Hamilton Accies Women boss heaps praise on champions on trophy day
Hamilton Accies Women boss Robert Watson got his hands on the SWPL2 trophy and says his 'brilliant' team deserve all the credit they will receive, after winning the league with a bit to spare.
Accies received the silverware on Sunday after beating Rossvale 5-1 at New Douglas Park, ending their campaign four points clear of Kilmarnock in second, having scored 103 league goals and conceded just 28, and with 21 victories from their 28 games.
With final day doubles, Josi Giard was top league scorer on 26 [27 in total] and Sophie Townsley ended on 20, with Justine Strain also on the score-sheet.
Watson says his record-setting squad deserve all the plaudits.
He said: 'Sunday was really good, being able to finish off with a really good win and put a wee bit of a show on for the crowd that come in.
'When you lift a trophy, you want to make sure you win on the day, and it was good that Josi managed to finish top scorer in the league, Sophie was aiming for 20 league goals, which she did, and Justine got another goal.
'Between the game at the weekend there and when we won it through at Gartcairn, every single player got on the pitch, which was important as well, to make sure everyone was a part of it.
'Every player has delivered something at some point over the season, so it was a really good day.
'Scoring 103 league goals and 28 conceded means we have the best attack and defence, and there was only one game we didn't score in, which was the Scottish Cup last-16 up at Aberdeen.
'There are loads of records that the club have beaten, from a club point of view, and they deserve all the credit that they've got over the last week or so, because they've been brilliant since last August.'
Watson added: 'I knew we would make chances, it was just making sure that we were clinical enough, and we were in the first half, with Josi and Sophie getting two each.
'From there we were in total domination of the game and it was probably a fitting way to finish off, hitting those numbers of goals.
'The game went a wee bit flat in the second half, we were never in danger of losing the game.
'But I have to pay credit to the subs who came on in the second half, because we definitely took a lift in the last 25 or 30 minutes of the game, and probably should have scored another couple more than we did.
'But it's testament to how much everybody has contributed over the season.'
On next season's targets in the top flight, Watson said: 'The immediate thing is finding a way to stay up. We're going to have the smallest budget, we're going to be the smallest team in the division.
'I'm sure we'll keep a few players with experience, but we're going to need to look to bring more players in and probably improve the depth of our squad.
'I'm really optimistic. I think the experiences of last season are going to stand us in good stead, both for the players who played last season and will be involved next year, and just from us as a coaching staff.
'Having had a year to build and develop a bit more of a playing style has been really important as well.
'A lot of that work has already been done.
'Aside from all of that there will be excitement from everyone, because we're playing against the big teams again.'
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The National
an hour ago
- The National
Our writers make 2025/26 Scottish football predictions
As always, it promises to be full of drama, controversy, quality and excitement. Here are our writers' predictions for the season ahead... Matthew Lindsay Premiership winner: Celtic. It's always difficult offering up predictions when there is still another month until the transfer window closes, but I can't see the defending Scottish champions being deposed this term. They have strengthened their squad with some shrewd acquisitions, not least Scotland defender Kieran Tierney, and will bring in more players in the coming weeks. Speculation about Brendan Rodgers' future may prove a nuisance, but he will be eager to focus on football and atone for the Scottish Cup final defeat. Third place: Hibernian. Both Hearts and Aberdeen will fancy their chances of finishing as the best of the rest, but I anticipate the Easter Road club building on the success they enjoyed last term. Surprise package: Falkirk. I would love to see John McGlynn's men show what can be done with homegrown players and a positive approach. Relegated: Dundee. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari was helpless to prevent the Perth club going down last season. But the Finn showed what a good coach he is during his time in charge. League Cup winner: Celtic. Scottish Cup winner: Rangers. Best signing: Djeidi Gassama. The former Paris Saint-Germain kid has started strongly for Rangers with two goals against Panathinaikos. Wingers are notoriously inconsistent and he is young. But he is looking like being a decent bit of business. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The [[Celtic]] captain was devastated to miss a penalty in the [[Scottish Cup]] final last season. He will be a man on a mission in the 2025/26 campaign. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. Stephen McGowan Premiership winner: Celtic. There are still too many unknown variables with Rangers to predict how consistent Russell Martin's team can be. Third place: Hearts plan to use Tony Bloom's investment and expertise to disrupt the established order. That will take more than one season. Surprise package: Promoted Falkirk will be a pleasure to watch and will surprise people with the style of football they play. Relegated: Difficult to see past Dundee after an underwhelming start to the Steven Pressley era in the Premier Sports Cup Promoted: Ross County will win a tug of war with St Johnstone in Scotland's most competitive league League Cup winner: Rangers Scottish Cup winner: Hearts Best signing: Djeidi Gassama made a quick impact for Rangers on his debut. Expect more of that. Player of the season: If he stays fit - and it is an if - Kieran Tierney will be hugely influential for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes feels like the right man at the right time for Hearts Jonny McFarlane Premiership winner: Rangers will close the gap but not enough to take the title and Brendan Rodgers will sign off at Celtic with a third title on the spin. Third place: Hearts, and by a distance. Surprise package: Hearts have impressed in pre-season and bought interesting players with their Jamestown data. With wily campaigner Derek McInnes in charge, I think they might even be in the mix for second if they hit the ground running. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley was an appointment the fans didn't want and are already unhappy with after an abject start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign. They struggled last term, narrowly avoiding the drop and look weakened today. You fear the former Falkirk boss is on a hiding to nothing in Tayside. Promoted: Dunfermline. Neil Lennon's a winner who understands intrinsically what you need to be good at in Scottish football. Marry that with a new owner who will invest, and I can't see past the Pars for automatic promotion. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Hearts. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard has wowed people behind the scenes at the Rangers training centre with his training showings since arriving from Luton. Big things are expected when he returns to fitness. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The Celtic captain will be central to any success in Glasgow's East End. Nico Raskin outplayed him in the final Old Firm games of the season and may have something to say if he doesn't depart for pastures new but he will have to improve on even last year's consistency to match his old foe over a 38 game season. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. Everything about his move to Hearts screams marriage made in heaven. The return of a big, physical Hearts at the Tynecastle caldron will give teams nightmares. Ewan Paton Premiership winner: It's difficult to look beyond Celtic after so many years, bar one, of complete and utter dominance of the Scottish football scene. Brendan Rodgers' contract situation could throw up an interesting storyline, mind you, especially if Rangers can get going under Russell Martin to force a tighter title race. Third place: Hibs. They were comfortably the third-best side last season, and after some smart recruitment by David Gray, I'd imagine they'll fancy their chances of yet again taking the 'best of the rest' crown. A lot will depend on whether or not they achieve European group stage football, though. Surprise package: [[Dundee]] United. They deservedly claimed fourth spot last season, but a bit like Kilmarnock the season prior, they were hardly miles better than the opposition. I can see Jim Goodwin's side struggling towards the bottom this term, especially if they endure a slow start as they balance European qualifiers. Relegated: Falkirk. Surprisingly, this seems to buck the trend, with plenty predicting the Championship winners to take the top-flight by storm. Alternatively, their squad is the weakest in the league, and they don't have enough strength in depth to cope for a full campaign. Promoted: St Johnstone. It's far too early to make judgments based on the Premier Sports Cup groups; however, Saints are free-scoring at the moment. They've made smart additions, and with another one or two before the end of the window, they'll pip Ross County to the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Josh Mulligan will thrive by playing with better players in a more attacking-minded team. He'll prove to be an inspired bit of business by Hibs, and don't be surprised if he's sold for multiple millions next summer. Player of the season: Nicolas Raskin is surely the favourite if he stays put at Ibrox. During the second half of last season, he firmly put himself in the top few best players in the division. With more responsibility as he develops, he'll prove crucial in determining the degree of success experienced under Martin in his debut season at Rangers. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. I always tend to steer clear of either of the big two for this, given the significant advantages they pose over the rest of the league. However, if Celtic win the title for a fifth successive season, and his third in a row, then it would be hard to deny him that accolade. David Irvine Premiership winner: Celtic. Expect Rangers to be improved this season, but there is still too large a gulf between the Glasgow clubs to see the title leaving Parkhead. Third place: Hearts. Derek McInnes will be gunning for third spot in the league and some decent cup runs at Tynecastle. He has the squad and management credentials to achieve. Surprise package: [[Falkirk]]. Despite deserving major plaudits for their recent successes, I expect [[Falkirk]] to struggle in the Scottish Premiership this season. John McGlynn is an excellent coach and will have them playing some decent stuff but they may struggle to grind out results in the top-flight. Relegated: Dundee. We haven't even kicked off the new league season and already there are question marks over Steven Pressley's future at Dens Park. Without a serious turnaround and some new additions, things look very bleak for the season ahead. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari found some form with the Perth Saints last season but ultimately couldn't save them. Over the summer, some shrewd signings kickstarted their campaign in the Premier Sports Cup and they look a force to be reckoned with in a tricky Championship. The club knows how easy it is to become lost outside the Scottish Premiership, so have recruited well for a tilt at the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard. Djeidi Gassama has stolen the spotlight for Rangers, but former Luton midfielder Aasgaard will be a key component of Russell Martin's side when he is fit. A talented technician, he could be a difference-maker at Ibrox. Player of the season: Kieran Tierney. A fully fit Tierney would be playing in the Premier League week-in, week out. His return to Celtic is in no small part down to his emotional ties with the club. If he remains fit, then he will prove to be a cut above the rest in Scotland. Manager of the season: It's difficult to look beyond Derek McInnes. A third-place finish and a couple of trips to Hampden, and you'd expect he'd be in the running for the end-of-season gong. His appointment at Hearts just seems to work. Josh McCafferty Premiership winner: Celtic. The gap between the top two this season won't be as significant as last term, but I expect Brendan Rodgers' men to deliver the goods once more. Third place: Hearts are in for a big season under Derek McInnes, and with no European football to contend with, they will be the best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. Back in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions, John McGlynn's side should stay well clear of the drop and perhaps even push for a top six spot. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley's appointment at Dens Park doesn't fill me with confidence, so I expect his side to go down. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari's style should come to the fore in the second tier and ensure the Perth club promptly return to the Premiership. League Cup winner: Rangers. Russell Martin will get off to a strong start at Ibrox and win the first piece of silverware of the season. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. In what could be a last hurrah for Rodgers, I expect them to retain the cup they so painstakingly lost out on last term. Best signing: Kieran Tierney. Not enough is being made of Celtic securing the services of one of the best left-backs in Britain for free. Should he stay fit, Tierney will thrive this campaign. Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren. The early signs shown by the Swede have been entirely positive. Nygren's versatility will see him become a key player for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. A smart appointment by Hearts, McInnes will bring the fire back to Tynecastle and have a fine season. Blair Meikle Premiership winner: Celtic - Rangers will be improved under Russell Martin and so the gap may close, but Celtic should still be too good for them over the season. They have a core of players who are established as the top force in the country and have made some intriguing additions, with more to follow. Third place: Hearts - After some very interesting business with the help of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts supporters are rightfully feeling optimistic. To be fair, Aberdeen and Hibs have done too but both could have the distraction of European football. Plus, the Derek McInnes factor allied with the new additions could be a marriage made in heaven down Gorgie way. Surprise package: Livingston - I like some of the business David Martindale has done and expect them to stay up comfortably. Relegated: Dundee - The sacking of Tony Docherty screamed of poor judgement at the time and the optics of making an unpopular appointment in Steven Pressley only deepened that feeling. Their shambolic Premier Sports Cup campaign has done nothing to assuage fears for their season ahead, either. Promoted: Ross County - The recruitment of the likes of Ross Docherty and Declan Gallagher is very impressive for the Championship and the Staggies still have Ronan Hale to bang the goals in, unless that changes before the window closes. St Johnstone will push them close but County should get over the line League Cup winner: Hearts Scottish Cup winner: Rangers Best signing: Benjamin Nygren - The fee plays a part here as Celtic were able to get the Swede for a bargain £1.7 million due to his contract status at Nordsjaelland. He could be a star in this Celtic team and anyone leading the way for the champions is in this discussion, especially at that snip of a price. **Islam Chesnokov could take this accolade if Hearts can get him in this summer** Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren - As above Manager of the season: Derek McInnes - If my predictions of Hearts finishing a comfortable third and winning a League Cup come true, then it has to be McInnes. He already has them looking fit and bang up for it and he looks like the man they needed at this time. Ryan McGinlay Premiership winner: Celtic, though we may actually have a title race on our hands in Scotland this year. Third place: If it all clicks for Derek McInnes and his analytically fuelled revamp in Gorgie, then Hearts will finish best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. A fun side to watch, I don't think they will make top-6, though they will stay up comfortably under John McGlynn. Expect offers to come in for their manager if he does well in the top-flight. Relegated: Livingston. A big ask for David Martindale's side, though I think they will be a tough side to beat, especially at home on their new pitch. Promoted: Ayr United. Scott Brown and his [[Celtic]] B contingent look strong this season. The league is up for grabs, and don't be surprised if the play-off winners go up, too. League Cup: Celtic, as they will be hungry to avenge their last visit to Hampden. Scottish Cup: Hearts, provided Tony Bloom's recruitment has clicked into gear at Tynecastle. Best signing: Benjamin Nygren. The signs looked good in pre-season for the Swede at Celtic. Time will tell if he can replicate that in competitive action this year. Player of the Season: Reo Hatate (if he stays). If he stays fit and locked-in as we have seen in glimpses over the years, then he could be in for his most eye-catching season yet at Celtic. Manager of the Season: Derek McInnes. I think he will do a good job at Hearts, with a potential cup run/win cementing his status as one of the league's best managerial operators.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Our writers make 2025/26 Scottish football predictions
Here are our writers' predictions for the season ahead... Matthew Lindsay Premiership winner: Celtic. It's always difficult offering up predictions when there is still another month until the transfer window closes, but I can't see the defending Scottish champions being deposed this term. They have strengthened their squad with some shrewd acquisitions, not least Scotland defender Kieran Tierney, and will bring in more players in the coming weeks. Speculation about Brendan Rodgers' future may prove a nuisance, but he will be eager to focus on football and atone for the Scottish Cup final defeat. Third place: Hibernian. Both Hearts and Aberdeen will fancy their chances of finishing as the best of the rest, but I anticipate the Easter Road club building on the success they enjoyed last term. Surprise package: Falkirk. I would love to see John McGlynn's men show what can be done with homegrown players and a positive approach. Relegated: Dundee. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari was helpless to prevent the Perth club going down last season. But the Finn showed what a good coach he is during his time in charge. League Cup winner: Celtic. Scottish Cup winner: Rangers. Best signing: Djeidi Gassama. The former Paris Saint-Germain kid has started strongly for Rangers with two goals against Panathinaikos. Wingers are notoriously inconsistent and he is young. But he is looking like being a decent bit of business. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The [[Celtic]] captain was devastated to miss a penalty in the [[Scottish Cup]] final last season. He will be a man on a mission in the 2025/26 campaign. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. Stephen McGowan Premiership winner: Celtic. There are still too many unknown variables with Rangers to predict how consistent Russell Martin's team can be. Third place: Hearts plan to use Tony Bloom's investment and expertise to disrupt the established order. That will take more than one season. Surprise package: Promoted Falkirk will be a pleasure to watch and will surprise people with the style of football they play. Relegated: Difficult to see past Dundee after an underwhelming start to the Steven Pressley era in the Premier Sports Cup Promoted: Ross County will win a tug of war with St Johnstone in Scotland's most competitive league League Cup winner: Rangers Scottish Cup winner: Hearts Best signing: Djeidi Gassama made a quick impact for Rangers on his debut. Expect more of that. Player of the season: If he stays fit - and it is an if - Kieran Tierney will be hugely influential for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes feels like the right man at the right time for Hearts Jonny McFarlane Premiership winner: Rangers will close the gap but not enough to take the title and Brendan Rodgers will sign off at Celtic with a third title on the spin. Third place: Hearts, and by a distance. Surprise package: Hearts have impressed in pre-season and bought interesting players with their Jamestown data. With wily campaigner Derek McInnes in charge, I think they might even be in the mix for second if they hit the ground running. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley was an appointment the fans didn't want and are already unhappy with after an abject start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign. They struggled last term, narrowly avoiding the drop and look weakened today. You fear the former Falkirk boss is on a hiding to nothing in Tayside. Promoted: Dunfermline. Neil Lennon's a winner who understands intrinsically what you need to be good at in Scottish football. Marry that with a new owner who will invest, and I can't see past the Pars for automatic promotion. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Hearts. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard has wowed people behind the scenes at the Rangers training centre with his training showings since arriving from Luton. Big things are expected when he returns to fitness. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The Celtic captain will be central to any success in Glasgow's East End. Nico Raskin outplayed him in the final Old Firm games of the season and may have something to say if he doesn't depart for pastures new but he will have to improve on even last year's consistency to match his old foe over a 38 game season. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. Everything about his move to Hearts screams marriage made in heaven. The return of a big, physical Hearts at the Tynecastle caldron will give teams nightmares. Ewan Paton Premiership winner: It's difficult to look beyond Celtic after so many years, bar one, of complete and utter dominance of the Scottish football scene. Brendan Rodgers' contract situation could throw up an interesting storyline, mind you, especially if Rangers can get going under Russell Martin to force a tighter title race. Third place: Hibs. They were comfortably the third-best side last season, and after some smart recruitment by David Gray, I'd imagine they'll fancy their chances of yet again taking the 'best of the rest' crown. A lot will depend on whether or not they achieve European group stage football, though. Surprise package: [[Dundee]] United. They deservedly claimed fourth spot last season, but a bit like Kilmarnock the season prior, they were hardly miles better than the opposition. I can see Jim Goodwin's side struggling towards the bottom this term, especially if they endure a slow start as they balance European qualifiers. Relegated: Falkirk. Surprisingly, this seems to buck the trend, with plenty predicting the Championship winners to take the top-flight by storm. Alternatively, their squad is the weakest in the league, and they don't have enough strength in depth to cope for a full campaign. Promoted: St Johnstone. It's far too early to make judgments based on the Premier Sports Cup groups; however, Saints are free-scoring at the moment. They've made smart additions, and with another one or two before the end of the window, they'll pip Ross County to the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Josh Mulligan will thrive by playing with better players in a more attacking-minded team. He'll prove to be an inspired bit of business by Hibs, and don't be surprised if he's sold for multiple millions next summer. Player of the season: Nicolas Raskin is surely the favourite if he stays put at Ibrox. During the second half of last season, he firmly put himself in the top few best players in the division. With more responsibility as he develops, he'll prove crucial in determining the degree of success experienced under Martin in his debut season at Rangers. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. I always tend to steer clear of either of the big two for this, given the significant advantages they pose over the rest of the league. However, if Celtic win the title for a fifth successive season, and his third in a row, then it would be hard to deny him that accolade. David Irvine Premiership winner: Celtic. Expect Rangers to be improved this season, but there is still too large a gulf between the Glasgow clubs to see the title leaving Parkhead. Third place: Hearts. Derek McInnes will be gunning for third spot in the league and some decent cup runs at Tynecastle. He has the squad and management credentials to achieve. Surprise package: [[Falkirk]]. Despite deserving major plaudits for their recent successes, I expect [[Falkirk]] to struggle in the Scottish Premiership this season. John McGlynn is an excellent coach and will have them playing some decent stuff but they may struggle to grind out results in the top-flight. Relegated: Dundee. We haven't even kicked off the new league season and already there are question marks over Steven Pressley's future at Dens Park. Without a serious turnaround and some new additions, things look very bleak for the season ahead. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari found some form with the Perth Saints last season but ultimately couldn't save them. Over the summer, some shrewd signings kickstarted their campaign in the Premier Sports Cup and they look a force to be reckoned with in a tricky Championship. The club knows how easy it is to become lost outside the Scottish Premiership, so have recruited well for a tilt at the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard. Djeidi Gassama has stolen the spotlight for Rangers, but former Luton midfielder Aasgaard will be a key component of Russell Martin's side when he is fit. A talented technician, he could be a difference-maker at Ibrox. Player of the season: Kieran Tierney. A fully fit Tierney would be playing in the Premier League week-in, week out. His return to Celtic is in no small part down to his emotional ties with the club. If he remains fit, then he will prove to be a cut above the rest in Scotland. Manager of the season: It's difficult to look beyond Derek McInnes. A third-place finish and a couple of trips to Hampden, and you'd expect he'd be in the running for the end-of-season gong. His appointment at Hearts just seems to work. Josh McCafferty Premiership winner: Celtic. The gap between the top two this season won't be as significant as last term, but I expect Brendan Rodgers' men to deliver the goods once more. Third place: Hearts are in for a big season under Derek McInnes, and with no European football to contend with, they will be the best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. Back in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions, John McGlynn's side should stay well clear of the drop and perhaps even push for a top six spot. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley's appointment at Dens Park doesn't fill me with confidence, so I expect his side to go down. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari's style should come to the fore in the second tier and ensure the Perth club promptly return to the Premiership. League Cup winner: Rangers. Russell Martin will get off to a strong start at Ibrox and win the first piece of silverware of the season. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. In what could be a last hurrah for Rodgers, I expect them to retain the cup they so painstakingly lost out on last term. Best signing: Kieran Tierney. Not enough is being made of Celtic securing the services of one of the best left-backs in Britain for free. Should he stay fit, Tierney will thrive this campaign. Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren. The early signs shown by the Swede have been entirely positive. Nygren's versatility will see him become a key player for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. A smart appointment by Hearts, McInnes will bring the fire back to Tynecastle and have a fine season. Blair Meikle Premiership winner: Celtic - Rangers will be improved under Russell Martin and so the gap may close, but Celtic should still be too good for them over the season. They have a core of players who are established as the top force in the country and have made some intriguing additions, with more to follow. Third place: Hearts - After some very interesting business with the help of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts supporters are rightfully feeling optimistic. To be fair, Aberdeen and Hibs have done too but both could have the distraction of European football. Plus, the Derek McInnes factor allied with the new additions could be a marriage made in heaven down Gorgie way. Surprise package: Livingston - I like some of the business David Martindale has done and expect them to stay up comfortably. Relegated: Dundee - The sacking of Tony Docherty screamed of poor judgement at the time and the optics of making an unpopular appointment in Steven Pressley only deepened that feeling. Their shambolic Premier Sports Cup campaign has done nothing to assuage fears for their season ahead, either. Promoted: Ross County - The recruitment of the likes of Ross Docherty and Declan Gallagher is very impressive for the Championship and the Staggies still have Ronan Hale to bang the goals in, unless that changes before the window closes. St Johnstone will push them close but County should get over the line League Cup winner: Hearts Scottish Cup winner: Rangers Best signing: Benjamin Nygren - The fee plays a part here as Celtic were able to get the Swede for a bargain £1.7 million due to his contract status at Nordsjaelland. He could be a star in this Celtic team and anyone leading the way for the champions is in this discussion, especially at that snip of a price. **Islam Chesnokov could take this accolade if Hearts can get him in this summer** Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren - As above Manager of the season: Derek McInnes - If my predictions of Hearts finishing a comfortable third and winning a League Cup come true, then it has to be McInnes. He already has them looking fit and bang up for it and he looks like the man they needed at this time. Ryan McGinlay Premiership winner: Celtic, though we may actually have a title race on our hands in Scotland this year. Third place: If it all clicks for Derek McInnes and his analytically fuelled revamp in Gorgie, then Hearts will finish best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. A fun side to watch, I don't think they will make top-6, though they will stay up comfortably under John McGlynn. Expect offers to come in for their manager if he does well in the top-flight. Relegated: Livingston. A big ask for David Martindale's side, though I think they will be a tough side to beat, especially at home on their new pitch. Promoted: Ayr United. Scott Brown and his [[Celtic]] B contingent look strong this season. The league is up for grabs, and don't be surprised if the play-off winners go up, too. League Cup: Celtic, as they will be hungry to avenge their last visit to Hampden. Scottish Cup: Hearts, provided Tony Bloom's recruitment has clicked into gear at Tynecastle. Best signing: Benjamin Nygren. The signs looked good in pre-season for the Swede at Celtic. Time will tell if he can replicate that in competitive action this year. Player of the Season: Reo Hatate (if he stays). If he stays fit and locked-in as we have seen in glimpses over the years, then he could be in for his most eye-catching season yet at Celtic. Manager of the Season: Derek McInnes. I think he will do a good job at Hearts, with a potential cup run/win cementing his status as one of the league's best managerial operators.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Livingston have quality to thrive in the Premiership, says wing ace
Graham Carey is confident the Lions have what it takes to cope in top flight Graham Carey says Livingston have the quality and mentality to thrive in the Premiership, and know how to win games. The Irish winger looks to the example set by Dundee United in their return to the top-flight last season, but says the Lions have a better squad. Carey caught the eye of boss David Martindale when he scored a scorching winner for St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup last season and watched Livingston's play-off final win over Ross County to return to Scotland's elite league. The 36-year-old former Celtic youth liked what he saw, and is pleased to be on board this season as the Lions prepare to visit Kilmarnock – a side they lost narrowly to 1-0 in the League Cup at Rugby Park earlier this month – in Saturday's top flight opener. He said: 'Because I knew there was interest, I was watching them in the play-off final, and when we [St Johnstone] played them in the cup last year when we beat them, we should have been three or four down at half-time. 'Compared to some of the teams I played against last year with St Johnstone this team, I feel, is better than quite a few of them – and we've added some quality and experience as well. 'We know how tough this league is, we know it's going to be tight, and we just feel like we have the quality in the squad and the mentality that the boys built last year by winning a lot of games. 'You saw even Dundee United last year when they came up, they had a winning mentality. 'They didn't necessarily play great football all the time, but they knew how to win games, and I think that's important.' Former Plymouth Argyle and Ross County star Carey says Martindale played a huge role in his decision to join the West Lothian club, after St Johnstone were pitched into the Championship. He said: 'When I spoke to the manager in the summer he said some of the problems they had in games last year was when teams were in a low block and they found it difficult to break teams down at times. 'That's what he brought me in for, to be creative, and add to the culture we have here as a winning team. 'People want to score goals and they know how to win games, and if I can help that throughout the season, then great. 'It was quite an easy decision, especially when I looked at the facilities that we have here, and the new pitch that was going down. 'It's like night and day compared to last season, it's really enjoyable to play on, and to train on. 'I've known him over the years, playing against his teams, and I've always found it difficult. 'They're always high-intensity, want to play good football, want to get the ball forward, but in the right way. 'We feel that we have good enough players to be able to play through teams, not always over the top. 'After speaking to him in the summer it was quite easy, it was done over the course of a couple of days. 'When I saw the facilities it was great for me, and it's closer to home as well.' Carey has had a varied career, including in England and Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia, which he feels has benefited him. He said: 'I definitely don't think I'd be still probably playing at this level if I didn't go abroad. 'I think coming off the back of that I played four years in England, where I played almost 200 games, so that was a lot of games on my body. 'Going abroad, we had winter breaks, international breaks, and not as many games – even playing in a warmer climate, I felt like it reset my body a bit. 'So when I came back I was still able to play at this level at my age.' Meanwhile, defender Ryan McGowan insists the narrow loss at Killie won't have a baring on this weekend's clash. He said: 'I thought we equipped ourselves quite well and we played well without scoring. It was a good opportunity for players that have not played at that level to sample it. 'I'm looking forward to a big week and hopefully getting off to a good start.'
