SPFL Archives - Page 6 of 17

Hibernian and Dundee United Shift Attention to Domestic Football after European Excursions

Scottish Premiership action returns on Saturday following the international break, as Hibs welcome Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United to Easter Road on Saturday evening. David Gray’s Hibs will be eager to claim their second victory of the 2025/26 campaign in front of a bumper crowd inside Easter Road. The Easter Road outfit currently occupies third place, having played three league matches so far, winning one and drawing the other two. The Edinburgh side had played all of those games on the back of European ties, as they were involved in the second qualifying round of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League qualifiers respectively. Despite an impressive showing in the majority of their European qualifiers, Hibs were denied a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League at the expense of last season’s quarter-finalists Legia Warsaw, as the Polish side prevailed 5-4 on aggregate. Hibs are coming into this encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren. Centre-back Rocky Bushiri netted in the 70th minute to cancel out Miguel Freckleton’s opener for the Saints. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United sit in fourth place, with just one point separating them from their opponents on Saturday. Dundee United were also involved in European action throughout the summer. After finishing fourth last season, they entered the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Luxembourg outfit Una Strassen were their opponents, as Dundee United progressed 2-0 on aggregate, which set up a two-legged tie with Rapid Wien in the third qualifying round. United gave a solid account of themselves in both ties against Rapid Wien. However, Goodwin’s side fell just short of a Conference League play-off spot, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the second leg at Tannadice. Most recently, Dundee United claimed all three points in the first Dundee Derby of the season following a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from summer arrivals Ivan Dolček and Zac Sapsford. Twelve Hibs players were away on international duty, and each player’s fitness is set to be monitored ahead of Saturday, with Joe Newell remaining sidelined. Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic loanees Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell could make their Hibernian debuts. Dundee United are missing several players: Max Watters, Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski, and Ross Graham are all out with hamstring injuries, whilst Isaac Pappoe will also miss out.

September 13, 2025

‘My situation at the club is complicated’ – Nico Raskin breaks silence on Rangers future

Nico Raskin breaks his silence on his Rangers future as he vows to fight for a place in Russell Martin’s team. It’s been a rocky start to the season at Ibrox for Raskin as he was bombed out of the squad for the Light Blues’ Old Firm clash. The 24-year-old wasn’t training with the first team before the derby but the Rangers boss has denied there has been a breakdown in their relationship. The midfielder was able to put his issues at the Govan club behind him, as he scored his first goal for Belgium in their 6-0 victory against Kazakhstan. Raskin is set for showdown talks with Martin and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell after the international break. The former Standard Liege man told Belgian media outlet Voetbalkrant that his situation at the Ibrox club is complicated but doesn’t want to leave anytime soon: “My situation at the club is complicated. I will return, work hard, and try to get playing time again. “But it’s not just up to me. I know this is an important year, and I absolutely want to be part of this campaign with Belgium. “Football is simply a game of ups and downs. I absolutely love Rangers. “I’ve had some great moments there and have a strong bond with the fans. I always try to give my all. “A transfer? No, that’s out of the question. I want to continue to resolve this at the club.” Martin’s side have a huge week ahead of them, as they have an all important league fixture coming up against Hearts at Ibrox as they seek to get their first league win of the season.

September 8, 2025

Ten-Man Rovers Edge Morton to Keep Pace with League Leaders

Greenock Morton 0-1 Raith Rovers Whilst the top tier remained on ice due to the season’s first international break, the heat was turning up in the Championship, particularly at Cappielow, where unbeaten Greenock Morton hosted second-placed Raith Rovers. Both sides had shown promise in the early stages of the campaign. Morton had drawn all four of their opening fixtures in what has been a tumultuous start, marked by devastating off-field tragedy and mounting on-field frustration. Raith, meanwhile, had taken two wins from their first three after an opening-day draw with Queen’s Park, though they came into this one on the back of a defeat away to Partick Thistle. Dougie Imrie restored Owen Moffat and Aaron Comrie to his starting line-up, while Rovers boss Barry Robson kept faith with the side that had featured at Firhill. That included the experienced former Hibernian duo Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson, each enjoying something of a late-career renaissance in Kirkcaldy. The match began cagily, littered with misplaced passes and early offside calls. The visitors carved out the first clear chance, Dylan Easton picked out inside the area only to fire straight at Ton keeper James Storer. At the other end, Iain Wilson forced Josh Rae into a superb stop from a free kick, the Rovers goalkeeper tipping the effort over the bar. It was otherwise a poor spectacle, with little to separate the sides. The home support bracing themselves for what looked like a fifth consecutive league draw as the teams went in at the interval. Imrie responded at the restart by making a change, withdrawing the struggling Kerr Robertson and introducing captain Grant Gillespie in midfield as he looked to seize control of the contest. Yet it was the visitors who struck first. A long clearance from Rae was misjudged by the Morton defence, allowing Easton to nip in ahead of the onrushing Storer and glance a header into the corner. His finish sparking celebrations among the travelling support packed into the terracing behind the goal. With ten minutes remaining, and Morton quickly running out of ideas, the hosts were handed a lifeline. Josh Mullin was shown a straight red card for a reckless, shin-high challenge on substitute Michael Garrity right on the byline. Gillespie would test Rae with a free header from a corner, and a penalty shout for a tackle on Tomi Adeloye waved away by referee Lloyd Wilson. Despite the numerical advantage, Morton couldn’t find a way through, their attacks breaking down in frustration as Raith dug in to protect their lead with some game management tactics. The visitors saw out the final minutes with composure, grinding out a valuable three points on the road. For Imrie’s side it was another afternoon of exasperation, five games played, four draws, and now their unbeaten run finally broken. For Robson and Raith, however, it was a statement victory that keeps them right on the heels of early pace-setters St Johnstone. Morton Storer 6; Comrie 4 (McKay 4), Moore 6, Longridge 5, Delaney 5; Shaw 5, I. Wilson 7, Robertson 5 (Gillespie 4), Blues 5 (Adeloye 5), Moffat 4 (Garrity, 5); Brophy 4 Subs not used: Murdoch; Ballantyne, Corr, Hart, Murphy Raith Rae 8; Doherty 6, Fordyce 6, Hanlon 6; Mullin 4, Matthews 6, Brown 6, Bryne 6, Stevenson 7; Easton 8 (Vaughan 5), McMullan 6 (Hamilton 5) Subs not used: Glavin; Rowe, E. Wilson, O’Connor, Montagu, Hannah, Raeside Att: 2,004

September 6, 2025

Key Inclusions and Unfortunate Omissions from Steve Clarke’s Scotland Squad Announcement

A crucial three months await Steve Clarke’s Scotland, as they aim for a first World Cup appearance for 27 years. The first assignment – consecutive away trips to the Telia Parken and the ZTE Arena to face Denmark and Belarus. With the squad confirmed last week, let’s look at the key inclusions and omissions. Three Players to Watch Kieron Bowie The roar of Easter Road could be heard around Europe after Bowie’s 40-yard rocket against Partizan Belgrade. Hibs’ number 9 is powerful and dogged, with three goals already this season; he could be a valuable asset to help fire Scotland to the World Cup. Scott McTominay An obvious pick, but Napoli’s talisman arrives at camp with a Ballon d’Or nomination to his name. After firing Napoli to Serie A glory, the Scot is showing no signs of slowing down after an opening weekend goal against Sassuolo. Aaron Hickey The Brentford fullback made his long-awaited return in the opening Premier League weekend against Nottingham Forest. His minutes may be managed, but the prospect of a right-sided partnership with Ben Doak is mouthwatering. Three Unlucky Omissions Josh Mulligan The Hibs midfielder has been outstanding since his summer move from Dundee. Comfortable in midfield and wing back, his versatility could be effective for Steve Clarke. He also has two goals to his name, including a stunning 2nd for The Hibees against Livingston in the League Cup. Stuart Findlay Derek McInnes’ Hearts side was bolstered with eleven new additions, including the inclusion of Stuart Findlay. The former Kilmarnock defender has slotted seamlessly into the Hearts defence and scored three league goals in the process. Findlay hasn’t featured for Scotland in 2019 but could be a valuable addition for the qualifying games. Nicky Cadden A standout in Hibs’ run to 3rd place, Cadden offered plenty of attacking threat on the left-hand side. Scotland is spoilt for leftback choices, captain Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney are regular starters. However, Cadden’s consistent and dangerous delivery could be a useful tool off the bench if Clarke’s men are chasing a game. Scotland play Denmark on Friday, September 5th, with Belarus to follow on Monday, September 8th.

September 3, 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

East Kilbride win marred by racism incident

East Kilbride’s 3-1 home win over Stranraer was marred by alleged racist incident involving EK’s Joao Balde. The Portuguese midfielder had scored Kilby’s third goal to make sure of the League Two points when something was reportedly said which led to a Stranraer fan being identified and ejected from K Park. The club posted a short statement on social media, which said: “East Kilbride Football Club are disappointed by an alleged incident of racial abuse directed towards one of our players at today’s match. “We will be passing on footage to the relevant authorities. The Club will be making no further comment on the issue at this time.” East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy showed support to this player, posting “Twice in two years he (Balde) has been on the end of racism. “You couldn’t meet a more humble, hard working, honest talented player. We are so fortunate to have him at our club and in our lives.” Stranraer also made a short statement, stating they will work with East Kilbride in investigating what has gone on. They said: “Stranraer Football Club takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of racist and discriminatory behaviour. The club has been made aware of an allegation during today’s game at K Park. We treat any such reports with the utmost seriousness and will work with East Kilbride FC and the relevant authorities to ensure the incident is investigated thoroughly.”

August 17, 2025

SPFL Weekly – Matchday 2: Five Talking Points

Hearts served up a pulsating finale at Tannadice, while Rangers faltered with an unchanged side at home to Dundee. Elsewhere, concerns mounted for the goalless Aberdeen and St Mirren, Livingston claimed promotion bragging rights, and Kilmarnock fought back to frustrate Hibs. While BBC Sportscene marked its 50th birthday with a special edition on Saturday — and a welcome return for presenter Dougie Donnelly — they brought the weekend’s action to the small screen. But while they show it, here’s our take on the big talking points from Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 SPFL season. Set-Piece Heaven: Findlay and Grant Lead the Way Stuart Findlay. Take a bow. Fresh from scoring the second against Aberdeen last week, he delivered again. This time, in dramatic fashion, heading a last-minute winner at Tannadice to keep Hearts top. Not to mention his part in the other goals, he won the penalty for Lawrence Shankland and nodded in the equaliser too. His heroics also spared Zander Clark’s blushes after mistakes in both Dundee United goals, prompting the ‘keeper to sprint the length of the pitch at full-time to celebrate with his saviour. Cheers, Stu. The Jambos began with Alan Forrest at right wing-back but struggled to make inroads down that side — a sharp contrast to the hosts’ stand-in wing-back, Ivan Dolček, who struck twice. Most of Hearts’ threat came down the left, where Harry Milne thrived in the final third, linking superbly with the attack. James Penrice, who? It will concern Dundee United that all three goals they conceded came from set pieces, with former staff member Ross Grant — now Hearts’ set-piece coach — returning to haunt them. Squad depth at wing-back is also an issue, mirroring Hearts’ problems in that area, though Dolček impressed in his stint on the right. Derek McInnes again showed his tactical acumen, reshaping his side at half-time to address their problems on the right. Moving Michael Steinwinder to right-back and Alexandros Kyziridis to right midfield helped nullify the threat of Dolček. However, a move for a new right-back and a goalkeeper after Clark’s recent woes could also be on the cards. United is still in the early stages of rebuilding after a busy summer. Still, signs of promise are already there with Dolček and marquee signing Amar Fateh returning from injury. Their immediate focus is on Europe, with a credible away result against Rapid Vienna setting up a big night at Tannadice. Victory would move them closer to the group stage and the potential £5m windfall it brings. With momentum building over the past two years, Jim Goodwin is now discussing a new contract. Rejoice! As for Hearts, Tony Bloom’s bold prediction of a title challenge within the next decade might be closer than many think… Dee-Light at Ibrox as Dundee Rattle Rangers For the first time in 36 years, Rangers have opened a league season without a win in either of their first two games, and Russell Martin is still waiting for his first Premiership victory as head coach. Russell Martin admitted last week his side didn’t deserve a point — and, arguably, they didn’t here either, despite James Tavernier’s late penalty salvaging one. Dundee might have been cruelly denied had Cyriel Dessers’ stoppage-time strike stood, but the offside flag spared them. The Glasgow side fielded an unchanged eleven from their resounding 3-0 win midweek against Viktoria Plzeň. With hindsight, Martin should have made changes, as his team lacked intensity. Rangers are a work in progress, with new owners, a new boss, new signings, and a few out. Yet, in Glasgow, patience is in short supply, and the fans are already restless. This was evident with the booing throughout the match, particularly of second-half substitutions Nico Raskin and Kieran Dowell. Despite Rangers’ lethargy, Dundee deserves full credit for exploiting it. Energetic and brave, they were unrecognisable from their limp League Cup displays. Steven Pressley geed up his team for this tie, particularly Luke Graham’s standout defensive performance. And special mention goes to Ryan Astley, whose terrific second-half header gave Dundee the lead and had them on the brink of a marquee win for Pressley, if not for Captain Tav’s intervention from the penalty spot. Nasser Djiga’s afternoon also ended on a sour note, the defender seeing red for bringing down Fin Robertson as the last man just minutes after Astley’s opener. No appealing that one. Dons & Buddies Draw Blanks Aberdeen and St Mirren have failed to score in their opening two games of the season, though each has a different take on their final-third troubles. The Saints remain confident the goals will come and are only likely to enter the market if the price is right (think free transfers and loans). Context matters, having already travelled to Celtic Park and faced a rejuvenated Motherwell. They looked threatening in spells but perhaps missing pace in attack, a Toyosi Olusanya-type figure since his move to the USA in April. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have also endured a tough start, opening away to ‘title-chasing’ Hearts and last season’s champions Celtic. But they have looked worryingly toothless, with their only real threat to Kasper Schmeichel a long-range strike from Adil Aouchiche and a miscommunication between Shin Yamada and the veteran keeper. Their summer signing, Yusini Yengi, has endured a difficult start. He squandered a gilt-edged chance at Tynecastle and was underwhelming against the Hoops’ defence. At times on Sunday, he looked an isolated figure before being hooked on 55 minutes. Both captain Nicky Devlin and manager Jimmy Thelin have backed the Australian to come good, insisting he needs time and more attacking support from those around him. Yengi’s woes haven’t stopped the Pittodrie side from entering the market. They have been linked with Swedish winger Kenan Bilalovic for a six-figure fee and young AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer, albeit with a hefty sell-on clause attached. With Europa League qualifiers looming and Friday’s European signing deadline fast approaching, Aberdeen’s need for firepower is urgent. Lions Roar Again

August 12, 2025

Who should be Rangers’ starting right-back?

Max Aarons was Russell Martin’s first summer signing, and with James Tavernier turning 34-years-old this year, who should be Rangers’ starting right-back? Aarons joined the Light Blues from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, and the Englishman has played a total of 14 games in the past year. The 25-year-old has started every game under Martin, and played left-back for the first three games and right-back in the last two. It’s early days for the former Valencia loanee but he has struggled to settle in at Ibrox, as he looked uncomfortable playing on the left-hand side, and made numerous misplaced passes in the 1-1 draw against Dundee and didn’t offer a great deal going forward. Tavernier was brought on for Aarons at the the 64th minute against the Dees and helped salvage a point slotting his penalty away in stoppage time, making it two goals in two league games for Britain’s highest scoring defender. The Bradford-born right-back has had a fine start to the season and looks like he’s back to his best, as he’s had a full pre season behind him – something he never had last season due to injury. Tavernier contributes more in the attack and the 141 goals and 146 assists prove that he’s more effective in that aspect compared to Aarons. It was a bold call from the Rangers boss to drop Tavernier for Aarons in the last two games, but after Aarons’ disappointing display against Steven Pressley’s men – many of the Ibrox faithful are calling for Tavernier to be starting ahead of him. Aarons needs time to settle in and get his confidence up and has showed in the past that he is more than a capable footballer. Tavernier has been a main stay for the Ibrox club over the past ten years and age does catch up with everyone, where he can’t be playing 50 plus games a season, but one thing is for sure he is still a crucial part of Martin’s team. Competition is healthy and every team needs it – and Aarons’ arrival has certainly made Tavernier up his game. Tavernier is in the final year of his contract and is set for his testimonial, and if it’s his last season at the Govan club, he’ll want to make sure he goes out on a high. Martin’s men have a huge August ahead with big games coming up against Celtic and a potential Champions League play-off, where they could return to the group stages for the first time in three years. The Rangers manager needs to go with experience and start Tavernier for these crucial fixtures, which could set the tone for the season.

August 12, 2025

Sportscene at 50: A nostalgia fest in a modern age

Sometimes we just want to see the football and less of the chat. On Saturday’s 50th birthday edition of Sportscene, the sight of Dougie Donnelly return to hosting duties was essential viewing. Scotland’s premier football highlights took fans of a certain vintage back in time to mark the show’s half century as some of the game’s legendary broadcasters were behind the mic one more time to be part of the celebrations. As well as Dougie, ever the smooth anchorman we’ve come to know and love, Archie McPherson and Jock Brown returned to commentary to lend their recognisable voices to the day’s Premiership action. And we loved it all. The show started with a skit as current presenter Steven Thompson appeared to be practicing his links in the new studio, located in the middle of the BBC Scotland Pacific Quay HQ while a man in a brown coat and bunnet, brandishing a brush (playing a sweeper role you might say) worked within earshot. Fancying a shot at delivering the link himself, the coat and bunnet came off and of course, it’s Mr Donnelly, who, without missing a beat delivers a fabulous intro to camera: “Hello! Good to have you with us. Welcome to Sportscene at 50.” Cue music and titles. The next hour was a brilliant mix of old voices, memories and the current day’s action as the generations intertwined, specifically Thompson reduced to a punditry role for the night alongside Gordon Smith, a man who graced the old Sportscene couch for years. The first game of the day belonged to Archie McPherson, who was sent to the SMISA Stadium for St Mirren’s clash with Motherwell. This is a man who commentated on Archie Gemmill’s famous goal against the Netherlands in 1978 (even cheerfully recalling having the record the commentary again for the movie ‘Trainspotting’ where it soundtracked a sex scene he later found out), a voice of numerous cup finals and very much, the voice of many massive Scottish football moments through the years. Sadly, this was also the man who had to sit through a goalless draw as Stephen Robinson’s side and the Steelmen shared the points. Such a shame the occasion wasn’t befitting of the man covering it. Then it was off to Livingston where Jock Brown, setting aside the internal strife at Hamilton Accies where he is currently chairman, took the mic for their game against fellow former Championship dwellers, Falkirk. A much better affair and hearing Brown call the action and the way his voice rises at the goals took us all back to the 80’s and 90’s when he covered the action for Scotsport as well as Sportscene. He would certainly have enjoyed Lewis Smith’s cracker of a goal that put Livi 2-0, with more analysis following. Then it was Rob McLean’s turn, a former Sportscene presenter and commentator and still works for the Corporation on a freelance basis as he covered Rangers’ surprise 1-1 draw with Dundee at Ibrox. Once the business of the day was complete, there was a special message from Hazel Irvine, dubbed “The First Lady of Sportscene” – a title that’s hard to argue with. Archie was in the studio afterwards after the trauma of his goalless fest in Paisley to recall what being part of the show meant to him and his memories of a long and storied career. The show finished with a monologue by Dougie, who thanked everyone associated with the programme through the years. That same twinkle in the eye was still there, that flawless delivery and suddenly it was all over. You can tell they all enjoyed being back on a programme that’s meant so much to them and afterwards, a call for Dougie to return to the gig permanently was put out by numerous people online. That’s how good he was. He left the BBC in 2010 and works on golf’s Asian Tour these days, but people like Thompson, in the most respectful way possible, would have taken a lot from watching a master at work. We certainly enjoyed seeing them and hearing them again. Happy birthday, Sportscene!

August 11, 2025

‘He needs time’: Michael Beale defends Russell Martin following poor start

Michael Beale has leapt to the defence of Russell Martin following the Ibrox club’s poor start in the league. The Light Blues have failed to win their first two league games after drawing to Motherwell and Dundee 1-1 and Martin has come under criticism from the Rangers faithful. Someone who knows the pressures and demands of managing the Govan club is former manager Beale, who managed in Glasgow for 11 months before being sacked in October 2023. The former Sunderland boss appeared on Sky Sports News defending Martin and said the supporters need to give their new boss time: “I dont think we have seen everything from Russell Martin’s team yet, one or two of his key new signings have not been available. “They played very well or did play very well against Viktoria Plzen last week, so it looks like they are going to make a play-off game against Salzburg or Club Brugge, which will be huge for the club. “I think in the summer the club has had a complete reset, and with that it’s going to take time for the new owners to really instil the culture behind the scenes, and for Russell as well. “I wish him well, it’s a huge job but I know he’s super confident, and we exchanged text messages, and I wished him well.” Beale was apart of the coaching staff when the Teddy Bears won their historic 55th league title back in 2021. The Englishman’s last role in football was a brief spell as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Al-Ettifaq.