Motherwell Archives - SNN Sports

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

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

April 15, 2025

Scottish Football: A Broken System That Needs Fixing

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

April 2, 2025

Motherwell Stun Rangers as Ferguson’s Ibrox Return Ends in Defeat

Motherwell inflicted a third successive home defeat on Rangers, delivering a humbling blow to interim boss Barry Ferguson’s return to Ibrox. First-half strikes from Luke Armstrong and Tom Sparrow secured a memorable win for the visitors, marking only their second league triumph over Rangers in 61 attempts—the previous one also coming at Ibrox last season. Controversy struck late on when Cyriel Dessers had a second goal disallowed for offside, despite replays proving inconclusive as to whether Danilo had interfered with play. Early Expectations Dashed Optimism filled the air pre-match, with home fans buoyed by their side’s comeback victory at Kilmarnock. But any belief in a Rangers resurgence was swiftly dismantled as Motherwell struck early. A defensive calamity saw goalkeeper Jack Butland attempt to release Dessers, only for the forward to be dispossessed in a dangerous area. Dan Casey latched onto the loose ball, Butland parried his effort weakly, and Armstrong pounced to tap home. Initially ruled out for offside, the goal was reinstated by VAR as Armstrong’s run had been perfectly timed. Motherwell, brimming with confidence, carved out another opportunity when Callum Slattery’s cut-back found Sparrow, who narrowly missed from a tight angle. The midfielder wouldn’t be denied a second time. Lennon Miller’s clever play on the left teed up Slattery once more, who picked out Sparrow unmarked in the box—this time, his finish was emphatic. Rangers toiled in response, their play disjointed and uninspired. Dessers came closest, smashing the side-netting from a promising position, before the familiar sound of half-time boos echoed around Ibrox. A Glimmer of Hope, Then More Frustration Ferguson, seeking an instant impact, made three changes at the break. Rangers did improve, but their urgency still lacked the cutting edge required. Dessers capitalised on Casey’s hesitation to halve the deficit, sparking a rally from the hosts. Then came the defining moment of the match. Dessers thought he had levelled, bundling home after a flick-on from Danilo, but the offside flag was raised. Replays failed to offer clarity, yet the goal was chalked off, leaving Rangers furious. James Tavernier, making his 500th appearance for the club, had one last chance to salvage a draw, but he blazed over from a promising position as Motherwell held firm. Rangers’ Ibrox Woes Continue Ferguson’s highly anticipated homecoming ended in bitter disappointment, the same frailties that plagued his predecessors glaringly evident. Having now suffered home defeats to Queen’s Park, St Mirren, and Motherwell, serious concerns loom over Rangers’ inability to assert dominance at Ibrox. The Dessers decision will be debated, but the reality is Rangers fell short once again. Sloppy passing, lost duels, and individual errors proved costly. With a daunting Europa League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe on the horizon, Ferguson must hope for a vastly improved display. Motherwell’s Statement Win While Rangers’ deficiencies stole the headlines, Motherwell’s performance deserved equal credit. Organised, resolute, and fearless, they executed Michael Wimmer’s game plan to perfection. Their defensive structure frustrated Rangers, while their clinical edge in the first half proved decisive. Wimmer had called for a fight, and his players delivered, winning crucial battles and showing composure under pressure. The visitors may have had to dig deep late on, but their second consecutive victory could be transformative in their push for a top-six finish. What They Said Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson: “There’s clearly a problem playing at home. We need to get to the bottom of it. I told the players the fans would back them if they showed passion—I didn’t see enough of that. But I’ll give everything to fix it.” Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer: “We wanted to change the atmosphere at Ibrox, and the players executed that brilliantly. We were brave, pressed well, and showed courage on the ball. I’m extremely proud of them.”

March 1, 2025

SPFL Weekly: Five Talking Points

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

February 27, 2025

Michael Wimmer off to a winning start on his Fir Park debut.

It was everything that a Motherwell fan could’ve wished for on Wimmers’ home debut, a fresh tactical style and a first win in seven that will give hope to supporters. After promising “proactive football”, the well fans were encouraged to see the team play through the thirds with a fast-paced, creative build-up play that caused plenty of problems for the already struggling Dundee defence. You could see the style that Wimmer demands from his players already being implemented on the park. Off the ball, his team marked well, with a press that did not allow Dundee to play through the thirds. By marking both full-backs from goal kicks it forced the keeper to play to his centre-backs. As a result of this, the defenders then resorted to going long frequently, which allowed both Liam Gordon and Dan Casey to win headers and start a new phase of play for Motherwell. On the ball, his team were direct and looked to utilise the midfield players before spreading the play wide. They kept the ball on the ground and caused havoc for the Dundee defence. The only time Motherwell struggled was in the stages leading up to Dundees’ goal; they seemed to sit back and invite play onto them, resulting in Dundee grabbing a goal back through Simon Murray. Almost instantly after conceding, the Motherwell team were back to the standard that they had shown in the first half and were rewarded with a match-winning goal through Dan Casey once again. You can see that the players are ready to adapt to their new managers’ style, and after some time to integrate what Wimmer wants, the team could be in contention for a top-six position in what is already a competitive league.

February 27, 2025

SPFL Weekly: Five Talking Points

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

February 24, 2025

Motherwell announce Michael Wimmer as their new manager

The 44-year-old will begin working when his work permit is obtained. Wimmer was most recently the manager of Austria Vienna and has previous experience as interim at Stuttgart, where he was the assistant boss. Wimmer will be joined by Ahmet Koc, the clubs’ new assistant. The pair have worked with each other for over a decade at Nuremberg and Austria Vienna, building a strong connection with each other. “I’m ecstatic to be joining this football club,” manager Michael Wimmer added. “This is a hugely exciting club whose core values align with mine. Speaking to the board was insightful, and it was interesting to hear their vision.” “It’s not a club standing still, and I feel Ahmet and I can really help the football club move forward. We’re at a crucial segment of the season, with opportunities all around us. “There will be no settling-in period. We will commit 100% of our efforts to producing an exciting football team that can achieve targets. “I can’t wait to meet the supporters. The passion and enthusiasm are admirable, and it will be a huge contributing factor in our success going forward.” After departing Austria Vienna in 2024, Wimmer has been linked to jobs in the English Championship. However, this move will mark his return to the game. Motherwell are without a win in five league matches and have fallen to eighth in the table. Wimmer will look to make an instant impact against Dundee United this weekend, with an important three points having the possibility of moving his side into the top six. Chief executive Brian Calwell believes the addition of both Wimmer and Koc are excellent additions to the club. Caldwell added, “It has been a long road to get to this point, but we felt taking our time and ensuring the data all matches up with what we wanted was crucial. “They have a history of nurturing young players, which stems from their work in a top academy setup in Germany. They have known each other for 13 years, so they are really connected and have a strong working relationship. “Coming from Germany, they are well acquainted with fan culture and fan ownership. We also feel this is a major positive, as it’s a significant factor around this football club. We’re proud to be fan-owned and community-driven; Michael and Ahmet will have a complete understanding of this.”

February 17, 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

Three of the best as Staggies rout Motherwell

Ronan Hale was at the double, and Connor Randall added a third as Ross County ran out to a 3-0 rout over Motherwell at Fir Park. Hale struck twice on either side of half-time, and Randall’s goal on the cusp of full-time gave Ross County all three points as Don Cowie celebrated his birthday with another away victory. The boos at full-time were loud as Motherwell slipped to a fifth straight defeat in a game where they never looked like scoring. Interim boss Stevie Frail made the bold call to start Tony Watt in attack alongside Luke Armstrong, leaving top-scorer Tawanda Maswanhise on the bench. Lennon Miller returned for his first start of the year, making his return from injury. Don Cowie, however, did opt for his top-scorer. Ronan Hale was on the bench for their trip to Ibrox, but he led the Staggies as they searched for a fourth away win in their last five trips away from Dingwall after going more than a year without one. First 45′ Both teams made a lightning start to the game, Watt almost repaid the faith shown in him by Stevie Frail. He created a yard of space inside the Staggies box and smashed it across the goal only for the ball to crash off the inside of the post, and Staggies keeper Jordan Amissah quickly collected the rebound. Ronan Hale looked to catch Ellery Balcombe out from around 40 yards from goal, but the Well keeper did well to scramble back in time. Ross County seemed to move through the gears. Nohan Kenneh and Kieran Phillips both had efforts that tested Balcombe, but Motherwell was beginning to look blunter in attack. Hale would finally make Motherwell pay; Chilvers had it at his feet, but when Miller thought he had dispossessed him, the ball fell to Hale. He took a touch and then struck it past Balcombe for his seventh league goal of the season to give County a deserved lead just after the half-hour. The boos rang out inside Fir Park when the half-time whistle blew. Fans were deeply unhappy with the performance being put on show, and there was a clear appetite for Maswanhise to be brought on. Despite this, Frail made zero changes to the team that failed to register a shot on target inside the first 45. Second 45′ Ross County started the second half well, and Hale doubled his tally just before the hour. Good work from Tomkinson down the right-hand channel found Chilvers on the inside; his ball completely separated the Motherwell defence, and Hale swept it past Balcombe to give County a 2-0 lead. With the atmosphere inside Fir Park turning toxic, Frail finally made a double switch, but still no Maswanhise resulted in even more anger for the Well support. Finally, on the 70th minute, the Zimbabwean would enter the fray as Well searched for a way to get back into the game. Motherwell did begin to show brief signs of threatening a comeback, Callum Slattery had a free-kick that went just over the bar, but Well continued to look out of ideas. They were urged on by Frail to get themselves further up the pitch, but each time they tried to drive forward, County looked to pick them off on the counterattack. Which is exactly what they did when Connor Randall added a third just before the full-time whistle. His low strike from distance seemed to catch Balcombe sleeping as he was far too slow at getting down and across as the ball went past his outstretched hands. That goal was enough for the Well fans to begin to stream out of Fir Park as the County fans behind the goal began to party their way home to Dingwall. FULL-TIME: MOTHERWELL 0 – 3 ROSS COUNTY Teams: Motherwell: Balcombe (GK); O’Donnell, Gordon, Balmer, Sparrow (Maswanhise 70’), Slattery (Nicholson 78′), Halliday (Plange 63’), Thompson (Wilson 63’), Armstrong, Watt, Miller Ross County: Amissah (GK); Tomkinson, Lopata, Campbell, Wright, Kenneh (Nisbet 85′), Chilvers (Grieves 85′), Randall, Harmon (Ashworth 72’), Phillips (White 65’), Hale (Robesten 72’)

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

Motherwell

Copyright © 2024 SNN Sports. All Rights Reserved.