Motherwell Archives - Page 3 of 5

Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A goalless draw at Tannadice as both sides struggled in the final third

Out-of-form Dundee United host in-form Motherwell with the hosts in eager need of victory as pressure begins to mount on Jim Goodwin. Motherwell had the first chance, Stephen O’Donnell with a ball where Callum Hendry heads it straight at David Richards. A simple stop for Richards. Stephen Welsh was forced off after 17 minutes through concussion following a coming together with Elliot Watt. Liam Gordon coming on to replace the on-loan Celtic man. Elliot Watt had a chance after 30 minutes from distance but a simple catch by Richards. A poor opening 30 by both sides as both really struggled to find any real chance with next to no clear cut chances. The hosts had a free-kick just outside the box where Ferry took a shot on but firing right at the Motherwell wall keeping the game goalless. Dundee United had penalty claims where Max Watters went around the keeper in which was taken down by Ward but the referee was having none of it. Watt had a late strike from distance but his effort fires well into the stands which sums up the match so far. Sapsford had the best chance, on the right hand side, cutting in and unleashing a weak strike which was stopped by Callum Ward in the Motherwell goals. Maswanhise had a chance of his own, a strike from the edge of the box which was a simple stop for David Richards. HT Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A very poor half of football with no clear-cut chances. There was the odd chance but no keeper being forced into any difficulty as the game was without a goal going into the break. Fatah had an early chance in the second half, a strike inside the box which was deflected with Ward catching the ball safely to keep the game on level terms. Fatah again but this time a darting run towards the box with an low-driven attempt unleashed from the edge of the box fired marginally wide of goal. Fateh had yet another chance, Ferry with a ball onto the edge of the box where Fateh’s strike went over and wide which looked to have been deflected but no corner was awarded. Elijah Just had a great strike from just outside the box but a solid block the Iovu resulted in a corner kick. Signs were showing of a goal coming soon. Slattery this time was very close. A brilliant turn on the ball by the midfielder with his strike firing just wide of goal. A lot better by both sides. Sibbald had a wonderful and ambitious attempt. A strike from the half way line as Ward appeared miles out but his attempt going just wide of target. After 75 minutes, Stamatelopoulos was through on goal where he took on a strike which flew wide of goal. Slattery had a huge chance to put his side, just yards out but fired over the top as it looks to edge towards a goalless draw at Tannadice. Said should’ve had the visitors, an attempt inside the box just firing wide of target as both teams look to try and break the deadlock. FT Dundee United 0-0 Dundee United: Richards 6, Strain 6, Esselink 6 , Iouvu 6, Graham 7, Sapsford 6, Ferry 7, Sibbald 6, Fatah8 , Stephenson7 , Watters 6. Subsitutes: Moller 6, Dolcek 6 , Sevelj 6. Motherwell: Ward 7, O’Donnell 6, Slattery 7, Fadinger 6, McGinn 6, Maswanhise 6, Watt 7, Just6 , Koutroumbis 6, Welsh 5, Hendry 5. Subsitutes: Gordon 6, Said 6, Stamatelopoulos 6, Longelo 6, Charles-Cook 6.

December 13, 2025

Dundee United v Motherwell – Match Preview

Dundee United welcome in-form Motherwell to the City Of Discovery as Jim Goodwin aims to get back to winning ways. The last time the two sides clashed was at Fir Park as the Steelmen ran away 2-0 winners in October with goals from Maswanhise and Elliot Watt for Motherwell. The Steelmen have won in four of their last five outings in this meeting with Jim Goodwin’s side last win in this tie coming back in February in a 1-0 victory where Sam Dalby netted the only goal of the game. Since their fourth place finish last season, it hasn’t been all the same for the Tangerines. Dundee United sit 8th after a poor start to their Scottish Premiership campaign. The hosts for Saturday haven’t been able to pick up any win in their last six fixtures with their last win being in a 3-1 win over St Mirren back in October. Jim Goodwin’s side have won once in the last 10 as well as 5 draws and 4 defeats. Motherwell have had the exact opposite as the Steelmen are on fine form this season. Motherwell sit third, just six points off of Celtic in second place. The hosts of course haven’t won in six whereas Motherwell, they haven’t been defeated in six with their last loss being their 4-1defeat at Hampden Park to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Semi-finals. Since then, the Fir Park outfit have certainly kicked on and become strong prospects of giving the top four a tough battle. Despite the poor form, Jim Goodwin’s men haven’t been shy of a goal, scoring four goals in five for the Tannadice side. Their defensive side have shown to be fragile with no clean sheets in their last 10 outings. Motherwell have been on good form in front of goal, scoring eight times in their last five matches. The Steelmen have been awarded the most league penalties this campaign, being given a spot-kick on six occasions. Motherwell star-man, Maswanhise, has been a standout this season, netting eight times so far this season where the attacker is currently the league’s top goal scorer. Pairing Max Watters and Julius Esekesen both return to the side while Keresztes will be out through suspension. Dario Naamo and Pan Camara sit out with a hamstring injury as well as Pappoe and Kucherenko also remain out. For Motherwell, Andy Halliday isn’t quite ready for action yet with Stuparevic, Oxborough, Nicholson, Robinson, McGhee and Sule all remaining absent. While speaking about the game, Goodwin described Motherwell as “the most in-form team in the league”. “It’s only natural when you’re on the type of run that we’re on that your confidence is going to take a bit of a hit,” Jim Goodwin said. “But we believe in what we’re doing. We are going through, probably, the toughest period that I’ve experienced during my time as United manager. “Football is not a bed of roses all the time, you’ve got to find a way to get through these difficult periods.” “It’s quite a remarkable transformation and he deserves a huge amount of credit,” the Tannadice boss quoted. “Given results, and where Motherwell are sitting in the table, I imagine there’s people all over Europe taking notice. “Motherwell are the most in-form team in the league. The new manager has been incredible in terms of their playing style and they’re as difficult an opponent as you can face at this moment in time. “But we have to believe we’re capable of winning the game. We didn’t do ourselves justice at Fir Park, the second half was a lot better from us, so we have to make sure we start this game the way we did in the second 45 over there.” Jens Berthel Askou believes it’s “extremely satisfying” seeing how his side plays in his style. “In general it’s been pleasing that players that some would have maybe written off and said, ‘no, that type of football is not for him’, that they have managed to actually be really, really good and strong players in what we’re doing,” Askou said. “That has been extremely fulfilling and satisfying for them as individuals, but especially for us as a club and as a group, that a lot of the players who were already here have been thriving in this, which means we don’t have five, six, seven players that have been left behind by the development. “There’s always one or two that might be caught on the wrong side of the competition, who need to move on when the next window of opportunity comes, and then we’ll see. “But it’s very, very few, and it’s not like we have players who have not done well. When they have played or when they are in training, they all look comfortable and really good, and I think that has been extremely satisfying.” Motherwell are now unbeaten in eight Premiership games and sit third before Saturday’s trip to face Dundee United. The Steelmen boss said: “The key thing is not to dwell on that and think we’re fantastic because we’ve had a good run. “It’s going to be harder and harder to win games the more you win, and we also know that the team we are playing on Saturday is a very good team who have not had the results that I think they’re worth as a group.”

December 12, 2025

Livingston 1-2 Motherwell: Visitors Move Into Top Six after Late Win

Livingston 1-2 Motherwell Bokila (26′ pen) Stamatelopoulos (59′ pen) Just (90+3′) Motherwell leave it late to sting Livi and send the away end into an eruption. Livingston should’ve been ahead after 8 minutes. Bokila took way too long on the ball, taking numerous touches, and when it was unleashed, it was a simple stop by Ward, which landed at Stevie May, but the striker failed to get the hosts ahead. After 12 minutes, a short ball from Said onto the foot of Maswanhise, but a heavy touch by the winger made it a simple catch by the Frenchman in the goals. After 19 minutes, Mo Sylla had a good run into the visitors’ half where he slid the ball onto Stevie May with whose effort struck wide of the goal. Livingston, after 25 minutes, were awarded a spot kick as Bokila smashed home to give Livingston the lead. Livi should’ve been two ahead after 30. Sylla won the ball and put it through to Muirhead. A darting run from the striker into May, whose shot was saved well by Ward, with Muirhead’s rebounded effort going over. Livi go into the break one goal to the good. Motherwell didn’t really test Prior in the Livi goals and probably deserved a lead by the hosts, but an even enough opening 45. On the hour mark, Motherwell were awarded a spot kick of their own with Stamatelopoulos making no mistake and giving the visitors a crucial equaliser. Motherwell quickly went on to score a second to go ahead, a run by Watt which found Stamatelopoulos, but after a VAR check, the decision was offside, which kept the game all square. Livingston had a big chance in 70 minutes, Sylla with a ball into the edge of the box, which found Pittman, who slotted it into the box, but the ball fired past substitute Yengi, which ensured the game remained level. Livi then had a fantastic chance to go back ahead. A ball into the box with Sylla, who headed the ball into Yengi, who was just yards out, but failing to control the ball as Ward is down to collect the ball. Motherwell on 77 minutes should’ve been ahead this time. It was Stamatelopoulos from close range, but he smashed the ball over the bar, which should’ve at least found the target. An event last stage of the game in Livingston. Charles-Cook was close to firing the well ahead, a cross in by Fadinger and the substitute with an overhead kick but missing the target. The steelmen thought they had won it right at the death, a tap-in by Just, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Just came up with another, a strike from distance which fired into the top left-hand corner as the whistle goes and Motherwell leave with a win Livingston: Prior 6 Pittman 6 Muirhead 6 May 7 Bokila 8 Finlayson 6 Sylla 8 Tait 6 Montano 6 Wilson 6 Brenet 6. Substitutes: Susoho 6 Smith 6 Yengi 5 Motherwell: Ward 6 O’Donnell 7 Gordon 6 Welsh 7 Longelo 7 Watt 7 Fadinger 7 Said 7 Just 8 Maswanhise 6 Stamatelopoulos 8 Substitutes: McGinn 7 Koutroumbis 6 Slattery 8 Charles-Cook 6 Hendry 6.

October 25, 2025

Askou and Motherwell “Focusing on the next job” as League Cup Semi Final Looms

An exciting few weeks await Motherwell, but for manager Jens Berthel Askou, “It’s about Falkirk, first and foremost”. The Steelmen suffered a heartbreaking defeat to champions Celtic before the international break. But despite recording their first league defeat of the campaign, Askou saw the positives from their spirited performance. “Gutted that we went home from Parkhead with no points, but I think the performance and our approach to the game gives us some really good confidence as to how to beat them when we play them next time” “But also it shows that we are capable of being for most of the part successful with our approach against the best team in the league, and then it’s small decisive moments that tips it to their favour and we know exactly it’s easy to see where we need to just improve a little bit, not hugely, but a little bit.” Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ brace put the visitors ahead after Kelechi Iheanacho’s first-half penalty, but goals from Benjamin Nygren, and a last-minute Daizen Maeda header ensured Motherwell would leave with nothing. Askou referenced the impact of Stamatelopoulos, who now has three goals in two league matches, “It was a great first goal he scored, for me it’s important that if you have a confident line and you want him to score many goals, he needs to be a good penalty taker as well, he scored two out of two, it grows confidence …… and hopefully he will score more goals in time”. Motherwell face St Mirren at Hampden in 16 days for a place in the League Cup Final. The Fir Park side finished top of Group G, before away victories against St Johnstone and Aberdeen, to secure the tie. For Askou, the semi-final is ”not the focus right now”, “We have almost sold 7,000 tickets, which is fantastic, and we will probably sell quite a few more, which is amazing, so a lot of people are looking forward to that.” “We are focusing on the next job that’s on Saturday, obviously, we know it is in the calendar, we are not spending much energy on that now.” Motherwell host Falkirk at Fir Park on Saturday, October 18th, before matches against Livingston and Dundee United, respectively.

October 16, 2025

Unrest In Glasgow Opens The Door For The Chasing Pack

Last weekend saw unrest amongst fans from both sides of Glasgow as Celtic and Rangers as protests were seen against Celtic’s hierarchy and Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart’s future at Ibrox. SNN Sports looks at which teams could capitalise on the Glasgow sides woes off the park. With Rangers making the worst start to a season since 1989 with 0 wins, 4 draws and a singular defeat there is discontent amongst the Rangers faithful. Coupled with a 6-0 hammering over in Belgium at the hands of Club Brugge time seems to be running out for the man in the Ibrox hot seat. Patrick Stewart who presided over the appointment of Martin has also come under heavy fire from the Rangers fans calling for him to follow Martin out the door should he be sacked. The Rangers fans protested outside Ibrox ahead of their 2-0 victory over Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup calling for Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart to leave. The game was also halted in the 11th minute as the Union Bears proceeded to throw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest at the clubs fortunes. On the other side of Glasgow a week on from a protest in which Celtic fans entered Rugby Park in the 12th minute the fans made their voices heard yet again as they called for the board to resign. Despite continued success on the park for nearly 20 years a summer transfer window which left a lot to be desired has been the final straw for a lot of the Celtic support Alongside an embarrassing Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty. The Celtic fans held aloft banners of members of the Celtic hierarchy including Peter Lowell and Michael Nicholson with their faces covered with a red cross indicating they should be removed from the Celtic boardroom as serious unrest grows within the Celtic support about the penny pinching tactics seen in the transfer market which has arguably left them weaker than when they went into the window. With both sides of Glasgow having issues of the park as well as on the park with Rangers struggling to capture any sort of form and Celtic performances looking slow and laboured SNN takes a look at which teams could benefit from the struggles of their Premiership counterparts Hearts- Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the appointment of seasoned manager Derek McInnes the Tynecastle side look to be in the driving seat to upset the Glasgow two. Hearts have started the league campaign superbly as they sit unbeaten after 5 games and a singular goal separates themselves and Celtic. Fresh of the back of a 2-0 victory at Ibrox confidence is flowing within the Hearts team with new additions Claudio Braga, Stuart Findlay and Alexandros Kiziridis looking the part and the return to form of talisman Lawrence Shankland. With no European football on the agenda this season they will be fresh legged and suitably prepared to challenge the dominance that Glasgow has had over Scottish football for so long. Whilst still early on in the season Hearts look great going forward and defensively they are improving this could be the year they upset the applecart. St Mirren/Motherwell- A double barrel selection here in St Mirren and Motherwell this is more looking at the first trophy on offer in the Premier Sports Cup. St Mirren and Motherwell will battle it out for a place in the final alongside Celtic or Rangers. With the issues at both clubs clearly impacting matters on the park there has never been a better opportunity for a club outside the top two to win a domestic trophy. Motherwell have already shown they are more than a match for Rangers on the opening day whilst the Buddies have put in two very good displays against both sides this season with deflected efforts being their undoing. Both sides have made good starts to the season with good football on display and both sides carrying an attacking threat whilst also looking relatively comfortable defensively. Whichever of these teams progresses has a massive opportunity to lift silverware and take away the chance of a treble early on in the season Hibernian- It would be unwise to count out last seasons 3rd place side in David Gray’s Hibernian. Whilst they have made a slow start to the season perhaps impacted by European exploits there is no denying the quality the Leith side have. Kieron Bowie looks to have come into his own on his return from injury alongside new additions Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath.Whilst Hibs stalwart Martin Boyle continues to impress and light up the Easter Road pitch. The only worry for Hibs is they look very shaky defensively and have shipped a lot of goals so far this season. However they made a slow start last season and ended up going on a mazy unbeaten run to secure 3rd spot. It does look like it will be one of the Edinburgh sides challenging the Glasgow dominance. It remains to be seen whether the off-field issues are sorted but with the unrest and division amongst the supporters and the clubs this season is the perfect season for a club to come in and stop the dominance which has plauged Scottish football for so long. With so long left in the season there will be plenty of twists and turns but could the Glasgow sides grip on the game be untightened?

September 24, 2025

Second Half Screamer Secures League Cup Semi for Motherwell

Aberdeen 0-1 Motherwell Charles-Cook (63′) Motherwell joined St Mirren in the League Cup semi-final, beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and piling more pressure on Jimmy Thelin. Regan Charles-Cook’s first goal for Jens Berthel Askou’s side proved to be the difference-maker, his arrowing strike found the top corner to secure the win in the second half. Tawanda Maswinhise was involved in the build-up and went close to scoring earlier in the game when he hit the post. Despite some promising attacks, Aberdeen’s goal drought continued. The Dons’ best chances came from Nicky Devlin and Mats Knoester, both of whom struck efforts off the woodwork in a frustrating afternoon for the home side. The crucial victory was a relief for Motherwell after a string of five straight league draws, validating Askou’s entertaining philosophy at Fir Park. Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Knoester, Dorrington, Gyamfi, Shinnie, Armstrong, Karlsson, Aouchiche, Keskinen, Nisbet. Motherwell: Ward, O’Donnell, Gordon, Welsh, Longelo, Watt, Fadinger, Said, Charles-Cook, Maswanhise, Stamatelopoulos

September 20, 2025

Hunt For First League Win Continues For Both Dundee and Motherwell

Dundee and Motherwell shared the points on a rainy afternoon in the ‘City of Discovery’, with goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Luke Graham either side of half time ensuring a share of the spoils for both sides in a 1-1 draw at Dens’ Park. The result means that Dundee have drawn three and lost two in the league so far under new head coach Steven Pressley, whilst Motherwell remain undefeated after drawing all of their Premiership fixtures so far. It was a very principled performance from the Steelmen in the first half, playing a fast tempo style of play that has become synonymous with new gaffer Jens Berthel Askou, patiently playing out from the back and when an opening presented itself, they attacked with speed and exploited the gaps. As for Dundee, they probably soaked in more pressure than they would have liked to in the first period, opting to play a more direct style, with long balls unsuccessfully going over the top to frustrated lone striker Simon Murray. Ultimately, this played into the hands of Motherwell, who dominated the first half and looked to be the only side trying to score, yet regretfully they found themselves only ahead by one. Winger Tawanda Maswanhise collected the ball from a narrow position halfway inside the Dundee half, and drove to the right to get a shot on his favoured right foot, firing it passed Jon McCracken in the Dark Blues net, putting the visitors a goal to the good with just over half an hour played. The Zimbabwean’s tally now stands at 7 in all competitions. Motherwell continued with their constant threatening on the break, with Dundee outnumbered numerous times and seemingly spared by Calum Scott’s halftime whistle which killed the backlog of momentum generated by the ‘Well. The home fans made their feelings known to Pressley and his side as boos rang around Dens’ as the players headed up the tunnel. Whatever Steven Pressley said at halftime, it certainly done wonders for the hosts. Cameron Congreve, who had just come on at the break, drove down the right hand side and crossed the ball in for centre back Luke Graham to produce a powerful header beyond Calum Ward and level the scoring, not even two minutes after the restart. And they were so nearly ahead come the 50th minute. A looping ball was played into the Motherwell area, met by a diving Simon Murray, but only went as far as the side netting, with many in Dundee’s main stand believing the captain had scored. An even bigger chance for Murray went begging just five minutes later. Congreve was denied a second assist after he put the ball on a plate for his captain who was just 10 yards from goal, but he dragged his effort wide of the post as his hunt for his first goal of the league season goes on after 15 last campaign. Motherwell showed signs of their first half performance again in the closing half hour, with their biggest chance coming 13 minutes from time. Goalscorer Maswanhise could have made it a double when he was played in, but his first time effort was beaten away by McCracken. Dundee would be reduced to ten men just five minutes from time. Loanee Yan Dhanda, who signed for the season from Hearts, was given his marching orders following a high challenge on Motherwell’s Lukas Fadinger. The visitors from North Lanarkshire face a double header against Aberdeen next, travelling to Pittodrie in the cup before hosting them the week after in the league, As for Steven Pressley’s men, they will be in league action next weekend looking to pick up some points against Livingston at home. DUNDEE: McCracken 7 , C. Robertson 5, Astley 6, Wright 5, F. Robertson 6 (Jones 1), Murray 4 (Samuels 1), Yogane 6 (Hay 3), Westley 4 (Congreve 7), Dhanda 3, Graham 6, Hamilton 5 MOTHERWELL: Ward 5, Gordon 5, Stamatelopoulos 5 (Osong 4), Fadinger 6, Maswanhise 8, Watt 6, Koutroumbis 5 (O’Donnell 4), Longelo 6, Welsh 6 (Balmer 5), Charles-Cook 5 (Just 4), Said 6(Priestman 3)

September 13, 2025

Match Preview – Dundee vs Motherwell

Motherwell travel North to Dens Park to face Dundee in the Scottish Premiership following the recent international break. The two sides last met in the split last campaign with the Steelmen defeating the Dees’ 2-1 at Dens despite a sending off. Antonio Portales got the Dundee side ahead but goals from Tom Sparrow and a late, late Tawanda Maswanhise winner ensured Motherwell left with maximum points. Dundee have failed to pick up any wins in the league so far this season.They have drawn twice this season, against Kilmarnock as well as a 1-1 draw at Ibrox against Rangers as well as defeats against Hibernian and most recently, rivals Dundee United. Dundee’s last win was a month-and-a-half ago as they defeated League One Montrose 5-0 at Dens’ Park. Whereas for the visitors, they are undefeated in league duty so far, drawing all four of their opening games against Rangers, St Mirren, Hearts, and Kilmarnock. Motherwell’s last victory was a late winner by Fadinger to send Motherwell through in the League Cup. Last time out for the hosts, they were defeated on home soil to next door neighbors, Dundee United with both Zak Sepsford and Ivan Dolcek scoring in their first ever Dundee Derby as Jim Goodwin’s side left with the bragging rights. Motherwell, however, picked up their fourth draw of the season two weeks ago as the Steelmen drew 2-2 against former well boss, Stuart Kettlewell and Kilmarnock as they kept their unbeaten run going. In terms of injuries, Dundee are without duo Charlie Reilly who’s out with a broken collarbone as well as Paul Digby who is currently doubtful following a calf injury. Motherwell have four players sidelined. Filip Stuparevic remains out with a cruciate ligament issue. Sam Nicholson also looks to miss out with a knee injury picked up all the way back in February against Ross County. Zach Robinson is also expected to miss out with an Achilles tendon injury as well as last season’s goal scorer when the two sides last met is also set to be an absentee. Stephen Welsh could be set to make his Motherwell debut after joining on loan from Celtic. Here is what Dundee boss, Steven Pressley had to say ahead of Saturday to BBC Scotland:“Motherwell are now in the quarterfinals of the League Cup and are unbeaten in the league campaign thus far but what we need to remember is that if we beat them at the weekend, we go above them,” Pressley said. “So there’s a lot of positives to look forward to.“We have an opportunity to change the narrative, and we have to be ready for that. We’ve worked very hard for it.” While still waiting for his first league win, Pressley has been impressed with the progress he’s seen since the start of the campaign. “If you look back at the Hibs game we were struggling to put a team out there,” he added.“Slowly but surely, we’ve managed to get players in the building and look a little bit stronger. “There’s a real positivity around the place; we’re all working incredibly hard. We are all pulling in the one direction but of course wins and results help that process. “A win at the weekend would certainly go a long way in installing further confidence into the group.” Motherwell boss, Askou also speaking to BBC Scotland on Saturday’s trip to Dundee: “We have zoomed in on some tactical details that we need to improve – it’s been a good couple of weeks,” he said. “We have had a positive start but we want to improve some phases. We’ve been a little bit too open because we’ve been extremely eager to win the ball back, especially in some of the games we’ve dominated possession. “So the defensive phase has just been counter-pressing, basically, which has sometimes led to unstructured defensive situations that has caused some chances against us that we shouldn’t concede. “We’ve been working a little bit on how to sharpen that up. So we don’t give big chances away unnecessarily against teams who struggle to produce big chances against us when we’re well structured. “We have had a little bit too much xG against us given the dominance and the control we feel that we have had through most of the games.”

September 13, 2025

Reviewing Each Scottish Premiership Club’s Transfer Business

A summer of change across the Scottish Premiership with five new managers in the door across the division, a summer of wheeling and dealing ensued as clubs looked to shape their squads. We review the business of each club and unpack the winners and losers of the window. Aberdeen – 6/10 Fresh on the back of an impressive Scottish Cup win, Aberdeen’s main priority was to strengthen the side to be capable of competing on all four fronts, as they secured a place in European Football. Jimmy Thelin looked to the Scandinavian market, bringing in Krtjan Mar Kjartansson and Kenan Bilalovic. Alfie Dorrington returned for a season-long loan from Tottenham to bolster the backline, while Kusini Yengi was brought into the club for attacking options. Aberdeen’s window was heavily focused on the forward areas. They sold cup final hero Shayden Morris as well as the club’s talisman, Pape Gueye, which weakened the squad. Their deadline day was the most successful, bringing in Kevin Nisbet and exciting winger Jesper Karlsson. A mixed window for the Dons, as they have brought in a lot of youthful talent, while losing two key players. The addition of Karlsson saved their window from being lacklustre. Celtic – 3/10 Going into the summer as Champions, it was clear to see Celtic needed attacking reinforcements. Buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney, it looked like it was going to be an exciting window for the Hoops. Nicolas Kuhn left the club to join Italian side Como, whilst fringe players Palma and Tillio departed alongside him to Poland and Austria. Having sold Kyogo Furahashi in January, a new striker was top of the shopping list; however, this failed to come to fruition. Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Toukneti look to have bolstered Celtic out wide; however, their lack of a number nine is an issue. Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada look to be project players, whilst Adam Idah has been sold to Swansea. Kelechi Iheanacho has since been brought in; however, this is outside the window, so it doesn’t count towards their rating. All in all, a poor window for Celtic, where they leave it weaker than when they entered. Dundee – 5/10 Tony Docherty replaced by Steven Pressley as a summer of change engulfed the Dens Park Side. Losing key players Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, it was an important first window for Pressley. Yan Dhanda is their signing of the summer as he looks to rediscover his Ross County form. Paul Digby and Drey Wright look to be a good bit of business. However, it has been a summer of unknown at Dundee. There are a lot of question marks over their signings, with youthful players sprinkled in alongside experienced ones. Dundee United – 6/10 European Football secured Jim Goodwin set off to strengthen his squad for the European qualifiers, having lost a large number of players. It was an interesting window from the Tanadice side, with a lot of unknowns from across Europe joining the club. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be the finds for the club, looking very impressive early on. The return of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson also boosted Jim Goodwin. There are many unknowns surrounding Dundee United’s transfer window, including the signings of Lucie Lovu, Bert Esselink, and Dario Naamo, to name a few. The Tangerines have expanded their presence in the European market by bringing in ten players from across the continent. The only issue with Jim Goodwin’s business is the number of loans, as they are in key areas of the pitch, although some do have the option to buy. Falkirk – 4/10 Falkirk, after a long hiatus, returned to the top flight of Scottish football. Their window, however, does not exactly scream we are here to stay. Scott Bain was the marquee signing joining from Celtic following the expiry of his contract. Brian Graham was also brought in; his experience is sure to help the Bairns. Four loan deals Falkirk look set to repay the faith to the players who helped them reach the Premiership. However, it’s been a poor window in which they haven’t strengthened enough to maintain Premiership status. Hearts – 8/10 Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the addition of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts have had one of the best windows in the league. Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga have added an exciting option on the wing, with the latter enjoying a great start to life at Tyencastle. Elton Kabangu made his move permanent after spending the latter end of last season on loan. Whilst the club shelled out a club record fee to bring in exciting young midfielder Ageu from Portuguese side Santa Clara. Stuart Findlay was brought in as a favourite of Derek McInnes to tighten up the backline. Hearts also made a healthy profit from the sale of James Penrice, a man they paid nothing for the previous summer. It has been an exciting window for Hearts, the only downside being that their squad does look slightly bulky, as they have failed to ship out some of the deadwood. The likes of Kenneth Vargas remain at the club despite not being in the plans. Hibernian – 9/10 Hibs, for me, have had the best summer in the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan joined the Leith side on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts elsewhere. The Easter Road side also shelled out a reported one million pounds for striker Thiabult Klidje. Grant Hanley, a seasoned professional, made the move to Scotland after spending the majority of his career in the south. He adds stability to the backline, which, at times last season, looked shaky. Going out the door was Dylan Vente, who left the club after failing to impress in his time in the capital. Whilst Moriah-Welsh and Ekpiteta left to join clubs down south. Excellent business from the Leith side, as their new signings have fitted in seamlessly, and they look to have really strengthened their side

September 3, 2025

Hearts stun Motherwell with three-goal fightback

Hearts 3 – 3 Motherwell Substitute hero Claudio Braga scored two second-half goals as Hearts drew with Motherwell in a sizzling six goal thriller Derek McInnes made three changes from last Saturday’s defeat to St Mirren, looking to build on their unbeaten home start. Motherwell made one change from last weekend’s dramatic extra-time League Cup victory over St Johnstone, Kofi Balmer replacing Ibrahim Said. A sold-out Tynecastle endured a quiet opening 15 minutes. Pierre Landry Kabore came closest for the hosts, cutting in from the right but dragging wide. The visitors took the lead in the 20th minute. A corner kick routine saw the Elliot Watt set up Callum Slattery on the edge of the box, his strike took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing Zander Clark, and sending the sold-out away allocation into frenzy. Slattery had scored the winning goal for Motherwell during their last Tynecastle victory, a positive sign for the away team. Hearts looked to hit back through Stuart Findlay, who met Harry Milne’s back-post cross, but the header lacked power. Derek McInnes’ side had enjoyed an unbeaten start at Tynecastle, but a lack of end product was frustrating the home faithful. 📺 WATCH NOW: Derek McInnes’ post match press conference Jens Berthel Askou’s team were growing into the team, their midfield trio of Elijah Just, Watt, and Slattery were picking up effective spaces, and creating positive openings. Their next chance came just after the half-hour mark. Tawanda Maswanhise’s inswinging cross was powered towards goal by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. Zander Clark did well to tip away from his bottom corner. The homeside created an opening on the stroke of halftime. Lawrence Shankland found Kabore in the box, but Calum Ward palmed away his directed strike. The halftime whistle blew to a chorus of boos, and Derek McInnes’ men had plenty of work to do to maintain their unbeaten home record. Askou applauded his side’s efforts for much of the first half; a similar second half would secure their first league victory of the season. Motherwell doubled their lead minutes into the second half. Just found Maswanhise on the edge of the box, who unleashed a low strike past the outstretched Clark. An excellent finish, but created superbly by Just Hearts looked to respond instantly, but Claudio Braga’s low cross had no takers across the six-yard box. 📺 WATCH NOW: Well boss Jens Berthel Askou talks to the media at Tynecastle post game The away side continued to pose a threat and added a third in the 62nd minute when Just beat the offside trap to split the Jambos’ backline open. He unselfishly set up Emmanuel Longelo, who fired into the open net from close range. Some of the Hearts faithful had seen enough, opting for an early exit. However, Milne’s arrowing left-foot strike offered some hope to those who stayed. Braga scored Hearts’ second in the 72nd minute; his low strike was deemed to be onside after a lengthy VAR check. Hearts miraculously equalised in the 83rd minute. Harry Milne unleashed another powerful strike, which Ward palmed into the path of Braga, who needed no invitation to slam home from close range to set up a dramatic last seven minutes. Both teams traded blows as the game reached its climax. Braga came the closest to winning the game in the third minute of additional time, but his strike came agonisingly off the post. Six goals, plenty of drama, and a sensational advert for Scottish football. PLAYER RATINGS Hearts: Clark 5 Steinwender 5 Halkett 6 Findlay 5 Milne 6 Kabore 5 McEntee 5 Devlin 6 Forrest 6 Shankland 6 Wilson 5 Subs: Braga 7* Baningime 7* Spittal 5 Kent 5 Kyziridis 5 Motherwell: Ward 6 O’Donnell 6 McGinn 6 Balmer 6 Longelo 6 Fadinger 7 Watt 7 Slattery 8* Maswanhise 7 Just 8* Stamatelopoulos 6 Subs: Said 5 Hendry 5 Osong 5 Halliday

August 23, 2025

Motherwell