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Jesper Karlsson on his loan move to Pittodrie in the summer

The Swedish international has came out today and confirmed the reason’s he made the move from Italy to the Granite City. Jimmy Thelin was the main reason the winger moved to Scotland as Jimmy managed Jesper during their time in Sweden at Elfsborg. Two former Aberdeen stars were also apart of the decision of the Bologna winger with former Dons men Lewis Ferguson and Ylber Ramadani playing a pivotal part in the move for the Swedish star. The attacker made a €11.1million (£9.6million) from Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar back in 2023 but has failed to hit the ground running hence why he made the loan move to the Scottish side. Jesper was a key star at Elfsborg during his time with Jimmy Thelin before he made the move to the Netherlands. The winger scored on 46 occasions over a three year spell at AZ Alkmaar and has netted three times in six during his stint in Scotland so far. The Swede confirmed while speaking to the Daily Record: “I spoke to Lewis Ferguson and Ylber Ramadani, so I had some information. “Both were positive about their experience here. They said only good things.” “I have not played many 90 minutes recently,” Karlsson confirmed “I think the last time was in 2023 with the national team. “So I also feel like I am not there yet in my fitness and confidence, although I feel more and more like I am getting it back when I train. “The more I play, I will get better. “It’s a good league with good teams and I have respect for the football here.” Karlsson has 14 Swedish caps and five international goals, but he hasn’t played for his country in two years. That is an ambition once he really hits top gear at Aberdeen Speaking to Daily Jesper said: “First of all, I just have to think about the here and now because I have not played regularly for a long time. “I just hope to reach my best level again here. “That’s my first goal and the other things will come later.” Jimmy Thelin was the main reason the winger moved to Scotland as Jimmy managed Jesper during their time in Sweden at Elfsborg. Two former Aberdeen stars were also apart of the decision of the Bologna winger with former Dons men Lewis Ferguson and Ylber Ramadani playing a pivotal part in the move for the Swedish star. The attacker made a €11.1million (£9.6million) from Dutch side, AZ Alkmaar back in 2023 but has failed to hit the ground running hence why he made the loan move to the Scottish side. Jesper was a key star at Elfsborg during his time with Jimmy Thelin before he made the move to the Netherlands. The winger scored on 46 occasions over a three year spell at AZ Alkmaar and has netted three times in six during his stint in Scotland so far. The Swede confirmed while speaking to the Daily Record: “I spoke to Lewis Ferguson and Ylber Ramadani, so I had some information. “Both were positive about their experience here. They said only good things.” “I have not played many 90 minutes recently,” Karlsson confirmed “I think the last time was in 2023 with the national team. “So I also feel like I am not there yet in my fitness and confidence, although I feel more and more like I am getting it back when I train. “The more I play, I will get better. “It’s a good league with good teams and I have respect for the football here.” Karlsson has 14 Swedish caps and five international goals, but he hasn’t played for his country in two years. That is an ambition once he really hits top gear at Aberdeen. Speaking to Daily Jesper said: “First of all, I just have to think about the here and now because I have not played regularly for a long time. “I just hope to reach my best level again here. “That’s my first goal and the other things will come later.”

October 15, 2025

SPFL announce record breaking payout

The SPFL have sent out a record sum to SPFL clubs. The Scottish Professional Football League have today sent out £42million across all 42 clubs in the SPFL which is an increase of 11% from last year’s £37.9million which is now sitting at £42million going up by £4.1million. The SPFL brought in a sum of £50.4million which has surpassed the threshold of £50million, making history. Money paid by the SPFL to teams in the top 4 decision has increased to £35.1million. The TV money has been the main factor for the increase which is also down to the rise of income in the deal with Sky Sports including the 5-year contract with Premier Sports which was to show 20 games a season which has went up to 22 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Another factor of the sharp rise of revenue was down to the sponsorships, licences and match data with the historic deal with the top betting company. William Hill with last season being the beginning of the 5-year contract. SPFL group chief executive, Neil Doncaster said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to announce the strongest turnover and total group distributions in the history of Scottish league football. These figures are by some distance the best financial figures in the 12 years of the SPFL. “Against a backdrop of worldwide economic uncertainty, the strong cooperation amongst our clubs and a shared focus to continue to grow our game commercially has been vital to achieving these results. “We’ve recently reported considerably higher attendances per capita than any other European league in a UEFA report for the third year running, and these figures also reflect the high level of interest in our game from broadcasters and partners. Whilst we will never be complacent, we are proud that the league continues to make significant progress, and these financial results represent an important milestone in the history of the SPFL.” SPFL chairman, Murdoch MacLennan said: “Our latest results once again underline the strength and ambition of our game here in Scotland: “Our small but dedicated team at the SPFL is focused on driving forward the league for our 42 member clubs and we will now look to build on this momentum in the months and years ahead.” The fees will be sent out to clubs depending on where clubs finish in their respective league season. Funding will be sent to Scottish Power Women’s Premier League sides as well as prize totals in the Premier Sports Cup and KDM Evolution trophy. Payments for space will also be given in selected Scottish Premiership matches which are shown live on Premier Sports.

October 8, 2025

Rangers Are Looking Like ‘Wee Boys’ – Ally McCoist

Former Rangers manager and striker Ally McCoist has said the current playing squad at Ibrox look like “wee boys” and claims that sacked manager Russell Martin and co. were not readily prepared before accepting the job offer in the summer. The Gers axed the ex-Southampton boss just 123 days into his miserable reign, with fans being sceptical pretty much from the beginning. Martin won just once in seven league meetings, and only five times out of seventeen matches in all competitions, as he became the shortest serving permanent manager in the club’s history. Speaking on talkSPORT’s Sportsbreakfast, McCoist said: “The new owners and certainly the old management staff probably underestimated the size of the job and the task. “That aligned to really poor business in the transfer market. “The buck rightly and understandably stops at the manager, but sometimes when you get on the pitch you’ve got to take responsibility, and Rangers just look like wee boys.” When asked who he would bring in to replace Martin, McCoist suggested two England legends and one former Rangers player. “I wish we’d taken my advice for the last one and that was Frank Lampard. my exact tip was Frank Lampard. “I’d quite like to see Steven Gerrard coming back. I don’t think he will though. I don’t know the ins and outs of it but I think he probably has to stay out of the country for a while for other reasons. “We probably missed the boat with Derek McInnes who’s doing a fantastic job at Hearts.” Rangers have the luxury of an international break to find the right replacement for Martin, before they host Dundee United at Ibrox a week on Saturday.

October 8, 2025

Former Rangers star believes it must be ‘horrible’ what Russell Martin is going through

Russell Martin was beyond relived his side got their first league victory of the season as they defeated Livingston 2-1 thanks to a Max Aarons winner in stoppage time. The Rangers faithful were still calling for Martin to be sacked even during the celebrations after the last minute winner. It’s been well documented that the 39-year-old was never the popular choice and the win against David Martindale’s men appears to have not changed the opinions of the supporters regarding the Englishman. Martin was asked after the game if Aarons’ goal kept him in a job and he said: “I can’t answer that question because it’s not relevant. He scored and I’m in a job.” It’s been a dismal start for Martin in Glasgow only managing to rack up five wins in 15 games and the unrest amongst the fans continues to get worse. Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson sympathises with the Ibrox boss but doesn’t believe the result against Livi will change anything. He said to BBC Scotland: “I’ll be honest. I’ve not spoken to any Rangers fan that is in favour of Russell Martin. “It’s not nice. It must be horrible for Russell Martin and his family, anyone connected to him. It’s not nice to see anybody go through that. “But the feelings of the Rangers fans towards the manager, I don’t think a victory against Livingston is going to change anything.”

September 30, 2025

‘You can’t beat it!’ – Ally McCoist ecstatic after Rangers’ last minute winner

Rangers got their first league victory of the season thanks to Max Aarons’ last gap goal in stoppage time against Livingston. It was an all important and well needed win for Russell Martin but seconds after the right-back bailed the under-fire Ibrox boss out the Rangers faithful were still chanting for his dismissal. However, footballing icon Ally McCoist watched the game from a pub in London and was over the moon at full-time as the Light Blues picked up the three points. McCoist revealed that the venue was showing the Newcastle vs Arsenal game where Mikel Arteta’s side also bagged a last minute winner and the celebrations were electric: “I sampled it myself at the weekend. “Obviously I went to watch the football, had Viv [wife] down, did the family things on Sunday and went to the pub and watched the football. “I’m sitting there, it was brilliant. “There must’ve been about eight TVs, seven of them showing Newcastle vs Arsenal, and one had Livingston vs Rangers. “And we got a 94th minute winner! “Everybody – and I mean everybody – in the pub was watching Newcastle vs Arsenal and don’t get me wrong I had one eye on it. “Next minute, the guy next to me, I’ve jumped up and screamed at the top of my voice and the guy next to me just about jumped out of his skin because he was watching the Arsenal game. “But that’s what a last minute winner does to me and does to every football fan, you can’t beat it.” Next up for Russell Martin’s men is SK Strum Graz in the Europa League then back to Scottish Premiership action against Falkirk.

September 30, 2025

‘I’ve actually, in a perverse way, enjoyed that’ – Russell Martin reveals he thrives on the backlash

It’s safe to say Russell Martin has had a tough start to life at Rangers with many of the Ibrox faithful demanding for his sacking but the under fire boss claims he enjoys the hostility towards him. The Light Blues won their first game in over a month at the weekend defeating Hibernian 2-0 at Ibrox to progress to the Premier Sports Cup semi-final where they’ll have a showdown with Celtic. There were protests before the game outside the stadium against Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart as the Rangers fans made their feelings known loud and clear. The Gers have won four games out of 13 and currently sit 11th in the Scottish Premiership table only managing to rack up a total of four points from five games. Martin’s side kickstart their Europa League campaign tonight as they take on Genk, another club who aren’t in a great place as they currently sit third bottom in the Belgian Pro League. Despite the furious backlash against Martin, the 39-year-old said he finds enjoyment in it and believes himself and the players could learn from this tough period: “Being a head coach or manager of any team or club is not easy. There’s obviously so many opinions because of the level of interest in this game and how much it means to people. “I’ve actually, in a perverse way, enjoyed that as well. I think you have to try and find enjoyment in everything. “I’ve said to the players, I’ve said to the staff and it counts for us as well as individuals, the amount of growth that can come from this, in this difficult period in learning, could be huge, could be brilliant for everyone, myself included. “We just have to keep working, do what we believe in and trust that the outcome will be positive.”

September 25, 2025

“We Showed We Deserve to Be in This League” – John McGlynn Hails Falkirk Spirit

Falkirk came from two goals down to draw with Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium last night, edging themselves clear of the league’s bottom two. The visitors struck first when Martin Boyle converted a VAR-awarded penalty after a handball decision against on-loan winger Ethan Williams. Jamie McGrath then doubled Hibs’ advantage, spinning smartly in the box before firing home. On the penalty decision Falkirk boss John McGlynn said: “I suppose by the letter of the law; he stops the ball going in the box. “I think it’s a little bit harsh. But that was all separating the teams at half-time. There’s nothing that you can do about these things. “You just hope over the course of the season they even themselves out. I think it’s the first time we’ve been involved in a bad situation and we’re in our fifth game.” The hosts, however, responded right on the stroke of half-time. Williams made amends for conceding the penalty by delivering a perfect cross for Ross MacIver to tap in with the final kick of the first period. Williams was involved again after the break, providing the corner for Falkirk’s equaliser. His pinpoint delivery was met by Liam Henderson, the powerful centre-half rising highest to thunder a header into the net for 2-2. Falkirk pressed for a winner and looked the stronger side in the closing stages, but ultimately had to settle for a point against the green half of Edinburgh. John McGlynn’s men now turn their attention to the maroon half of the capital, travelling to face high-flying Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday. The newly promoted Bairns, who secured back-to-back promotions to return to the Premiership last season, insist they are relishing the challenge rather than fearing it. Previewing the match, captain Brad Spencer said: “That’s why you come to this league, to play the big sides. “I’m really looking forward to Tynecastle, my first time playing there with fans. These are the games you want as a player.” Spencer admitted, however, that the Premiership brings different challenges: “You get punished a wee bit more for mistakes in the Premiership because you’re up against good players every week. “But we’re enjoying it. A lot of boys are learning on the job, myself included, and it’s about finding our feet quickly.” McGlynn echoed those sentiments, praising his squad’s resilience and unity: “The team spirit in the dressing room has been massive. It’s a big reason why we’re here.

September 24, 2025

Falkirk 2-2 Hibernian

MacIver (45), Henderson (64) – Boyle: (Pen 30), McGrath (43) Falkirk hosted Hibernian for tonight’s Tuesday evening football fix as both teams looked to return to winning ways after defeats in their previous matches. Already eliminated from the Premier Sports Cup at the hands of holders Celtic, the hosts had a free weekend last week following their home loss to St Mirren, whilst Hibernian exited the cup last Saturday, becoming the first Premiership side to lose to Russell Martin’s Rangers. For the Bairns, Manchester United loanee Ethan Williams came in for his first start as the experienced Scott Arfield dropped to the bench in John McGlynn’s only change. In response to the defeat at Ibrox David Gray made two changes with Warren O’Hora and Dan Barlaser coming in for Grant Hanley and Dylan Levitt. Raphael Sallinger retained his place in goal ahead of Jordan Smith and was called into action early doors to deny Ross MacIver inside the area within the first minute. There would be some half chances at both ends before Hibs were awarded a penalty just before the half hour mark. A Nicky Cadden cross hit the arm of Williams inside the area. Referee Calum Scott initially waved away protests but was called over to the monitor at the next break in play and awarded the spot kick. Martin Boyle, who was denied a goal by VAR on Saturday, stepped up and converted past the diving Scott Bain to open the deadlock for his side, the goal met with a chorus of boos from the home support who felt the decision was harsh on their side.There could be no complains over the Edinburgh side’s second however, after some blocked efforts and pinball in the box the ball would fall to Jamie McGrath who would spin excellently in the area before driving his shot low into the corner to double the advantage. Falkirk would pull one back right on the stroke of the half time whistle, Ross MacIver latching onto a Williams cross to tap home. An excellent delivery right into the corridor of uncertainty, Sallinger remained rooted to his line and the Falkirk hitman had the simple task of touching it over the line. Into the second half and McGlynn’s men would remain on top. They would be rewarded for their dominance just after an hour. Liam Henderson thundering a header past Sallinger after a terrific cross from Williams from the corner. A real game of two halves, Falkirk would be closest to a winner as MacIver forced Sallinger into a stop after driving in from the left wing. But it was not to be and the points were to be shared. One gained for the Bairns after their first half showing and two dropped by the Hibees after a dismal drop off in the second 45.

September 24, 2025

‘He will test you’ – Ex-Rangers coach weighs in on the treatment of Nico Raskin

Raskin was bombed out of the squad for the last two Premiership fixtures, as the under-fire Martin stated that the midfielder has to gain the ‘trust’ of the players and staff at the football club. This week Martin and the squad visited Loch Lomond for a team bonding session, two days following their 2-0 loss to Hearts at Ibrox, which left the Light Blues 10th in the league. It’s the Gers’ worst league start in 47 years and have only managed to win three of their last 12 games. The Rangers faithful have given up on the Englishman with fan groups such as the Union Bears and the Rangers Fan Advisory Board demanding for his dismissal. One person who knows the Belgian international well is former Rangers star and coach Billy Dodds, who was part of Barry Ferguson’s backroom team last season. Speaking on Go Radio, Dodds said that Raskin is the type of player who will ask questions and test you, but believes that’s a positive thing: “Raskin will test you football-wise. But if it gets personal, you sort him. “He’s not bad, he’s a good lad. “He just wants to question why you’re doing this football-wise, why you’re doing that football-wise and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. “I’d prefer it if they just went okay and got on with it but we’re not all like that, we’re not all the same personalities. “But he’s not a personal boy and this is where I’m a bit confused. “If it is personal then no problem he’s out the team, and it does seem a bit personal between him and Russell Martin, and I think that’s where the problem lies. “If it’s football, and you keep it football, and he’s testing you, then you keep him in the team because he’s your best player.”

September 18, 2025

Axed Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims he’s still ‘well-liked in Glasgow’

Former Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims that he’s still well-liked and appreciated by the Ibrox faithful seven months after his brutal sacking. The Belgian joined the Light Blues in October 2023, replacing then manager Michael Beale but was sacked after only 16 months in charge. The 51-year-old started his time off in Glasgow well as the Gers won the Premier Sports Cup and finished top of their Europa League group, and reached the last 16 of the competition. However, it ended catastrophically the following season as his side were trailing Celtic in the league by 13 points and got dumped out of the Scottish Cup 1-0 to Championship side Queens Park, which ultimately led to Clement’s downfall. Speaking to Belgian media outlet GVA, the Antwerp-born manager said that it’s still difficult to try and get over how he left the Ibrox club: “I sometimes find it hard to put that out of my mind, because the circumstances in which something like that happens aren’t always known to the outside world, and that’s why it’s hard for me to call it dismissal. “The trick is to see through it. I may have joined those clubs at the wrong time. But I’m still well-liked in Monaco and Glasgow because they know the work I’ve done.” The former Monaco boss recently had hip surgery but is looking forward to making a return to the dugout in the near future, he added: “I’m not ready yet, and I’m talking about that hip surgery. I’ve only been walking without crutches since last week. “It won’t be for another two or three weeks before I’m ready to get back into it. “And something will come up. I’m sure of that. I also want to keep working abroad.” “New adventures, new cultures, a certain way of working. I like Belgium, you know, but I was really captivated in Monaco and Glasgow, and I want to keep gaining experience. “Not even as a national coach or anything like that. I still want to be on that pitch, working with the players every day. I still love doing that.”

September 17, 2025

SPFL