Where do St Mirren need to improve to keep progressing?
Manager Stephen Robinson wants his St Mirren side to improve in defending and attacking set plays as he aims further progression next term.Despite narrowly missing out on a European place last season, the 50 points the Paisley club picked up was a higher total than the previous two campaigns under Robinson.The former Motherwell boss hailed his team's end-of-season form, finishing the campaign unbeaten in six games, winning three and drawing three.And Robinson also said there were "lots of positives" in his side's attacking play but added that his players "need to be better" when it comes to set pieces."At the end of every season, we sit down and go over what we regressed in and what we progressed in," the manager said."Overall, we got more points than the last two years, more touches in opposition box, more shots on target and scored more goals. Lots of positives. "The negatives are we conceded more set plays, especially in the first half of the season, and we scored fewer set plays. "In the Scottish game, you have to be able to defend set plays, long throws, long balls, and you also have to score them at the other end. "That's something we need to be better at. But the statistics in forward areas are a big improvement and the points tally mirrored that."
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BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
'My credit score has been destroyed by fake energy debt'
A woman who had a prepayment meter forcibly installed in her home over a debt she did not owe says her credit score is still ruined years Asante – a church pastor – spent years battling with Scottish Power over a non-existent debt before the company apologised and wiped the remaining balance last Favour says her credit score is still ruined due to the false debt and she remains unable to get a credit card or take out a phone Power said it had removed the credit markers against Favour's record last year but she is concerned her score could take years to recover. The energy firm said: "We've shared with credit reference agencies that she has a prepayment meter with a zero balance, which should have a positive impact on her credit score."The error began when Scottish Power wrongly believed she owed them more than £2,000, which eventually led to the firm forcibly installing a prepayment meter into her Glasgow home in late 2022, while she was out of the country visiting was later discovered that the false debt had arisen because Scottish Power had wrongly opened and closed multiple accounts in her name. The company has since recognised the mistakes, apologised and wiped the Favour said she remains unable to take out a loan, phone contract or get a credit card because of the default on her account. It comes as thousands of energy customers are set to receive payouts, and could see debts written off, in response to widespread controversy over the force-fitting of prepayment meters into people's announcement last month followed a review by the energy regulator Ofgem, and could see eligible customers receiving payments starting at £40 and rising up to £1, years, energy companies were allowed to force-fit prepayment meters into people's homes when bills went unpaid but a scandal erupted during the energy cost crisis of 2022 when suppliers were found to have forced the meters on vulnerable intense criticism, Ofgem introduced a moratorium on forced installations in 2023 but allowed companies to restart the practice less than a year later – albeit with stricter rules in place to protect vulnerable customers who have been affected by the practice of force-fitting prepayment meters over the years have told BBC Scotland News that the compensation payments do not compare with how heavily their lives were impacted. Favour told the BBC: "It's really affected me emotionally, financially, and it's also ruined my credit score because a bill that wasn't mine was forced into my name and given to the credit agencies."For the last six years I have been on the list for not getting any credit from anywhere due to that."My credit score has been ruined, I can't apply for anything at the moment. What I've been through compared with £1,000 is not enough."Favour said she no longer trusts energy companies after the ordeal. 'No compassion' The review from Ofgem into this practice had an assessment period of 1 January 2022 to 31 January 2023, meaning Favour could be eligible for compensation. But many other customers may not has epilepsy and asthma and says that a long-running disagreement with her energy company at the time had a severe impact on her 34-year-old nursing student told the BBC she was so distressed by having a prepayment meter forcibly installed into her home that she had multiple seizures which resulted in who lived in a one-bedroom council flat in Fife at the time, says her then-energy supplier Npower increased her monthly bills from £60 a month in 2014 to about £200 - and said she had a debt of about £1, disputed this which led to a row that would continue for another three claims that a wiring issue with her storage heating meant that it was turning on when it shouldn't have been, including when she was at work. When she called Npower to ask them to assess the issue the company was "really forceful and harassing" and "threatening with bailiffs"."They had no compassion or consideration that there was clearly a huge issue for a one-bedroom flat," she said several appointments were made for the firm to visit and investigate an issue with the heating, but nobody showed up. 'It was torture' Then, in 2017, she returned home from work to find that her flat had been broken into and a prepayment meter installed."They couldn't attend to check my meter but they could attend to force entry into my house," she said."I was having a lot of seizures at the time because of the stress. It really freaked me out and made me feel so unsafe."Energy firm has since acquired Npower and Rebekah says that her debt was finally written off in December 2024 after she applied for a winter heating scheme for vulnerable she believes that even if she were to receive compensation, it would not be enough."It was a constant battle," she said."I had to miss work countless times due to the seizures. I'd end up with horrific injuries."And yes, my debt has now been wiped off and I'm grateful for that, but the stress of it was torture."An Next spokesperson said: "While this case predates our acquisition of Npower and Rebekah was not an customer at the time, we are pleased that we have since been able to offer direct support and resolve the issue for her." Organisations such as Citizens Advice Scotland have long-opposed the practice of forced installations even prior to it catching headlines in 2022, and raised particular concerns around safeguards in place for vulnerable a 62-year-old cleaner from Hamilton, told the BBC she remains affected to this day by having a prepayment meter forced into her home in 2015."I was a single mother, working-part time on minimum wage, and came in from work one day right before Christmas to see an envelope with new keys in it," she said. "They'd broken in and put a prepayment meter in."Susan said she had fallen into debt of about £3,500 with energy provider EDF after struggling with the death of her father alongside having a disability and mental health issues."I know it was my fault for racking up the debt and I buried my head in the sand, but they never gave me the option to pay it off in instalments at all and I didn't know they'd break in when I wasn't there," she said."It was so upsetting because I couldn't talk to anybody about it and I was embarrassed about the debt. I didn't want my family to know."Susan thinks there are not enough protections in place to support vulnerable customers who find themselves in debt, and says she would have agreed to a repayment plan if she had been made aware it was an said: "If they'd have told me they were coming, I would have arranged to take time off work so that at least there wouldn't be people in my house when I wasn't there."I'm not vulnerable now like I was then, I am doing much better, but there were not measures in place to protect vulnerable people."It was just awful. They could see that a kid lived here, that it was Christmas. What a time of year to do that to somebody."Susan said because prepayment meters are generally more expensive than other payment methods, her bills are a "fortune" and she is still paying off the debt to this has been approached for comment. Distressing cases As of 2024, Ofgem has introduced rules which means companies cannot force-fit meters if an occupant of the house is over 75 with no other support, is under two years old, needs energy for health reasons, or suffers from a chronic or terminal Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, which represents energy firms, said suppliers had been working closely with Ofgem to meet the regulator's requirements, but said there were instances where forced fittings were Advice Scotland director of impact David Hilferty said the compensation scheme is welcome said: "We have always opposed forced installations as they take away people's choice, pushing them to pay money upfront which they often can't afford."Our network has seen many distressing cases over the years of people who have been forced to disconnect their heating supply or go into debt as a result of this, so it's right that they should be compensated."What's important now is that suppliers deliver this compensation quickly and do the right thing for those who have experienced unnecessary harm."
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The six burning issues Russell Martin faces as Rangers boss including Tavernier as skipper and Butland's future
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSELL MARTIN is on the brink of being appointed Rangers' new boss. The one-time Ibrox defender looks set to replace Philippe Clement — almost four months after the Belgian was axed and Barry Ferguson installed as caretaker. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 He is set to be named the new manager Credit: Alamy SunSport first revealed on February 24 that 29-cap ex-Scotland defender Martin was in the frame to land the job. Now we look at six burning issues the new manager will need to address as he seeks to turn around the fortunes of the team. THE GOALKEEPER This time last year, Clement claimed every player in the Rangers squad was for sale — apart from Jack Butland. It wasn't a statement which aged well. Clement was sacked in February as Gers trailed Celtic in the league. And former England No 1 Butland was guilty of several high-profile errors. After one mistake too many — in a 2-0 home defeat to Hibs in April — the 32-year-old was dropped to the bench by interim boss Fergie. Liam Kelly grabbed the gloves, only to miss the last two games of the campaign through injury. But who will start between the sticks for the first Champions League qualifier on July 22? It's a big call. THE CAPTAIN James Tavernier has won the Premiership title, Scottish Cup and Premier Sports Cup — as well as skippering Gers in a Europa League final. He's scored more than 100 goals, provided more than 100 assists, and earned a place in the Ibrox Hall of Fame after a decade of service. But he still splits the Rangers fan base and those impressive numbers took a decided dip last season as Gers toiled and Tavernier moved beyond his 33rd birthday. An untimely injury to Dujon Sterling probably means Tav will start next term at right-back — but the next boss must decide how long he can go on. Rangers fans react as 49ers takeover completed THE DEFENCE Leon Balogun has been released, Robin Propper looks set to be returning to FC Twente, and loan stars Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafa Fernandes are back at their parent clubs. It leaves John Souttar as the only recognised first-team central defender — and the Scotland ace has just one year left on his Ibrox contract. With Ridvan Yilmaz again linked with a return to former club Besiktas and Jefte yet to convince, left-back could be another area of concern for the new boss. Gers shipped way too many goals last term, just one clean sheet in their last 14 domestic games, so the backline clearly needs some repair. THE MIDFIELD Ferguson finished the last campaign with on-form Nico Raskin in the engine room, alongside Mo Diomande and Connor Barron. On the face of it, the new man in the dugout could elect to stick rather twist — as Raskin's form has swept him into the Belgium team, while Barron could make a Scotland debut over the next four days. But Everton are keen on Diomande, while that good form could attract interest in the Belgian. Given the new broom sweeping through Ibrox, the club's American owners are sure to look closely at their player trading model. Lyall Cameron is arriving from Dundee and will inject attacking impetus, so maybe this is one position where Gers have less work to do than in others. THE FLANKS Vaclav Cerny was a roaring success last term but, like Abdallah Sima 12 months earlier, he's done so well that he's moved beyond Gers' reach for a permanent deal. 2 Vaclav Cerny became a fan favourite at Ibrox Credit: Willie Vass Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence also left at the end of their deals, and Nedim Bajrami scarcely endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful. Gers have a £4.5million obligation to sign Oscar Cortes permanently from Lens, but that would account for almost a quarter of the £20m being handed over by Andrew Cavenagh. Time to look for escape loopholes. In short, Gers need pace in wide areas and the kind of penetration they lacked last term as they toiled to break down low blocks. THE GOALS Maybe the most intriguing decision of all will come in the most important position of all — No 9. Cyriel Dessers left topped the Premiership scoring charts with 18 goals, netting more in the league than Daizen Maeda, Sam Dalby and Simon Murray. Rookie Hamza Igamane impressed in flashes with 16 in all competitions, including that spectacular late winner at Celtic Park in March. But Danilo didn't do anything to justify his £4m price tag, and every new manager tends to want his own striker on the premises. Watch this space. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Reeves forced to back down in net zero row with Miliband
Ed Miliband has defeated an attempt by Rachel Reeves to raid one of his key net zero programs in next week's spending review, The Telegraph understands. The Treasury has for months been considering cuts to the £13.2 billion warm homes plan, which aims to insulate properties and make them more energy efficient. But Mr Miliband, the Energy Security Secretary, and Ms Reeves, the Chancellor, are understood to have reached an agreement in the past few days after fraught negotiations and the scheme will remain largely unaffected. The agreement is a boost for net zero supporters in government, chief among them Mr Miliband, who have warned against scaling back green plans. It will also likely be regarded as a sign of the Chancellor's waning influence as Downing Street seeks to placate backbenchers unhappy over spending cuts. The decision is expected to please the Left wing of the party, which is threatening to rebel against Sir Keir Starmer's plans to make cuts to welfare and has been emboldened by a memo sent to Ms Reeves by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, demanding tax rises. However, it could complicate attempts, spearheaded by Number 10, to counter Reform, which is surging in support on a net zero sceptic platform and could outperform Labour in a Scottish by-election seat on Thursday. Spokesmen for the Treasury, the Energy Security Department and Number 10 all declined to comment, with announcements being unveiled at the spending review on Wednesday. Mr Miliband's victory can be disclosed hours after Ms Reeves warned that she would be tough with some Cabinet colleagues. Delivering a speech in Rochdale on Wednesday morning, the Chancellor said that 'not every department will get everything that they want next week' as she has had to 'say no' to things that she would support in an ideal world. Following a major about-turn by Sir Keir to appease backbenchers, millions of pensioners will be handed back their annual winter fuel payments of up to £300 next week, when the details of a reversal in last year's cut are announced. Some wealthy pensioners will still not receive the payment – meaning confusion continues on what the new policy will become – and it is unclear how the reversal will be funded. Meanwhile, the Government has announced that there will be £1 billion for an extra 500,000 free school meals over the next three years, lifting an estimated 100,000 children out of deprivation. Cabinet ministers have been locked in negotiations with the Treasury for months over the spending review, which will set out day-to-day departmental budgets for the next three years. Mr Miliband, the former Labour leader who heads up the net zero brief in government, was one of the few remaining Cabinet ministers still battling the Treasury this week. Sources last week were forced to deny reports he 'stormed out' of a meeting with Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, amid a row over cuts. Ms Rayner is also said to have clashed with the Chancellor over the spending review, with sources previously claiming she had complained 'forcibly' about proposed cuts to housing. But The Telegraph understands Mr Miliband has now reached agreement with Ms Reeves and has seen off an attempt to raid a major net zero scheme. The warm homes plan is an initiative to lift more than 1 million households out of fuel poverty by 2030, reducing energy bills as well as making houses more energy-efficient. It includes investment to insulate homes – thereby making them more energy-efficient – and grants for heat pumps. Labour promised an extra £6.6 billion for the plan in its general election manifesto last summer, taking the total to be spent on the program to £13.2 billion. A hint that Ms Reeves had given ground came on Wednesday morning when she said publicly that manifesto promises would be kept to in the spending review. The negotiations with ministers have been fraught because, despite a £300 billion boost to spending this parliament, some departments still face real-terms cuts in the years ahead. It has prompted protests from a string of departments and public officials, with police chiefs warning the Prime Minister that cuts would force them to decide which crimes to investigate. The politics of the Government have been shifting over its legal commitment to make the UK a 'net zero' carbon emitter, complicating Labour's approach. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has withdrawn her support for the target, making one of her first policy commitments of office the insistence that achieving the ambition by 2050 is 'impossible'. The repositioning, which comes despite it being the Conservatives under Theresa May who brought in the legal target, moves the Tories closer to Reform's position on net zero. Nigel Farage's party wants to scrap the policy entirely. Opinion polls show that while the public support hitting net zero, that drops markedly when voters are asked if they are willing to take a financial hit to achieve it. Mr Miliband has been the driving force behind the Government's net zero stance. Others in the Labour movement, including leading trade unions, oppose the new North Sea oil licence ban. The Energy Secretary's win comes after he lost battles over the expansion of Heathrow Airport and clashed with Sir Tony Blair when the former prime minister raised doubts over whether net zero was feasible.
