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Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Why Hibs title win against all odds meant so much to one-club woman - 'I never thought it would be possible'
Long-serving Siobhan Hunter savours special family memories Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A scarf is never just a scarf. Not to anyone raised in the finest traditions of Scottish football. Oh, it may look just like a few dozen others you'd see on any given game day. But each one is unique, courtesy of its association with favourite moments. And, in very special cases, beloved people. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As Siobhan Hunter celebrated one of the most stunning SWPL triumphs of the modern era at Ibrox on the final day of last season, her thoughts inevitably turned to late grandfather Matthew, a man who played such a formative role in her development as a future Hibs star. And she didn't have long to wait for family to provide her with a tangible reminder of his part in the story. Hibernian player Siobhan Hunter. | Ross MacDonald 'My grandad isn't with us any more but there are always special reminders,' said Hunter, the centre-half adding: 'Like on the final day, my uncle had my grandad's Hibs scarf, and he chucked it onto the pitch for me. 'Little things like that just made it so special. Because I know he'll probably be looking down, absolutely buzzing. He took me everywhere, took me training. And all the time he'd stand at the side and just watch the whole time rather than go home. 'So it was really, really nice to still go and obviously do him proud even if he's not here. Because it's a huge family effort when you're a young player, relying on parents and grandparents even just to drive you to training and games. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'm not sure my Nana was too happy about constantly being at the house and spending money on me! But no, I'm forever grateful for that. And she as part of it, as well. It's not easy as a parent or a grandparent to take you everywhere, you go all over the country and it's hard, it's a lot of money, sacrifice from them, time and whatever. So yeah, I'm forever grateful for them. 'My Nana Jeanette passed just last year, so both are gone now. But there's so many memories you have with the, you kind of live on their memories. You almost do more than you would if they were here. I just feel like they're always here kind of watching from above. It's really nice that I can still make them proud.' Hibs' Siobhan Hunter celebrates at full time after the victory over Rangers at Ibrox that clinched last season's SWPL title. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group Epitome of one-club woman That's a certainty, given the role played by Hunter – now 31 and with a new two-year contract just signed – in helping Hibs claim a title against all odds. As Grant Scott's won big game after big game, including beating Rangers on home soil at the very end of a brutally exhausting campaign, she was right at the heart of the action. And it meant as much to Hunter as anyone at Hibs. Born and raised in Leith, a supporter since she was old enough to join her grandad and dad – also Matthew – in the Famous Five stand, upper, she's the epitome of a one-club woman. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Having spent part of the morning being photographed high up on Calton Hill, overlooking a city that will always be part of her character, she was happy to spend time reflecting on what those early experiences at Easter Road – visible from one of the vantage points – meant to her. 'I loved sitting behind the goal, because you could see the whole pitch,' she said: 'I must have been about six, seven I'd say. And I've just being going ever since; it was just part of my life to be honest. 'I actually grew up in Leith and Craigentinny, Leith Walk. My mum liked to jump houses for some reason, so yeah, a few different houses - but the majority in the Leith area. 'It's quite a story, when you think. Literally born and raised in Leith, playing for Hibs. It was always going to be this club, wasn't it? I know it's easy to say. But no, I never ever looked elsewhere. This is my home, this is my club and there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I've been here since I was nine. Someone asked me the other day how long I've been here I was like: 'Oh, 21 years …'. It just feels like everything's right here and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. In the last two years I feel like I've kind of progressed again, I've got the love back that I have for football. 'The support that I've got right now the club is massive and the whole club's doing well right now. There's no reason why I'd want to leave that.' Hibs' Rachael Boyle and Siobhan Hunter lift the SWPL trophy after victory over Rangers at Ibrox on the final day of the season. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'Never thought it was possible' Being a champion helps, of course. Even for someone who had won plenty of Scottish Cup and League Cup honours in the senior game, not to mention a handful of youth titles, that final-day triumph hit different. 'Surreal to be honest,' she said, when describing her emotions since that magical day in Govan, the experienced campaigner rather surprisingly admitting: 'I never ever thought in my time really, I never thought it would be possible. So to do it, probably as well it made it a bit more special because it came later on in my career. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'You know when you're younger, probably the standard wasn't as great so it's a lot harder to do it now. So it just makes it extra special and yeah it was one of the best days of my life.' Pressed on why she had harboured doubts, Hunter said: 'I just felt like we were close but probably not close enough. All the teams around us were kind of pushing on. 'Celtic and Rangers obviously got backing from their clubs which is huge. And the Old Firm is a massive thing, so it did kind of feel like we were getting further away. 'I mean, we were finishing fifth. And fifth to first is completely different so yeah it just seemed a bit too far away. I mean you always have that dream of doing it - but actually doing it is different.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At a time when the SWPL, with the backing of main title sponsor Scottish Power, are working hard to support teams capable of challenging the established order, Hibs winning the title was a Very Big Deal. Officially Good For The Game, even. The dream, of course, is to have a fully professional top division, without part-time clubs battling just to keep up with the full-time pros. With the right commercial partnerships, and SWPL 1 cut from 12 teams to 10 for the new season, things are at least moving in the right direction, 'I think it's great that the league are trying to get as many clubs to be full-time as they can,' said Hunter. 'It would give players the option to move, give youngsters the chance to go full-time football in Scotland. If they do that, the game can only grow.' Title defence begins The hard work of defending their title starts when Hibs host Aberdeen at Meadowbank on Sunday. Although it's been a hard pre-season, including a training camp in the sweltering heat of Florida, those title celebrations seem like they happened just the other night. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Memories of the victory party back at Easter Road certainly feel fresh, Hunter saying: 'It was so nice that the full club were there to celebrate. The men were there, the coaching staff, the academy folk. Being a Hibs fan, I loved celebrating at Easter Road. 'My whole family were on the pitch. I think that's the first time they've been on the pitch. Silly things like that just made it more special, the photos, the videos. 'I look back at them all the time and still probably, to this day, don't believe it. So I need to kind of remind myself of what we did.'
The Herald Scotland
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Celtic, Aberdeen & Partick Thistle served SPFL partial stand closures
Celtic and Aberdeen have been hit with a "suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the area of the stadium where the display took place for one future match in SPFL competitions" should there be a further rule breach. Aberdeen pyro diplay during match against Celtic (Image: Craig Foy - SNS Group) Thistle have been warned of "a suspended sanction of the closure of a Stand and/or area(s) of the Wyre Stadium at Firhill for one future match" should any further pyro or pitch invasion incidents occur before June 30, 2026. The Aberdeen charge came after a display during the match against Celtic with large smoke clouds covering the pitch and broadcaster Sky Sports having to issue an apology to viewers. Celtic supporters staged a pyro display for their match against St Mirren in May. The Thistle proceedings were launched over a two-minute delay during their play-off match against Ayr at Somerset Park when pyrotechnic devices were thrown onto the pitch. A further delay occured after a pitch invasion. All three clubs were also "found to have failed to identify or take proportionate disciplinary measures against the supporters responsible", leading to the charges. Read more: An SPFL statement confirming the disciplinary action read: "The SPFL has confirmed that Aberdeen, Celtic and Partick Thistle have been found to be in breach of SPFL rules following the behaviour of the clubs' supporters at matches towards the end of season 2024/25. "Proceedings into large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnic displays at three separate matches in May last season - Aberdeen v Celtic, Celtic v St Mirren and Ayr United v Partick Thistle - have now concluded. "Partick Thistle's rule breach also focused on a large-scale pitch invasion from the club's fans, which led to a two-minute delay later in the same match at Somerset Park. "All three clubs have been found to have breached SPFL Rules in failing to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that their supporters did not engage in 'unacceptable conduct' at those matches. "The clubs were also found to have failed to identify or take proportionate disciplinary measures against the supporters responsible for the pyrotechnic displays, and in Partick Thistle's case, also against those who carried out the pitch invasion. "The pyrotechnics display by Aberdeen fans during the club's game against Celtic, live on Sky Sports, at Pittodrie on May 14 led to the broadcaster having to issue an apology for interruptions to the broadcast following the display, which caused significant smoke clouds to form within the stadium. Pyrotechnic devices were thrown onto the pitch during Partick Thistle vs Ayr United (Image: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group) "Celtic supporters carried out pyrotechnic displays in the north-east corner of Celtic Park, during and prior to the final league game of the season at home to St Mirren on May 17. "And lastly in a William Hill Premiership playoff quarter final second-leg at Somerset Park on May 9, a two-minute delay to the game occurred due to Partick Thistle fans using pyrotechnics and throwing them onto the pitch. A further two-minute delay occurred later in the match following the large-scale pitch incursion. "These incidents caused a health and safety risk to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches; as well as a significant inconvenience to thousands of supporters at the matches and fans watching these games at home. "Aberdeen: "Aberdeen were found to have breached SPFL Rules H36 and H37 in respect of the William Hill Premiership match involving Aberdeen v Celtic and the following sanction was imposed: A suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the area of the stadium where the display took place for one future match in SPFL competitions at Pittodrie Stadium, to be triggered in the event of another breach of SPFL Rules H36 and/or H37 through pyrotechnic use by supporters of the Club in that area of the stadium in any SPFL competition on, or before, 30 June 2026. "Celtic: "Celtic were found to have breached SPFL Rules H36 and H37 in respect of the William Hill Premiership match involving Celtic v St Mirren and the following sanction was imposed: A suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the area of the stadium where the display took place for one future match in SPFL competitions at Celtic Park, to be triggered in the event of another breach of SPFL Rules H36 and/or H37 through pyrotechnic use by supporters of the Club in that area of the stadium in any SPFL competition on, or before, 30 June 2026. "Partick Thistle: "Partick Thistle were found to have breached SPFL Rule H37 in respect of two separate serious incidents during the William Hill Premiership playoff quarter final second leg involving Ayr United v Partick Thistle and the following sanction was imposed:
The National
07-08-2025
- Sport
- The National
Celtic, Aberdeen & Partick Thistle served SPFL partial stand closures
The three clubs have been issued suspended punishments over pyro displays during fixtures last season, with Thistle also sanctioned over a pitch invasion. Celtic and Aberdeen have been hit with a "suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the area of the stadium where the display took place for one future match in SPFL competitions" should there be a further rule breach. Aberdeen pyro diplay during match against Celtic (Image: Craig Foy - SNS Group) Thistle have been warned of "a suspended sanction of the closure of a Stand and/or area(s) of the Wyre Stadium at Firhill for one future match" should any further pyro or pitch invasion incidents occur before June 30, 2026. The Aberdeen charge came after a display during the match against Celtic with large smoke clouds covering the pitch and broadcaster Sky Sports having to issue an apology to viewers. Celtic supporters staged a pyro display for their match against St Mirren in May. The Thistle proceedings were launched over a two-minute delay during their play-off match against Ayr at Somerset Park when pyrotechnic devices were thrown onto the pitch. A further delay occured after a pitch invasion. All three clubs were also "found to have failed to identify or take proportionate disciplinary measures against the supporters responsible", leading to the charges. Read more: An SPFL statement confirming the disciplinary action read: "The SPFL has confirmed that Aberdeen, Celtic and Partick Thistle have been found to be in breach of SPFL rules following the behaviour of the clubs' supporters at matches towards the end of season 2024/25. "Proceedings into large-scale, organised and illegal pyrotechnic displays at three separate matches in May last season - Aberdeen v Celtic, Celtic v St Mirren and Ayr United v Partick Thistle - have now concluded. "Partick Thistle's rule breach also focused on a large-scale pitch invasion from the club's fans, which led to a two-minute delay later in the same match at Somerset Park. "All three clubs have been found to have breached SPFL Rules in failing to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that their supporters did not engage in 'unacceptable conduct' at those matches. "The clubs were also found to have failed to identify or take proportionate disciplinary measures against the supporters responsible for the pyrotechnic displays, and in Partick Thistle's case, also against those who carried out the pitch invasion. "The pyrotechnics display by Aberdeen fans during the club's game against Celtic, live on Sky Sports, at Pittodrie on May 14 led to the broadcaster having to issue an apology for interruptions to the broadcast following the display, which caused significant smoke clouds to form within the stadium. Pyrotechnic devices were thrown onto the pitch during Partick Thistle vs Ayr United (Image: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group) "Celtic supporters carried out pyrotechnic displays in the north-east corner of Celtic Park, during and prior to the final league game of the season at home to St Mirren on May 17. "And lastly in a William Hill Premiership playoff quarter final second-leg at Somerset Park on May 9, a two-minute delay to the game occurred due to Partick Thistle fans using pyrotechnics and throwing them onto the pitch. A further two-minute delay occurred later in the match following the large-scale pitch incursion. "These incidents caused a health and safety risk to fellow supporters, players and those working at matches; as well as a significant inconvenience to thousands of supporters at the matches and fans watching these games at home. "Aberdeen: "Aberdeen were found to have breached SPFL Rules H36 and H37 in respect of the William Hill Premiership match involving Aberdeen v Celtic and the following sanction was imposed: A suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the area of the stadium where the display took place for one future match in SPFL competitions at Pittodrie Stadium, to be triggered in the event of another breach of SPFL Rules H36 and/or H37 through pyrotechnic use by supporters of the Club in that area of the stadium in any SPFL competition on, or before, 30 June 2026. "Celtic: "Celtic were found to have breached SPFL Rules H36 and H37 in respect of the William Hill Premiership match involving Celtic v St Mirren and the following sanction was imposed: A suspended reduction of 200 tickets in the area of the stadium where the display took place for one future match in SPFL competitions at Celtic Park, to be triggered in the event of another breach of SPFL Rules H36 and/or H37 through pyrotechnic use by supporters of the Club in that area of the stadium in any SPFL competition on, or before, 30 June 2026. "Partick Thistle: "Partick Thistle were found to have breached SPFL Rule H37 in respect of two separate serious incidents during the William Hill Premiership playoff quarter final second leg involving Ayr United v Partick Thistle and the following sanction was imposed:
BreakingNews.ie
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Glastonbury: Matty Healy jokes he is the ‘best songwriter of his generation'
The 1975's Matty Healy has claimed to be his generation's 'best songwriter' during his band's Glastonbury Festival headline set on Friday night. The Cheshire-formed band, backed with a saxophone, opened with Happiness from 2022's Being Funny In A Foreign Language, with Healy wearing a black leather jacket, white t-shirt and blue jeans, with a pint of stout in his hand on the Pyramid Stage. Advertisement Healy described himself as his generation's 'greatest songwriter' during the set (Yui Mok/PA) After performing Part Of The Band, sat on a stool and smoked while sipping his drink, Healy said: 'What this moment is making me realise is that I probably am the best songwriter of my generation. 'The best what they say, a poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. 'Generational words, and I just wanted to remind you, over the next couple of minutes, these lyrics are poetry, I believe.' The band then launched into Chocolate from their 2013 self-titled debut, before Healy remarked, 'I was only joking about being a poet' at its conclusion. Advertisement Made up of four school friends, the group, comprised of singer Healy, bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel, were headlining the festival for the first time. Midway through the set, Healy told festival goers: 'Use your platform, that's what they say, right?' The 1975 headlined the festival for the first time (Yui Mok/PA) He continued: 'People who are watching this may, I don't know, they might be disappointed at the lack of politics in this show and our forthcoming shows, and probably a few shows, because I always know it's a conscious decision, and we honestly don't want our legacy to be one of politics. 'We want it to be that of love and friendship, because we and I'm not trying to be too earnest, but you can go out into the world, and there's loads of politics everywhere. Advertisement 'And I think we don't need more politics, we need more love and friendship. 'And I know that's really basic, but if you are a young kid and you are inspired by like about this band or something like that, don't aspire to like play a stage or be a certain size, aspire for like this level of friendship and love in what you do and you'll never fail and I love you, thank you so much.' The 1975 frontman Matty Healey joked to the crowd that he was 'a poet' (Yui Mok/PA) Love Me, the lead single from 2016's I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, prompts the first sing-a-long from the crowd, with Healy pushing guitarist Hann to the front, announcing: 'Ladies and gentleman, in 2025 with zero irony, a guitar solo.' Their stage set-up included a car, which Healy got into to sing Somebody Else while smoking a cigarette, before getting out during the song and walking on a travelator. Advertisement While performing She's American, Healy dipped into The Backstreet Boys I Want It That Way, before returning to his own 2016 song. Before Paris, the singer declared 'this is my favourite 1975 song', and prior to playing Robbers from the band's debut album, he said: 'For the first time in my life I don't know what to say.' The band ended their set with About You from Being Funny In A Foreign Language. Before the song, Healy said: 'Ladies and gentlemen it's very cool to be mysterious but I think it's cooler to be honest and we're not going anywhere, we're not going anywhere, everything's going to be fine.' Advertisement Earlier in the day, festivalgoers were treated to surprise performances from alternative pop star Lorde, who played her new album Virgin in full, and Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, who played two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms.
South Wales Guardian
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Glastonbury: Matty Healy jokes he is the ‘best songwriter of his generation'
The Cheshire-formed band, backed with a saxophone, opened with Happiness from 2022's Being Funny In A Foreign Language, with Healy wearing a black leather jacket, white t-shirt and blue jeans, with a pint of stout in his hand on the Pyramid Stage. After performing Part Of The Band, sat on a stool and smoked while sipping his drink, Healy said: 'What this moment is making me realise is that I probably am the best songwriter of my generation. 'The best what they say, a poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am. 'Generational words, and I just wanted to remind you, over the next couple of minutes, these lyrics are poetry, I believe.' The band then launched into Chocolate from their 2013 self-titled debut, before Healy remarked, 'I was only joking about being a poet' at its conclusion. Made up of four school friends, the group, comprised of singer Healy, bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel, were headlining the festival for the first time. Midway through the set, Healy told festival goers: 'Use your platform, that's what they say, right?' He continued: 'People who are watching this may, I don't know, they might be disappointed at the lack of politics in this show and our forthcoming shows, and probably a few shows, because I always know it's a conscious decision, and we honestly don't want our legacy to be one of politics. 'We want it to be that of love and friendship, because we and I'm not trying to be too earnest, but you can go out into the world, and there's loads of politics everywhere. 'And I think we don't need more politics, we need more love and friendship. 'And I know that's really basic, but if you are a young kid and you are inspired by like about this band or something like that, don't aspire to like play a stage or be a certain size, aspire for like this level of friendship and love in what you do and you'll never fail and I love you, thank you so much.' Love Me, the lead single from 2016's I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, prompts the first sing-a-long from the crowd, with Healy pushing guitarist Hann to the front, announcing: 'Ladies and gentleman, in 2025 with zero irony, a guitar solo.' Their stage set-up included a car, which Healy got into to sing Somebody Else while smoking a cigarette, before getting out during the song and walking on a travelator. While performing She's American, Healy dipped into The Backstreet Boys I Want It That Way, before returning to his own 2016 song. Before Paris, the singer declared 'this is my favourite 1975 song', and prior to playing Robbers from the band's debut album, he said: 'For the first time in my life I don't know what to say.' The band ended their set with About You from Being Funny In A Foreign Language. Before the song, Healy said: 'Ladies and gentlemen it's very cool to be mysterious but I think it's cooler to be honest and we're not going anywhere, we're not going anywhere, everything's going to be fine.' Earlier in the day, festivalgoers were treated to surprise performances from alternative pop star Lorde, who played her new album Virgin in full, and Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, who played two years after a performance at the festival during which he struggled to manage his Tourette syndrome symptoms.
