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Graphic comparing Dundee and Dundee United's opening six fixtures for the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. Dundee are shown to have the toughest start, while Dundee United have the easiest, based on opponents' average league position last season. Club crests and fixture opponents are included.

Dundee Face Toughest Start as Fixture Difficulty Ranked Across SPFL Clubs

An analysis of the 2025/26 Premiership openers reveals contrasting fortunes for the Dundee clubs — and how each team’s early schedule could shape their season. With the fixtures published last Friday, Dundee face the most challenging opening six games of the 2025/26 Premiership season, based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season (5.33). In contrast, city rivals Dundee United have the easiest run (7.83), offering a smoother start to top-flight football. Dundee couldn’t have been handed a more challenging test as they look to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish under new manager Steven Pressley, who succeeded Tony Docherty in the summer. Their daunting schedule begins with Hibernian at Dens Park, followed by a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers. A fiery Dundee derby arrives early, also at home, and is sandwiched between a visit to Kilmarnock and a clash with Motherwell. They round off the run with an away trip to St Mirren — a real test for Pressley’s new era. On the flip side, the Tangerines kick off with a trip to fellow newly promoted side Falkirk, followed by a home double header against Hearts and Aberdeen. That leads into the eagerly anticipated derby at Dens Park, before an away day at Easter Road to face Hibs and a home tie against Kilmarnock to round out their first six fixtures. With Dundee facing the toughest start and Dundee United the easiest, our statisticians analysed all 12 SPFL clubs based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season. Unlike a recent BBC Sport article using Opta’s Power Rankings, this approach is more straightforward — but the takeaway is the same: some clubs face far tougher openings. It’s worth noting this method does not account for home or away advantage, which can also shape early-season momentum. Aberdeen share the same opening fixture difficulty rating (7.83) as Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United. Despite a testing Matchday 2 meeting with Celtic at Pittodrie, they will likely back themselves for a strong start. At the other end of the scale, St Mirren and Livingston (6.17) aren’t far behind Dundee regarding fixture difficulty. Livingston, promoted via the play-offs against Ross County and St Mirren, faces challenging opening blocks, with Celtic and Rangers among their first six opponents. As for the Glasgow giants, Celtic face a trickier start (6.5) than Rangers (7.67). In Edinburgh, Hibs hope to build on last season’s momentum with a relatively favourable opening run (7.17), while city rivals Hearts have a slightly easier stretch (7.68). Falkirk and Motherwell sit mid-table in terms of difficulty (6.5), with Kilmarnock not far behind on 6.67 — potentially benefiting from a softer start on paper. As the 2025/26 Premiership kicks off on the weekend of 2nd August, it’s contrasting emotions on either side of Tannadice Street — with Dundee bracing for impact, and United looking to hit the ground running. Across the league, early momentum could be crucial in shaping the season ahead.

June 26, 2025

European Draws Set for Scottish Trio

The European dreams of Rangers, Hibernian and Dundee United took a clearer shape on Wednesday, as all three Scottish clubs discovered their respective opponents in the qualifying rounds. The Champions League journey for Rangers begins in the second qualifying round, where they’ll face Greek giants Panathinaikos. All eyes will be on Russell Martin as he makes his competitive debut as head coach. The first leg is set for Ibrox on July 22nd, with the return fixture in Athens a week later. Panathinaikos mirrored Rangers’ domestic performance last season, securing a second-place finish. Their recent European adventures saw them participate in the UEFA Conference League, where they finished 13th in the group stage before a pulsating Round of 16 clash that saw them narrowly lose 5-4 on aggregate to Fiorentina. For the Ibrox faithful, this encounter with Panathinaikos may stir fond memories. Their last meeting, in the 2008 UEFA Cup, saw Nacho Novo net an 81st minute equaliser to send Rangers through on away goals. This tie was pivotal in Rangers’ memorable run to the 2008 UEFA Cup final, ultimately ending in a 2-0 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester. Hibernian’s European journey begins in the Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round, a consequence of Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup glory. They face a challenging draw against Danish club FC Midtjylland. FC Midtjylland narrowly missed out on their domestic title, finishing one point adrift of champions FC Copenhagen. Their prior visits to Scotland have yielded mixed results: a 7-3 aggregate defeat to Rangers in the Europa League qualifiers and a 3-2 aggregate victory over Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for July 24th in Denmark, with the decisive second leg taking place in Leith on July 31st. Following an impressive fourth-place finish on their return to the Scottish Premiership, Dundee United face FC UNA Strassen in the 2nd qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Tannadice will host the first leg on July 24th, marking the Arabs’ first continental outing since their memorable (albeit forgettable) 7-1 aggregate defeat to AZ Alkmaar in 2022. Manager Jim Goodwin and his squad will be determined to deliver a much more commanding performance against their visitors from Luxembourg.

June 19, 2025

Hibs sign Austrian keeper Raphael Sallinger

Hibernian have announced the signing of 29 year old keeper Raphael Sallinger from Austrian Bundesliga side TSV Hartberg on a three year deal. The keeper will challenge Jordan Smith for the starting berth after Josef Bursik returned to Club Brugge following his loan spell. Speaking about the signing, David Gray said: “We’re really pleased to bring Raphael to the Football Club. “He’s a talented goalkeeper that has a number of positive attributes, and he performed excellently in the Austrian Bundesliga last season. “He will provide healthy competition in the goalkeeping department, which will benefit him and Jordan Smith.”

June 5, 2025

Spoils shared at Easter Road as Hibs hold Rangers

Hibernian 2-2 Rangers Barry Ferguson’s possible last game in charge of Rangers fell flat as Hibernian levelled twice to cap off a remarkable second half of the season. A Cyriel Dessers opening just two minutes in had stunned an Easter Road crowd in the mood to celebrate. Jordan Smith’s careless pass allowing Nico Raskin to feed the league top scorer who lifted the ball over his header before drilling in his 17th for the season. Lethal on the counter, Hibernian punished the visitors’ profligacy in front of goal, racing from one end to the other with Martin Boyle’s drilled low ball across the box finding Kieron Bowie who was able to slip away for the leveller. Having failed to learn from an early Raskin header from a corner, David Gray’s side were punished after the break as the Belgian’s deft flick-on gave Rangers the lead. In almost as much time as it taken them to respond to the opener, Hibs fired back for a second time as Nicky Cadden’s long range cross found Martin Boyle in an incredulous amount of space to head the ball past a helpless Jack Butland. There will no doubt be frustration for Barry Ferguson, who watched his side fumble two golden opportunities, the first from Vaclav Černy, who botched his attempt one on one with Smith. The worst was yet to come, this time Raskin contriving to beat Smith yet fail to put the ball past Rocky Bushiri, who found himself bundled over inside the goal, with Dessers unable to do better on the rebound. Smith was not short of things to do on the day, brilliantly denying James Tavernier’s free-kick heading straight for the top corner. Ferguson’s audition ends but problems deeper For all the use of platitudes and rousing speeches, the numbers never lie and what they tell us is fairly damning for Ferguson’s job prospects. Having failed to win a game in which they were dominant, part of the blame lies with the players who were unable to convert numerous chances in front of goal. As Raskin said in his conference after the game, the performance summed up the season as a whole, flashes but unable to get over the line. The pantomime of names associated with the club will run wild in the coming weeks with Fergus not out of the mix by any means, but the issues at the club run far deeper than who is in the dugout. Fitting Gayle tribute cherry on cake If ever there was a way to round off a career, Dwight Gayle might have struggled to conjure one as special as being surrounded by family and teammates, being serenaded by ‘Sunshine on Leith’. Despite the glorious weather, Hibs by no means had their minds on sunny beaches. Instead, they continued to hound Rangers after falling behind. A season that looked destined for the doldrums was turned on its head with that Aberdeen draw and where once a relegation battle was on the cards, the club can now dangle the carrot of European football in front of potential signings. Indeed their transfer window might be one of the most interesting of the summer (second to Rangers it is fair to say) as they look to strengthen to play on multiple fronts without falling to the spiralling impact that their Edinburgh rivals suffered. Line-ups: Hibernian: Smith, Iredale (Obita 93), Bushiri, O’Hora, Cadden, Manneh (Moriah-Welsh 57), Triantis (Levitt 79), Cadden, Hoilett (Campbell 57), Bowie (Gayle 57), Boyle (c) Unused subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Kuharevich, Levitt, Youan Goals: Bowie (16) Booked: Bowie, Moriah-Welsh, Boyle Rangers: Butland, Kasanwirjo, Balogun (Pröpper), Souttar, Tavernier (c), Raskin (Cortés 81), Barron, Diomandé (Lawrence 54), Danilo, Dessers, Černy (Rice 81) Unused subs: Kelly, Curtis, McCallion, McCausland, Nsiala, Rice Goals: Dessers (2) Booked: Diomandé, Kasanwirjo Attendance: 18,793

May 17, 2025

Point Seals European Football for Hibs Despite Saints Fightback

A thrilling encounter at the SMiSA Stadium saw St Mirren and Hibernian share the spoils in a 2-2 draw. While the point secured a coveted third-place finish and European football next season for Hibs, it leaves St Mirren needing a result away at Celtic on Saturday to keep their own European dreams alive. Hibs started the match with blistering pace. Just minutes in, a clever through ball from Junior Hoilett found Martin Boyle, who expertly slotted his shot past Zach Hemming at the near post. The Australian international, in red-hot form with his 7th goal in his last 9 league appearances, thought he had doubled his tally shortly after, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. David Gray’s side continued their dominant start, doubling their lead in the 10th minute. Once again, the influential Junior Hoilett was the architect, finding Kuharevich in the box who finished emphatically, sending the travelling Hibs support into raptures. The visitors were playing with a swagger, with the dynamic duo of Boyle and Hoilett posing a constant threat. It was a stark contrast to the Hibs side that had succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Paisley on the opening weekend of the season. St Mirren, buoyed by an impressive 2-0 victory at Tannadice in their previous outing, gradually found their footing in the game. Alex Gogic was a strong presence in midfield, and Richard Taylor provided a threat from set pieces. However, clear-cut chances were initially at a premium for the home side. A moment of madness almost brought St Mirren back into the contest. A cross from the right was met by Lewis Miller, whose mis-hit swipe at the ball agonisingly drifted just wide of the post, with home fans briefly believing it was in. The Buddies’ persistence finally paid off just before the break. Following a corner, the ball dropped kindly to Richard Taylor in the box, and he slammed it home, igniting the St Mirren faithful and giving his side a crucial lifeline heading into half-time. Stephen Robinson clearly demanded a response from his team during the interval, and he made a bold triple substitution on the hour mark in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the St Mirren attack. One of those substitutions proved to be a stroke of genius. Just moments after coming on, Colin McMenamin met a pinpoint cross from Ronald Idowu, powering his effort past Jordan Smith to level the score. The goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, but the decision ultimately stood, setting up a frantic final half-hour. The drama continued as St Mirren thought they had taken the lead minutes later. Mandron was denied of his 3rd consecutive league goal as the play was brought back for a foul in the build-up, much to the frustration of the home support. St Mirren substitute Greg Kiltie then threatened at the near post, forcing a smart low save from Smith as the game swung from end to end. St Mirren continued to press, desperately seeking the goal that would keep their European aspirations firmly within reach. With eight minutes of added time, the home fans remained optimistic. In a frantic finale, St Mirren threw bodies forward, and they were almost punished when Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis embarked on a mazy run into the box, but his impressive surge lacked a finishing touch. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. For St Mirren, it was a fitting way to conclude their home campaign, showcasing the character and fight that has secured them a remarkable three consecutive top-six finishes. For Hibs, the point was enough to seal third place and a European tour next season, ensuring they will head into their final game against Rangers at Easter Road in high spirits. The result leaves St Mirren with a daunting task at Parkhead on Saturday, where they will need to secure a positive result to keep their own European dream alive. St Mirren: Hemming Alebiosu Taylor Gogic Fraser John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce (O’Hara 61’) Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 82’) Ayunga (McMenamin 61’) Mandron Bookings: John 36’ Ayunga 56’ Robinson 70’ Hibernian: Smith Cadden (O’Hara 84’) Miller Bushiri Iredale Obita (Cadden 75’) Triantis Levitt Boyle (Gayle 84’) Hoilett (Campbell 75’) Kuharevich (Bowie 61’) Bookings: Obita 23’ Triantis 38’ Bowie 79’

May 15, 2025

Hibs loving Kukharevych hopes to drive club to Europe

Despite a difficult second loan spell at the club, Mykola Kukharevych says he has always felt part of the team and says he wants to give as much as he can before returning to Swansea in the summer. Speaking after scoring his seventh goal of the season, the Ukrainian forward expressed how much Europe would mean to the players. “Obviously, it’s incredible, I think for every club who can express themselves in the European arena, this is massive for everyone, everyone wants it,” said Kukharevych. Having played for Hibs before signing for Swansea, the capital has played an important role in his development despite the injuries that have disrupted his season, missing ten consecutive games between December and January. “I felt always like part of the team, it doesn’t matter, everyone I think feels part of the team. Sometimes someone comes and doesn’t play or someone has an injury, but they can come back and they can make a difference,” said the 6″4″ striker. “I understand the club gave me a lot, I can showcase myself in Europe here and I really appreciate it. Now I want to give something back to the club,” he said before later adding “I’m really happy I just fell in love with this club, because it’s a massive club, good city and a very good stadium thanks to the fans.” However when asked, Kukharevych was coy about his future when his loan ends in just a few weeks. “Obviously, I don’t think a lot about that, my focus is on this last game and to achieve as much as possible and after I take my holidays, we’ll see.”

May 5, 2025

Advantage Hibs in race for Europe

Hibernian secured a first home win over Dundee United since 2020 as Dwight Gayle’s late finish sealed the three points, taking the side one step closer to qualifying for Europe next season. An uncharacteristic lapse in concentration allowed Martin Boyle to poke the ball home just four minutes in after Declan Gallagher could not untangle his legs from the ball, a twelfth league goal of the season for the forward. Failing heed the warning, Mykola Kukharevych was able to saunter into the box and drive a shot onto the inside of the post before ricocheting behind a helpless Jack Walton. Two changes at the break surmised Jim Goodwin’s displeasure at the lackadaisical approach his side took after going down, the results immediately providing the side with a much needed impetus as Kristijan Trapanovski took advantage of a poor corner clearance to pull one back. As the game approached its end, three minutes after coming on fan favourite and the soon to be retiring Gayle lifted propelled himself to header a third to ensure the points would not travel back to Dundee with the visitors. United in truth were fortunate to not find themselves standing before an even greater mountain to climb as Walton parried efforts from Junior Hoilett and Kukharevych in quick succession. The stopper would deny Josh Campbell with a stunning save from close ranger after the break to keep his side in the game as the midfielder pummelled the ground in frustration. Jordan Smith played his part too at the other end, throwing himself to deny Emmanuel Adegboyega from less than a metre out. Both sides desperate to take advantage of Aberdeen’s defeat at St Mirren. Victory leaves Hibs six points ahead of United and three clear of the Dons with three games left to play. Hibs strength in depth As sides in the league count the casualties in the infirmary, David Gray must take some pleasure in having a bench almost as strong as the starting XI. Having done the dirty work in the first half, the manager could bring on the likes of Kieron Bowie, Nicky Cadden who assisted fellow replacement Dwight Gayle. Gray spoke after the game of the importance of players understanding that the role of substitute is as important as those who started and as their opponents showed signs of running out of steam, the bench might be as important as ever with three to go. Goodwin hopes season does not peter out To finish in the top half is already quite an achievement for a side only just promoted but having come so tantalisingly close it is understandable that anything but a European place would feel like disappointment for Jim Goodwin and his players. Speaking in the press conference, the manager pointed to tired bodies throughout the squad but was keen to point out that Hibs were far and away deserved winners, philosophical in understanding that they have done well to sit where they are whilst not wanting it to end on a sour note. Unimpressed with the way his side played in the first-half, Goodwin said he wanted more from his players to ensure they gave themselves every chance of placing in the top four. After all, they were only three points behind Aberdeen. What the managers said Hibs boss David Gray: “The way they started the game, I thought it was an excellent first-half performance, especially. (0:29) Then, obviously, the way the game went in the second half, the next goal in the game was always going to be huge. Dundee United made a few changes, scored the next goal, but the players showed massive character.” “I said before the game to the players about us controlling the controllables. All we can do at the moment is take care of what we are doing.” ” The line I use all the time with the players is, the team that starts is never the team that finishes. So, subs need to be ready to impact it in a positive way and that’s happened on numerous occasions now this season.” United boss Jim Goodwin: “I thought Hibbs were the better team over the whole piece and deserved the victory in the end.” “Ultimately, what it boils down to is the fashion in which we concede the goals, far too easy.” “Sometimes you get beaten by the better team and I think if you look at the players that Hibbs have got, individually across the board, I just thought that they were better than us. That is, of course, disappointing given what is at stake but we’re very much still in the fight. Line-ups:  Hibs: Smith, Iredale, Bushiri, O’Hora, Obita (N. Cadden 84), Levitt, Triantis, C. Cadden (Miller 84), Hoilett (Campbell 62), Kuharevich (Bowie 69), Boyle (c) (Gayle 84) Unused Subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Manneh, Moriah-Welsh Goals: Boyle (4), Kuharevich (14), Gayle (87) Booked: Levitt Dundee United: Walton, Ševelj, Gallagher, Adegboyega (Campbell 78), Ferry, Sibbald, Docherty (c), Strain, Babunski (Middleton 46), van der Sande (Trapanovski 46), Dalby Unused subs: Harding, Fiorini, Fotheringham, Moult, Paton, Richards Goals: Trapanovski (50) Booked: Docherty 18,399

May 3, 2025

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

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

Hibernian 3-1 Motherwell: Player ratings from Easter Road

Nectar Triantis ran the show as Stephen O’Donnell struggled wearing the armband. Hibernian (3-4-1-2) Jordan Smith Little do before being beaten by the free kick. 6 Jack Iredale Looked untroubled until his needless foul outside the box allowed Motherwell back into the game. 6 Rocky Bushiri Confident on the ball and strong in the tackle. Enjoyed a relatively quiet night. On his way to cult hero status in Leith. 7 Warren O’Hara Like his partners at the back was solid at the back and kept a close eye on Maswanhise, keeping the forward who was brought on to shake things up quiet. 7 Nicky Cadden The talisman took an early knock to the face leaving a bit of blood. Brought off before he could really make an impact. n/a Dylan Levitt Solid on return to the team. Looks to be doing the things asked of him by the manager. Clearly blowing by the time he was brought off on the hour mark. 7 Nectar Triantis Couple of wayward passes but ran the game from the middle of the park. Strong interception followed by a lovely finish capped off a fine evening. 8 Chris Cadden Found space down the right early but nobody to meet the crosses. Won his duels with Sparrow. 7 Josh Campbell Pulled up his shorts in anger after wasting a good attacking opportunity. Like the other two, kept things simple which was what the game required. 7 Dwight Gayle Looks every bit the experienced player his CV suggests but frustrated by like of chances created for him. No doubt he will know the three points come first. 6 Martin Boyle (capt) Good position for opener with a cool, calm and collected penalty for the second. A player reborn in recent weeks now with four goals from his last two games. 8 SUBSTITUTES: Jordan Obita (for N. Cadden 19′) Difficult job in replacing Cadden but did very well. Assist for the first and defended resolutely in unfamiliar role 8; Lewis Miller (for C. Cadden 62′) Strong in the air and combined well with Hoilett 7; Junior Hoilett (for Gayle 62′) Kept Motherwell defenders on back foot to see out game 7; Hyeokku Kwon (for Levitt 62′) Brought the energy required maintain control of the game without having too much work to do 7; Nathan Moriah-Welsh (for J. Campbell 77′) Had little time to make an impact but no errors is all you can ask for at that stage 6; Motherwell (3-5-1-1) Archie Mair Not an ideal debut but as was not at fault for any of the goals. Will hope for a more positive outing after the first 24 hours of his time at the club. 6 Shane Blaney The yellow card he earned showed just how on the ropes Motherwell were before the break. 5 Kofi Balmer Hardly a frenetic game but struggled when it counted. 5 Paul McGinn Composed presence until head injury forced him off early on. 6 Ewan Wilson Sloppy in possession and at fault for the second goal. Hooked at the break. 4 Kai Andrews Added a bit of dynamism on the ball but like teammates, lacked bravery going forward. 5 Andy Halliday Game passed him by. Taken off with Wilson at half-time. 4 Tom Sparrow A few runs down the left but was easily contained. Looked more dangerous when cutting in but did not try it enough. 5 Stephen O’Donnell Captain in the absence of Lennon Miller. Did not step up to the plate. Gave away penalty that killed the game and had little to no impact going forward. 4 Tony Watt Not the most potent goalscorer but tries to use physicality to occupy defenders. Should have done better with the two headers he put over the bar. 5 Jack Vale Not much you can do when starved of the ball but ended the game with a straight red as the game had seconds to go. Punishing an already threadbare squad even further. 4 SUBSTITUTES: Dan Casey (for McGinn 33′) Struggled to command the backline in place of captain 5; Tawanda Maswanhise (for Halliday 46′) Showed flashes of what has made him one of the side’s best but couldn’t get into gear 5; Marvin Kaleta (for E. Wilson 46′) Had a half to make an impact but hardly saw the ball 5; Callum Slattery (for Sparrow 70′) Fantastic free-kick and had some impetus going forward at least 7; Moses Ebiye (for Watt 70′) No league goal since September and didn’t look like to end the drought tonight 5.

January 12, 2025

Hibs

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