Ross County Archives

Ross County 3-3 Ayr United: Points Shared in six-goal Thriller

Ross County welcome Ayr United to Dingwall as both teams are eager to get back to winning ways. The Staggies make four changes from last week’s defeat at Gayfield against Arbroath as Dean Cornelius, Kieran Phillips, Dylan Smith and Gary Mackay-stevens come in to replace Scott Fraser, Jamie Lindsay, Connor Randall and Alex Iacovitti who drops to the bench. Scott Brown makes just one one change from their 1-0 defeat against Dunfermline as Kevin Holt returns as Liam Dick drops onto the bench. County had an early flurry with Duncan whipping in a corner with Alki Wright getting a head on it but a good stop by Mitchell with another good chance being cleared by Stuart Brannigan. Ayr had a chance of their own, Mcallister with a cross into the box with Mark Mckenzie meeting the cross but a comfortable save for Trevor Carson in goals. Ronan Hale has a decent enough effort, Hale on the left hand side, cutting in unleashing a strike with a simple catch for Mitchell as moments later, Hale again with a similar strike but on the right which struck side. Ethan Walker got the Honest Men ahead after 22 minutes, Mckenzie with a low driven cross into the box, Walkers with plenty of space eventually controlled the ball and struck home to get Ayr in front. The hosts had a big chance, a lose piece of play by Ayr which allowed defender Alki Wright to have a chance of his own but not enough accuracy as it fires wide. Ronan Hale got county back level, a ball up the field to Hale where he cut onto his right foot and struck it home doing what he does best to get the Staggies on level terms. It didn’t take county long to fire ahead as a cross from Declan Gallagher across the box found Jordan White who put County ahead. Scott McMann from distance almost got Ayr back level but a brilliant fisting save by Carson to keep his sided in front. A bright first half display by County but as soon as the hosts went 2-1 up, Ayr looked to use that as motivation as it was a good response but failing top draw level. A very entertaining first half in the Highlands. Four minutes into the second half, Duncan almost added a third for County with his strike being tipped over by David Mitchell in goals. Jordan White had his second of the afternoon, multiple attempts beforehand but Jordan White took on a strike and smashed it home to get a third. Ayr found one back, a cluster in the box with the ball landing at Scott McMann where he struck it nicely into the bottom right hand corner. Substitute Curtis Main levelled the tie, a shot from the edge of the box smashing past Trevor Carson following a goal line block by Wright following an initial attempt. Mark Mckenzie could’ve had Ayr ahead, a powerful strike from close range but going out for a throw in to the hosts. In the dying stages, if a winner was to come, it certainly looked in favour as the visitors as we were in for a nervy end. It ends level but what a game as both sides put their quality on show. Both sides will leave on a positive note in a sensational game of football for the neutrals. Ross County: Carson, Crompton, Wright, Cornelius, Hale, Phillips (O’Sullivan 75′), Smith, Mackay-Stevens (Iacovitti 75′), White, Duncan, Gallagher Subs: Laidlaw, Foster, O’Sullivan, Clark, Iacovitti, Reid, Scott. Ayr United: Mitchell, Mcallister (Dick 66′), Holt, Bannigan (Main 58′), Ure, Murphy (Bonnar 66′), King, Walker, McKenzie, Rus, McMann Subs: Russell, Dick, Want, Main, Thomas, Bonnar.

November 9, 2025

Ayr United face Struggling Ross County in the Highlands

Ayr United are making the 435 mile round-trip up north to take on a Ross County side struggling with form. Ross County have had a poor start to the season in the Championship since relegation from the Scottish top flight last campaign after losing out to Livingston in the play-offs. The Staggies sit 8th in the Scottish Championship with just two wins in 13 games so far. Whereas for Ayr, they sit just four goals outside the top four as the Honest Men sit 5th in the table which the visitors will certainly be content with ahead of their trip up the A9. Ross County’s only two wins come over fife sides, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. They have suffered many shock defeats this season against the like’s of Queens Park and Arbroath. The Staggies failed to make it out their Premier Sports group earlier on this campaign with Championship rivals, Partick Thistle claiming top spot. Whereas for the Honest Men, they have suffered a dip in form, failing to win in their last three following an impressive nine game unbeaten streak. Ayr did make it out their League Cup group but a defeat to Partick Thistle dumped them out. Ayr have racked up some big victories with a big away win at Raith Rovers not long ago and a 1-0 win away to Dunfermline with Scott Brown defeating his former gaffer, Neil Lennon. Last meetings Last time these sides met was at Somerset Park in September where the sides drew 1-1 with Ethan Walker putting Ayr ahead in the opening two minutes with former Ayr man, Jay Henderson levelling the game for County. Last time out Last time out for the Dingwall side, they suffered a heavy defeat in Angus with Arbroath securing a big 3-0 win over Tony Docherty’s men with Harry Cochrane, Jacob MacIntyre and Taylor Steven all on the scoresheet. For Ayr, they were on the wrong side of the result as Scott Brown suffered defeat to former gaffer, Neil Lennon and Dunfermline last Friday night with on loan Falkirk man, Barney Stewart suffering the blow for the team from Ayrshire. Stats Ross County average 1 goal a game in their last five in which they have also been given the most penalties (3) in the Scottish Championship this season so far and Trevor Carson has mad the most saves in the league so far this campaign (3.8). Ayr have also averaged 1 goal a game in their last five but haven’t scored in their last two outings. Ayr have been ranked the third best side on their travels in the Championship this season.

November 8, 2025

“The Players Have Got To Make it Happen” – County Chairman Addresses Slow Start

Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor stated it is down to the players to come up with an instant solution to fix their current league form. The Dingwall side were relegated from the Scottish Premiership last campaign after defeat against Livingston in the playoffs sealed their fate. Since then, it hasn’t been what the County supporters would’ve expected, as the Staggies sit eighth in the Championship, in which some tipped the Highlanders as favourites for the title. Earlier in the season, Ross County coach Don Cowie was relieved of his duties after crashing out of the League Cup, as well as collecting just one point in their opening three Championship fixtures, with former Dundee man Tony Docherty taking charge. It was a busy transfer window in the Highlands, with Ross County capturing some pretty high-profile players such as Declan Gallagher, Ross Docherty, Garry Mackay-Steven, Jamie Lindsay, Scott Fraser, Dean Cornelius and most recently Trevor Carson, as well as loan signings of Sean Mackie, Ryan Duncan and Miller Thomson. Ross County have suffered league defeats against St Johnstone, Arbroath, Queen’s Park and two defeats against Partick Thistle. They have also drawn with Airdrieonians, Dunfermline, Ayr United, Greenock Morton and St Johnstone, as well as their only league win, which was a 2-0 win over Raith Rovers. Chairman Roy MacGregor spoke to the Press and Journal, saying: “The fans, the management and the directors are all doing their bit. We’re just needing the players to gel. “There’s no lack of effort from the players, but this is a team sport and we haven’t been able to put it together. The lack of league wins tends to create negative vibes. If we go behind in games, you ask, ‘Can we respond?’ “We haven’t been scoring goals as freely as we were. There’s maybe a feeling of being a wee bit more protective rather than expansive — a feeling of ‘let’s not take risks.’ “The habit of winning gets you out of that (mindset). It gives you momentum, and we haven’t been able to create that momentum. Everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction. If we need to tweak things, we will tweak them. “Ultimately, this is a results-driven business. We haven’t yet managed to conquer that. We have to find a way to return to getting three points, particularly at home. Our record has not been good. “Three of the next four games are at home, so we have an opportunity to kick into gear. Everyone is waiting for that to happen, but the players have got to make it happen.”

October 21, 2025

Ross County Announce Management Shake-Up Following Relegation

Ross County have confirmed a significant restructuring of their football management team following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership, vowing to make an immediate return to top-flight football their top priority. The Dingwall club, who dropped to the Championship after a disappointing play-off defeat to Livingston last week, released a statement acknowledging the frustration and disappointment felt across the club and its fanbase. “Last week’s result against Livingston – resulting in us playing in the Championship next season – has left everyone at the club, personally and collectively, hugely disappointed. We know how much playing Premiership football matters to our community, and we share their deep frustration at how the season concluded. As you might imagine, we have done a lot of soul searching at the club over the last week, and following that, have decided to restructure our football management team under Don Cowie as we make gaining immediate promotion our sole focus. We believe strongly that we have a dedicated and talented manager in Don and that he is the right man to lead us for the season ahead. To support Don, we have appointed the experienced John Robertson as assistant manager with immediate effect. Carl Tremarco and Paul Cowie will leave the club, and we thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future. John has more than 400 games under his belt as a manager, knows the challenge of recruiting from our base in the Highlands, has experience of the Scottish Championship, and has worked with Don in the past. He already knows the club well and has spent much of last season watching from the sidelines in his role as a BBC pundit. “Everyone at the club is determined to put us in the best position possible to gain promotion back into the Premiership – and to do so within a season. Bringing John in to support Don, will allow us to reshape the playing squad and turn things around as quickly as possible” said Chief Executive Officer Steven Ferguson.”

June 2, 2025

Livi seal immediate return to Premiership as County go down

Ross County (3) 2 – 4 (5) Livingston Livingston produced a remarkable turnaround to seal promotion to the top flight as Ross County failed to survive the play-offs in their third consecutive finals. Tete Yengi’s stoppage time goal sparked jubilation as David Martindale joined the away end in storming the pitch as County were left to rue their drop. Livingston had it all to do, going down after just seven minutes. Having produced the equaliser in the first-leg, Ronan Hale was at hand to tee up Josh Nisbet for the opener. Hale would be in again, this time slotting past Jérôme Prior after Livingston fluffed an opportunity to clear the ball outside the penalty area. Martindale’s side were able to pull one back just a few minutes before the break as Lewis Smith did well to escape County’s attention and produce a culture finish. Drawing the side level was Scotland international Danny Wilson, who was quickest to the punch after Jordan Amissah saved Robbie Muirhead’s free-kick. It was then Muirhead’s brilliant finish which sealed the side’s comeback from two goals down, the forward making the most of a difficult angle to curl his effort past Jordan Amissah. Line-ups: Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Wright, Nightingale (Phillips 81), Efete (Samuel 67), Randall, Kenneh, Nisbet, Harmon (Ashworth 54), Hale, White Unused subs: Ross, Tomkinson, Ashworth, Smith, Robesten, Williamson, Coyle. Booked: Nightingale Goals: Nisbet (7), Hale (24) Livingston: Prior, Brandon, McGowan, Wilson, Fraser, Kelly (Tait 85), Finlayson, Pittman, Smith (Nottingham 85), Muirhead (May 77), Montano (Yengi 72) Unused subs: Hamilton, Donnellan, McAlear, Shinnie, Lawal. Booked: McGowan, Finlayson Goals: Smith (39), Wilson (57), Muirhead (61), Yengi (96)

May 26, 2025

Late penalty drama sees County snatch draw in Livingston

Livingston 1 – 1 Ross County A Ronan Hale penalty at the death saw Ross County earn a crucial draw in the play-off final first-leg which saw a member of the away staff spat at by a home fan following full time. Making no mistake from the spot, Hale dispatched the equaliser in the 96th minute after VAR had spotted Danny Wilson pulling on Jordan White’s shirt in the box. Prior to his late mistake, the defender had steadied the ship at the back before his opener rocked the County boat with just a minute to go before the break. Blasting home Smith’s corner after it had pin-balled in the six yard area. In control of possession in the first half, County would also have the opening chance of the evening as Will Nightingale’s low header from Ronan Hale fizzing corner was excellently saved by Jerome Prior. However it was Livingston who would have the lion’s share of the opportunities, Robbie Muirhead letting the fruits of his side’s counter-attacking work spoil despite finding himself free at the back post. With the end of the half fast approaching, Cristian Montaño would similarly spurn a good opportunity as the Colombian could not get his head over the ball before sending it above the bar. Finding themselves in need of a leveller, County struggled to get themselves off the back-foot, Hale attempting an overhead kick to no avail as Prior watched it sail above his head. Looking to provide a cushion before a testing trip to Dingwall, Lewis Smith attempted to earn his side a penalty but was rewarded instead with a yellow card for simulation with Livingston able to see the game out regardless. There would be far greater drama as a Livingston fan approached the County dugout, spitting on a member of Don Cowie’s backroom staff following the full-time whistle. Line-ups: Livingston: Prior, Fraser, Wilson, McGowan, Brandon (c), Kelly, Tait (Finlayson 61), Pittman, Montaño (Yengi 82), Muirhead (May 74), Smith Unused subs: Lawal, Hamilton, McAlear, Nottingham, Shinnie, Sole Goals: Wilson (46) Booked: Smith, Wilson Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Nightingale, Wright, Ashworth (Harmon 70), Randall (c), Kenneh, Efete (Smith 70), Nisbet, Hale, Samuel (White 60) Unused subs: Coyle, Phillips, Robesten, Ross, Tomkinson, Williamson Goals: Hale (96) Booked: Samuel, Kenneh Attendance: 2,653

May 22, 2025

Hearts rally to down Staggies

Hearts came from a goal behind to condemn Don Cowie’s men to a sixth straight league defeat in a 3-1 victory in Dingwall on Saturday.Ronan Hale’s 14th goal of the season proved to be the only highlight as a double from a rejuvenated Lawrence Shankland and a late strike from Alan Forrest was enough to give interim manager Liam Fox a win in his first game in charge. Hale’s strike just before the half-hour mark was as good as it got, the Irishman unleashing a brilliant strike 20 yards from goal, which was drilled into the bottom corner. Shankland has been deployed in midfield for large parts of the season, but Fox opted for the traditional number 9 role with Elton Kabangu and James Wilson on the bench, marking a departure from the Neil Critchley era. Those changes proved dividends as Shankland brought Hearts level just shy of half-time, the Scottish International received the ball from Beni Baningime and struck low below Jordan Amissah. A flurry of Staggies chances and a VAR check for a penalty gave Cowie hope that they might be able to retake the lead, but it wasn’t long before Shankland fired Hearts in front, to the delight of the near-900 Hearts fans in the Highlands. A brilliant passing move from the Jambos saw the ball worked from defence to attack, resulting in a terrific ball from Vargas across the Ross County goal, which had the Staggies defence at a standstill as Shankland was his classic predatory self and swept the ball cooly past Amissah. Blair Spittal spent three years in the Highlands and almost hit a sweet strike from distance that cannoned off the crossbar as the Staggies looked down for the count. Cowie made sweeping subs to try and inject some life into the County attack and claw themselves away from the relegation playoff spots. That change did little to appease the Staggies faithful, however, and the pivotal fourth goal would follow late into the game. Akil Wright slipped under pressure from Shankland, who raced down the left and flashed the ball to an unmarked Forrest, who calmly slotted Hearts’ third to take the three points back to Edinburgh. County remain two points behind Dundee but the threat of a third straight relegation play-off is looming large for the Dingwall side with three games remaining. They travel to Perth next weekend to take on a seemingly doomed St. Johnstone side. Hearts are looking to finish best of the rest as they chase top spot of the bottom half of the split in pursuit of Motherwell. With the games remaining, it remains to be seen if boss Fox can use them as an audition for his own shot of the Jambos job. FULL-TIME: ROSS COUNTY 1 – 3 HEARTS Ross County: Amissah; Wright, Tomkinson, Ashworth, Brown, (Nisbet 63), Kenneh, (Efete 63), Randall, Harmon, (Grieves 74); Samuel (Robesten 83), Hale, White 6 (Phillips 63). Subs not used: Ross, Campbell, Lopata, Smith. Hearts: Gordon; Forrester, Kent, Halkett, Penrice, Baningime, Spittal (Nieuwenhof 70), Vargas (Dhanda 80), Grant, Forrest, (Wilson 90), Shankland. Subs not used: Fulton, Kingsley, McKay, Steinwender, Kabangu, Kartum. Referee: Don Robertson Man of the match: Lawrence Shankland.

May 3, 2025

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

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

April 15, 2025

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.

February 27, 2025

SPFL Matchday 1: 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

Ross County