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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

Rangers salvage win against Killie to kickstart Ferguson era

The Barry Ferguson era began with a bang as Rangers clawed back a two goal deficit to come away 4-2 winners against Kilmarnock. In the ascendancy, Kilmarnock put themselves ahead as Joe Wright escaped his marker to head in Fraser Murray’s pinpoint corner with just over ten minutes played. Despite a backroom overhaul, it looked as though Rangers were on the verge of a rinse and repeat rather than any clean break as Brad Lyons doubled the hosts’ lead as nicking the ball and firing it home from outside the box. Facing another humiliating defeat, Rangers rallied to claw back a goal. Mohamed Diomande summoned an excellent through ball whilst playing the advantage to put Václav Černy through, the winger producing a deft finish for his 15th of the season. In a night to be enjoyed by set-piece enthusiasts, James Tavernier landed his corner on a dime to find Cyriel Dessers for the side’s equaliser. Victory would sealed by the Nigerian international with a sublime finish, bettered only by the long range pass from Ridvan Yilmaz that found him before Nedim Bajrami capped off the night’s turnaround with Rangers’ fourth. Despite the lopsided opening scoreline, Rangers were almost in front as Kieran O’Hara denied a strong volley from Hamza Igamane. Although they were somewhat fortunate to not be three down as Marley Watkins bore down on Jack Butland’s goal following a misread of the bounce from Clinton Nsiala, the Welshman taking aim between the sticks but the English keeper equal to it. Dessers was denied his first of the evening by a terrific goal-line block by Wright after an excellent ball through the eye of the needle from Igamane across the face of goal. Title gone but Ferguson instills professional pride Two goals is one thing but thirteen points is another as even the greatest fantasists would struggle to conjure a story that would see Rangers snatch the title this year. It’s fair to say that without a Europa League run, the club risks ended their pre-49ers era with an embarrassing whimper. And whilst it the criticism of interim manager Barry Ferguson’s appointment is fair indictment on the haphazard running of the club, the performance tonight indicated that the players still held some professional pride after going down to a side now sat in 10th. This may not be a vintage Rangers year, but there appears to be a glimmer of hope that the man with 288 appearances for the club can at least stop this season ending on a sour note. Mystifying Killie leaving revival too late It would take Kilmarnock seven games to earn their first league win. Nineteen to earn their fifth. By the time the side had woken from their daze, all hope of matching last season’s fourth place finish looked as good as gone. This is side that can lose 6-0 to Rangers in December, but hold a 2-0 lead over them in February. That can do the double over Hearts and then go six without a win. For reasons that fans would love to be able to put their fingers on the season that began with a thrilling if heartbreaking European journey looks set to end with a relegation dogfight. More worrying perhaps is whether Derek McInnes will have the energy, or even the desire to rejuvenate this side desperately in need of new faces. Line-ups: Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Ndaba, Deas (Watson 81), Mayo, Wright, Murray, Magennis (Polworth 70), Lyons (c), Armstrong (Donnelly 61), Wales, Watkins (Cameron 81) Unused subs: Anderson, Kennedy, McCrorie, Ramsay, Wilson-Brown Booked: Magennis, Watson Goals: Wright (11), Lyons (14) Rangers: Butland, Jefté, Nsiala (Yilmaz 31), Pröpper, Tavernier (c), Raskin, Diomande, Hagi (Lawrence 78), Igamane (Bajrami 78), Černy (McCausland 87), Dessers Unused subs: Curtis, Kelly, Danilo, Rafael Fernandes Booked: Hagi, Dessers, Pröpper, Lawrence Goals: Černy (35), Dessers (53, 62), Bajrami (85) Referee: Don Robertson Attendance: 8,751

February 27, 2025

Brendan Rodgers: Glasgow pressure ‘doesn’t stop’

Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers loaned sympathy to his Rangers counterpart and added that the pressure of managing in the cauldron of the Old Firm “doesn’t stop”. Against the backdrop of a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock at Ibrox and a shocking 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park, ending their Scottish Cup campaign, Rangers chiefs took decisive action and relieved their 50-year-old manager of his duties at the club on Sunday. Pressure on Philippe Clement had been mounting due to a string of below par performances from the Ibrox men, and with them wasting the opportunity to lessen the points deficit to 10 points against rivals Celtic at the top, it was clear the Belgians time at the club had come to an end. Rodgers has added his view to the events across the city and remarked that managing in Glasgow is no easy task, the constant expectation to return 3 points week on week can take its toll on even the most seasoned of football managers. Contrary to the opinion of the Rangers support, the Celtic boss highlighted that Clement has had some success in the continent and is clearly a coach who knows what it takes to win. The evidence of this is scattered infrequently throughout his time in Scotland, with a League Cup trophy to his name and good performances in European competition. “Like it is for any manager, I’m always disappointed when a manager loses his job,” Rodgers said before Tuesday’s Scottish Premiership visit by Aberdeen. “I’m disappointed for him as a coach. I think we all know the conditions up here. You have to be winning and show that consistency to win. “I’m always sad when another manager loses his job. Philippe has shown previous to coming into Rangers that he’s a very good manager. He’s won titles. “He’s not just a good coach, he’s a winning coach and has won. Like I say, we know the conditions up here.” Rodgers got the better of Clement in four of their seven Old Firm meetings, including last season’s Scottish Cup Final and this season’s League Cup final, which went to the wire with Celtic eventually overcoming their city rivals on penalties.

February 25, 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

Barry Ferguson seals stunning return to boyhood club on interim basis

Rangers chiefs, Fraser Thornton and Patrick Stewart have appointed a new backroom team consisting of club legends Allan McGregor, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds, and headed by Barry Ferguson. Less than 24 hours after Philippe Clement was shown the exit door at Ibrox after a 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock, Rangers have moved fast to bring some stability to the shaken Glasgow giants. Ferguson amassed 5 league titles in his time at Ibrox, and fans will be praying that he can bring the intensity and passion that typified his playing career. There are few people that truly understand the pressure and demands of operating at a club like Rangers, but this newly-installed regime have spent much of their playing days immersed in the cauldron of Old Firm football. Rangers said: “a new, permanent manager will be appointed in the coming months”. The new-look management team take over a club trailing rivals Celtic by 13 points in the Scottish Premier League. Rangers’ last hopes of silverware were extinguished by Queen’s Park in a humiliating 1-0 defeat at Ibrox – considered the biggest shock in Scottish Cup history. Ferguson will take charge over the much anticipated match against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side in the Europa League. Mourinho faced criticism over his style of play by Clement in a recent press conference, it remains to be seen whether Ferguson will take notice of his predecessors insight.

February 24, 2025

Ibrox chiefs set to sound final whistle on Clement chapter

In a week that has brought rare glimpses of positivity in an otherwise dismal season for the Glasgow side, Rangers plummeted to new lows yesterday on the receiving end of an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to St Mirren. SNN Sports understands that Rangers are set to end their 16-month association with their Belgian coach, Philippe Clement. Jubilant wouldn’t be a phrase you’d hear recited around the streets and pubs frequented by loyal supporters of Rangers. But this week did bring some glimmer of excitement in the form of new billionaire owners, and the fantasy that brings with it. In the time it took me to type the above paragraphs, that positivity came crashing down to earth at the hands of a well-drilled and organised St Mirren side – more accurately 90 minutes, but who’s counting. Rangers went into this fixture with the rare insight knowing their Glasgow rivals had dropped points against Hibs, and this would be a real opportunity to close the gap, albeit to a mammoth 10 points – still an insurmountable challenge, but it is better than 13 points. What followed can only be described as an implosion of biblical proportions, and when referee Kevin Clancy finally ended the misery for the fans who decided to stay out of curiosity of how bad it could get, the scoreboards around Ibrox displayed a resounding 2-0 victory to the visitors from Paisley. Clement made a noticeable swift exit down the tunnel, and the press conference afterwards didn’t exude a wave of positivity from the coach. His usual positive and adamant rhetoric had dissipated into a diatribe from a man who could see the writing on the proverbial wall behind the camera crews and journalists. It now looks like it is time for Rangers to go again with their rebuild under a new manager… another rebuild, another new manager. This is a breaking story and will be updated.

February 23, 2025

Bears set for Billionaire Backroom takeover!

Speculation is swirling that Rangers are poised for a US-led takeover from the investment arm of NFL giant, the San Francisco 49ers. It is understood that Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe is the key man involved in discussions. It is rumoured that the talks have been ongoing for months and are at an advanced stage with a “broad agreement” in place among all parties. For fans of the Ibrox side, it is something to look forward to amidst a poor inconsistent season with not much to celebrate. The club find themselves in a position where their best bet at silverware this season resides in the Europa League where they find themselves in the last 16 with a face-off against Turkish giants Fenerbahçe. They narrowly lost the League Cup final to their Glasgow rivals, Celtic, and find themselves 13 points behind them in the league. And let’s not forget their shock exit from the Scottish Cup less than two weeks ago to Championship side Queen’s Park. Following administration, liquidation and relegation in 2012 fans have had to endure watching their bitter rivals Celtic dominate Scottish Football. As of today, they have won 26 of the 37 available trophies domestically since the 2012/13 season. That includes 11 league titles and five trebles. Fans have been able to enjoy a European final and winning their first top-flight title in a decade. But when you compare that the green side of Glasgow has collected 70% of domestic silverware since 2012/13 to 8% from the blue side, it is pretty damning. Envious eyes were also cast from Govan to Parkhead earlier this season when both sides published their annual fiscal reports and it showed not only was there a gap on the pitch, but financially as well. The reports showed that the Rangers recorded record losses financially compared to Celtic, who recorded record profits. That doesn’t include their recent Champions League Campaign where not including ticket sales and commercial revenue the Bhoys pocketed over 38 million pounds. When considering all that, this potential takeover must be looked at as a very positive thing for the club. It has seemingly been met by only positive reactions from the Gers fan base. The only small amount of negative response has been met with the argument ‘Are they Rangers men? Do they understand the club?’. There is also the concern over being part of Multi Club ownership. Will Rangers get an equal slice of the pie or will they simply be a small cog in a large mechanism? Former Gers Captain and Club Legend Barry Ferguson said: “The new chairman and chief executive, they have to bring external investment into the club and it’s been clear that that’s what’s needed… For Rangers fans, I wouldn’t get too excited now. But it is good to see that things are happening in the background”. New cash-rich owners would bring about financial stability to the club. Many have noted the squad needs overhaul but have not been able to do so due to their financial situation. It would also allow a bigger transfer pot for the manager to create a better depth within the squad. However, Rangers are currently owned by a multitude of shareholders that would need to be convinced to sell. They would need to be paid before any money could be invested in the team, which will cost a lot of money out of a potential investor’s pocket. Speaking to Sky Sports Football Finance Expert Kieran Maguire stated: “It does appear there’s been issues as far as the board of directors and shareholders at Rangers are concerned that there has been some historically some inviting taking place. And I think the club, if it wants to move forward does need external investment… Having a single party with a controlling interest allows the club to go forward with a strategy and culture, including everyone on board”. He went on to discuss the benefits of American owners in that they are very enthusiastic about British Football now. There are some very rich and wealthy investors in America taking a closer look at investment opportunities due to the strength of their economy. On the topic of the direction of the club at the board level concerning current shareholders, he said: “The first thing that has to be done as far as investors are concerned is they have to pay the existing shareholders…. Currently, Rangers have around 500 million shares. They issued some shares yesterday at 20 pence each, so that gives you a sort of baseline figure of just over 100 million. But you would have to pay a significant premium on that to convince existing shareholders to sell”. With their rival’s domestic and financial dominance fans have demanded change at the top for a long time now and it looks like that may be on the horizon as early as the summer.

February 21, 2025

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

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

February 19, 2025

Drama, Decisions & Deciders: Scottish Football Managers in the Spotlight!

With a crucial Champions League showdown looming, Brendan Rodgers has issued a rallying cry to his Celtic squad—go bold or go home! The Hoops boss is urging his side to seize the moment in Germany, where they must overturn a 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich to keep their European dream alive. Meanwhile, Bayern’s own Vincent Kompany is playing it cool, suggesting that his side’s 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen was the perfect defensive test ahead of Celtic’s visit. But could Jota shake things up? The Portuguese winger has surely staked his claim for a starting spot after a dazzling performance in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Dundee United. Speaking of Dundee United, Jim Goodwin insists that Will Ferry and Kevin Holt were merely rested against Celtic and should be back in action next week. Nothing to see here, folks—just a precaution! Over at Rangers, Philippe Clement is facing the heat. His side’s shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park has left fans fuming, and his decision to hook Bailey Rice at half-time didn’t go unnoticed. The 18-year-old was dropped for failing to “break the lines” with his passing, but Clement insists he still believes in the youngster. With pressure mounting, Clement is standing firm, refusing to walk away from what he calls the “toughest period” of his career. Elsewhere in Scottish football, Hibs’ new shot-stopper Jordan Smith has been left “blown away” by the standard of the game, while Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has showered praise on the travelling Dons support after their gritty win at Dundee. And let’s not forget the SWPL drama—Glasgow City’s Leanne Ross has been grilling refereeing chief Willie Collum over some questionable decisions. With all these talking points, Scottish football is delivering non-stop drama on and off the pitch!

February 16, 2025

McCart’s Misfortune Hands Rangers a 3-1 Win at Tynecastle Park

Rangers secured a vital 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle Park, thanks in no small part to an unfortunate brace of own goals from Jamie McCart. The win came after a disappointing 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park, with Rangers boss Philippe Clement urging his side to bounce back—something they did with precision. Rangers started brightly and took the lead after 20 minutes when Ianis Hagi’s cross found its way into the net via McCart’s unfortunate deflection. Despite the early setback, Hearts showed resilience and pulled level four minutes after the break. Michael Steinwender, the club’s recent signing, made his mark by glancing home James Penrice’s corner to equalise. However, the match turned in Rangers’ favour when Vaclav Cerny, continuing his impressive league form, netted his 10th goal of the campaign in the 61st minute, putting the visitors back in front. Things went from bad to worse for McCart in the 73rd minute, as another miscue saw him put the ball into his own net once again, sealing a comfortable win for Rangers. The game was one of mixed fortunes. For Rangers, the victory was much-needed following their recent struggles, but for McCart, it was an unforgettable evening. The win lifted some of the pressure off Clement, but with Rangers still 13 points behind Celtic, many fans continue to voice dissatisfaction with the club’s current direction. As Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd pointed out before the match, Rangers’ league campaign has been far below expectations. “Europe is a bonus and your bread and butter is the league. It has not been good enough,” Boyd stated, clearly reflecting the frustration felt by many supporters. While the result offered some short-term relief for Clement, Rangers’ uphill battle to challenge Celtic for the title remains daunting.

February 16, 2025

Rangers

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