Hibs Archives - Page 2 of 5

I’m ready for the chance to cement my place in the team – says Bowie after return from injury hell

Hibs forward Kieron Bowie says he had to insist he was ready for a first league start in ten months despite hesitation from club staff after his long injury lay-off. “I was speaking to the gaffer a few weeks ago and he was asking me, psychologically was I ready?”, said Bowie “I was like, definitely! I’m ready for my chance and take to try and cement my place in the team”. Bowie endured a four month wait to come back from a hamstring injury suffered whilst playing for the Scotland U21 side, having only just returned from a spell on the sidelines that saw him miss the majority of his first pre-season since signing for a reported £600k from Fulham. However both manager David Gray and himself will be more than pleased with the gamble paying off, as Bowie received a standing ovation to cap off a remarkable win. “I think it’s been a long time coming and usually I’m getting that ovation coming back onto the pitch,” he said before joking “It was good to come off, my legs were gone”. Although you would have struggled to notice as Bowie made his 64 minutes feel like a lifetime for “the two best defenders in the league” in Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, according the Hibs man. “To know that I can go up against them is really good and it gives me a lot of confidence.” Bowie said after getting enough of their shirts to come away with a memento, walking into the room with a Carter-Vickers strip in hand. “I don’t know if he wanted my shirt but I got his anyway,” he laughed “I thought I should get somebody’s shirt and I went to the kit man and asked but he said ‘you need to give me yours’, I’m not sure Pedro (the Hibs kitman) was happy!” A big scalp in more ways than one given that taking home the three points was no guarantee after the early goal from Josh Campbell. “You’ve seen the last couple of times we’ve played Celtic,” he told the media “we conceded so early and obviously it was the opposite way around this time and you think ‘oh no we’ve poked the bear!’ – but we managed to maintain the pressure and get another goal before half-time.” With victory under their belt, Bowie said the message from the manager was to “cement their place in the top six”. A task that looks far easier given the five point cushion they have on Ross County in seventh. Looking ahead, the Scot is eager to continue the Scottish Cup run with another game against Celtic coming in just a few weeks. “We went into the Cup thinking this is a possibility, we can win this and now we’ve shown what we can do against that opposition and hopefully do that again.”

February 24, 2025

Hibs condemn Celtic to second loss of the week

A Josh Campbell double saw Hibernian cause a major upset for a Celtic side still licking their wounds following a Champions League exit. Victory at Easter Road extending their unbeaten run to thirteen in all competitions. Just over a minute and a half in, Josh Campbell stunned both sets of fans after his clever run between the Celtic defenders saw him take full advantage of a Nectar Triantis through ball to slide a finish past Kasper Schmeichel to open the scoring. In a rip-roaring first half, there were seconds to go until the break as Campbell earned himself a brace, his header blasting past a helpless keeper that sent the crowd into elation after a lengthy VAR check. However a defensive mishap for the home side allowed Celtic to muscle their way back into the game not long after the hour mark. Jordan Smith guilty along with his defenders of not clearing a simple ball as Daizen Maeda snuck in to pull a goal back for Brendan Rodgers’ men. The clock winding down for full-time Hibernian looked as though they had blown a golden opportunity as Alistair Johnston fired home a leveller only to have the effort ruled out after it was found the ball had gone out of play. Celtic were put in the unusual position of having to withstand pressure from a domestic opponent but Warren O’Hora almost had a goal of his own when he met Nicky Cadden’s corner by the front post but could only fire the shot wide. Schmeichel was forced into action soon after as Keiron Bowie’s thunderous volley travelled towards him but the Dane was equal to it. Preventing his side from going even further behind the Celtic shot stopper would deny Campbell a hat-trick with an excellent save to tip the midfielder’s header from a Martin Boyle free-kick over the bar. His opposite number Jordan Smith was no stranger to the action, called to make an awkward block to keep out Luke McCowan’s floating cross before denying Alistair Johnston from an acute angle. Producing arguably the best save of the day was none other than Rocky Bushiri, who continues to be a rock at the heart of this resurgent Hibs defence. Denying a weaving Jota what looked like a certain goal on the line. Hibs mastering the defensive arts Where once every cross or pass into the box looked certain to cause chaos amongst the backline. Hibs defenders now look assured against even the best sides in the league. Rocky Bushiri has been arguably one of the Premiership best players in the past few months, commanding a defence that has conceded just four goals in seven from all competitions. Throwing their bodies into everything, Bushiri and O’Hora celebrated tackles like goals as they held on the earn the side a six point cushion in the top half. Credit too must go to those providing at the other end of the park, Josh Campbell’s double the difference but Keiron Bowie’s gradual return to action has given Martin Boyle another foil off which to work. David Gray will hope they can repeat the trick as they travel to face Dundee United midweek. Celtic off the boil as heartbreak bites Despite the Rodgers being adamant that their, there is little doubt that the midweek exit has had an impact, be it mental or physical, on today’s result. Perhaps more for the former as the Celtic players struggled to play through balls that would normally on a dime. It did not help either that the three players brought in to help freshen things up in Idah, McCowan and Taylor were hauled off at half-time as the manager looked to create chances that were not forthcoming. Yet for all the disappointment, Celtic will remain ten clear even if Rangers win and look set for a treble. If only they didn’t have Hibs in the next round. Line-ups: Hibernian 2 Hibs: Smith, Iredale, Bushiri (Ekpiteta 78), O’Hora, N. Cadden, Triantis, Moriah-Welsh (Obita 73), Miller, Campbell, Bowie (Kuharevich 64), Boyle (c) (Hoilett 78) Unused subs: Bursik, Molotnikov, C. Cadden, Newell, Gayle Booked: Bushiri, Campbell Goals: Campbell (2), (45+4) Celtic 1 Celtic: Schmeichel, Taylor (Schlupp 46), Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Johnston, McCowan (Hatate 46), McGregor (c), Engels, Maeda, Idah (Jota 46), Kühn Unused subs: Sinisalo, Bonnar, Kenny, Ralston, Scales, Yang Hyun-Jun Booked: Taylor, Johnston Goals: Maeda (69) Attendance: 18,357

February 22, 2025

SWPL’s ‘Top Four’ bears resemblance to the halcyon days of heavyweight boxing

As the SWPL approaches the split, the top four sides have set out their stalls ahead of what could be an era defining season for the game in Scotland. Picture this, it’s the late 2010s and the boxing heavyweight division is stacked with box office bouts between fighters in their prime as Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder have the potential to create eye watering match-ups. Imagine that, only they actually get to all fight each other. Not once, but over and over with each being one being knocked down and knocking the other down off their perch with equal impunity and disregard. Well that is exactly what you’ll find in the SWPL as Rangers, Celtic, Glasgow City and Hibs all sit on an incredulous 51 points going into the final game before the split where they will compete in the Golden Gloves stages of competition. It’s time to meet your prize fighters. The Favourites For some, calling a side level on points with three other teams might beggar belief but that is exactly what Rangers were not so long ago. Tucking teams away left, right and centre Jo Potter’s players toyed with their opponents and scored for fun as they the falling at the qualification hurdles of the Champions League against Arsenal and Atletico Madrid looked a distant memory. 110 goals in 21 games (not to mention the 24 against one unfortunate Scottish Cup opponent) forces a second glance and yet that is how dominant they have been. A scorched earth policy has served the Glasgow side nicely as Potter remembers all too well the feeling of losing the title on the final day to Celtic on goal difference but the play itself is far more patient than the numbers would indicate. Potter described the win over Partick Thistle as ‘a controlled performance’. The result being 6-0 only goes to show where the manager’s priorities lie. Clever switches of play from the pinpoint Tessell Middag, the 44 cap Dutch international who can count Ajax, Manchester City, Fiorentina among others on her glistening CV forces sides who would like nothing more than to sit back and be compact to open themselves up. Queue Katie Wilkinson, who recovered from the disappointment of leaving her childhood club Aston Villa to tear up trees in Scotland after arriving in the summer from Southampton. 29 goals in just 21 league games this season, it is fair to say Wilkinson is a shoe-in for top scorer. As double cup winners last season, beating Celtic in November felt like a title unification bout that left them looking like runaway champions. Any team that comes flying out of the traps however, is bound to hit a speed bump. Although no one could have predicated that they would lose not one, but two consecutive games 3-0 as Glasgow City and Hibs gave them an almighty bloody nose. Potter bemoaned the panic, the lack of quality and her players coming off second best in their duels as it looked as though another title would slip through their fingers. To their credit they put the results behind them and have avoided any slip-ups since with another win over their Glasgow rivals. ‘Nothing sweeter’ as Rio Hardy put it. Setting them on their way to defend their belt against Hibs in the League Cup final in March. A squad that has managed to blend the experience of players like Lizzie Arnot from the bench or 147 cap Jane Ross has been invaluable in integrating the academy’s fledglings with Jodi McLeary and Kirsty McLean making their mark in the senior side or even Lily Boyce making her debut against Westdyke having been at the club since she was eight. As in all great sides, there seems to be an addiction to winning trophies. Laura Rafferty describing how her ‘eyes light up’ for silverware is one not lost on Potter who has an FA Cup winner’s medal to proudly display in her home. The question is, can her players deliver a first league medal to add to the collection. The Poster Ghirls It beggars belief but just a few months ago the title holders were considered an outside bet by some. Misguided as it was, the explanation stems from their participation in the Champion’s League group stages representing Scotland on the European stage. An achievement that cannot be overstated in terms of the impact it could have on the domestic game but also led to them having games to claw back a nine point lead at the of table. The effects of the truncated calendar still being felt by players. Maria McAneney feeling that the ‘schedule’s been all over the place recently’ after the weekend’s 2-2 draw ‘I don’t think I’ve had that in my professional career’ the midfielder had said after that goal. In part also because an out of sorts Celtic were dealt one blow after another in a bruising October which saw them win them win just one game from five in all competitions. Victory coming in the form of a 1-0 squeeze past 9th place Spartans. Tired legs and minds trudged forward, fighting on four competitive fronts and wisened from their European campaign despite not picking up a single point. However when the suggestion was put to her that the side might be ‘leggy’, Sadiku, was unequivocal in her view that fatigue should not explain the off-colour form her side has endured. Instead the side reset (in part thanks to a week in sunny Gran Canaria), added some depth to the squad with Emma Westin and Momo Nakao arriving with Abi Harrison returning for a second spell and scoring a hat-trick in her first start; powering the side to an undefeated run stretching back to November. Caitlin Hayes’ departure to Brighton was a blow but it is perhaps testament to the side’s ability to turn players into WSL calibre. Besides, the side were confident they could to do job without her. ‘Relentless and ruthlessness’, that

February 19, 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

St Mirren and Hibernian Battle to Hard-Fought Draw in Entertaining Stalemate

Alasana Manneh endured a nightmare start to his Hibernian career, receiving a red card just 13 minutes after coming on, as David Gray’s side extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a goalless draw against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. The Gambian midfielder, a product of Barcelona’s famed youth academy, entered the pitch in the 70th minute but was booked almost immediately for a trip. His debut went from bad to worse when another reckless challenge saw him pick up a second yellow. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Hibs held firm to secure a point, though they missed the opportunity to climb to fourth. Meanwhile, St Mirren moved up to sixth, edging ahead of Kilmarnock on goal difference. Both teams had opportunities, but goalkeepers Zach Hemming and Jordan Smith pulled off crucial second-half saves to ensure the match remained goalless. Hibs thought they had a penalty when referee Ross Hardie pointed to the spot for a handball against Killian Phillips. However, a review overturned the decision, with replays clearly showing the ball had struck the midfielder’s face instead. MORE TO COME…

February 16, 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

Your club’s January window rated

Aberdeen In: Alfie Dorrington (Tottenham Hotspur, loan), Oday Dabbagh (Charleroi, loan), Alexander Jensen (Brommapojkarna, undisclosed), Mats Knoester (Ferencvaros, undisclosed), Jeppe Okkels (Prestond North End, loan), Kristers Tobers (Grasshopper Zurich, undisclosed) Out: Alfie Bavidge (Inverness Caledonian Thistle, loan), Duk (Luganes, undisclosed), Angus MacDonald (free), James McGarry (Athens Kallithea, loan), Alfie Stewart (Inverness Calidonian Thistle, loan), Rodrigo Vitols (Keith, loan) Jimmy Thelin has taken an unorthodox approach to fixing his side’s back line, by getting an entirely new one. The arrival of defenders Tobers, Jensen, Knoester and Dorrington show where the manager thinks the epicentre of side’s seismic collapse originates. Papa Gueye’s return from injury is a welcome boost but adding a couple of supporting forwards in Dabbagh and Okkels, a player Thelin knows from his time at Elfsborg, will help add some verve to a stale attack. Moves made all the more important by the biggest loss of their windown with Duk leaving for La Liga side Leganes. Overall, a proactive approach to solving the side’s woes despite the loss of Duk. Fans will have to hope the current players’ fragile confidence is not contagious. B- Celtic In: Jota (Rennes, undisclosed), Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace, loan) Out: Alexandro Bernabei (Internacional, undisclosed), Kyogo Furuhashi (Rennes, undisclosed), Aiden Haddow (Heart of Midlothian), Odin Holm (Los Angeles, loan), Luis Palma (Olympiakos, loan), Alex Valle (Barcelona, loan ended), Stephen Welsh (Mechelen, loan) Peter Lawwell might just be the happiest man in Scottish football, the Celtic CEO has managed to recoup Jota and Kieran Tierney (pre-contract for summer signed) for less than a fifth of what they sold them for. Less pleased perhaps will be the fans themselves who have seen their beloved Kyogo depart for France and a limited window spend given the club’s burgeoning purse. However, on top of the savings and scoring on his return, Jota being five years younger than the Japanese forward is a good bit of future planning. We know how ambitious he is to move the club forward, so Rodgers will be frustrated to that they were pipped to another former player of his in Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined Middlesborough on loan instead. More worrying perhaps is that the departures of Palma and Valle will harm the squad’s depth but Jeffrey Shlupp’s ability to play in almost every position should negate that to some extent. Here’s to hoping that in going out on loan, Welsh and Holm do not join another lost generation of youngsters at the club. B+ Dundee In: Aaron Donnelly (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Cesar Garza (Monterrey, loan), Victor Lopez (Queretaro, loan), Imari Samuels (Brighton & Hove Albion) Out: Sammy Braybrooke (Leicester City, loan ended) Sean Kelly, Curtis Main (Ayr United, free), Marley Sweenie-Rowe (Forfar Athletic, loan), Julian Vetro (Burnley, loan ended) An odd windown for the Dee’s. On the one hand the permanently returning Donnelly and loanee Garza have looked like class additions since arriving with Samuels and Lopez still bedding in. On the other, it fails to stem one of the major issues this side faced in the winter, squad depth. When the side beat Rangers, Tony Docherty made the point that the side had won despite being down to bare bones during the winter. However, letting five players leave the club seems like an odd way of dealing with the issue. Braybrooke and Vetro no doubt left because of a lack of game time but Docherty is left with having to see this squad through the next few months which seems just as likely to make the top six as it does to get relegated. D Dundee United In: Allan Campbell (Luton, undisclosed), Lewis Fiorini (Stockport County, loan), Ruari Paton (Port Vale, loan) Out: Zak Cameron (Cowdenbeath, loan), Adam Carnwath (Alloa Athletic, loan), Scott Constable (Stirling Albion, loan), Charlie Dewar (Alloa Athletic, loan), Alan Domeracki (Norwich City, undisclosed), Lewis Haldane (East Craigie, loan), Ollie Simpson (Jeanfield Swifts, loan), Owen Stirton (Montrose, loan), Miller Thomson (Falkirk, loan), Meshack Ubochioma (Livingston, loan) Evolution not revolution seems to have been the motto in the United front office. If you had told those involved at the club that they could finish in top half in their first season since promotion they would have bitten your hand off. Now they face the very possibility of going for the entire arm as third looks a very real possibility and have made some neat additions to give themselves the best chance of doing so. One time Scotland international Campbell brings quality in midfield as Fiorini arrives looking to come good on the potential that saw him graduate from Manchester City’s academy. Paton took the hard route to Dundee. Having been released by Hibs, the striker has worked his way up from the Lowland League to the Prem playing in every division in between before struggling in League 2 with Port Vale. Jim Goodwin will hope he can ease the goalscoring burden carried by Sam Dalby, who has netted over a third of his side’s total. Plenty of outgoings as United’s fledglings look to find their wings on loan across Scotland. Most notably Miller Thomson, the youngster will hope to build on his early season promise with title chasing Falkirk. C- Hearts of Midlothian In: Aiden Haddow (Celtic), Elton Kabangu (Union Saint-Gilloise, loan),Sander Kartum (Brann), Jamie McCart (Rotherdam United, undisclosed), Harry Milne (Partick Thistle, undisclosed), Michael Steinwender (Varnamo, undisclosed) Out: Malachi Boateng (Plymouth Argyle, undisclosed), Liam Boyce (Derry City, undisclosed), Daniel Oyegoke (Hellas Verona, undisclosed), Kyle Rowles (DC United, undisclosed), Andres Salazar (Atletico Nacional, loan ended), Callum Sandilands (Montrose, loan), Kai Smutek (Bonnyrigg Rose, loan), Macauley Tait (Livingston, loan) The outcome of Hearts’s business in this window and the next could have serious ramifications for Scottish football. It remains early days of the partnership with Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s company Jamestown Analytics but with loanee Kabangu from partner club USG already scoring five goals in four games, it would appear as though the two could be on the cusp of making signings from abroad a fine art. Of course it remains

February 4, 2025

Hibs make no mistake against out of form Aberdeen

Venue: Easter Road Time: 15:00 Date: 01/02/2025 More defensive worries for Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin as his side conceded two more goals in what is a worrying run of form for his side. The result moves Hibs up to 5th in the league, just two points behind Aberdeen. They have extended their unbeaten run to ten and will look to hunt down Dundee United for 3rd place. Although having more of the ball and looking in control of the game, Aberdeen struggled to create any clear-cut chances, looking slow in their build-up and final third play. Their defensive worries continue, making it 22 goals lost in 10 games. Three VAR decisions put a lengthy delay on the full-time whistle as checks for an Aberdeen penalty and to confirm Hibs second goal, took a combined 6 minutes. Nectar Triantis breaks the deadlock for Hibs After a blocked effort at goal from Martin Boyle, Hibs found themselves with a corner 24 minutes into the match. The inswinging corner found Josh Campbell, who won the ball at the back post, sending a header back into the penalty area. Triantis then made no mistake from just outside the 6-yard area, sending his header to the right of Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan, leaving him standing still. Triantis’ second goal in four games continues Aberdeen’s poor defensive record, as it is the 21st goal conceded in their last 10 matches. Something that Jimmy Thelin will be looking to improve on. Nicky Cadden Doubles the lead In the 48th minute, the ball was crossed into the box by Chris Cadden, striker Dwight Gayle then flicked his header to the back post, and Nicky Cadden was the player to score. His header came in off the crossbar, with Doohan not having a chance to make the save. There was, however, a lengthy VAR check as the player looked to be offside. The check lasted around 3 minutes and built suspense for the Hibs support. The header was eventually awarded, and once again, Aberdeen were punished for their poor defending. The goal was Nickys’ fourth of what has been a positive start to his career at Hibs. The wingback seems to be growing into his game as he continues his impressive form with each start for Hibs. More to follow… Attendance:16,553 Lineups: Manager: David Gray Hibs: J.Smith, W.O’Hora, R.B.Kiranga, J.Iredale, C.Cadden (L.Miller 73″), N.Cadden (J.Obita 86″), N.Triantis, D.Levitt (H.K.Kwon 73″), J.Campbell, M.Boyle (J.Hoillet 86″), D.Gayle (K.Bowie 62″) Substitutes: J.Bursik, J.Obita, L.Miller, H.Kwon, J.Hoilett, N. Moriah-Welsh, R.Molotnikov, K.Bowie, M.Kukharevych Manager: Jimmy Thelin Aberdeen: R.Doohan, A.Jensen, A.Dorrington, K.Tobers, N.Devlin (J.Mackenzie 60″), A.Palaversa (S.Morris 84″), G.Shinnie, T.Keskinen (K.Nisbet 60″), L.Clarkson, J.Okkels (P.Ambrose 60″), P.H.Gueye (Duk 72″) Substitutes: T.Ritchie, J.Mckenzie, S.Rubezic, S.H. Nilsen, F.Boyd, P.Ambrose, K.Nisbet, S.Morris, Duk Referee: D.Robertson

February 1, 2025

Club-by-club midseason review by fans Part 1: Aberdeen to Hibs

As the January transfer window approaches its final days, we get a fans’ perspective on their club’s season so far. Aberdeen (by @aberdeenfc83) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I think the season has gone alright so far. In a race for third in our manager’s first season in Scotland, but considering where we were at the start of the season, I’ve got to be disappointed with where we are now. I expect to finish 4th this season along with a good run in the Scottish Cup. 6/10 Star players/ flops I would say the star players of Aberdeen’s season so far would be Pape (Gueye), even though he has been injured and Nicky Devlin, who was probably our most consistent performer during that winning run at the start of the campaign. Biggest surprise of the season so far? My biggest surprise of the season so far would be Shayden Morris. He looked like he didn’t have a future at Aberdeen last season, but this season he has been a sensational asset to bring off the bench. Best/ worst away fans? The best away fans I’ve seen at Pittodrie would be PAOK (from Greece), when I walked into the stadium about half an hour before kick off, the away end was packed and making noise. The worst away fans would probably have to be either Ross County or Livingston. How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Aberdeen have done pretty well in the transfer window. We’ve signed Tobers, Jensen, Dorrington and Okkels. However, we do still need a striker. One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would take Lyall Cameron from Dundee. We have been linked with a move for him which I am pleased about. Celtic (by Aidan and Mack Kelly: Scottish Football Covered Podcast) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? So far, it’s been nearly perfect. The only real disappointment was the level of performance at Ibrox. The improvement in Europe has been so satisfying to see as that’s always been that illusive piece of the puzzle. Going forward, I would like to see us complete the domestic treble, and make a good showing in Europe. 9.5/10 (Mack) Star players/ flops Nicolas Kuhn probably been standout so far this season. Arne Engels been excellent recently too proved doubters wrong, Cameron Carter-Vickers always up there and Kasper Schmeichel been a great signing. Not many flops if any, would have to say Luis Palma. (Aidan) Biggest surprise of the season so far? Has to be Celtic making Champions League knock-out football finally, but Kyogo leaving is up there now. (Aidan) Best/ worst away fans? Hard to say about away fans since they’re tucked away in a corner and the allocation is so small. Best domestically Aberdeen in the 2-2 draw, but Young Boys were very good aswell. Would be harsh to say Ross County worst so will go RB Leipzig. (Aidan) How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? January has been quiet, which is typical last minute of Celtic. The signing of Jota has been a welcomed surprise but it’s bittersweet as it sees Kyogo go the other way, which was so unexpected considering he’s still in great form as well. Hopefully Kieran Tierney can get up the road this month rather than the end of the season, and we sign Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brondby) or some sort of Craig Bellamy/Robbie Keane loan signing for some firepower. (Mack) One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would sign Lennon Miller. The sky is the limit for him and would fit the homegrown quota. Although if I’m being honest, there’s a solid argument to suggest his development would very well be best suited elsewhere, but if the right compromise can be met, I would love to see us sign him and avoid another John McGinn scenario. (Mack) Dundee (by Jackie) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I feel Dundee’s season has been very inconsistent. We’ve had some real good days and some really bad days. I feel the loss of Luke McCowan has had an impact on the team and the team had to try to adjust without him. I feel that this has taken some time and we are still struggling a bit. We have had some really good results recently and long may that continue. We have also had a good few injuries recently and have still come out with a point against each of the old firm at home and beat Utd in the cup. We were very unlucky against them at New Year. I hope as our injured players return we can only get better. 7/10 Star players/ flops Mo Sylla has been outstanding! Player of the season for me! Also Josh Mulligan! We need to get them signed up quickly. I don’t like to say who our flops are as it’s a team and I genuinely can’t pick someone, however, Jon McCracken has had some seriously questionable games! Biggest surprise of the season so far? At the start of January after being beaten by our rivals & looking at our fixtures, I had us bottom of the league & out of the Scottish Cup by the end of January! They definitely proved me wrong! Best/ worst away fans? Best – Dundee Utd, as much as I don’t like them for 90 mins, the atmosphere is the best from both sets of fans! Worst – Celtic/Rangers – I’m not fond of their song choices or when they try to set our stand on fire… How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Not too bad I’m happy! We got Aaron

January 30, 2025

Ronan Hale’s late equaliser earns Staggies a draw with Hibs

It was a tale of two halves and two penalties in Dingwall as Ross County once again came from behind to snatch a draw with Hibs minutes away from victory. Dylan Levitt’s strike had put Hibs ahead at the break after Jordan White had his penalty saved from Jordan Smith, but Ronan Hale stepped up in the 86th minute and he made no mistake from the spot. Both Don Cowie and David Gray made a host of changes to their sides after last weekend’s Scottish Cup. Zac Ashworth, George Robesten and Jonathan Tomkinson made their debut starts for County and Ross Laidlaw was a welcome return on the bench after his injury. For David Gray, he brought back both Cadden brothers into the starting XI and Nectar Triantis and Josh Campell came back into midfield. Dwight Gayle partnered with the in-form Martin Boyle up front. First 45′ The aftermath of Storm Eowyn was in full display as the playing surface in Dingwall had clearly felt the brunt of the weather. Probably explaining the lack of quality throughout the game, the first half an hour was an incredibly drab affair. Hibs dominated the early possession and Gayle will feel he could’ve done better with a volleyed chance sent well over Jordan Amissah’s goal. Noah Chilvers looked his energetic self in midfield and had an effort from the edge of the box but it was a tame effort that Smith held comfortably. The first moment of controversy came not long after that, a cross into the Hibs area was initially cleared but referee David Dickinson was sent to the VAR monitor by Matthew MacDermid who adjudged Nicky Cadden had handled it and the penalty was awarded. White stepped up to take, but he struck a tame effort to Smith’s left who got down in plenty of time to make the save. Hibs would make County pay minutes before the end of the first half. A corner wasn’t dealt with by the County defence and Triantis cushioned the ball down for Dylan Levitt who fired into the bottom corner to give Hibs the lead at the break. Second 45′ The minutes ticked by in the second half, neither team was really in control. Hibs had an effort through Martin Boyle 20 minutes from time but Amissah was more than equal to the Australian’s fierce strike. Boss Gray was forced into a change in midfield when goalscorer Levitt was forced off with injury. Gray opted to bring on Moriah-Welsh but the change resulted in Hibs beginning to sit deeper into their own half. Through the last 20 minutes, Hibs were becoming their own worst enemy. Failing to hold onto the ball, a series of misplaced passes found County constantly moving up the pitch. The feeling in the stadium was that the fans knew County were pushing hard for an equaliser. And then, in the 85th minute, the second moment of controversy came when Dickinson pointed to the spot for a second time with Kieran Phillips being taken out in the Hibs area. This time Ronan Hale stepped up and where White failed, Ronan prevailed as he emphatically smashed home the equaliser. With only minutes remaining, both teams tried to get the ball forward but both defences stayed strong and in the end, the points were shared. Team line-ups: Ross County: Amissah (GK); Brown (Smith 83′), Wright, Campbell, Tomkinson, Ashworth (Hale 70′), Nisbet (MacLeod 63′), Randall, Chilvers, Robesten, White (Phillips 63′) Hibs: Smith (GK); C.Cadden (Obita 64′), O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, N.Cadden, Triantis, Levitt (Moriah-Welsh 64′), Campbell, Boyle, Gayle (Bowie 72′)

January 25, 2025

Hibs

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