Miller makes it a double with SFWA young player prize
Lennon Miller has completed a young player of the year double by adding the Scottish Football Writers' Association (SFWA) award to his PFA Scotland prize.The 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder fended off competition from Hearts striker James Wilson and Kilmarnock pair Bobby Wales and David Watson.Miller became Motherwell's youngest-ever captain and has made 37 club appearances this season, scoring four goals, as well as earning a first senior Scotland call-up.He praised his "outstanding" fellow nominees and added: "To win out of all these players is a really proud moment and one I don't take for granted."
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BBC News
17 hours ago
- BBC News
'It's letting fans down' - Well Society urge wider VAR debate
Motherwell's majority shareholder has called for a wider discussion on the use of VAR in Scottish football after none of their members backed the technology in its current a consultation, fans were almost equally split on whether VAR should be scrapped immediately or "fundamentally reformed".However, none of the supporters who took part in the Well Society survey felt VAR should remain unchanged. Less than one per cent were "unsure".A total of 63 per cent of respondents said they did not support VAR in Scottish football, while 60 per cent said the use of the video technology had made their experience as a supporter "significantly worse".A Well Society statement read: "Fans spoke about long delays, a lack of clear communication, inconsistent decisions, and a growing sense of disconnect between those in the stands and those officiating on the pitch."Rather than building trust in decisions, many feel VAR has done the opposite, creating more distance between supporters and the game itself."Some still see potential for technology to play a role in football, if used in the right way. But the overwhelming feeling from our fanbase is that VAR, as it stands in Scotland, is simply not working. "A system designed to bring clarity has, for many, only added more confusion."Well Society director David Cullinan added: "As a fan-owned club, we have a duty to listen. This wasn't about grabbing attention. It was about listening to what our supporters really think. "And they've made it clear that VAR, as things stand, is letting them down. This is just the start of a wider discussion, and we're calling on clubs across Scotland to stand with their supporters and be part of it."
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Motherwell star Lennon Miller on first Scotland cap joy that has him hungry for more
The 18-year-old finally made his long-awaited debut for the national side against Iceland on Friday Motherwell star Lennon Miller admits his first cap for Scotland will be up their with the best moments of his career after enjoying a proud moment in front of his family at Hamdpen on Friday night. With the Scots falling to a dismal 3-1 defeat at home to Iceland in a friendly match, Wishaw kid Miller getting his first taste of international action on the senior stage was the main highlight for the Tartan Army, as they witnessed a star of the future make his bow. Lennon's dad and former Aberdeen striker Lee was in the stands with the Miller clan to see the 18-year-old replace fellow local lad Kieran Tierney - who had a major milestone himself on the night, winning his 50th cap - after 68 minutes. And former Coltness High School pupil Lennon said: 'This is probably right up with the best things you can achieve as a player. 'Representing your country at the highest level. I've done that now, hopefully there's a few more. 'It's obviously a very proud moment, not just for me but my family as well. They were in the stand. 'We know we have levels to get up to but we weren't at our best, that's fair to say. You want to be winning the game. We know we weren't good enough. But personally it's a proud moment. 'That's my game, trying to get on the ball. No matter what the score is. No matter what the occasion is, I want to get on the ball and show what I can do. 'You try and build yourself into the game then when you've found your first few passes you can try and get a bit more adventurous. I had a few nice ones but also a few that's just about getting used to the level that got cut out. 'The manager has said just to get on the ball and show what I can do. What I do at Motherwell, is why I'm here.' Miller hopes it is now the first of many more as he looks to earn his way into contention for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will kick-off in September away to Denmark. Ahead of tomorrow's friendly with Liechtenstein, Lennon added: 'You want to get your first cap then you want to get a second as quick as you can. That'll be the plan, to maybe get a wee start. 'Obviously you want to play no matter when you get called up. Last time was trying to take everything in and take that back to Motherwell to try and win another call-up and get here to make my debut. Thankfully I did that.' Meanwhile, Miller has stated that he wants to play Champions League football as everything points towards him leaving Fir Park this summer. French League 1 club Strasbourg have become the latest signed linked to securing his services, reportedly plotting a £4m move, while clubs in Serie A in Italy and teams down south are keeping tabs on him. Speaking to the Scottish FA media team, Miller said on his future ambitions: 'You obviously want to play European football, whether that is Europa League or Champions League. 'You want to play in the big games and in Champions League finals. The Champions League is the one I want in my career. 'I want to play Champions League football. It's probably the pinnacle. I want play to as high as I can in club football. Obviously playing for your country is always the pinnacle of your career I think. 'I just want to play as high as I can, play as many games as I can and enjoy football, that's the most important thing for me. That's where my drive comes from.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I had to console Cieran Slicker after Scotland debut – I know he has the character to bounce back from Iceland nightmare
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LENNON MILLER put aside his pride at making his Scotland debut to console Cieran Slicker after his Hampden nightmare. Motherwell teenager Miller was thrown on in the 68th minute of Friday night's dismal 3-1 friendly defeat to Iceland. 2 Lennon Miller was handed his Scotland bow against Iceland Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Cieran Slicker had a debut to forget a Hampden Credit: PA It marked another milestone in a career as he won his first Scotland cap at 18 after making his Well first-team debut at 16. The midfielder, who is expected to make a big-money move this summer, did well despite the grim scoreline. But for sub keeper Slicker, it was the most traumatic match of his career as the debutant was atrocious at all three goals. Miller, though, has no doubt about his strength of character to respond if he's called on to face Liechtenstein tomorrow. He said: 'It was Cieran's first cap, too, a proud moment, although of course you don't want to concede three goals. 'But there are experienced players in there who will get right behind him, plus others like myself who have been with Cieran in a few camps now and who will support him. 'He's a good goalkeeper, he showed that all week in training. He just needs to get his head up.' Slicker was thrown in after only seven minutes for the crocked Angus Gunn. Yet within less than 50 seconds, the rookie, 22, was picking the ball out of his net following a poor clearance. For a distraught Slicker, who played just nine minutes of first-team football for Ipswich Town last season in an FA Cup tie, it wouldn't get any better. Scotland fans need to STOP booing Steve Clarke and his players says Kris Boyd He failed to block the ball on his line after it ricocheted off Lewis Ferguson as Iceland netted a second before the break. Shell-shocked Slicker had the opportunity to reset at the break. Instead, he allowed a Victor Palsson header that was straight at him to go through his arms and into the net to complete a hat-trick of gaffes. Slicker cut an utterly dejected figure walking off at full-time. But he's still needed by boss Steve Clarke for tomorrow's game in Vaduz after Kilmarnock No 1 Robby McCrorie suffered an injury in Friday's warm-up. Bournemouth rookie Callan McKenna, 18, is the only other fit keeper in the squad, prompting a call-up last night for Celtic-bound Ross Doohan. Miller added: 'I've played with Cieran three or four times for the Under-21s. He's made a few mistakes, but that's just the life of a goalie. You're going to make mistakes that will be highlighted. 'But he will bounce back. He has a brilliant mentality. All goalies need to have that. 'Cieran will be fine. He will be back stronger. How they rated Angus Gunn - Came for a cross in the first minute but crumpled with an ankle problem so was unable to continue. Terrible timing given he is without a club having left Norwich. 1 Max Johnston - Given his chance on the right hand side and made a positive impact. Will be disappointed he didn't make more of a back post chance to score. A decent start. 6 John Souttar - Showed great strength inside the box to hold off his marker and head home Max Johnston's wicked corner. Will be furious at the goals Scotland lost. 5 Grant Hanley - Tried to show Andri Gudjohnsen inside after Cieran Slicker's poor kick but ended up with egg on his face as he whipped it into the top corner from 25 yards. Grim night. 4 Kieran Tierney - 50th cap and a poor occasion to hit that milestone. Matched Albert Gudmindsson's runs all night before going off for debut man Lennon Miller in the closing stages. 5 Andy Robertson - Bombed up and down the left flank as he usually does but final balls were lacking the precision to really hurt Iceland. Skipper has to drag Scotland's defence out of this rot. 5 John McGinn - Patrolled the middle of the park as he usually does but nothing really came off for him high up the pitch. Scotland will need him refreshed and flying in September. 5 Billy Gilmour - Did precisely what you expect from him now. Kept possession and the ball ticking over as the link man all over the pitch. Below his best like so many. 5 Lewis Ferguson - Didn't know much about it at the own goal which put Iceland back in front. Unlucky as a comedy pinball moment saw the ball crack off him and squirm past Cieran Slicker. 5 Scott McTominay - Started on the left of midfield, tasked with supporting George Hirst. Few flashes of what he can do but a big game player so he keeps the real heroics for when it counts. 5 George Hirst - Missed an early header then denied his first Scotland goal by two great saves from the Iceland goalie then an offside call after scoring. Showed he's got some promise. 6 Subs: Cieran Slicker (Gunn 6) - Debut didn't go to plan, that's for sure. Poor kick for the opener, flailing at the second, even worse at the third. Difficult not to feel sorry for him at times. 2 Lennon Miller (Tierney 67) - First cap. 3 Scott McKenna (Hanley 67) - Shored it up a bit late on. 3 Che Adams (Hirst 67) - No chances. 3 Nathan Patterson (Johnston 79) - Replaced Johnston. 2 Tommy Conway (McTominay 79) - On for McTominay. 2 'He's not gone out there and chucked three goals in. It's just mistakes. 'These things happen. It just gets noticed more as a goalie. 'I've had loads of those experiences myself, but as a midfielder you get away with it because it's not as obvious. 'But Cieran will be fine. He will bounce back.' Miller had his family, including former Scotland striker dad Lee, at Hampden to see him take the field against Iceland. Now Scotland's Young Player of the Year is desperate for a second cap against Liechtenstein and the opportunity to further highlight his potential. Miller has played 76 games for Motherwell since a 2022 debut as a sub in a League Cup tie against Inverness Caley Thistle. He has a year left on his Well contract but is expected to move on for a bargain £4million fee, with clubs across Britain and Europe trailing him. Miller said: 'It's obviously a very proud moment, not just for me but my family as well. They were in the stand. Lennon Miller is now too good for Rangers & Celtic and will move to bigger club says Kris Boyd 'It's never nice to make your debut in those circumstances, you want to be winning the game. 'We know we weren't good enough. But, personally, it's a proud moment. 'My game is about trying to get on the ball. No matter what the score is, no matter what the occasion is, I want to get on the ball and show what I can do. 'I had a few nice touches but also a few while trying to get used to the level that got cut out. 'You want to get your first cap, then you want to get a second as quickly as you can. That'll be the plan, to maybe get a start. 'The manager has said just to get on the ball and show what I can do. What I do at Motherwell is why I'm here. 'You want to play no matter when you get called up. 'Last time was about trying to take everything in and take that back to Motherwell to try and win another call-up and get here to make my debut. Thankfully, I did that.' Miller, with the Steelmen since he was seven and a star for Scotland Under-16s at 14, added: 'This is probably right up with the best things you can achieve as a player, representing your country at the highest level. 'I've done that now. Hopefully there's a few more.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
