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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers nine-in-a-row hero leaves SPFL club after NINETEEN years amid major backroom changes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIMO VALAKARI will shake up his coaching staff after splitting with number two Andy Kirk and long-serving coach Alex Cleland. The Finn has decided to make major changes to his backroom team following relegation to the Championship. 2 Alec Cleland pictured taking training at McDiarmid Park Credit: Perthshire Picture Agency 2 Cleland (right) celebrates a Rangers goal with McCoist and Durrant Valakari inherited Kirk from former boss Craig Levein, who brought him in from Brechin City when he got the job in 2023. Cleland has served Saints since 2009, after joining as U20s manager under Derek McInnes and then stepping up to become assistant boss to Tommy Wright. The ex-Rangers and Everton star has stepped in as caretaker several times over the years and was part of the first-team coaching staff under Valakari last term. Saints will now bring in a coach/analyst from abroad, with a domestic-based number two being targeted. Valakari's son Paavo, who joined the staff mid-way through last season, will remain in his post as performance manager. Saints said: 'The club can confirm that there will be a restructuring of the football department as we look ahead to the 2025/26 season. 'Assistant manager Andy Kirk and first team coach Alex Cleland both depart. We thank them greatly for all of their contributions. 'Andy arrived at McDiarmid Park as assistant to Craig Levein and during his time with us, also took on the role of interim manager. 'He operated with professionalism throughout, and we wish him all the very best for the future. 'Alex joined in the summer of 2009 to work alongside Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty for our return to top-flight football. St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari on loving 'crazy' club owners, his Motherwell days and run-in with a Celtic hero 'While managers moved on through the years, Alex remained a constant. 'He played his part in us winning three pieces of major silverware – the Scottish Cup in 2014 and 2021, as well as the League Cup in 2021. 'Alex was also first team coach throughout numerous top six finishes and memorable European adventures, including advancing beyond both Rosenborg and FC Luzern. 'He stepped into the role of interim manager on more than one occasion and always went about his business with the utmost professionalism. 'Not just a positive influence on first team senior squad members, Alex has also helped shape the careers of countless young footballers who transitioned through our academy. 'Again, we thank Alex for his major contribution to St Johnstone Football Club and wish him the very best for the future.' Meanwhile, defender Sam McClelland, who is out of contract this summer, has undergone another operation on his injured achilles. The Northern Ireland international suffered the injury on the opening day of last season's Premiership so has been out of action since. Saints will give him facilities to continue his rehab while he builds up his fitness. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I'm the world champion Scotch pie AND haggis maker – there's a secret recipe that makes them the best
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DOUBLE world champion butcher has revealed the secrets to the perfect pie and haggis. Third-generation owner of McCaskie's Butchers in Wemyss Bay, Nigel Ovens, bagged two World Championship titles for his Scotch pie and his haggis. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 McCaskie's Butchers in Wemyss Bay bagged two World Championship titles for their Scotch pies and haggis Credit: Perthshire Picture Agency 2 And owner Nigel Ovens revealed the secret to his success Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency. The pie pro, 48, beat the best in the world for the prestigious accolade, also scooping gold for his steak pies. He picked up the gong for his haggis at Sunday's Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair in Perth Branding his win "the culmination of a lifetime's work", he added: "I've spent years watching, tasting, tweaking and learning from others and I'm absolutely thrilled to be lifting the World Championship – it's a dream come true." And amid all the excitement, Nigel revealed the secrets to his success. Making the perfect haggis pie is not an easy skill to master. Since taking over the business 29 years ago, the meat merchant has been refining his recipe before striking the "perfect balance between offal and spice". Speaking to The Scottish Sun, he said: "The haggis and black pudding and dry-cured bacon are like my missions to get perfect. And it doesn't happen overnight. "I mean, years of trying, years of tweaking. You've got this rich, creamy texture. The oatmeal colour, it's not clawy or gooey. It's just the perfect balance we seem to have struck." He added: "Let's just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal." Just hours before his haggis triumph, Nigel's Scotch pie was crowned the best in the world at the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards on Saturday at the Hilton, Glasgow. I tried the new 'Glasgow pie', it's like nothing I've ever tasted before For his award-winning Scotch pie, it's all about the top-notch ingredients. McCaskie's sources their meat from the best of the best. Nigel said: "You've got to put the top ingredients in. The lamb in the pie is from the Isle of Bute, Scalpsie Bay. It's organically reared. "And the beef - 100% Aberdeen Angus that we do exclusively at our shop. 100% Scotch, the best of ingredients. That's the key." But the finishing touch that ties it all together is a perfect golden ring encircling the top of the pie. Nigel added: "It's always fired the same. Always the gold ring around the top, perfectly fired and the meat and the seasoning have something special."
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scotland's best Scotch pie & haggis revealed as butcher scoops world champion double crown
The butcher gives foodies a sneak peek at his secret haggis recipe A SCOT has been dubbed 'Butcher King of the World' after bagging two prestigious accolades in a global championship. Nigel Ovens, third-generation owner of McCaskie's Butchers at Wemyss Bay, scooped respective awards for his Scotch pies and haggis. 2 Award-winning butcher Nigel Ovens tosses his haggis in the air Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency The meat merchant picked up the trophy at Sunday's Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair in Perth. Commenting on the win, he said: 'This is the culmination of a lifetime's work to perfect our haggis recipe. 'I've spent years watching, tasting, tweaking and learning from others and I'm absolutely thrilled to be lifting the World Championship – it's a dream come true.' Nigel's haggis won the Scottish Championship ten years ago. And he is determined not to change the recipe as he battled the best in the country for the world title. However Nigel teased foodies with a sneak peek into his award-winning formula. He revealed: 'Let's just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal. "But after a lifetime spent perfecting the recipe, I'll keep the rest a secret.' Nigel hailed his 24-strong team at Wemyss Bay who work to ensure that his haggis is enjoyed by customers across the UK. The proud butcher added: "Haggis is no longer a Burns Night and burst product.' I tried top restaurant's new haggis sushi, it should be disgusting but it works 'It is a versatile foodstuff used to create a multitude of haggis products enjoyed throughout the year. 'It's one of Scotland's most iconic products and this World Haggis Championship title is the one that every butcher in the country aspires to. 'This means so much to me. It literally is a lifetime's achievement – I'm so honoured, so humbled and so thrilled.' Louise Harley from championship sponsor Grampian Oat Products added her congratulations to McCaskie's after playing her part on the judging panel. 2 Third-generation owner of McCaskie's Butchers Nigel Ovens is all smiles Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency She said: 'It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event as both a judge and a sponsor.' 'The standard was incredibly high and although scoring was tight, we congratulate Nigel Ovens and McCaskie's on an outstanding product. 'Oats are an integral part of the haggis recipe and Grampian Oat Products was delighted to sponsor the World Championships again this year.'
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I feared my career was over but FIVE surgeries in 12 months saved me – it was worst time of my life says SPFL Prem star
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) UCHE IKPEAZU admits he feared he'd never kick a football again. The St Johnstone striker made his long-awaited debut in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic — a year after last playing a game. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Uche Ikpeazu returned to Scottish football last summer Credit: Perthshire Picture Agency 2 He only made his first appearance at the weekend Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency. NO SYNDICATION. REMAINS WITH PERTHSHIRE PICTURE AGENCY Ikpeazu has undergone FIVE knee operations in 12 months in a bid to discover what was causing him crippling pain. Boss Simo Valakari has been desperate to get the powerful number nine fit to feature in Saints' relegation battle — and Uche is up for answering his call. He said: 'That was my first game since April last year. To be back on the pitch after such a horrible time is a blessing. 'It was probably the worst time of my life, my career — not knowing when I was going to come back or IF I was going to come back. 'For me, it was my faith that kept me going. 'Mistakes were made, not by myself, and things were left out of my hands. 'I did everything I could and I couldn't come back. 'If not for Dr Iain Murray, his thoroughness and how meticulous he was, I don't know when I'd be back. Because it was that tedious, it was difficult to resolve and get to the bottom of. 'A big thank you to him — he saved me. 'I didn't think I'd play this season and, to be honest, I didn't know when. Will Adam Idah still be at Celtic next season after failing to take Kyogo's jersey 'I had an infection that wasn't resolved, it was hiding in there. It went on and on, another four surgeries after that. 'It was just a nightmare. 'Something so simple ended up taking me out for so long. I would have been back four, five months ago if it was properly sorted out. 'I have to thank St Johnstone as a football club, the owners, the manager, my teammates. 'They have been incredibly supportive. Some days you come in and think: Where do I go from here? 'I am grateful to be back. 'The club sorted me out to see Dr Murray in Edinburgh and he analysed the knee, had another surgery and found what was going on. 'It's a long story, maybe it was wear and tear over the years, I don't know. Fighting defenders, battling. 'Caitlin, our physio, is amazing. It was great that the club brought Caitlin in, she's very thorough and takes her job seriously, which is important for a physio, and you can't say that about everyone. 'She was able to get me back to rehabilitation. Early mornings, late afternoons, it's been a lot of hard hours. How St Johnstone stars rated against Celtic Andy Fisher - The hero last time the teams met but helpless as the roof caved in on Saints during a mad 12-minute first-half spell where they conceded four. Couldn't do anything about Jota's fifth either. 6 Sam Curtis - Teenager was pitched up against Maeda and started well, but fell short cutting out McGregor's pass before the Japanese hitman scored the Hoops' second. Endured a tough afternoon after that. 5 Daniels Balodis - Wore a face mask to play after breaking his nose in training. Penalised for shoving Idah before Kirk's chalked off goal, then benefitted from a VAR check on collision with Forrest. 5 Sven Sprangler - Midfielder stepped in at centre back due to lack of bodies in defence so was left to joust with Idah but was on the wrong side when he slammed home the third. 5 Barry Douglas - Shocker of a goal kick in the build up to Celtic's opener sparked the collapse which saw Saints hammered. Struggled to deal with the pace before being hooked at half-time. 4 Stephen Duke-McKenna - Attacker was deployed as a left wing-back and was lively, but struggled to make his mark in the game. Got pickpocketed by Johnston for Celtic's opener after dodgy kick out. 4 Jason Holt - Constantly burst a gut trying to get close to Hatate but struggled to cope with the intensity of Celtic's attacking play. Found life difficult against the waves of attack once the first went in. 5 Victor Griffith - Tasked with man-marking Engels all over the pitch and brought real energy to that role. Made a great block to deny McGregor in the first half but couldn't hold back the tide. 6 Graham Carey - Saints best creative outlet but they didn't get him on the ball high up the pitch nearly enough to make an impact. Couldn't make the few set pieces they got count either. 5 Nicky Clark - Tasked with being the link man up top and stopping McGregor but couldn't get close enough to the Celtic captain. Was unable to offer anything up top as his team were swamped. 4 Adama Sidibeh - Brings energy and power but suffers from a real lack of quality. When they needed him to hold it up and stretch the game he couldn't deliver. Out of his depth. 3 Subs: Makenzie Kirk (Clark 46) - Thought he'd scored an absolute screamer to give the Saints fans something to cheer before VAR chalked it off 5 Benji Kimpioka (Sidibeh 46) - Struggled to cause Celtic's defence any trouble 3 Taylor Steven (Douglas 46) - Sub given the tough task of shackling Forrest then Kuhn 4 Josh McPake (Carey 68) - On with his team well beat 3 Uche Ikpeazu (Duke-McKenna 75) - Debut - at last! 2 'I really wanted to get myself to this game, that was my target. 'I really want to help this team, I believe I can help this team and get us out of this position. 'I love football and I've missed it so much. I'm excited.' Valakari arrived at McDiarmid Park in October, with former Hearts man Ikpeazu promising to be fit within weeks, only to suffer setback after setback. There's no doubt Saints have missed a striker of his type, able to hold the ball up and bring others into play. And Ikpeazu is determined to repay the Finn and prove to everyone he's not just in Perth to pick up wages. He said: 'The manager has been amazing. It's been a very difficult situation, obviously. 'I told the gaffer I want to be involved. I accelerated the process quicker than I was supposed to. 'Football is a business, the club is paying me and I can't play. 'I felt horrible about that situation because I'm not just here to pick up a salary. 'They've been supportive even though it's been a difficult situation for the club, on and off the pitch. 'From a business perspective they can't get their No 9 playing. 'I think EVERY team needs a No 9! That's my opinion. Premiership manager celebrates in pub 'You need that sort of striker that can bring people into play and get the team up the pitch. 'I just want to repay the faith and patience that has been shown to me. 'I have no doubt that I will be able to show my quality. You don't lose that overnight. 'The most important thing is the team. I just want the team to be safe. 'Whether I play or not, whether I start or come off the bench, I just want the team to solidify a place in this division. 'I don't want to play in the Championship. I've played at a high level most of my career now so I want to stay up. 'There are 15 points to play for, it's very much possible especially when we're playing against the teams we are fighting against. 'I'm really positive about it. I want to make a difference. I believe in myself as a striker, I've never hidden that. 'I just want to show St Johnstone now what I can do. 'The most important thing was getting myself right and I have done that. 'The Celtic result was disappointing, we capitulated. We started well but made a mistake and they punished us. 'Everyone knows what Celtic can do when that happens — look at the Aberdeen result in the League Cup semi when things go like that. 'We have to move on and focus on Motherwell now.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
