over Dundee United, moving 16 points clear of Rangers, who face Hearts on Sunday live on Sky Sports. Callum McGregor fired the Hoops ahead as they looked to bounce back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Jota, netting his first goal at Celtic Park since his return, curled a superb effort into the bottom corner to double their lead before the break. Adam Idah sealed the win late on with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box, notching his fifth goal in five matches. Dundee United Struggle Continues Dundee United, now without a win since mid-January, drop to fourth after Aberdeen ended their own winless streak. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made several changes to the starting XI, resting Daizen Maeda after his strong performance in Germany. However, Idah showcased his ability once again, bringing down a headed clearance before volleying into the top corner for a spectacular finish. Greg Taylor, Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn, and Maeda all started on the bench after featuring in the midweek clash against Bayern. McGregor and Jota Shine for Celtic Visiting goalkeeper Jack Walton survived the opening 25 minutes without facing a shot on target, with early efforts from Idah and Cameron Carter-Vickers missing the mark. However, McGregor took matters into his own hands, collecting a pass from Yang Hyun-jun, bursting past Allan Campbell, and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 16 yards. The Celtic captain almost doubled his tally soon after, while left-back Jeffrey Schlupp struck the inside of the post from 20 yards. Jota, whose last home goal had come in a 3-2 victory over Rangers in April 2023, marked his return in style before setting up Idah for a chance that Walton did well to save. Campbell had half-chances in both halves but failed to seriously test Kasper Schmeichel. Walton also denied Luke McCowan’s free-kick and Taylor’s effort in a quiet second half, before Idah lit up the closing stages with his emphatic finish. Rodgers Praises “Three Goals of Individual Brilliance” Speaking to Sky Sports News, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side’s response to their European setback: “The attitude going into the game after a tough midweek match was fantastic. Our record after the Champions League has been excellent. “The quality of our football, especially in the first half, was at a really high level. The speed of our play, our connections in the game, and all three goals were moments of individual brilliance. “The players are synchronised in their work and connect well. The concentration is there until the very end, as they push to score more while defending resolutely. Now we recover and prepare for a different challenge on Tuesday.” Goodwin: “We Were Beaten by the Better Team” Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin admitted his side struggled to cope with Celtic’s intensity: “We were outplayed and beaten by the better team. “You hope Celtic might have one eye on next week’s Champions League match, but credit to Brendan Rodgers and his players, they maintained their high standards. “We pressed higher in the second half and forced more turnovers, but even then, Celtic’s organisation and desire to win the ball back made things extremely difficult. “We’ve seen what they’ve done to other teams here, and unfortunately, we’re on the wrong end of the result. Now, our focus shifts to the seven huge games before the split.” What’s Next in the Scottish Premiership? With Celtic cruising at the top and Rangers facing Hearts next, the title race looks increasingly one-sided. Dundee United, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they fight for a European spot in the run-up to the league split.

February 16, 2025

Eight goal Celtic cruise to win over Dundee United at Tannadice

An Abi Harrison triple put Celtic on course for a comfortable outing against Dundee United at Tannadice Park as the visitors came away 8-0 winners. It would only take Maria McAneny two minutes to open the scoring for Celtic, Murphy Agnew cutting through United’s defence to tee up the forward. Four minutes later the lead was doubled by Jennifer Smith, although in truth it could have been any number of Celtic’s frontline who found themselves unmarked as Morgan Cross played a low ball across the face of goal as the home side prepared for a long night ahead. In acres of space down the far side, Cross sent a cutting pass to supply Harrison with her first goal since returning to the club in January. With just a few minutes until the break United seemed to be holding on but Harrison doubled her lead with a thunderous shot from the edge of the box to make it four. Struggling to trouble Rennie in the opening stages of the second-half, Celtic were handed an opportunity on a silver platter when Megan Burns saw the ball caught under feet allowing Harrison and punish the moment of misfortune. Smith added her second of the night with a cracking shot from outside the area to make it six for the visitors as a lack of depth began to bite United, injury with no replacements left leaving them with ten for the closing stages. Knowing that Rangers remained some distance ahead on goal difference, Celtic continue to turn the screw and rewarded when Katherine Loferski fired a ball that had bounced around the United box following a corner. In an otherwise impressive outing, Rennie was guilty of conceding a penalty which McAneny duly converted to make it a brace. An already lopsided score would have been far greater in the first-half were it not for the efforts of keeper Beth Rennie, whose sliding challenge denied Harrison before keeping Shannon McGregor out one on one. United’s chances were few and far between, limited to a shot from kick-off from Freya Brien, who attempted to recreate her wonder goal against Motherwell almost a month ago but to no avail as the shot travelled timely wide. Pushing for a sixth, Rennie was once again at hand to deny Smith from point blank range before keeping Kelly Clark’s header out from the subsequent corner. Victory means Celtic gain a three point lead over second place Glasgow City whom they in their next game, albeit having played a game than their title rivals. Line-Ups: Dundee United: Rennie, Frew, Hutchinson, Burns, Taylor, Brien, Moodie, Martindale, Marnie (K. MacFarlane 75), Robertson, Dickov Unused subs: Mowatt, Creamer, Logan, Knight, H. McFarlane Booked: Rennie (87), Taylor (90+3) Celtic: Daugherty, Bruna, Clark (c), Barclais (Munoz 46), Cross (Loferski 73), Smith, Ross (Cavanagh 72), McGregor (Carstens 60), McAneny, Agnew (Nakao 60), Harrison Unused subs: Logan, Noonan, Lawton Booked: Goals: McAneny (2, 87), Smith (6, 73), Harrison (19, 41, 58), Lofereski (85) Referee: Nathan Clac-Mansfield

February 7, 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 United

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