SWPL post-split fixtures announced
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
15 minutes ago
- BBC News
Work to be done all round - top-flight fan views
Two weeks into the Scottish Premiership season and already the red flags are being waved for a few sides from their respective Celtic and Heart of Midlothian supporters are looking for improvements despite their sides being top the table after successive a selection of thoughts about all 12 sides. Contrasting views at Pittodrie and Ibrox Celtic fans are fairly content after avenging their Scottish Cup final defeat by Aberdeen, but they are still hopeful of new additions in one key Celtic are four points clear already of the only other team to win the title in over 40 years. This season is already I think one thing learned from this game is that Adam Idah should never be first-choice striker. This board should hang their heads for not replacing Kyogo. Dvery penny is a prisoner with them. Their arrogance will be their Adam Idah should be dropped and transferred. He's the blunt edge of the attack. James Forrest, Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren should start, with Callum Osmand in reserve. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey should start in defence beside Cameron Carter-Vickers. Dillon: Great strike by Reo Hatate! Early contender for goal of the season perhaps? Looking forward to seeing us grow more as a team as the season goes Job well done. Some players need to polish up their passing, too many are going astray and you cannot do that in European competition. Just get that sorted and get a centre-forward in and we should be Well played Celtic. Not an easy stadium to go to but another three points. We still need to sign quality players, fans are not so happy with their cup-winning heroes after the Pittodrie Aberdeen are absolutely appalling and must be candidates for relegation even this early. This is simply non-football from a team that cannot even manage the basics required from a On this performance and how Aberdeen are starting the season, how long before Jimmy Thelin is under pressure? I predict happily he will be gone before Thelin doesn't know what he's doing. Aberdeen have some good players, but Thelin's tactics are naïve. I doubt he'll last the Aberdeen are the worst team in the league, barring Falkirk, from what I've seen so far. The basic ability to hold on to the ball and make simple passes is just not there, defence is all over the place, no midfield, and the worst striker the club has ever seen. Thelin is out of his depth and in a worse state than last season. Winning the Scottish Cup was the best and worst thing that could have happened to Aberdeen. Bottom of the top six at very Why so negative from Aberdeen? Every throw-in goes backwards and puts the defence under pressure. No ambition in the team at I fear for Aberdeen this season. First half of last season they flattered to deceive. A run of good luck and narrow wins made them look far better than they were. The second half of season I think was a more realistic representation of their performance they repeat their second-half performance from last season for the whole of this, they will be deep in the relegation battle. The first two games of this season only back up my gloomy Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Graeme Shinnie's combination does not work. We found that out last season. Amount of time to swap Leighton Clarkson for Nilsen was criminal - and they scored the second goal in that supporters are another bunch not happy after the side who beat Viktoria Plzen in Champions League qualifying could only draw at home to Rangers simply do not have the quality, imagination and skill to break down packed defences. The lack of imagination at free-kicks and corners is only too Sadly, Rangers still lack killer forwards. The stats tell it all - plenty of passing and possession but can't The Old Firm will still be first and second in the league come the end of the season. Neither will run away with anything, though - they simply aren't good Rangers are perhaps starting to realise that their team is not as good as they were making them out to be. A lot of weaknesses are evident and will need sorting before the gap gets even wider. Celtic could arrive at Ibrox seven points clear, which would put an enormous amount of pressure on this Rangers Let's agree, Martin was never the man for this seat. If Panathinaikos had a decent finisher, we would be played four, won nil. I don't know if he was the cheapest option as manager. If he was, it is false economy. Four games in and the punters are not going to turn up to watch this perpetual Shocking performance from Rangers - unable to breakdown their defence, no passion or commitment and poor skill levels. If they are unable or unwilling to put in the expected level of performance, they should be shown the result at Ibrox is given renewed heart to Dundee fans who were worried about the early days under new head coach Steven Dundee were by far the better team and only an extremely dubious penalty decision robbed them of a famous Very proud of my team today. I am fully behind our manager and have been since day one. I wish the rest of our fan base can now finally see that we've a strong team as going to Ibrox and getting a point is a massive step in the right Got to say I was a Pressley-skeptic, only deepened after the Airdrieonians and Alloa League Cup games. But slowly he seems to be building a well-organised team with a threat from set-pieces. Like a lot of Dundee fans, I'll be very happy to be proved wrong over his Dundee robbed with that penalty award. How VAR can award that highlights the real concerns around this current crop of referees. Dundee were fantastic in defence and so unlucky not to collect all three Lots of positives for Dundee to take from that performance. There are reasons why the Dees have had a shaky start: whole new management team, several new players in the door, new structure behind the scenes. With still three or four players to come in, I'm massively encouraged that Steven Pressley will be a success at Dens. Euro hangovers leave visitors in good heart Dundee United fans believe their side paid for their efforts in Thursday's draw with Rapid Vienna as they lost 3-2 at home to Absolutely gutted for the players. Despite Thursday night's exertions and a depleted squad, we more than matched a Hearts side who have spent Just shocking defending for Hearts' second and third goals. United had the game in the bag until two crazy Well, after Thursday night's performance and the amount of effort given by everyone, it's no surprise the players looked a bit tired in the second half. Players would've also had the return leg in their thoughts and, at times, players not winning 50/50s showed a lack of commitment. Seven goals conceded in three games is a worry for me. Drew: We were exhausted in the second half but disappointed with the result. We need reinforcements for our squad fans are pleased with the new regime on and off the park at Tynecastle but have concerns about the goalkeeping Exciting time to be a Hearts fan. Still lots of areas we can improve upon and lots of new signings still to play and to be fully bedded into the team, but Derek McInnes has the team looking organised and hard working, as you'd hope and Sorry, but Zander Clark isn't good enough for Hearts. He gave away two goals last season against Dundee and was dropped for Craig Gordon. The difference this time is we have a manager who knows what he's doing. We need a goalkeeper now - not wasting time waiting for Craig getting Amazed at the negativity from some Hearts fans! That's 10 wins in a row going back into last season. We've beaten the New Firm back-to-back - both of whom were comfortably above us last season and in Europe this season. We're top of the league! Enjoy it!John: If Hearts plan to achieve what Tony Bloom and the fans desire, they will need a top-class goalkeeper. They can't keep shipping easy Cautiously optimistic. McInnes needs to sort out the right-back position before the window closes. Alan Forrest was badly exposed against United and, against better teams, we'd have been punished more. New signings are bedding in well. Braga looks a Obviously not happy about the lost goals, but this team looks as though it's got a different mentality from those of the past few seasons. Because of that alone, we can be A huge three points. Dundee United will be right up there this season - they look a proper side. Hearts have totally changed the narrative around us. We used to be a soft touch, roll over and have our bellies rubbed. McInnes has brought the heart back to Hearts. Win your battles, run yourself into the ground, you'll get your rewards. the capital, Hibs fans were brought down to earth a bit by the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock after Thursday's excellent Conference League qualifying win over Partizan After 30 minutes, no-one could imagine anything other than a Hibs win. In the second half, we saw a performance resembling last season's start. Thursday's exertion took its toll and David Gray should have freshened the team more than he This has been our Achilles' heel. Too many times have we seen our team go two goals up and not see a game out. We allow teams to get back into the game by making too many mistakes. They need to shake themselves off and get their heads screwed on for Thursday, because Partizan Belgrade will be looking to make a Groundhog Day. Repetition of the beginning of last season. Warning for Thursday night and need to defend much Chalk and cheese. Brilliant first 40 minutes. Dire after and a bit lucky to keep a point. Put it down to tiredness, mental as much as physical. David: First half was absolutely amazing, cruising at 2-0, playing with confidence and swagger. The goal before half-time absolutely killed us, killed the confidence and absolutely flattened fans are buoyant after their team's comeback at Easter Road and a stunner from their young Pretty grim first 40 minutes were the unexpected prelude to a cracking Killie recovery. Ben Brannan's goal is one for the archives, and great to have three Academy "graduates" starting in the first team. If only Daniels had squared to Watson…Adam: Well done Killie, a good comeback once you realised Hibs weren't that good. What a goal from the young lad, goal of the month or season contender definitely. Good away point, so now we need some So glad Ben Brannan has been tied down to a three-year Brilliant fightback after it looked like Hibs would dish out a gubbing. We rattled the Hibs defence and goalie in the second half and could have snuck the win. Impressive given players missing. Especially good that we featured five players who were products of our academy. Delighted youth is being given a chance, loan players are not being used, and the hoofball is Much happier with a team that goes at the opposition with the intent to win. Even at 2-0 down, you could appreciate the team's efforts. We have a belief and a style. Livi leave Bairns with relegation doubts Not too many St Mirren fans were even inspired to write after their goalless draw at home to This was the type of game St Mirren struggled to win last season. Still too early in the season to say there is no Poor stuff from the Buddies. We continue to look disjointed in the middle of the park and desperately need a striker with pace and an eye for the draw in Paisley, Motherwell fans remain Motherwell were a good watch, but I worry about Calum Ward making preventable mistakes in and around his own area. What was he thinking passing a lackadaisical ball to a St Mirren player just outside his box, almost giving them a golden opportunity to score? It's not the first time in recent weeks he has made strange Motherwell starting another season playing some very good football yet again. Will this be the season they keep it going? Or will poor results dictate and they revert to long-ball directness as usual?Livingston won the meeting of the two promoted sides, with the home fans delighted with a 3-1 A solid win. I hope Livi and David Martindale start to receive praise and recognition for their football What a goal from Lewis Smith and some good A hard-fought but well-earned three points. Macaulay Tait was outstanding and Samson Lawal at right-back was a surprise selection but came on in the game. Jeremy Bokila looks as though he will be a useful We couldn't have really asked for a better start to the return to the Premiership. Martindale has so far been good to his word that he's abandoned the long-ball game of old and kept trying to play possession-based, passing football. It makes for a much more enjoyable Saturday afternoon, if nothing else! The squad looks balanced, technically sound and more than capable of doing well this season. Falkirk were a distant second across the park and we were very good value for the win. Falkirk beat Livingston to the Championship title last season, but defeat in West Lothian has raised fears about a quick return to the second Major concerns about the recruitment strategy this summer. This Falkirk squad have gone down in history for where they've dragged the club from, but there are too many players who are not Premiership standard. Being overly loyal will see us relegated. McGlynn has to be ruthless. Major reinforcements Naive defending that needs sorting. Need to be more effective in front of goal. All in all, still learning in a tougher The Bairns are going to have to wise up all over the pitch if they're going to stay in this league. Disorganised at the back, weak in the middle and hesitant up front. Here's hoping for a quick A brutal watch in the end and a genuine reality check. Simply put, we need to get players through the door with Ethan [Ross] now injured and only two fit centre-halves. I fully understand that John McGlynn has his ways with signings, but time is running out and we need reinforcements. In terms of the actual game, we needed to take one of our chances in the opening minutes and, simply put, we didn't do enough to get a I don't think they will survive in the Premiership. Too many players not up to standard. I also think McGlynn will be first to go.
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon makes Hearts plus Hibs predictions as two factors provide clear feeling
The familiar Scottish football faces have made their selections when it comes to Hearts and Hibs this season. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon have both made predictions over Hearts plus Hibs with the new season underway. The Jambos are under new management in Derek McInnes, aided by the ambition of new investor Tony Bloom, and continued their 100% start by beating Dundee United 3-2 on Sunday. Hibs drew 2-2 in Leith against Kilmarnock but head into a Conference League third round qualifier second leg versus Partizan Belgrade at Easter Road buoyed by a 2-0 win in Serbia last Thursday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rangers and Scotland favourite McCoist was talking over Scottish football with ex Hibs and Celtic boss Lennon on his morning talkSPORT show. He had praise for both sides of the capital while Lennon's fears for winless Aberdeen have him thinking a good season is on the horizon for capital clubs. Ally McCoist on Hearts and Hibs McCoist started: 'What about the rest of the league, Lenny? Obviously, Aberdeen, great success winning the Scottish Cup. The Celtic game, I wouldn't be too disappointed in them. They obviously haven't started particularly well. Are you expecting better things from them? 'I'm looking at Hearts, I'm looking at Derek at Hearts. I think Hearts will do well, I really do. Hibs, fantastic result in Europe over in Belgrade. 2-2 draw at home to Kilmarnock. What are you expecting from those kind of clubs, Lenny? Lennon responded: 'Well, from Hearts, there's no European football. I expect them to be right up there, particularly in the first part of the season. Hibs have been excellent under David Gray since January so they're in a good place. Aberdeen are a worry for me because they have European football and they've had a poor start. They're going to be playing Thursday and Sunday in the next few weeks. I think they're going to find that difficult. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Neil Lennon at Dunfermline Athletic 'I expect the challenge to come from the two Edinburgh clubs at the minute. They've got squad depth, had investment. Obviously, David Grey has done a great job since he's been at Hibs. With Derek as well, he knows the Scottish game inside out and he's a top manager. I expect those two teams to be in the top four or five for the majority of the season.' Lennon is currently the manager of Dunfermline Athletic, having kept them up in the Championship last campaign before signing on for the long haul ahead of the 25/26 season. McCoist asked for his thoughts on how the season was shaping up for the ex Hibs boss at East End Park. The former midfielder added: 'We've got a free weekend because of the League Cup and then we've got a derby against Raith Rovers away, which we're looking forward to. We've got a bounce game organised this week just to keep them ticking over. We've got a really tough run of games coming up, Ayr United Ross County, St Johnstone. It's something that we can really get our teeth into. We're pretty excited about the whole project at the minute, if you want to call it that. I'm really enjoying my work at the minute, Coisty, which is a luxury for a coach these days. Well, I've still got my red hair. Next time I'm on, I might be white!'
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Celtic fans issued Adam Idah plea after recent criticism
This plea comes from Don Goodman, a former English footballer turned pundit. Idah played a part in both of Celtic's Scottish Premiership victories over St Mirren and Aberdeen. Despite a 20-goal tally last season, Idah has yet to score this campaign and has faced criticism from fans. Mr Goodman told "I would say it's difficult to be critical of a player after two games, which is what the Celtic fans might be basing their criticism off the back of. "Or maybe it was last season's performances, but he scored 20 goals in 53 games." Mr Goodman acknowledged Celtic's history of "fantastic strikers" such as Mark Viduka and Henrik Larsson but cautioned against comparing the Republic of Ireland striker to those past stars. He added: "All I know is that he's a Celtic fan. "So, he'll be desperate to do well at Celtic Football Club. "But from Brendan Rodgers' perspective, I think they look a little bit light in that area to me." The pundit noted the ongoing transfer window, suggesting there may be another striker coming in, but emphasised that Idah shouldn't be dismissed just yet. He added: "Like I said, he scored 20 goals in 53 games last season. "I don't think he's a prolific scorer in general terms, but it's hard to be critical after two games, I would say."
