Latest news with #LennonMiller
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Celtic, Rangers and other top Premiership clubs lining up exclusive partnerships with lower-league SPFL teams
Scotland lags behind other comparable European countries when it comes to giving young players a chance PATHWAY Celtic, Rangers and other top Premiership clubs lining up exclusive partnerships with lower-league SPFL teams FIVE top Premiership clubs including Celtic and Rangers are working on establishing exclusive partnerships with teams lower down the SPFL pyramid, according to a report. It's understood the moves are backed by the SFA in the hope that they will lead to an increase in young homegrown players playing first team football. Advertisement 1 There have been talks behind the scenes at Hampden The new system of co-operation, as first reported by The Herald, has the long-term aim of improving the fortunes of the Scotland national team. And clubs will be able to go live with their agreements from June 16. It's understood that Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts are the five Premiership clubs who have been in talks with lower-league counterparts. Celtic have been talking to Queen's Park, Rangers are exploring a tie up with Raith Rovers, Dundee United are discussing a partnership with Montrose, Aberdeen are negotiating with Arbroath while Hearts (and Cove Rangers of League One) could potentially link up with Spartans. Advertisement The number of young players gaining minutes in the Scottish Premiership has nosedived recently - and the figures weren't exactly great before. A study in 2024 revealed that Scotland lagged behind comparable nations when it came to giving under-21 players first team football. In the 2023/24 season, the likes of Belgium (21.8%), Norway (11.4%), the Netherlands (8.8%) outscored Scotland (3.2%) by a stretch. France (8%), Spain (4%) Portugal (3.9%) all scored higher too but if we look at more comparable countries again, Austria did better in this regard (6.6%), as did Czechia (5.9%) and Switzerland (5.5%). Advertisement Last year, if it wasn't for the likes of Lennon Miller at Motherwell and David Watson at Kilmarnock, that figure would surely have plummeted. Indeed St Mirren offered just 0.8% of their first team minutes to players under 21. Dundee had the highest rate with 24.8%. What next for Rangers after American takeover is confirmed? It's understood the agreements will allow the top clubs to send a maximum of three players on loan to their partners and they MUST be eligible for the Scotland national team. In contrast with loans, these 'co-operation list' agreements will allow for players to move between their parent club and their loan club during the season rather than being fixed to their loan side. Advertisement The Premiership outfit in questions will pay the player's full wage and at any time they can recall said player, and send another. The partner clubs in the Championship, League One or League Two will be allowed to take a maximum of two other players from their parent club who are not 21 and under or Scottish. An SFA report last year first mentioned the introduction of a so-called Cooperation System and other possible introductions including incentives for playing young Scots in cup competitions and the implementation of a scholarship system to protect against our top talents being snapped up by English clubs before they turn 18. SFA Chief Football Officer Andy Gould spoke to The Herald on the impact of the Cooperation System: 'This can definitely make a difference to Scotland teams of the future Advertisement 'It's an opportunity for clubs to use a system that enhances their chances of getting players into their first team. 'At the top end of the game it gives them a greater opportunity of selling those players and, down the line, there is an opportunity for the national team to get the benefit of that. 'That's not necessarily going to happen overnight, it does take a period of time. 'How many years is difficult to predict, but we need to find a competitive system which gives us a competitive edge over others and at the minute we don't have that.' Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Celtic and Rangers in talks with clubs over SFA's new system
Architects of the initiative believe it will tackle the shortage of young players featuring in first-team football. The Scottish FA has given clubs the go-ahead to implement these changes from June 16. Talks of partnerships are already underway, with clubs such as Celtic in discussions with Queen's Park, Rangers with Raith Rovers, and Dundee United with Montrose. Recent data from the CIES Observatory shows that St Mirren offered only 0.8 per cent of their first-team minutes to players aged 21 or under. Dundee topped the SPFL Premiership with 24.8 per cent. Concerned by this trend, the governing body, in consultation with clubs, has decided to allow more flexibility for Scottish youngsters aged 16-21 to switch between their parent club and a lower league partner. SFA chief football officer Andy Gould and head of men's elite strategy Chris Docherty, who studied similar systems in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia, convinced clubs of the need for change. Read more: Who could make up Russell Martin's Rangers backroom team if appointment is made Former Celtic misfit linked with move to Hearts Mr Gould told Herald Sport: "This can definitely make a difference to Scotland teams of the future. "It's an opportunity for clubs to use a system that enhances their chances of getting players into their first team. "At the top end of the game, it gives them a greater opportunity of selling those players and, down the line, there is an opportunity for the national team to get the benefit of that." The new system permits SPFL Premiership or Championship clubs to sign agreements with clubs in League One, League Two, or the Highland and Lowland Leagues. This allows for a maximum of three players eligible for Scotland's national team to be placed on a 'co-operation list.' Unlike loans, these players can freely switch between the parent club and the lower league partner during the league season. The parent clubs will pay the player's full salary, maintain the player's registration, and have the right to recall the player at any time and send another one in their place. The existing loan system remains in place, allowing clubs to use a combination of the two systems to increase the maximum number of players they can take from the same parent outfit from three to five. Scotland face Iceland at Hampden on Friday night with Motherwell captain Lennon Miller, Kieran Bowie of Hibs, and James Wilson of Hearts in the squad, with Docherty citing the trio as a positive development. He said: "Not all of those players will start every World Cup qualifier. "But Steve (Clarke) has called up players like Lennon Miller and James Wilson, now the youngest ever Scotland player, and he has shown clubs in the SPFL that if you put a young player in the first team at a young age and start to develop them, they have a real chance of making it into a Scotland squad. "So I think the national coach, in this case, is sending a signal to clubs that if you develop young players, that will develop the national team and help them as well." The architects of the new system hope that it will provide a competitive edge over others, although the benefits may not be immediately visible.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How SFA see new co-operation system benefiting Scotland team
Talks over tie ups are already underway with Celtic talking to Queen's Park, Rangers in discussions with Raith Rovers, Dundee United studying a link up with Montrose, Aberdeen preparing to work with Arbroath and Cove Rangers and Hearts negotiating with League Two Spartans. Recent figures from CIES Observatory show that St Mirren offered just 0.8% of their available first team minutes to players aged 21 or under. Dundee had the highest figure in the SPFL Premiership with 24.8%. Concerned by the trend, a consultation period between the governing body and clubs concluded with Scottish youngsters aged between 16-21 granted more flexibility to move between their parent club and a lower league partner when the transfer window opens in two weeks' time. Authors of a transition report into the issue published last year, SFA Chief Football Officer Andy Gould and Head of Men's Elite Strategy Chris Docherty studied similar systems in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia and persuaded clubs that the national game had to embrace change. 'This can definitely make a difference to Scotland teams of the future,' Gould told Herald Sport. 'It's an opportunity for clubs to use a system that enhances their chances of getting players into their first team. Read more: Peterborough stance on Celtic transfer target Harley Mills Scotland man Angus Gunn understands Rangers' pursuit of Russell Martin 'At the top end of the game it gives them a greater opportunity of selling those players and, down the line, there is an opportunity for the national team to get the benefit of that. 'That's not necessarily going to happen overnight, it does take a period of time. 'How many years is difficult to predict, but we need to find a competitive system which gives us a competitive edge over others and at the minute we don't have that.' Clubs in the SPFL Premiership or Championship will be permitted to sign agreements with clubs in League One, Two or the Highland and Lowland Leagues allowing them to place a maximum of three players eligible to play for Scotland's national team on a 'cooperation list.' In contrast with loans those players can move freely between parent club and the lower league partner during the league season. Parent clubs will pay the salary of the player in full and maintain the player's registration, with the right to recall the player at any time and send another one. The loan system will remain in place, allowing clubs to use a combination of the two to increase the maximum number of players they can take from the same parent outfit from three to five. Scotland face Iceland at Hampden on Friday night with Motherwell captain Lennon Miller, Kieran Bowie of Hibs, James Wilson of Hearts in the squad, with Docherty citing the trio as a positive development. 'Not all of those players will start every World Cup qualifier. But Steve (Clarke) has called up players like Lennon Miller and James Wilson, now the youngest ever Scotland player, and he has shown clubs in the SPFL that if you put a young player in the first team at a young age and start to develop them they have a real chance of making it into a Scotland squad. 'So I think the national coach, in this case, is sending a signal to clubs that if you develop young players that will develop the national team and help them as well.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Salty Celtic tears fuel Rangers p***take of a lifetime as diehards demand the SFA stand down
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Callum McGregor's Celtic tears at Hampden last Saturday have got one Hotline caller labelling the Hoops' captain's emotional outburst as "Watergate 2". It comes just months after former Rangers loanee Vaclav Cerny sparked uproar at Parkhead when he squirted home fans with a water bottle during their 3-2 Old Firm victory in March. Cerny was later subjected to an investigation by both the SFA and the police but ultimately no action was taken. And one Hotline caller is revelling in the aftermath of Aberdeen ending Celtic's quest for another Treble at the final hurdle. Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, wrote: "Whilst walking past Hampden my feet got soaked trudging through Callum McGregor's tears starting Watergate 2. As a Rangers fan I see the funny side and don't think there is need for police nor SFA intervention. This fact shows how more grown up Rangers fans are than Celtic fans, it's only water, we wash with it every day (allegedly), I certainly do." Despite McGregor's penalty woes at the national stadium, Robert Mcewan, Mt Vernon, has sent a timely reminder about the trophy haul he has already racked up with his boyhood club. He added: "After 20 odd medals, I am sure Callum McGregor has done plenty of greeting with joy. The guy is pure class." Paul Price, Glasgow, also rose to the defence of the Celtic skipper, in reference to Gers fan and caller Alan Flett's disparaging remarks about the 31-year-old. He said: "Belated well done Aberdeen. As a Celtic supporter I am not going to say I didn't see that coming, unexpected definitely. "Anyways a couple of things on my mind firstly, Alan Flett's comment about Callum McGregor, ' greeting like a bairn'. I will take that everyday of the week from one of Scotland's most decorated footballers. Rather than the dross that play me think Rangers ! (Simply ... oh yes rubbish). "On a serious note Celtic cannot dither over the cost of Lennon Miller. PAY UP and do not do another John McGinn. The Bhoy to be is a class act, splash the CASH ... show intent." (Image: SNS Group) Staying with Lennon Miller, Neil Renton, Leith, believes the Motherwell sensation and Scotland's Young Player of the Year should be aiming higher than the Hoops should he decide to move on this summer. He wrote: "If Lennon Miller wants to be a big part player at a team who aren't as good as they think they are then he should join Celtic. If he wants to push himself and show what he's got on a bigger stage he should move abroad. Or to Hibs." Rangers diehard George Wilson has also come under fire for his boats about his club's star power in the wake of a trophy less season at Ibrox. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: "George Wilson is getting very boring in his tiresome quest to prove that winning nothing is actually better than winning multiple trophies, Celtic and Aberdeen have had great seasons and made a mockery of his club, and none of his lengthy sleep inducing rants will ever change that." Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, added: "Someone needs to tell George Wilson to come up to Scotland some time, then he'd see Celtic's 'great rivals' aren't Rangers, or they'd maybe have been at Hampden instead of losing to Queen of the South or whatever diddy team it was they lost to. "George's greatest rival seems to be reality. And reality is this, Celtic NOT winning a treble is an abnormal situation. Keep flinging stones from your glass house George, it's hilarious." Elsewhere, Livingston's return to the Premiership has one caller once again remonstrating about the number of plastic pitches in Scotland's top tier, which will stand at three next season. Stephen Mullhern, Dumbarton, wrote:"While congratulations are in order with Livingston back up in their first attempt that's now three teams with artificial surfaces in our top flight. "And from a purely selfish point of view how does Brendan Rodgers tempt the quality he craves to take the club forward in Europe when this is the scenario he trying to tempt them with? It's a one horse league here and the quality Rodgers needs will always choose south of the border instead."
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Shocked & disappointed' by Wimmer exit, board must 'move fast'
We asked for your thoughts on Michael Wimmer's surprise departure from Motherwell and who might replace what some of you said:Mark: All the best to him. He got us safe from relegation and also gave us a decent end to the season. The upcoming summer will now be very interesting with a new manager hunt and where Lennon Miller will Disappointing to say the least. I was looking forward to Wimmerball next season and was excited to see how our recruitment would go over the summer. That said, alarm bells started ringing for me when he shared his LinkedIn profile on his Instagram. Bit odd Shocked and disappointed! Was gutted to see Stuart Kettlewell go but this feels even worse. There was a tangible excitement going into the summer and next season and it feels like that's just been shattered. Especially concerning as it's season ticket renewal Wimmer's exit presents us with a major challenge. He brought a positivity and attack-minded approach which produced results at the right time. Let's hope we do not revert to employing someone from the managerial roundabout of failures in Scotland. Another continental manager may be a risk but it's worth taking. We need to move fast given we need new attacking players to join us soon. The board need to get it right on the next I'm disappointed as I felt he could probably do a good job. However, family matters and if this is the real reason, then good luck to him. Certainly, he isn't going to a bigger job, so family issues sound plausible. Ideally, we need to get a replacement in quickly to sort out team issues before the start of the new season. I would prefer not to have the usual crop of options, like Steven Naismith, etc. I'm also unsure about Tony Docherty. Maybe Scott Brown or even big Duncan Considering he's already got a job over there, makes you think how long this has been in the Motherwell should go for a manager that has had experience in the Scottish game not someone that has never played or managed here before. I would personally go for Robbie Neilson because he has lots of experience managing and playing in Scotland and has had lots of success over the Embarrassing for the club. A very likeable guy and did a good job keeping us in the league. However, the majority of the performances of late have been very Kettlewell like and I for one think it's a blessing in disguise. The fact it's a third-tier club in his homeland says it all!
