Latest news with #CraigWilliamson
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow football club calls it quits after 11 years
Broomhill FC, which has been operating for 11 years, confirmed that it will cease operations after "sustainability" concerns. The Lowland League side cited a "number of factors" behind the move, including the "enforced termination" of its ground-sharing agreement with Dumbarton FC. The club also explained that the decision is "not one they take lightly" and thanked fans for their support over the years. A statement was published on social media confirming the move. A fond farewell, from Broomhill FC. — Broomhill Football Club (@BroomhillFC) May 30, 2025 READ MORE: Three Rangers board members depart amid American revolution Founded as part of Broomhill Sports Club in 2004, the team entered the Lowland League as BSC Glasgow FC in 2014/15 and won the SFA South Challenge Cup in their first season. Broomhill also reached the South Challenge Cup final and Lowland League Cup final before taking home the League Cup trophy in 2018/19. Simon Ferry was appointed manager of Broomhill FC in May 2022 after football media platform Open Goal struck up a partnership with club (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) Football media platform Open Goal, which is known for its popular podcast of the same name, struck up a partnership with the club in May 2022, with plans announced for social media content and programming centred on the team. The club was renamed Open Goal Broomhill FC as part of the move. A documentary aired which followed the management team, players and club officials over the course of the 2022/23 campaign. The partnership was hailed by both parties as 'revolutionary' and 'the beginning of a new era for the club and lower league football'. However, the project ended after just 12 months. Broomhill played its final match against Civil Service Strollers on April 25.
The Herald Scotland
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Brendan Rodgers: Celtic job carries 'biggest pressure' of my career
Rodgers is aiming to secure a record third domestic treble as Celtic manager when he takes his side into a Scottish Cup final with Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday, May 24. The Irishman said: "This is the biggest pressure job I've been in, and that's because you cannot afford to lose a game of football. "So, you imagine any team that's out there, they'll get a pass for a draw, they'll get a pass for a win. Sometimes we don't even get a pass for a win. We can win and get booed off. "So, that's the relentless nature of it, and that's what I love about the job. The expectation, the support base, is to always be better, to always improve and that drives you forward. So, you know you can never just rest on your laurels here at Celtic. Read more: "So, that means that every single day of your life, you have to be on it. You have to be really focused, you have to be prepared, you know that the other team you're playing against are going to give that extra 10-15% physically, mentally, because every time you operate as a Celtic player and manager, you're managing a final scenario. So, that is there in virtually every game. "So, to prepare the team, to prepare the trainings and the practice and the schedule and everything else that goes with that, to deal with that pressure, to leave you in the best possible position when you play your game, then it's not straightforward. "There are lots of teams that have good resources in other leagues and throughout the world, but they don't necessarily win all the time. Yes, we've got really good resources here, but we haven't been handed money. "This is all generated through a model of work in the club, by our supporters, buying merchandise, everything is organic here at the Football Club, and then of course, my job is to look after the core performance of the team. "It's not easy, it's a highly pressurised situation in which you have to perform every single game and to be at that level, then that's how you train, that mentality has to be in training. So, when you have that every day, you have no rest days." (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) Rodgers believes that he thrives when the pressure is on, and he feels that he constantly has to prove himself as a manager. He said: "That's why you see players come here, some really good players, but they struggle because the mentality to survive within it, it's a real challenge, and players will be really good players. "Even at Celtic, I've seen other players come up to Scotland before thinking, we'll come to Scotland, it's quite easy, you play for one of the big teams, you'll be ok. No, the demands are totally different. "Then you can leave and go back into the Premier League and do really well and be a good player in the Premier League. "The difference is pressure, dealing with pressure and at Celtic, and Rangers for that matter, there's massive pressure. "I think I need that challenge, especially at this period in my career and what I've experienced now. I can be no good if I'm uncomfortable, and I would never get to be that in here. I think it's something that I thrive on, I enjoy that, and I enjoy the challenge. "Last season, it was clearly tighter and there were lots of things being questioned of you and whatever else. "So, I enjoy that challenge of proving people wrong, and there will always be something else to improve or prove in the role. So, if I don't have it, I find it from somewhere, and that's what allows me to be the best I can be."
The National
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Brendan Rodgers: Celtic job carries 'biggest pressure' of my career
The 52-year-old, who guided the Hoops to their 55th league title at Tannadice last weekend, admits he thrives on the relentlessness of working at a club where it is unacceptable to even lose a game. Rodgers is aiming to secure a record third domestic treble as Celtic manager when he takes his side into a Scottish Cup final with Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday, May 24. The Irishman said: "This is the biggest pressure job I've been in, and that's because you cannot afford to lose a game of football. "So, you imagine any team that's out there, they'll get a pass for a draw, they'll get a pass for a win. Sometimes we don't even get a pass for a win. We can win and get booed off. "So, that's the relentless nature of it, and that's what I love about the job. The expectation, the support base, is to always be better, to always improve and that drives you forward. So, you know you can never just rest on your laurels here at Celtic. Read more: "So, that means that every single day of your life, you have to be on it. You have to be really focused, you have to be prepared, you know that the other team you're playing against are going to give that extra 10-15% physically, mentally, because every time you operate as a Celtic player and manager, you're managing a final scenario. So, that is there in virtually every game. "So, to prepare the team, to prepare the trainings and the practice and the schedule and everything else that goes with that, to deal with that pressure, to leave you in the best possible position when you play your game, then it's not straightforward. "There are lots of teams that have good resources in other leagues and throughout the world, but they don't necessarily win all the time. Yes, we've got really good resources here, but we haven't been handed money. "This is all generated through a model of work in the club, by our supporters, buying merchandise, everything is organic here at the Football Club, and then of course, my job is to look after the core performance of the team. "It's not easy, it's a highly pressurised situation in which you have to perform every single game and to be at that level, then that's how you train, that mentality has to be in training. So, when you have that every day, you have no rest days." (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) Rodgers believes that he thrives when the pressure is on, and he feels that he constantly has to prove himself as a manager. He said: "That's why you see players come here, some really good players, but they struggle because the mentality to survive within it, it's a real challenge, and players will be really good players. "Even at Celtic, I've seen other players come up to Scotland before thinking, we'll come to Scotland, it's quite easy, you play for one of the big teams, you'll be ok. No, the demands are totally different. "Then you can leave and go back into the Premier League and do really well and be a good player in the Premier League. "The difference is pressure, dealing with pressure and at Celtic, and Rangers for that matter, there's massive pressure. "I think I need that challenge, especially at this period in my career and what I've experienced now. I can be no good if I'm uncomfortable, and I would never get to be that in here. I think it's something that I thrive on, I enjoy that, and I enjoy the challenge. "Last season, it was clearly tighter and there were lots of things being questioned of you and whatever else. "So, I enjoy that challenge of proving people wrong, and there will always be something else to improve or prove in the role. So, if I don't have it, I find it from somewhere, and that's what allows me to be the best I can be."
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
See The Bulls Defend The Ranfurly Shield For Free At Stadium Taranaki
The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will defend the Ranfurly Shield at the fully reopened Stadium Taranaki on 11 June – and fans can attend the match for free! Taranaki Regional Council says the game will be a perfect showcase for the public to check out the new-look venue and it will mark the official opening of the stadium after its six-year redevelopment. Free buses have been arranged to bring residents from south, coastal and central Taranaki to the match, which will see the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls take on King Country at 6pm. Council Chair Craig Williamson says the game will be a milestone occasion and he hopes to see a huge crowd enjoy what will be the first of many big nights and events at the New Plymouth venue, previously known as Yarrow Stadium. 'Our mission when we kicked-off the redevelopment in 2019 was to build the best regional stadium in the country. We've now achieved that with a fantastic facility that the people of Taranaki can be rightly proud of,' says Mr Williamson. 'This free event is a way for the Taranaki public to come along and see the venue for themselves. We're putting on buses too to help those who live further afield who want to watch the Amber & Blacks defend the Shield and see the completed stadium. 'It's certainly the biggest infrastructure project Taranaki Regional Council has ever undertaken and we're delighted to have created a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting local, regional and international sport and entertainment events and a venue that can be used by the whole community.' Taranaki Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Jimmy Fastier said Stadium Taranaki is one of the best sports venues in the country, and a brand-new East Stand will only add to that. 'Every Amber & Black Ranfurly Shield defence is significant but Taranaki Rugby's first fixture at a fully refurbished spiritual home makes for an extra special occasion on Wednesday June 11. 'We look forward to welcoming our Yarrows Taranaki Bulls fans, the local community and traveling King Country Rams supporters.' NPDC Manager Venue and Events Chade Julie says: "This event officially kicks off a new era for Stadium Taranaki, making it a destination for everything from grassroots sports to major events and concerts. 'Having the first large event being a TRFU Ranfurly Shield defence is great for our local and wider Taranaki Communities. We encourage everyone to come experience the new stadium and join us in celebrating this milestone.' Mr Williamson thanked the public for their support during the redevelopment project which was undertaken after the East and West Stand were found to be earthquake-prone in 2017 and 2018. Funding of $30m was received from the Government's Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) fund for the renovations. 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Clelands Construction and the many contractors for their work over the last six years, the three Taranaki district councils and to the Taranaki Rugby Football Union and other users who have been eagerly awaiting the full reopening. 'This project has been all about collaboration and we're grateful for the continued support from Ngāti te Whiti whose contributions have been vital in giving the new East Stand its identify. Our relationship with Ngāti te Whiti has been strengthened by this project.' Information on buses to the 11 June game has been revealed on the Council's website and social media channels, including the Taranaki Public Transport Facebook page. Buses will be running from or stopping at Pātea, Ōpunake, Waitara, Urenui, Bell Block, Inglewood, Oākura, Ōkato, Stratford, Eltham and Hāwera. The free game tickets and bus tickets are now available here. The presale for TRFU members will run for a week starting at 10am on 1 May with the public on-sale beginning at 10am on Thursday 8 May. Stadium Taranaki: Fast facts The stadium is owned by Taranaki Regional Council via the Taranaki Stadium Trust. It is run by New Plymouth District Council. The final budget for the redevelopment of the stadium was $79.7m, with the final cost of the project expected to be under this. The total contribution by Taranaki ratepayers remains under $50m, the same amount approved in 2019 after the public consultation and engagement process. The Council secured $30m in funding from the Government's Infrastructure Reference Group Fund. The development has included earthquake-strengthening to the West Stand and the addition of a new roof on this stand. The original East Stand could not be repaired so was demolished and a new stand has been constructed. The stadium's capacity is 22,000. There is scalability to take the capacity up to the same as the old stadium for major sporting events. The project has seen the installation of new 'GrassMaster' hybrid turf on the main field which has improved recovery times to enable more playing opportunities. The old lighting has been replaced with new eco-friendly LED floodlights which have increased illumination by 50% while reducing power by 30%. A community extravaganza is also taking place on 4 May, with the public invited to a free family fun day and tours of the new East Stand. For information on that event, see here.
Glasgow Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Why a Rangers game will never be a 'dead rubber' for Celtic
Celtic confirmed their fourth Premiership crown in succession with the thumping win over Dundee United last weekend and have opened up a 17-point gap to their city rivals, but they have rather toiled against Rangers over the past three meetings, winning the League Cup Final on penalties before losing the last two derbies. When asked if those defeats had irked the Celtic players and provided an extra motivation for Sunday, McCowan said: 'What do you think the answer to that is? 'It's never a dead rubber. Regardless of the other games, you want to win that game. "Let's be black and white about it. You want to win that game. (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) 'Of course [we'll be angry if we lose]. I mean, that always will be the case, regardless of who it's against. You're always going to be raging you've lost a game, even if you've won a league. It doesn't change that feeling of hurt that comes with it. 'So no, the focus is to go and win the game on Sunday and put in as much hard work this week to prepare for that. And I'm sure the boys will do it come Sunday.' Read more: Boyhood Celtic fan McCowan was also quizzed on that annual Scottish football talking point of whether he expected Rangers to give their bitter rivals a guard of honour as champions, and he responded with something of a twinkle in his eye. "No, not at all,' he said. 'That is just how it is, isn't it? "I don't know how it would be if it was on the other foot. We'll never really know, I don't think. "We'll see what happens." Regardless of the opposition, McCowan says that the Celtic players do still have plenty to keep their minds focused over the remaining four league fixtures, with personal targets to hit and places up for grabs in the line-up for the Scottish Cup Final. 'I think that's down to the targets that we're going to still be setting,' he said. (Image: Rob Casey - SNS Group) 'That's what keeps everybody motivated, probably breaking other records that are within seasons. It's how many goals you can get within a season or whatever. It's always the next thing. There's always a next motivating factor. 'Obviously the cup final coming up is another motivating factor. There's a lot of things to work towards still in this season. 'The boys are happy, of course, getting this over the line in April, and it's a great achievement. But it's the next thing now.'
