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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
My mum never misses a game but she was 2,500 miles away when Aberdeen won the cup – dumping Celtic left her in tears
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANN-MARIE DEVLIN rarely misses an Aberdeen game home, away or in Europe. But last Saturday she flew out on a hen do instead of revelling in her son Nicky's Scottish Cup triumph at Hampden. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 2 Nicky Devlin with the Scottish Cup trophy Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Devlin celebrates cup final win with team-mates Credit: Kenny Ramsay The Dons defender revealed his dedicated mum has racked up tens of thousands of miles watching him over the years — but couldn't make the game last week to see him win the first honour of his 15-year career. She jetted to Tenerife as part of his soon-to-be sister-in-law's hen party and was in the air during the clash with Celtic and only found out he'd become a Pittodrie legend in a tear-filled call when she landed. Devlin, 31, said: 'My mum goes to pretty much all my games, but she missed the final. 'My brother Johnny gets married in the summer and his partner Kelsey was having her hen do last weekend. 'They flew out on Saturday afternoon, so she didn't know the score until she landed. 'They were in Tenerife, which is a four and a half hour flight, so when she got there she found out we'd won. 'She was very emotional, I spoke to her after and she was in floods of tears. 'I'm not sure she thought I was going to play since I've not been in the team much lately. If I'd been playing every week she might have stayed behind. 'She was telling me she was wishing she was here, but I'm sure she enjoyed herself over there with a few wines! 'It was an important event for the family, so she had to go. I'm sure she had a good time. Aberdeen fans react to historic Scottish Cup win 'On Sunday my dad was there for the party, so he would have sent her plenty of videos, but I limited the contact a bit to make her feel a bit better. 'My dad still takes an amateur team, so my mum probably goes to more of our games. She was even at the European away games. They spend a lot of money travelling to watch me, so it's times like this which make it all worthwhile. It's a reward for them, too. 'Weekends like that one are what it's all about.' Devlin lost his place in the Dons team earlier this season after being an ever-present early on under boss Jimmy Thelin. He had only started three games since January, but the Swede pulled a shock by bringing him in to play as a left wing-back against Nicolas Kuhn then James Forrest. Devlin managed to keep them quiet in a key role in the Dons' solid rearguard action. However he admits he was dead on his feet by the time he came off with a minute of normal time left. He said: 'I haven't played for a while, but when we got through the semi I had a feeling the manager would put me back in, with the way we were going to have to play it. 'I didn't expect it to be in that position, though! How they rated Dimitar Mitov - Saves from Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston in the shootout plus denying Daizen Maeda late in regular time wrote him a place in Aberdeen's history books. Is now a legend. 10 Alfie Dorrington - Didn't know anything about it as Arne Engels' corner kick cracked off his shoulder before sneaking in. Luckless stuff for the defender, who'd started well and had Adam Idah's card marked. 7 Jack Milne - Shock inclusion as Jimmy Thelin moved to three at the back in a bid to outfox Rodgers. Was superb as part of their back three and showed he's got a big future. 8 Mats Knoester - The most experienced of Aberdeen's back three by far so was tasked with talking them through the afternoon and keeping them organised. Led by example throughout as the Dons dug in. 9 Alexander Jensen - Up against Maeda and kept the Japanese striker as quiet as anyone has throughout the first half here. Did deliver some good balls when he got high enough up. 9 Ante Palaversa - Asked to use his physical presence and cover the ground to block off Celtic's midfield from bombing forward - which he did. Slammed a superb spot kick high into the net. 8 Graeme Shinnie - Slotted back into the middle of the park as part of Thelin's tactical tinkering and brought the grit they needed in there. Great penalty in the shootout to win the cup. 9 Nicky Devlin - Brought back into the side as left wing-back in the Dons' new formation and did his job stopping Nicolas Kuhn cutting inside. Did well until running out of gas late on. 7 Leighton Clarkson - Normally Aberdeen's' creative spark but saw far too little of the ball to make an impact with waves of attack coming the other way. Second half free kick easily saved. 6 Topi Keskinen - Tasked with injecting pace into Aberdeen's rare attacks when they sprung forward but was unable to bring enough quality to the table to hurt the Hoops. Hooked for Pape Gueye. 5 Kevin Nisbet - Defended from the front as the Dons sat in for the first part of this game. Had a good chance from Leighton Clarkson's free kick but headed over. Fed on scraps. 6 Subs: Pape Gueye (Keskinen 56) - Sparked the Dons into life with his pace and energy, turned the game. 7 Dante Polvara (Dorrington 79) - Replaced crocked Dorrington at the back. 7 Shayden Morris (Clarkson 79) - Caused Kasper Schmeichel's late OG leveller within seconds of coming on. 7 Oday Dabbagh (Nisbet 79) - Slammed his penalty in the top corner. 7 Jack MacKenzie (Devlin 89) - Will bow out a cup winner. 6 Kristers Tobers (Milne 93) - Replaced Milne in extra-time. 6 'It's difficult coming in when you've not played much, but when you're told you're playing in a final you're obviously delighted. I was shattered when I came off. I've never cramped up in my life, but both my calves were screaming. 'You can't be selfish in those situations, you don't want to make a mistake and it costs everyone. 'You have to think about the team more than yourself and I knew Jack MacKenzie was ready to come on in that position — and would probably do better than me anyway!' Devlin, who made his Scotland debut last October, admits this has been the best and worst season of his life. He said: 'It's so bizarre, the season has been mental. 'At one point it was the worst I've felt in my career because I wasn't playing. I found that really hard. 'But at the same time, it's also been the best season of my career because I've played for Scotland and now won a Scottish Cup for Aberdeen. Aberdeen end 35 years of hurt as they lift the Scottish Cup in Celtic penalty thriller 'Now we're in the group stages of Europe too, and that only really started to sink in on the bus home. 'It'll makes things difficult playing Thursdays and Sundays, but we'll be better prepared for it this time. The manager will have everyone ready to go. 'The experience of two years ago will help us and the players the manager has signed, most have experience of Europe, so it's not a new thing for anyone. 'Hopefully what happened before can put us in a good position to compete. 'We don't just want to show up. We want to go into Europe and do well.' Ex-Livingston defender Devlin was front and centre during the wild celebrations on Union Street on Sunday. He said: 'The parade was amazing, so many people were there. 'I was delighted for Graeme Shinnie, too. 'He's lost a good few finals, including against Celtic, so he wanted it more than anyone. It was great to see him enjoying things the way he did.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers' plans confirmed including training camp and two Ibrox friendlies
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS have confirmed their initial plans for pre-season with two friendlies lined up and a training camp based at the home of England's national team. It is less than a month before the Ibrox side return to pre-season on June 23, and it is set to be a hectic time for the club. The new American takeover nearing completion and the search for a new manager is still ongoing. 2 Rangers training Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Aerial view of St George's Park Credit: Getty SunSport revealed Russell Martin is set to make a fresh pitch to become Ibrox boss this week, with Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti also in the frame. Whoever ends up getting the job will not have a great deal of time to settle in before the start of the new season. The first friendly match takes place against Club Brugge on Sunday, July 6, kick off at Ibrox is at 2pm. The Belgian league runners-up could be potential Champions League play-off opponents for the Gers. The squad then head down to Burton-on-Trent for a training camp at the National Football Centre at St George's on July 7. They've also confirmed they will play Championship side Middlesbrough in a friendly at home on July 26. More to follow.... Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Livingston boss David Martindale reveals why promotion celebrations cut short after wild bus journey back from Dingwall
DAVIE MARTINDALE put a lid on his promotion celebrations last night - because he's got to be in work overseeing a team of JOINERS this morning. The Livingston gaffer was jubilant on the park after his team dumped Ross County to win back their Premiership place. 4 David Martindale celebrates but not for too long... Credit: Kenny Ramsay 4 Robbie Muirhead, Jamie Brandon and Stephen Kelly Credit: Kenny Ramsay 4 David Martindale at end Credit: Kenny Ramsay But while his players and staff went wild on the bus journey back from Dingwall, Martindale was already thinking about the FLOORING being installed at the Set Fare Arena today. He said: 'I'm into work tomorrow for a couple of hours. 'There's flooring work getting done. 'So I'm going to go into work and make sure the boys that are putting the flooring in are doing it right. 'Check up on that and speak to the maintenance boys. 'I'll give them a big list of jobs that I want done when I'm away on holiday.' Striker Robbie Muirhead popped up with this crucial third goal after Livi had clawed back a 2-0 deficit to be drawing 2-2 after 61 minutes. And Martindale admits the striker probably can't stand him because of the grief he gets from the dugout. He said: 'Robbie probably hates me because whoever the number nine is, I expect them to be running 12 to 14k. 'I don't care who you are, so I'm constantly in his ear, aren't I? Livingston boss David Martindale opens his heart on life before, during and after prison.. and the managers he admires most 'But I made a decision, maybe four months ago. 'He came to me as a winger and I was persevering with it but I kept saying to him, he's not got the attributes to be a winger. 'I brought him in because of his stats. 'You look at his goals. The kid scores goals and he's got big moments in him. 'I'm looking at him going, he's a number nine. He's never a winger.' Martindale always has to resist the temptation to sub Muirhead off in games - so has told no2 Brian Rice to HOOK him if he suggests it. He said: 'I said to Chipper see whenever I turn around and say I'm going to take Robbie off then somebody just punch me. 'You know what he does. 4 Robbie Muirhead celebrates his stunning strike Credit: Kenny Ramsay 'Sometimes he doesn't take part in the game, but he comes up with big moments. Again, Robbie's two big moments. 'He's helped take this club back to the Premiership, it's an incredible finish. 'That only really him and Smithy are capable of doing at the club. 'I think that then gives the group massive belief. 'At that point, we're winning the game. So I can take him off at that point. 'I've got a bit of work to do with Robbie. I think he'll be okay with that. 'I'm going to work with him a lot over the summer and a lot in pre-season. 'In terms of what I'm wanting the night to do. He's kind of been thrown in there. 'So I'm going to do a wee bit of work with him, but he comes up with big moments.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Five contenders for Dundee manager job revealed as Celtic and Rangers heroes could go head-to-head for role
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DUNDEE chiefs will step up their search for a new manager this week. Dens Park general manager John Nelms and technical adviser Gordon Strachan are leading the hunt for Tony Docherty's replacement. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Dundee are on the hint for Tony Docherty's successor Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Shaun Maloney remains in the frame Credit: Kenny Ramsay The 54-year-old and his staff were axed last week, less than 24 hours after keeping the Dark Blues in the top flight. Ex-Hibs boss Shaun Maloney is one of the main contenders for the post, having been the man Strachan wanted back in 2022. The ex-Celtic and Scotland attacker was reluctant to move into the Championship at that stage but is interested now they are guaranteed another season in the Premiership. Maloney is a free agent after leaving Wigan in March and is eager to get back in the dugout. Former Dundee skipper Charlie Adam is likely to be considered and ex-Dark Blue Temuri Ketsbaia has also expressed an interest. Ayr United boss Scott Brown and Andy Woodman, gaffer of English League Two side Bromley, are contenders. With Dundee set to lose a chunk of their current squad, club chiefs are aware the clock's ticking on an appointment. Meanwhile, Rangers are closing in on the appointment of their new manager. SunSport understands Gers chiefs will make their final decision by the end of this week. Russell Martin remains in the frame and will hold further talks with the Light Blues in the coming days. Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti and Brian Priske are all being considered too. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Moment David Martindale swarmed by Livingston fans as he celebrates dramatic comeback with punters during pitch invasion
They just missed out on automatic promotion to Falkirk but their play-off victory sparked wild scenes MAKE YOUR MART Moment David Martindale swarmed by Livingston fans as he celebrates dramatic comeback with punters during pitch invasion Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIVINGSTON have returned to the Premiership at the first attempt after a dramatic play-off final win over Ross County. And their travelling fans couldn't contain their delight as they clinched the game late on in Dingwall. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Livingston have won promotion after a dramatic play-off win over Ross County Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Livi fans stormed the pitch at Dingwall after Tete Yengi's last-minute goal Credit: PA 3 David Martindale celebrated with his players and fans as Livi came back up at the first attempt Credit: Kenny Ramsay Ross County had led 2-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate after 25 minutes, and seemed set for a third straight year of Premiership survival via winning the play-off. But some sensational Livingston goals saw them turn it around for a 5-3 aggregate victory, sparking wild celebrations in the away end. Tete Yengi sealed the deal in the final minute, and there was an explosion of relief and joy from the visiting fans. That led to them storming the pitch and embracing their heroes, with some supporters even letting off flares. The goal came so late that there wasn't even time to restart the game - which probably made things easier for match officials, as scores of Livi fans were still on the pitch. The final whistle saw even more of the travelling support take to the pitch, with many punters approaching boss David Martindale to celebrate with him. Stewards eventually got the breach under control, allowing on-field interviews to take place. That didn't stop some young Livi fans from taking the opportunity to play around in one of the goals at the Global Energy Stadium. A dramatic late County penalty in Thursday night's first leg had seen the sides come into tonight level at 1-1. Individual mistakes at the back from Livingston allowed Joshua Nisbett and Ronan Hale to make it 2-0 on the night and seemingly end the tie. Livingston boss David Martindale opens his heart on life before, during and after prison.. and the managers he admires most But a terrific solo effort from Lewis Smith halved Livi's deficit going into half-time. An almighty scramble led to Danny Wilson netting the equaliser just before the hour mark, and Robbie Muirhead scored a sublime curler just four minutes later to turn the game on its head. And Yengi broke free to fire in a late fourth and kickstart the Livingston promotion party. Reflecting on the season, Martindale said: "We had adversity but we stuck together. "It makes the good times even sweeter. "In six years in the Premiership, a sense of entitlement came over us, but now it's a sense of reality. "I don't want to be the manager I've been in previous years, I want to go with our style, our identity and recruit for a certain style of play." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
