Latest news with #Cleall-Harding
STV News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Sam Cleall-Harding: Fourth place would be incredible for Dundee United
Sam Cleall-Harding has targeted a European spot when Dundee United host Aberdeen on the final day of the William Hill Premiership season at Tannadice on Saturday. The 19-year-old defender scored his first goal for the Tayside club with a header from a corner to give Jim Goodwin's side the lead against Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday night. However, the Light Blues fought back with a Cyriel Dessers double – the second from the spot – and a strike from midfielder Nicolas Raskin to keep all three points in Govan. It was a fourth successive defeat for wobbling United who sit in fifth place, three points behind Aberdeen and one ahead of chasing St Mirren going into the final league fixture, with European places up for grabs. Academy graduate Cleall-Harding is aware of what is at stake against the Dons. He said: 'It's going to be massive and I hope I can play my part and get three points. 'If we can get that fourth position it's an unbelievable season, something to give back to the fans as well. 'We know what's at stake, a place in Europe and getting fourth would be an incredible season if we managed to get that. 'We're all determined to get that place and get the three points. 'It was a good experience playing at Ibrox and I'm happy and proud of myself to get on the scoresheet. 'But we're obviously disappointed not to get the three points that we set out to get. 'But we've got another big game on Saturday and we look forward to that.' It has been quite the journey for Cleall-Harding, who spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Kelty Hearts. He said: 'I enjoyed it at Ibrox. I want to play games, it's all I want to do. 'I was just glad to play my game. We didn't get the three points but we've got another big game Saturday to go and get that. 'We had a game plan and I thought it was working. 'Rangers are a good team and they're going to have chances. But we're obviously disappointed about the result.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Courier
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Sam Cleall-Harding in one word Rangers 'nerves' response as Dundee United kid eyes 'incredible' prize
Sam Cleall-Harding is clearly not predisposed to nervousness. A clean sheet on his debut at Hearts, another shutout on his Tannadice bow against St Johnstone and a maiden Dundee United goal on his third senior appearance – at Ibrox Stadium. In the space of a few months, the Terrors teen has gone from lining up against the likes of Dumbarton, Annan Athletic and Alloa while on loan at Kelty Hearts, to crossing swords with Rangers on their own patch. Yet, there is little alteration to his mentality. He wants to play; he wants to impress. Football is football. He said: 'Was I nervous? No. This is what you want to do. You want to play football every day and perform at these big stadiums. 'When I got told I was starting, I was happy. It was a good experience and I'm proud to get on the scoresheet. But we're obviously disappointed not to get the three points that we set out for. 'We had a plan, and I thought it was working when we went 1-0 up. But Rangers are a good team and they're going to have chances.' Indeed, Rangers bounced back from Cleall-Harding's towering opener with a Cyriel Dessers brace – one from the penalty spot – before Nicolas Raskin made the game safe with 15 minutes to play. Nevertheless, Aberdeen's 5-1 hammering at the hands of Celtic means that a win over the Dons on Saturday will seal fourth spot for the Tangerines. Cleall-Harding has experienced plenty of memorable Tannadice afternoons as a punter in the stands – now the boyhood Arab could take a starring role in one. 'It's going to be massive, and I hope I can play my part,' he smiled. 'We know what's at stake; a place in Europe and potentially even getting fourth. It would be an incredible season if we managed to do that. We're all determined to get those points and give something back to the fans, too.' Meanwhile, Cleall-Harding has praised the continued influence of Declan Gallagher, who is playing through the pain for the United cause despite knowing his future lies elsewhere. 'He's a top professional and wants to play these games because he's played such a big part throughout the whole season,' continued the 19-year-old. 'He wants to finish on a high and get the group to Europe – so credit to him. 'Gall has been brilliant for me. To learn from someone with the career he's had; you need to take tips off him every day. He really wants to help you and that's all you can ask for as a young boy. 'I'm really happy to have the chance to play alongside him.'
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Cyriel Dessers brings up Rangers landmark with double in win over Dundee United
Amid thousands of empty Ibrox seats, defender Sam Cleall-Harding headed the Taysiders in front after 21 minutes before Dessers equalised with a header five minutes later. Dessers slotted in a penalty in the 73rd minute for his 28th goal of the season, taking his tally to the half-century since signing for Rangers from Cremonese two seasons ago, before midfielder Nicolas Raskin soon added a third. The defeat left United still in fifth spot and looking to clinch a European spot in their last game at home to fourth-placed Aberdeen on Saturday. It could have also been the final home match for Barry Ferguson, the former Rangers captain who took over as boss in February until the end of the season. Despite reaching the Europa League quarter-finals where they lost to Athletic Bilbao, it has been another wretched and trophyless domestic season for Rangers, who are in the midst of an impending takeover bid from an American consortium of Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises. Speculation about 35-year-old Davide Ancelotti – assistant to and son of Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has recently agreed to leave Real Madrid for Brazil – being appointed as the next Rangers boss has been gathering pace over the past 48 hours. Second-placed Rangers finish the season away to Hibernian on Saturday and thereafter another rebuilding programme will take place as the club look to close the gap behind champions Celtic who are chasing their sixth domestic treble in nine years. There was a real end of season feel to the game. Jack Butland's return in goal could have been interpreted as a goodbye appearance having lost his place to Liam Kelly last month, while striker Hamza Igamane took over from Nadim Bajrami. United boss Jim Goodwin made four changes with goalkeeper David Richards making his first league start and Cleall-Harding, Allan Campbell and Kai Fotheringham also coming in. In the 14th minute of a low-key start, Igamane directed a header from 14 yards wide of the far post, the first real attempt on goal. Butland then made a decent save from Glenn Middleton's drive from the same distance before a better stop from striker Sam Dalby prevented the opener. However, United's breakthrough was delayed only a matter of seconds as 19-year-old Cleall-Harding leapt alone in the six-yard box to head in a Ryan Strain corner. Dessers then headed in from a Jefte cross to level. In the 55th minute the striker nicked the ball off hesitant Richards inside the box but was unable to finish, with Will Ferry clearing the danger. Dessers went down in the box under pressure from United defender Declan Gallagher but referee Calum Scott ignored weak penalty claims, as he did when Vicko Sevelj challenged midfielder Mohamed Diomande inside the box. However, the VAR sent Scott to the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the spot and Dessers, taking over penalty duties from skipper James Tavernier, sent Richards the wrong way. Two minutes later winger Vaclav Cerny slipped in Raskin and he slammed a drive high past Richards to clinch the points.
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Cyriel Dessers brings up Rangers landmark with double in win over Dundee United
Amid thousands of empty Ibrox seats, defender Sam Cleall-Harding headed the Taysiders in front after 21 minutes before Dessers equalised with a header five minutes later. Dessers slotted in a penalty in the 73rd minute for his 28th goal of the season, taking his tally to the half-century since signing for Rangers from Cremonese two seasons ago, before midfielder Nicolas Raskin soon added a third. The defeat left United still in fifth spot and looking to clinch a European spot in their last game at home to fourth-placed Aberdeen on Saturday. It could have also been the final home match for Barry Ferguson, the former Rangers captain who took over as boss in February until the end of the season. Despite reaching the Europa League quarter-finals where they lost to Athletic Bilbao, it has been another wretched and trophyless domestic season for Rangers, who are in the midst of an impending takeover bid from an American consortium of Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises. Speculation about 35-year-old Davide Ancelotti – assistant to and son of Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has recently agreed to leave Real Madrid for Brazil – being appointed as the next Rangers boss has been gathering pace over the past 48 hours. Second-placed Rangers finish the season away to Hibernian on Saturday and thereafter another rebuilding programme will take place as the club look to close the gap behind champions Celtic who are chasing their sixth domestic treble in nine years. There was a real end of season feel to the game. Jack Butland's return in goal could have been interpreted as a goodbye appearance having lost his place to Liam Kelly last month, while striker Hamza Igamane took over from Nadim Bajrami. United boss Jim Goodwin made four changes with goalkeeper David Richards making his first league start and Cleall-Harding, Allan Campbell and Kai Fotheringham also coming in. In the 14th minute of a low-key start, Igamane directed a header from 14 yards wide of the far post, the first real attempt on goal. Butland then made a decent save from Glenn Middleton's drive from the same distance before a better stop from striker Sam Dalby prevented the opener. However, United's breakthrough was delayed only a matter of seconds as 19-year-old Cleall-Harding leapt alone in the six-yard box to head in a Ryan Strain corner. Dessers then headed in from a Jefte cross to level. In the 55th minute the striker nicked the ball off hesitant Richards inside the box but was unable to finish, with Will Ferry clearing the danger. Dessers went down in the box under pressure from United defender Declan Gallagher but referee Calum Scott ignored weak penalty claims, as he did when Vicko Sevelj challenged midfielder Mohamed Diomande inside the box. However, the VAR sent Scott to the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the spot and Dessers, taking over penalty duties from skipper James Tavernier, sent Richards the wrong way. Two minutes later winger Vaclav Cerny slipped in Raskin and he slammed a drive high past Richards to clinch the points.
Glasgow Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Cyriel Dessers brings up Rangers landmark with double in win over Dundee United
Amid thousands of empty Ibrox seats, defender Sam Cleall-Harding headed the Taysiders in front after 21 minutes before Dessers equalised with a header five minutes later. Dessers slotted in a penalty in the 73rd minute for his 28th goal of the season, taking his tally to the half-century since signing for Rangers from Cremonese two seasons ago, before midfielder Nicolas Raskin soon added a third. The defeat left United still in fifth spot and looking to clinch a European spot in their last game at home to fourth-placed Aberdeen on Saturday. It could have also been the final home match for Barry Ferguson, the former Rangers captain who took over as boss in February until the end of the season. Despite reaching the Europa League quarter-finals where they lost to Athletic Bilbao, it has been another wretched and trophyless domestic season for Rangers, who are in the midst of an impending takeover bid from an American consortium of Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises. Speculation about 35-year-old Davide Ancelotti – assistant to and son of Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has recently agreed to leave Real Madrid for Brazil – being appointed as the next Rangers boss has been gathering pace over the past 48 hours. Second-placed Rangers finish the season away to Hibernian on Saturday and thereafter another rebuilding programme will take place as the club look to close the gap behind champions Celtic who are chasing their sixth domestic treble in nine years. There was a real end of season feel to the game. Jack Butland's return in goal could have been interpreted as a goodbye appearance having lost his place to Liam Kelly last month, while striker Hamza Igamane took over from Nadim Bajrami. United boss Jim Goodwin made four changes with goalkeeper David Richards making his first league start and Cleall-Harding, Allan Campbell and Kai Fotheringham also coming in. In the 14th minute of a low-key start, Igamane directed a header from 14 yards wide of the far post, the first real attempt on goal. Butland then made a decent save from Glenn Middleton's drive from the same distance before a better stop from striker Sam Dalby prevented the opener. However, United's breakthrough was delayed only a matter of seconds as 19-year-old Cleall-Harding leapt alone in the six-yard box to head in a Ryan Strain corner. Dessers then headed in from a Jefte cross to level. In the 55th minute the striker nicked the ball off hesitant Richards inside the box but was unable to finish, with Will Ferry clearing the danger. Dessers went down in the box under pressure from United defender Declan Gallagher but referee Calum Scott ignored weak penalty claims, as he did when Vicko Sevelj challenged midfielder Mohamed Diomande inside the box. However, the VAR sent Scott to the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the spot and Dessers, taking over penalty duties from skipper James Tavernier, sent Richards the wrong way. Two minutes later winger Vaclav Cerny slipped in Raskin and he slammed a drive high past Richards to clinch the points.
