Latest news with #Pressley
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Dundee boss Steven Pressley trolled by Scots football club as they blast ‘the only thing getting rattled is your club'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STEVEN PRESSLEY might have his first win as Dundee boss under his belt but the pressure hasn't gone away. Although this time around, it's another Scottish football CLUB who are attempting to pile it on. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Dundee appointed Steve Pressley as manager at the beginning of June Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Pressley's endured a difficult start as Dee boss Credit: Michael Schofield Former Scotland star Pressley, 51, was a shock appointment as Dundee manager last month. The ex-Celtic, Hearts and Rangers defender was confirmed as Tony Docherty's replacement after the latter's shock sacking after the end of last season. There's been a big turnaround in players at Dundee with key men Lyall Cameron and Josh Mulligan among those to have moved on. Pressley might've been hoping the Premier Sports Cup would've given him the chance to make a strong start to his time in charge. But a 1-0 home defeat to Championship side Airdrieonians in the opening group match instantly piled the pressure on. And that only intensified when Pressley's side were defeated 1-0 again in their second game, this time by third tier Alloa. The back-to-back defeats ended Dundee's hopes of progression and they are OUT of the competition at the first hurdle. Last night, Pressley and his side took on Bonnyrigg Rose in an away clash and for periods, it looked like another horror result could be on the cards. Clark Robertson had given Dee the lead before Cameron Ross levelled things up for the non-league outfit, who were relegated out of the SPFL last season. Emile Acquah and Billy Koumetio both struck inside the final five minutes of the game to spare their team's blushes and give Pressley a first win in charge. Scottish Premiership club enlist Hollywood superstar to sell their £95M new stadium and hotel plans With Bonnyrigg having just replaced their pitch, the game was held at Whitehill Welfare's Ferguson Park home. But Pressley wasn't happy with THEIR surface in the aftermath of the game. After the 3-1 win, he said: "It certainly wasn't vintage. The pitch made it a very difficult night's work. "Credit to our players, they showed a really good mentality. "We found ourselves 1-1 with the clock running down and we kept pushing and going at it and in the end got a very much deserved in. "But as I said, it was a difficult evening, a real leveller the pitch. "When you come here on the back of a couple of disappointing results and the pitch being how it is, it was a real banana skin for us so as I said, well done to the players." Those comments didn't go down well at all with Whitehill Welfare. The East of Scotland League club's official X account responded directly to Dundee's post containing Pressley's post match thoughts. The club blasted: "I think our pitch is the least of your worries Steven. "Good luck for the rest of your time in charge." A Dundee fan bit back, telling Whitehill Welfare they had been "rattled" by the manager's comments. The club weren't done there, and fired back at the support. They said: "The only thing getting rattled is your club on a weekly basis. Airdrie, Alloa etc etc." Dundee close out their Premier Sports Cup group stage campaign - and indeed campaign as a whole - with a home clash with Montrose on Saturday afternoon. They then begin the Premiership season by taking on Hibs at Dens Park before a trip to face Rangers at Ibrox. 3 Whitehill Welfare weren't happy with Steven Pressley's comments Credit: X/@WHITEHILWELFARE Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Hill
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hill
Lawmakers re-introduce bill to repeal Hyde Amendment
The Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act would repeal the Hyde Amendment, which since 1976 has barred federal funding from being used to pay for abortions except in rare circumstances like rape, incest or when the woman's life is in danger. Aside from Medicaid, the ban also means federal employees and their dependents, military service members, Native Americans and Indigenous people, Peace Corps volunteers, immigrants, people in federal prisons, and low-income residents of Washington, D.C. are all prohibited from having insurance cover abortions. As of 2024, more than 5 million women aged 15 to 49 who are enrolled in Medicaid live in States where abortion is legal but not covered by the program except in Hyde-allowable circumstances. 'With Trump and Republicans advancing a cruel, coordinated assault on our bodily autonomy—gutting Medicaid, defunding Planned Parenthood, and decimating access to care—we must meet use every tool available to protect and expand reproductive healthcare,' Pressley said in a statement. 'By repealing the racist and discriminatory Hyde Amendment, which has denied necessary care for vulnerable communities for nearly half a century, our bill would help ensure everyone in America can get the reproductive healthcare they need, regardless of income, insurance, or zip code.' The bill would also prevent the federal government from prohibiting or restricting coverage of abortion care by private health insurance companies, including those participating in the ObamaCare insurance exchanges. The legislation was previously introduced in 2023, a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ruled there is no constitutional right to an abortion. Democrats leaned almost exclusively into abortion during the 2024 campaign. The latest reintroduction, on top of other congressional reproductive health bills, shows Democrats aren't going to let the issue go, though the message has been diversified.
STV News
4 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Pressley says Dundee fans right to 'vent' but wants trust and perspective
Dundee boss Steven Pressley admits fans are right to be unhappy about the dismal results from the start of his time in charge – but wants them to have patience and perspective. The manager, who was a surprise choice to replace Tony Docherty, has begun his reign with back-to-back 1-0 defeats, against Championship side Airdrie and League One's Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup. The Dark Blues now face Bonnyrigg Rose on Tuesday and Montrose on Saturday, knowing they have no chance of progress in the competition but aiming to lift the mood around the club. 'Like any manager after a result like that, I'm disappointed,' Pressley said when asked about Saturday's defeat to Alloa. 'Although we're certainly in the rebuild stage, I still think with the group of players that we had out that we have to do better. 'I take full responsibility for that. 'But I am also one that tries to bring context and perspective to everything. I understand where we are and we've got so much work to do.' Pressley is keen to add new players to his squad sooner rather than later, and aims to improve those he has, but he admits that the rebuild is no small task. 'If I'm being honest, it's probably a bigger challenge than I envisaged,' he said. 'I understand that now and we'll work tirelessly hard to try and put things right. 'But it's not going to happen overnight.' He is eyeing a big improvement between now and the first Premiership match on August 3. 'Our real objective now is to get that momentum and really focus on how we can be prepared for the Hibernian game,' he said. 'We have to start the season in the right fashion and try to gain that momentum. 'It takes time and the players have been receptive and have been working very, very hard. 'But again, perspective: where we are in the process, it's going to take time. 'That's evident but I think we have to be in a place where we can be highly competitive in the Hibernian game. 'That's important, that we can go into that game believing we can get a result.' Patience is rare in football and there have been plenty of Dundee supporters who were unhappy with Pressley's appointment to begin with, as others also voice their displeasure about the rocky start. Asked for a message to reassure fans, the manager said they were within their rights to be unhappy but that trust in the process would help. 'We are trying at present to find the solutions,' he said. 'And to show, I know it's difficult at time, to show an element of trust in us that we will get there because it is very early. 'But I'm also a realist. I understand that any adverse results bring negativity. 'That's how football is and I'm never going to change that. 'The message to supporters isn't that they shouldn't vent that. That's normal. 'It's just to understand and have some perspective as to where we are, moving forward.' 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
STV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Pressley wants 'resilience and character' from squad after difficult start
Steven Pressley expects to see resilience and character emerge from his playing squad after suffering a difficult start to his Dundee reign. Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Alloa followed the same scoreline at home to Airdrie and left Dundee with no chance of Premier Sports Cup progress. The latest setback came after Luke Graham could only clear Steven Buchanan's 68th-minute shot into his own net. Games against Bonnyrigg Rose and Montrose in the coming week are now effectively pre-season fixtures for Dundee with Pressley already under pressure from fans to get things right ahead of the William Hill Premiership opener against Hibernian on August 3. Asked how they respond, Pressley told Dee TV: 'By accepting, by understanding that's not good enough, and as a group, me, the players, have to show resilience and respond to that. 'It's far from the ideal start, it's not what we wanted, but you have to show character in these moments of time and that's certainly what I expect us to do. 'They are a very good group. I have said we need reinforcements but that's irrelevant because we have to do better than that. 'They are a good group, they want to do well, but it will take time. But we have to be better. 'I did see improvements. I saw improvements in our defensive principles, we were much better in those. But from a creative aspect we certainly have to be better. 'So, there is a lot of work ahead of us, but I know that.' Group C leaders Alloa are one of just two teams to reach nine points with Hearts the other. The Gorgie side all but secured top spot in Group E after making it 12 goals so far with a 4-0 win at Stirling but head coach Derek McInnes was left wanting more after their momentum stumbled at half-time. 'I'm not completely happy but happy with the approach of the team because, we have all seen it before, Premiership teams can get caught out,' he told Hearts TV. 'The way the players approached the game, that was never going to be the case. 'Good habits, winning another game helps things, clean sheets, but it still feels a wee bit short of what I'm looking for.' Elsewhere, Motherwell secured a 1-0 win at Stenhousemuir to set up a crunch match with Morton on Tuesday, and St Mirren thrashed Annan 8-2 to ensure they will have a group decider with Ayr next Sunday. Livingston kept up the pressure on Kilmarnock with a 2-0 win over Brora while Falkirk still have work to do after being held to a goalless draw by Cove. The two groups that do not contain Premiership clubs remain the most open with Partick Thistle and East Kilbride leading the way. 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
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is ‘worrying'
A second straight League Cup loss to lower-league opposition has left Pressley under immediate pressure DEAR OH DEE Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is 'worrying' BIBLICAL rain rattled the corrugated iron roofs of the Recs. And down on the touchline, storm clouds gathered over brooding Dark Blues boss Steven Pressley. Advertisement 2 Steven Pressley is under pressure just two games into his Dundee reign Credit: Michael Schofield 2 The new Dee boss has seen his side lose back-to-back League Cup games to lower-league opposition Credit: Michael Schofield He took the rap and admitted his sluggish Dundee side are OUT of the cup after being humbled for the second time in seven days. But his players need a good long look at themselves after part-time Alloa Athletic did to them what Airdrie had last time out. A Steven Buchanan strike just after the hour made it three wins on the spin for Andy Graham's men – and what Pressley would have given for half the desire the home side showed. As hundreds of fed-up travelling trooped home in dismay, he admitted: "With the players we had out, we didn't do well enough – that's the harsh reality and I take ownership of that. Advertisement "I hoped we'd play with more intensity. We need to pass the ball quicker. We were laboured, predictable. "It looks like we're out. We have to concentrate on the next couple of games, make sure we see improvements and make sure we're ready for the first league game. "My message to be the fans would be that I believe in what we're doing. It's a big task, it'll take time. I'm a realist and I know we need reinforcements, that was evident here. "We need some dynamism in the team, some real legs. We need more speed and power, but finding the right players is difficult and I don't want to sign anyone who doesn't upgrade us. Advertisement "It's worrying for me that we need to improve the fitness of some players – in the second half in particular, you could see we need to bring some of them up to speed. "In future, if I'm here, I'd probably come back a week earlier and play a couple of friendlies prior to the League Cup. Before we faced Airdrie last week, some players had only played two lots of 45 minutes. Moment Dundee fans invade pitch after securing safety against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park "But I say again, we still have to do better." Hulking frontman Emile Acquah, brought in from Barrow, had three huge chances from Drey Wright corners – but headed two wide and beat the turf as the other struck a post. Advertisement Apart from that, though, Finlay Robertson's bobbling 85th minute shot straight at home keeper Liam McFarlane was their only shot on target. And the truth is that the longer the game went, the more Alloa looked like pulling off a shock. One side of half-time, Kurtis Roberts almost caught keeper Trevor Carson out with a cheeky chip from 40 yards; the other, the midfielder played young striker Luke Rankin clean through only for the ball to bobble up off the plastic and his shot to fly wide. But then, a looping cross from the left flicked off a defenders' head, fell to Buchanan at the far post and stopper Luke Graham could only help it into the roof of the net. Advertisement It was officially given as an own goal, but on the last day before the pitch here is replaced, it was DEFINITELY Buchanan's. Delighted gaffer Graham said: "It's a great move and Steven does really well to turn it in – I couldn't believe it when the announcer gave it as an own goal, I was for running up and having a word, they can't take it away from him! "It was a great moment and to win three games in a week is testament to the fitness and togetherness of the players." Elsewhere, Falkirk maintained their unbeaten start to the new season, despite a goalless draw with League One side Cove Rangers. Advertisement Scott Bain came up with two huge shoot-out saves to keep his side within a point of Group A leaders, The Spartans. Curtis Main was at the double as Ayr United hammered Arbroath 4-0 in their home opener. Have YOU got a point for Kris Boyd? Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah chew over the big talking points each week SOMETHING you've just got to get off your chest from the weekend action? A burning Scottish football talking point you can't wait to bring up with Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah? SunSport's GoBallistic show wants to hear from you! So why not help set the Scottish football agenda for the week ahead! Have your say on the game's big topics by emailing us on: GoBallistic@ It's YOUR turn to Go Ballistic! Main's brace had Scott Brown's side looking comfortable, before debutant Jude Bonnar and George Oakley put the game to bed. John Robertson made it five goals in three matches as East Kilbride coasted to a 4-1 victory at Elgin. Advertisement Captain Jack Leitch had Kilby two to the good inside twenty minutes - before Jack MacIver halved the deficit from the spot. However, second half goals from Nathan Flanagan and Robertson put the game beyond reach. Elsewhere, Uche Ikpeazu was St Johnstone's hero in the Highlands, as his 90th minute winner against Inverness sealed an all important 1-0 victory, maintaining his side's 100% record. Dunfermline battered Dumbarton at The Rock, in a dominant 4-0 display. Advertisement Goals from Josh Cooper - who hit two - Chris Kane, and Andrew Tod sealed the deal for Neil Lennon's side. Ross County snatched all three points in the Borders after a close encounter with Queen of the South. A phenomenal strike from Jay Henderson was enough to pull County back within reach of the knockouts. Clyde pulled off an incredible injury time comeback as they defeated Peterhead 2-1 at Balmoor. Advertisement Kieran Shanks' late penalty had Peterhead looking home-and-hosed, but a 96th minute leveller from Craig Howie and subsequent own goal by Caleb Goldie saw the Bully Wee heading back to Glasgow with all three points. East Fife claimed victory in the Fife Derby, with a 1-0 victory over Kelty Hearts. Mick Kennedy & Si Ferry in dreamland as play-off win sparks wild pitch invasion as East Kilbride plot rise through SPFL Alan Trouten came up with the goods late on as the visitors claimed their first points of the group stage. Montrose battered Bonnyrigg 4-1 despite heading into the break a goal down. Advertisement Kallum Higginbotham sent the visitors into the break in front with an effort on the stroke of half time. But goals from Ewan Loudon, Terry Masson, Craig Wighton and an own goal by Corrie Fellows saw them remain rock bottom of the group in a second half collapse. The Spartans comfortably saw off Brechin in a 2-0 victory at Ainslie Park. Mark Stowe had the hosts up and running late in the first half, before Cillian Sheridan doubled the lead with an own goal. Advertisement Stranraer forced their second penalty-shootout of the group stage after a goalless draw with Edinburgh City. But this time, it was the opposing number one, Mark Weir who was the hero for City. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
