Editorials Archives - SNN Sports

Celtic and their Champions League gamble

As if facing a lengthy trip to the far end of Kazakhstan isn’t daunting enough, Celtic fans are left wondering when or if Brendan Rodgers will get to splash the cash. With the play-off tie against Kairat Almaty starting with next week’s first leg in Glasgow, what should be the start of another exciting Euro adventure is already fraught with nerves as Celtic’s reinforcements are slow in arriving. Last season, Rodgers’ men successfully navigated the group phase, but were undone by Bayern Munich in the knockout play-off round. Apart from a sound trashing by Borussia Dortmund, they made a great account of themselves in Europe’s premier competition and the assumption would be they would look to kick on and go again. So far, the transfers haven’t exactly whipped the fans into a frenzy. Eight players have been signed – two free transfers, one loan and four involving fees totalling somewhere between £4 million and £5 million. All of whom will no doubt do a job in some capacity, maybe in the long term, but it’s not exciting the supporters. Last year, they spent over £40 million and broke their transfer record twice by bringing in Adam Idah from Norwich for £9 million and Arne Engels for £11 million, both of whom haven’t quite set the heather alight. So who is to blame for this lack of activity? The Celtic boss has remained diplomatic in his comments when it comes to transfer activity, but the undercurrent seems to be of a man frustrated that his attempts to really strengthen the team haven’t come to fruition. Rodgers is a man with ambition. Since the day he first walked into Celtic Park, he’s always wanted to take them to the next level. Last season, he did. This season, who knows? Between the reported £30 million – £40 million in prize money, depends on who you read, not to mention the sale of Nicolas Kuhn to Como for £16 million, the coffers have been swelled again. Now, it’s not for this writer to expect Celtic to splash the money once it starts burning a hole in their pocket, but fans are right to wonder just where the cash is going if they’re not spending it to upgrade the team. Why are the board so frugal and are they willing to irk Rodgers again? Let’s not forget, the Northern Irishman has seen this movie before, which played its part in him leaving for Leicester. The squad deadline is 11pm tonight to register any new players for the Kairat tie and, barring any major development, the current squad, as is, will be trusted to try and get them to the group stage. If the plan is to wait and see if Celtic can do it before they splash the cash in the manner they did in the final week of last August’s transfer window, it’s a risky strategy. If they don’t qualify, what then? It’s a Europa League campaign, which is where they don’t want to be ideally. Failure to reach the Champions League will lead to further disgruntlement for the fans and maybe even tip Rodgers towards the exit door again. The next couple of weeks will really show the level of ambition the Celtic board have. Domestically, there shouldn’t be any problems, but complacency could be a killer for them.

August 14, 2025

Sportscene at 50: A nostalgia fest in a modern age

Sometimes we just want to see the football and less of the chat. On Saturday’s 50th birthday edition of Sportscene, the sight of Dougie Donnelly return to hosting duties was essential viewing. Scotland’s premier football highlights took fans of a certain vintage back in time to mark the show’s half century as some of the game’s legendary broadcasters were behind the mic one more time to be part of the celebrations. As well as Dougie, ever the smooth anchorman we’ve come to know and love, Archie McPherson and Jock Brown returned to commentary to lend their recognisable voices to the day’s Premiership action. And we loved it all. The show started with a skit as current presenter Steven Thompson appeared to be practicing his links in the new studio, located in the middle of the BBC Scotland Pacific Quay HQ while a man in a brown coat and bunnet, brandishing a brush (playing a sweeper role you might say) worked within earshot. Fancying a shot at delivering the link himself, the coat and bunnet came off and of course, it’s Mr Donnelly, who, without missing a beat delivers a fabulous intro to camera: “Hello! Good to have you with us. Welcome to Sportscene at 50.” Cue music and titles. The next hour was a brilliant mix of old voices, memories and the current day’s action as the generations intertwined, specifically Thompson reduced to a punditry role for the night alongside Gordon Smith, a man who graced the old Sportscene couch for years. The first game of the day belonged to Archie McPherson, who was sent to the SMISA Stadium for St Mirren’s clash with Motherwell. This is a man who commentated on Archie Gemmill’s famous goal against the Netherlands in 1978 (even cheerfully recalling having the record the commentary again for the movie ‘Trainspotting’ where it soundtracked a sex scene he later found out), a voice of numerous cup finals and very much, the voice of many massive Scottish football moments through the years. Sadly, this was also the man who had to sit through a goalless draw as Stephen Robinson’s side and the Steelmen shared the points. Such a shame the occasion wasn’t befitting of the man covering it. Then it was off to Livingston where Jock Brown, setting aside the internal strife at Hamilton Accies where he is currently chairman, took the mic for their game against fellow former Championship dwellers, Falkirk. A much better affair and hearing Brown call the action and the way his voice rises at the goals took us all back to the 80’s and 90’s when he covered the action for Scotsport as well as Sportscene. He would certainly have enjoyed Lewis Smith’s cracker of a goal that put Livi 2-0, with more analysis following. Then it was Rob McLean’s turn, a former Sportscene presenter and commentator and still works for the Corporation on a freelance basis as he covered Rangers’ surprise 1-1 draw with Dundee at Ibrox. Once the business of the day was complete, there was a special message from Hazel Irvine, dubbed “The First Lady of Sportscene” – a title that’s hard to argue with. Archie was in the studio afterwards after the trauma of his goalless fest in Paisley to recall what being part of the show meant to him and his memories of a long and storied career. The show finished with a monologue by Dougie, who thanked everyone associated with the programme through the years. That same twinkle in the eye was still there, that flawless delivery and suddenly it was all over. You can tell they all enjoyed being back on a programme that’s meant so much to them and afterwards, a call for Dougie to return to the gig permanently was put out by numerous people online. That’s how good he was. He left the BBC in 2010 and works on golf’s Asian Tour these days, but people like Thompson, in the most respectful way possible, would have taken a lot from watching a master at work. We certainly enjoyed seeing them and hearing them again. Happy birthday, Sportscene!

August 11, 2025

Our Writers Predict the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership

The William Hill Premiership is looming, with the opening weekend starting with Killie hosting the newly promoted side of Livingston on Saturday and concluding with the blockbuster clash on Monday when Aberdeen visit Hearts. Fresh optimism, big questions and plenty of intrigue await. Will Celtic continue their domestic dominance? Can Hearts, Hibs, or Aberdeen close the Old Firm gap? And who’s facing a scrap at the bottom? The transfer window is still open, and predictions may hinge on late window shenanigans. However, our team of journalists has examined all 12 clubs and offered their early predictions for this season. Aberdeen Callum Hart – 4th I’m tipping them to finish 4th. Cameron Caldwell – 7th Guaranteed European football until January will be a double-edged sword for Jimmy Thelin’s squad. Balancing these demands with the busy domestic calendar will be a struggle. Jack Cranmer – 5th Jimmy Thelin pulled off a shock by guiding Aberdeen to Scottish Cup glory and European group stage qualification. However, that European run could become a burden. The squad is decent, but its depth is questionable. Thursday-Sunday football has hurt clubs like Hearts, and Aberdeen may suffer similarly. Recruitment has been shrewd, but whether it’s enough to maintain a top-four challenge remains to be seen. Mack Kelly – 5th They have had a lot of activity in the transfer window this season, and Thelin is now properly putting his stamp on the squad. I think European football this season will act as a derailer for the Dons and hold them back in the table. That said, I can see the Reds going on a run in the Conference League. Michael Shuel – 5th The Dons have been busy in the transfer market, but losing Jamie McGrath on a free is a blow. Hopefully, their recruits can prove effective. The extension of Alfie Dorrington’s loan is a good move, as he will continue to develop into a top defender. They hope to continue last season’s success, which saw them pick up silverware. Ryan Niven – 5th Inconsistent last season, and with the addition of European football, I feel the Pittodrie club will struggle. Scott Bradley – 5th Despite the historic Scottish Cup win against Celtic last season, we can’t forget the Dons had a poor second half of the season, only managing to win five of their last 26 league games. The Dandies played in Europe under former boss Barry Robson, and they struggled to cope with that Thursday-to-Sunday schedule; the same could happen this season. Celtic Callum Hart – 1st Celtic still seems to be the better team between them and the Rangers; however, I think the gap will be closer this year than last. Cameron Caldwell – 1st While there’s still work to do in the transfer market, Celtic’s established core should be consistent enough to secure their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title. Jack Cranmer – 2nd Celtic remain favourites, but a storm may be brewing. Brendan Rodgers’ recent comments hint at dissatisfaction with the club’s backing during the summer window. Nicolas Kühn’s departure is a blow, and while Benjamin Nygren appears a capable replacement, it’s hard to argue he’s an upgrade on an in-form Kühn. If he stays fit, Kieran Tierney will be an improvement on Greg Taylor, but that’s a big ‘if’ across a 50+ game season. Up front, serious concerns remain: Jota won’t be fully fit until late in the campaign, Adam Idah is still unconvincing, Kyogo Furuhashi still hasn’t been truly replaced, and the new options lack the quality Celtic have had in recent years. Rodgers has a track record of third-season stagnation, and if he’s not backed, he could walk. If that happens, chaos could open the door to a Rangers resurgence. Mack Kelly – 1st It will be much tighter at the top end of the table this season, but I think the squad’s quality and experience will deliver the Celtics’ fifth consecutive title by no more than six points. Michael Shuel – 1st With the Rangers experiencing a tactical revolution (or mess, as some could call it) and the mastermind Russell Martin joining, the Celtics should be scared. Not really. It will take time for Rangers to gel, and the Hoops have too much quality in all areas of their squad. Could they do with more wingers now? Sure. But that’ll come. Are there question marks around Adam Idah? Look, he will still get 15-20 goals this season. If that’s what you call a flop (even at a staggering £9m), then so be it. Ryan Niven – 1st With the Rangers being rebuilt, Celtic will bring home another title. However, their lack of transfer business so far makes me believe it’ll be a closer title race than last season. Scott Bradley – 2nd Despite winning a double last season, Brendan Rodgers’ men have dropped in form and standards over the last few months. There doesn’t seem to be a real buzz and excitement surrounding the Scottish champions at this moment in time, and the lack of transfer business is a concern, especially amongst the Celtic faithful. I believe this will be Rodgers’ last season, and if he loses the first Old Firm game at Ibrox, the alarm bells will start ringing. Dundee Callum Hart – 12th After Dundee’s poor start to the campaign, I think it’ll continue into the league season. Cameron Caldwell – 12th Steven Pressley hasn’t been a manager since 2019. This lack of recent experience could prove problematic for a Dundee team that only narrowly avoided relegation last year. Jack Cranmer – 12th I don’t want to be too harsh on Steven Pressley; he’s done his homework at Brentford, but alarm bells are already ringing. Losses to Airdrieonians and Alloa in the League Cup, plus a narrow win over Lowland League Bonnyrigg Rose, don’t inspire confidence. Their recruitment, mainly from English lower leagues and loans from Brentford youth, looks risky. Pressley’s man-management has also been questioned, and losing Josh Mulligan and Lyall Cameron won’t help. If results don’t pick up soon, the

August 2, 2025

What did we learn from Russell Martin’s debut as Rangers boss?

New Rangers boss Russell Martin won his first competitive in charge as Rangers defeated Panathinaikos but what did we learn from Martin’s debut at Ibrox? On paper a 2-0 victory at home with a clean sheet is impressive but there was moments in the game where the Light Blues rode their luck as Jack Butland was called into action making some pivotal saves. Martin set up in a 4-3-3 system and four of his seven summer signings featured the game, which were Joe Rothwell Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons, and Djeidi Gassama. It was a special moment for Findlay Curtis as he scored his first ever professional goal, which saw the Ibrox side kick on in the second half. Rothwell had a solid performance as he was calm and composed on the ball, and Gassama had a dream start scoring a lovely strike from outside the box after only being on the pitch for a handful of minutes. It was obvious that the players are still getting used to Martin’s system, and he will need time for it to work. There was flashes of how effective The Englishman’s style of play can be with one moment being the counter attacking phase and build up for Gassama’s finish. Aaron’s struggled at moments whilst playing in the left-back position with some misplaced passes and getting caught down his left-hand side. In terms of the goalkeeping situation, it appears Martin will be going with Butland as his number one choice for the time being, as the former England international will be looking to build on his display against the Greek outfit. Martin said before the Champions League qualifier that it won’t be a quick fix and pleaded with the Ibrox faithful to have patience with his philosophy and there will be some bumps along the road. Overall, it was a dream start for Martin at Ibrox in terms of getting an all important win and the Govan club are in a positive situation as they travel to Greece for the second leg.

July 24, 2025

SNN Sports and Performance Goal Announce Strategic Partnership

SNN Sports, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent digital sports media platforms, has officially partnered with Performance Goal, a purpose-driven organisation leading the way in athlete development, mindset training, and community leadership in sport. This collaboration brings together the raw power of storytelling with real impact on the ground — connecting experience, leadership, and opportunity across football communities in Scotland and beyond. “This is just the start — we’re building something that gives back, lifts people up, and changes how sport is seen and shared.” – Asha Anderson, COO, SNN Sports What to Expect – Exclusive Content – Interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and matchday reels from grassroots and professional environments. – Podcasts & Panels – Real conversations with players, coaches, and leaders making an impact. – Event Coverage – On-location media across PG’s events in Scotland and Dubai. – Shared Mission – Amplifying purpose-driven sport and creating pathways for emerging voices in media. About SNN Sports SNN Sports is a digital-first media platform redefining how fans connect with football. With over 14.5 million monthly views, SNN delivers content that resonates with a new generation of fans while providing real-world experience for student journalists, graduates, and passionate sports media creators. About Performance Goal Performance Goal is a Community Interest Company (CIC) delivering leadership training, performance psychology, and inclusive sport programming. Its mission is to create long-term social impact through the power of sport and community. Media Contact: Asha Anderson Chief Operating Officer, SNN Sports asha@snnsport.co.uk

July 18, 2025

Kyle Lafferty sitting beside the Scottish Junior Cup trophy after Johnstone Burgh's 2025 victory

From Rangers to Johnstone Burgh: Kyle Lafferty rediscovers the soul of football as club raise over £500 for charity

“I’ve never felt a connection like it to the community. If there’s any problems on or off the pitch, the community is out in full force to help the club.” Kyle Lafferty has played for some of the biggest names in Scottish football: Rangers, Hearts, and Kilmarnock, as well as respected European clubs like Sion, Linfield, and Palermo. But now, at 37, he’s experiencing football at a different level: one that’s smaller in terms of publicity or monetary value, but richer in meaning. One at a level where the connection between players and supporters feels tighter, more genuine, and more fulfilling. Eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2023 when Lafferty, alongside former Rangers teammate Graham Dorrans, signed for then-seventh-tier Scottish side Johnstone Burgh. Many dismissed it as a publicity stunt or a marketing ploy. But nothing could be further from the truth. An 89-times capped Northern Ireland international, Lafferty has found a home at Keanie Park. His influence, both on and off the pitch, is clear. At the club’s Summer Fayre last Saturday, he could be seen walking the ground, chatting with fans, and posing for photos, embodying the spirit of a club deeply rooted in its community. Fresh off scoring the winning penalty in Johnstone Burgh’s 4–2 shootout victory over Tranent in the Scottish Junior Cup final, after a 1–1 draw in regular time, Lafferty and the club have taken that victory back to where it matters most: the community. The famous old trophy has been paraded through local businesses, schools, and care homes, allowing fans of all ages to share in the joy of the club’s first Junior Cup win since 1968. Despite a typically Scottish downpour on Saturday, the day following rays of Sunshine. The Burgh’s supporters made the most of it and still turned out in numbers, raising £500 for the Renfrewshire Food Bank and RAMH, two vital organisations supporting the area’s most vulnerable. Lafferty is proud to be part of a team that gives back. “Supporting the charities that we are today is really important, all of them are important,” he said. “You’ll find that mental health has been spoken about a lot more in recent years. The club is always behind any charity that comes knocking, and the players are right behind any cause that needs a hand.” Manager Murdo MacKinnon, the first man since Peter Donald to bring the Junior Cup back to the club, was equally passionate, insisting that the club’s greatest success isn’t silverware, but its connection with supporters and its role in the community. “This is the heartbeat of the community, and we want to make it just that,” MacKinnon said. “We want to do as much as we can. That was emphasised to me the minute I came through the door: this is about the community, and about everyone in it. “Today has been a great event, it’s fantastic, really well organised, and I’m delighted to be part of it. But it’s also something we do regularly. “We engage with partner charities; we engage with the community. We know that people face real challenges nowadays, and if we, as a club, can help with those challenges and give people somewhere they can come, feel part of something, and feel at home, then that’s what we’ll do. “We’ll always strive for that. It’s a major driver for our club. The community is at the heart of everything we do, and we won’t forget that.” One man who understands that bond better than most is Chairman Brian Williams. A lifelong Burgh supporter, he was overcome with emotion when his side lifted the cup. “I listened to the stories of ’64 and ’68 when we won it before,” he said with a huge grin. “But to actually experience that and bring it back for the people of Johnstone, the community is electric at the moment. “The community stepped up today. It was chucking it down with rain at 12, and some of the vendors didn’t stay. “But the people still turned up. It’s been a successful day for everyone who’s run the fayre.” Now competing in the West of Scotland Premier Division, Scottish football’s sixth tier, Johnstone Burgh is a club on the rise, on and off the pitch. They may boast a household name in Kyle Lafferty, but there are no egos here. Just a good, honest, community-rooted football club giving back to the people who stood by them through tough times. And now that success has returned to Keanie Park, they’ve made one thing clear: they haven’t forgotten who the real heartbeat of this club is—and who backed them when the club needed it most.

June 25, 2025

Record Walking Football Scotland event draws over 900 players

“I’ve often said, see the guy who came up with the idea of walking football, he deserves a knighthood.” Whilst David Beckham’s incoming honours might be grabbing the headlines, for players of the 92 teams travelling from as far as Tain (over 200 miles away from Glasgow), it is the sport’s creator who has had a far more significant impact on their lives. Not just a record breaking event which saw over 900 players involved, Walking Football Scotland’s annual Scottish Cup and Festival represented a coming together of people whose lives have been positively impacted by the sport. Whilst the seven trophies for various competitive categories are no doubt significant, it really is the taking part that counts for those involved. “Three years ago, next week, I had a massive heart attack,” says George Mullen of the Drumchapel United. “I worked with children in care, so I had to retire. And once I retired I was watching ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’, my mental health was going down like a tonne of bricks.” Then, a friend suggested he try walking football. “I met a guy, he said to me, ‘Monday morning George, Donald Dewar’ (sports facility in Drumchapel), and I’ve not looked back,” says Mullen, who now plays up to three times a week. “So on a Monday morning I’ll be the Donald Dewar, Tuesday at Scotstoun and a Thursday at Scotstoun.” The impact of socialising cannot be understated , studies show the importance of spending time with other people and the impacts of loneliness. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that older adults experiencing chronic loneliness had a 56% higher risk of stroke during a 10-12 year period than those who did not. President of Walking Football Scotland Kenny McLean is also keen to extol the virtues of the social side, rather than the results themselves. “This is bringing people out of the house, getting a bit of activity, but also increasing their social circle, because that’s what most people will speak about”, says McLean. “They’ll speak about the fact that yeah it’s good I’m getting a kick about the ball, but they’re actually involved now with others that they don’t normally get involved with, they’ve never met them before and here they are kicking a ball about at a time when they probably thought they would never be able to kick a ball.” For Bridges, the camaraderie has taken him as far as Albufeira, Portugal, as Drumchapel represented Scotland in the European Cup. “You see the social side of it is great. We have a night at Christmas and the boys all meet up every now and again. After the games we all go for tea and coffee and we sit and the banter, as you can imagine, is very good.” Walking football Scotland established in when, but the event’s popularity is emblematic of the growth of the game, accelerating at a pace that belies its name. “We are so lucky that we’ve got this facility for a start, that we can bring all these people together,” says McLean. “But this isn’t just one thing, we have roughly around 6,000 people playing walking football recreationally throughout Scotland. We have a league structure throughout the year, so we have 1,500 people registered for that.” So popular was the single day event however, that there is a waiting list for teams trying to join. Increased numbers has also meant more inclusive events. The Parkinson’s Scottish Cup made its debut at the weekend, with the title claimed by the Glasgow Life team. The tournament itself is mixed but there is a women only category as well as non-competitive, which allows disability teams such as Ardler from Dundee to enjoy “the huge benefits out of it” according to volunteer coach Neil Whitton. “Our club’s for the people that are mentally and physically disabled, so it’s more of a social thing than a football thing.” “The guys that come along to our group, some of them, they don’t get out and about a lot where there’s mass socialising and that,” Whittmore said. “That’s what we tend to focus on more than anything else, more than the competitive side of it.” That’s not the say the sport is a mere walk in the park, Maree Todd doubling as both a player and an MSP. “I’ve only played once and I could hardly walk the next day,” says Todd, “I can give all the health messages in the world but people play sports because it’s fun!” “Come along and give it a try, you don’t have to have any skills. I’ve just proved that today out there today.” Speaking to women who might feel some reluctance to get involved in the sport, Todd says: “Just come along, have a try. What you’ll meet is an amazing bunch of women and men who are just eager to have fun and re-discover a passion for sport.” Far from closed circles, clubs are more than happy to bring new players onboard according to Mullen. “I thought at first when I walked into Drumchapel, me knowing I might have been a wee bit cliquish. Come in, come in, they welcomed me with open arms, brilliant!” “It’s unbelievable, beyond my wildest dreams after what I’ve been through.” For those interested in finding out more, visit https://www.walkingfootballscotland.org/ .

June 8, 2025

‘This was the one I really wanted’: Russell Martin unveiled as the new head coach of Rangers

After weeks of speculation and negotiations, Russell Martin was appointed as the new head coach of Rangers on a three-year deal. The 39-year-old was unveiled at Ibrox and was the club’s ‘stand out choice’ after a lengthy interviewing process. The former Southampton boss had a short six-month spell as a player at the Light Blues in 2018 and now he’s returned in a different capacity. Martin was sacked by Southampton last season and once the opportunity came up to manage the Govan club he knew instantly ‘this was the one I really wanted.’ The Norwich City legend understands the expectations for success from the Rangers faithful and that’s what he’s aiming to deliver: “I’ve managed three clubs, all with the same concept of the game – to be the aggressor with the ball and without it. “They all played different shapes and different people making up different positions. “We are here to win, and we will do that in the best way we possibly can. “That is what Rangers fans expect, to be really aggressive, really intense, really passionate, really hard-working first and foremost. “I know the expectation here is to win. We want to do that in a way that’s aligned with how we want to feel about the team and how Rangers fans want to feel about their team.” There has been much negativity surrounding Martin’s appointment, but he is aiming to prove the doubters wrong and bring success back to Ibrox: “My job is to give them a team they identify with, and they are proud of. A team that wins. “A team that’s going to give everything. One thing that’s always overlooked with our teams is they always run the most out of possession, because they have to if they want to dominate the ball and be aggressive. “It’s not a given, it’s an attribute – you need to work hard, not everyone has that. We want people like that to come to the club. “To the fans, I have to win. I don’t think I’ve been the number one choice at any club I’ve been at. By the time we’ve left every team I’ve been at, we’ve formed a real connection with the supporters. I hope this will be the same. “My whole playing career was based on hard work and resilience. It was not done on talent. “I have a lot to prove. My whole career has been based on proving people wrong. I got to the Premier League as a player, played international football. It’s the same as a manager. “I feel after five-and-a-half years of being a coach and a leader, I love doing it. I will be all-in here with my energy and my love for it. Hopefully it will reflect on the pitch.” Martin knows he will have to hit the ground running as it’s well documented that managers don’t get any sympathy or time whilst managing one half of the Old Firm. The former Scotland international has the opportunity to become a Rangers legend as the club embark on a new era to bring the glory days back to Ibrox.

June 5, 2025

Rocky 33 – the story of a career reborn, fit for the silver screen

Hollywood could do worse than take a page out of born again Hibs hero Rocky Bushiri’s script. As he was being helped off the pitch, suffering an injury yet still somehow denying Jota on the line with his final act you could almost hear the whisper ‘Careful, he’s a hero’. For Rocky Bushiri has always had a touch of the super-heroic about him, even if it is Nicky Cadden who wears the mask these days. It’s not just the way he plays, but the way he speaks too. “You work in secret a bit, so you’re ready when you can go again,” he had said about the time spent out of the squad as the season looked set to pass him by. Lurking in the shadows, analysing from the bench as his teammates tumbled from bad result to bad result. Nowadays, Bushiri is his club’s own Superman, the beating heart of a Hibs back-three that has gone thirteen games unbeaten, including the victory over Celtic, condemning the league champions to a second consecutive defeat and resulting in one of Scottish football’s finest spectacles, the moment ‘Sunshine on Leith’ blasts out the tannoys surpassed only by the gusto of the fans who made their appreciation known to the players, “a special moment” to cherish as Gray put it. Yet far from sunshine and rainbows, Rocky’s career could have been the script for the film that carries his name if only Sylvester Stallone hadn’t lived it first, albeit the defender has never had to sell his dog to make it happen. From a young talent on the fast-track to notoriety, Bushiri was breaking records right from the start as he became K.V. Oostende’s youngest ever debutant. The now defunt club’s doors passed through by some familiar faces to fans in the country with none other than Fashion Sakala, Jack Hendry, Ante Palaversa and Ewan Henderson (who spent time with Rocky at Hibs no less) all plying their trade at Oostende at various intervals. There would be a successful loan with Eupen as he cut his teeth in the professional game, the centre-back’s star rising with appearances at the U21 Euros for Belgium and signing for then Premier League side Norwich City in 2019. Then, the 6 foot 2 motor stalled. Three years and no appearances for the Canaries. Loan spells didn’t help much either with a move to Blackpool in League 1 yielding just 7 appearances before being cut short. Manager Simon Grayson saying “We thank him for the bits he did for us, it didn’t quite work out that one”, the indifference for a 20 year old who had only recently uprooted from Belgium somewhat striking. Bushiri’s return to Belgium did little to get the engine going, spells at St Truiden, Mecheleh and a return to Eupen led to 21 appearances across three seasons. Not an ideal platform for development in your formative years. By the time he had joined Jack Ross’ Hibernian on loan in 2022, there remained excitement at the prospect of what the player could bring to a vastly under-perfoming side and whilst game time was forthcoming, the performances fans applaud today were less so. 12 games would bring 11 starts but also 5 yellow cards, including a double against Dundee. The season itself was as chaotic as the managerial changes suggest. Jack Ross (fired), David Gray (caretaker), Shaun Maloney (fired) before a return for caretaker Gray. 0′, 0′, 2′, 90′, 0′ minutes during the split showed just how much Gray believed in the young defender when it came to the crunch. An ignomonious end to a season but joy of a loan move made permanent was overshadowed by the rumours that the club had forgotten the agreement with Norwich had a clause that forced them to Bushiri after a certain number appearances. Hibs would call it a canard but the rumour was supported by the fact that Bushiri’s name appeared on the list of players set to leave the club at the end of the season. It didn’t stop there either, Bushiri’s name became entangled once again with a club failing to master the fundamentals of administration. Playing 90 minutes against Morton in the League Cup despite having been suspended, resulting in a 3-0 forfeit and swift exit from the competition. Rocky needed an Adrian, but he was surrounded by Paulies. Injury capped off insult for once as the next season saw Rocky miss 17 games with an ankle injury despite having gone from a player Lee Johnson said “he was probably happy to move on” to one “he wouldn’t sell for £10m”. Last season looked set to be a breakout season for the player who, whilst not exactly earning acclaim outside the confines of Easter Road, was at least starting consistently. Then came David Gray, and this time no more Mr Interim. This was a manager who hadn’t shown much faith in the defender’s abilities in the past and the signings of Warren O’Hora, Marvin Ekpiteta and Jack Iredale in the summer could have told you that he was didn’t have much of it for the future. And so it was, Bushiri would sit on the bench for 15 league games, giving his seat the appearance of memory foam, playing just 7 minutes of SPFL football. Hibs were rock bottom of the table, injuries began to bite the side and Gray was forced to bring the by now DR Congo international in from the cold. A 4-1 defeat to Dundee looked to be the last straw for both of them, and then … Pandemonium. There’s only one word for a game that made absolutely no sense. A flying Aberdeen side with just one defeat to date arrived in Edinburgh accompanied by a narrative that had been swelling with each passing week and looked set to unfold as expected. The side had conceded the most goals after scoring first had … conceded two goals after scoring first. 2-1 down with added time running out before the

February 26, 2025

Hamza Igamane could be new Ibrox hero but will Clement risk over-dependency?

Hamza Igamane has been the face of Rangers side on the mend despite some testing results in recent weeks, his second half cameo against Motherwell producing two goals reminiscent of forwards of old. The Moroccan embodies the return of grit and steel to the position of striker at Ibrox, a role occupied by distinguished figures in the club’s recent history. However with eight games left to play in January alone, including Hibernian on Sunday, Philippe Clement faces one of his biggest tests in management. The Rangers boss was widely mocked for his decision to bench Igamane and Vaclav Cerny against Motherwell on the back of advice from the sports science department. Yet as he chases the Europa League, Scottish Cup and arch rivals Celtic in the league, he will be depending on the 22 year old to the point of potential injury or, risk his own future at the club should alternatives fail to deliver. In good company Far from earning their acclaim as false nines, striker’s have made names for themselves at Ibrox through tenacity and a relentless pursuit of goals. As a new year rolls on, the classic centre forward of days gone by remains just as adored now as it was then. Through the seasons, there have been those who have earned that kind of legendary status by delivering on a long term basis, à la Kris Boyd who finished four of his five seasons with Rangers as the league’s top scorer. Igamane is a long way from that and it is more than likely he will be off long before Boyd’s five years, let alone Ally McCoist’s fifteen, with rumours already swirling that he has attracted interested from clubs in England. Yet others have left their mark in far less time at Glasgow side. Nikica Jelavic spent just a year and a half at the club but has remained a firm favourite amongst fans ever since. Helped in no small part by his contributions to driving the side to a league title and a winner against Celtic in the League Cup to make it a double in 2011. Always looking a cut above, he terrorised defenders with 30 goals in just 45 games but eventually the lure of the Premier League proved too strong, making his way to Everton in January 2012. Despite the short stint, Jelavic is always a welcomed addition to the club’s ‘Legends’ games over a decade since leaving. It is too early to say if Igamane will have the same impact of the Croatian or his strike partner in 2010-11, Kenny Miller, who managed an eye watering 21 goals in 18 games to win his third consecutive title at the club during his second of three spells with Rangers. However with seven goals in ten games, including a double against Nice and a leveller against Tottenham, he seems to be on the right track. Considering Igamane had managed just one in the eleven prior, it shows a remarkable improvement from a player who didn’t immediately hit the ground running as the aforementioned players did. A lack of mental fortitude has been the stick with which this Rangers squad have been beaten as candidates up front struggled to replicate the steel of the last striker to etch his name into folklore. Fiery boots to fill Alfredo Morelos is as much loved at Ibrox as he is hated by fans from every club he has faced. Seemingly as likely to score as he was to be sent off, the Colombian did not have the goal return of those before him but his win at all costs attitude propelled Rangers to a first Premiership title in a decade to stop Celtic winning the coveted ‘ten in a row’. His time at the club ended on a slightly sour note, Morelos took every opportunity to express a desire to move away from the club as his contract ran down but Rangers have since struggled desperately to replicate his impact. Following his exit, a flurry of players auditioned for the part of ‘Ibrox hero number nine’ but none quite fit the bill. Kemer Roofe had his moments but his time in Glasgow was blighted by injuries as he was never able to be relied on during his four years at the club. Three time Croatian international Antonio Colak’s star burned bright albeit briefly. An impressive 13 goals in 17 games was as good as it got before fading with niggles of his own and poor form. Michael Beale arrived and sent the frontman packing to Parma after just one season in favour of Danilo and Cyriel Dessers. The club are only just starting to see some return on their investment in the Brazilian and the much maligned Dessers has never felt the love from fans and his time at the club seems to be coming to an end. Despite 22 goals in all competitions last season, which is no bad return, the striker’s perpetual habit of missing clear cut chances has not helped the fact that he does not fit the moult of the classic centre forward Rangers supporters have come to expect. The question now is whether the ever growing weight of expectation will prove too heavy for the young man. A New Hope Igamane was not even included in the first three league squads of the campaign but just a few months on Clement would struggle to name a starting line-up without him. Dessers was given a rare start against Motherwell in the last game of 2024 but had little to celebrate going into the new year as he was hauled off at the break and Igamane was tasked with salvaging something from the wreckage. Two goals and a point that prevented a second consecutive defeat for the side highlights a growing dependency that has been compounded by the demand from fans to kickstart a run of wins off the back of their performance at Celtic. Games against Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise in

January 4, 2025

Editorials