Latest news with #StartingXI
Press and Journal
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
STARTING XI Scottish Cup final special: Aberdeen 1990 hero Hans Gillhaus on top career goal and his Marco van Basten awe
To mark Saturday's Scottish Cup final between Aberdeen and Celtic, this week's Starting XI guest is a legend of the Dons' last Scottish Cup final success over the Hoops: Dutch icon Hans Gillhaus. Striker Gillhaus signed for the Reds in late 1989 in time to help the club complete a domestic cup double by beating their rivals on penalties at the national stadium. The forward, who netted in multiple rounds of Aberdeen's 1990 Scottish Cup run – including in the quarter and semi-finals – was also one the penalty shoot-out scoring heroes in the showpiece. Gillhaus – who returned to the Granite City on Thursday to make his first live stage appearance since the famous trophy win – took on our eleven quickfire questions about his time in football. 'That was 1983 – and I scored after about five minutes in that first one. 'That was for Den Bosch, my starting professional club, against Roda JC. 'I was 19. 'The first year I wasn't in too much. It more started from my second year where I was a regular starter. 'We ended up around sixth or seventh (in the Eredivisie), which was normal. That's the level of club of team we were.' 'My career highlight is winning the Champions League (with PSV Eindhoven in 1988). 'I played in the World Cup (in 1990), but obviously we were not successful. 'But winning the European Cup is a bit… It's a step further, I would say. 'I scored in the first three, (or) four games – every game. 'During the whole season I enjoyed having an impact on the team. 'I think that was what stands out for me. '(But) I think I played my best football individually later in my career – yeah, maybe the Aberdeen-Vitesse period, so the turn of the 90s, so to speak. 'I think, (because of) experience, you know more. 'I came in from a small club, I went into PSV, and we won the treble. 'You know, that was a huge, huge difference in quality, which was difficult for me, of course, because I came from a small club. 'But then later on, after that experience, and playing in the World Cup, (and) you had this much experience – After that, I think you are a more complete player… scoring, taking the penalties, being efficient.' 'I would say Marco van Basten. 'I always said I thought I was a big deal, because I was with the national team. 'But whenever we got to the national team, he would be there, and then we started training. 'And then after the training session, I would say: 'No, I'm not that good!' 'Yeah, I think that was a big eye-opener, to play with that type of level (of player).' 'Maybe Jaap Stam. 'He was later, but I'll leave it to him. '(He was) big and fast. Yeah – that's a bad pairing for a striker to play against.' 'All my Scottish teammates. You're not known for fashion!' 'I'll be happy if they say: 'Nice guy'. 'As a player… that might be a question for them, no?' 'Leave the things that you don't need, and try to do everything to be only a professional football player – as that was my dream. 'Whatever you could do to reach that, you had to do it. 'That was probably one of my junior coaches.' 'I always loved Celtic – loved playing there. Way more than Ibrox. 'We always won. 'I always liked Celtic, you know, the green and the white, and Charlie (Nicholas) going there after his year (at Aberdeen) and playing against him. 'It was a good atmosphere.' 'If I keep it with Aberdeen, it will be probably my overhead kick at Dunfermline. 'It made the start (for the Dons) easier, because scoring your first goal is always the main importance. 'It wasn't disbelief (it happened), just, yeah, you're just happy to score and you're just glad you scored, and especially that early – so, yeah, that's more the feeling.' 'Always Alec (McLeish). He'll be there – he'll be there before I call him. That's the type of guy he is.' 'I usually go play squash. 'That, and travelling. 'Travelling is what I still enjoy and that for me is what I do outside of football. 'In the 25 years after retiring, yeah, I've had every continent and multiple places, so I've been very fortunate in that. '(My favourite place is) Buenos Aires. All the football I watched there, the people there, the food, the city itself – it's a very nice place to be. 'The last time I was there was about three, four years ago, I think. 'Scouting means I get to back to places to see different squads, so you go back again in South America, obviously, mostly, and the whole of Europe. 'Aberdeen I've been probably once (in that time) – for a home game against Celtic. 'I did a BBC commentary, so that was probably my last time I was in Aberdeen. 'And that must have been three, four, five years ago, maybe.'
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
LIVE — Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao: Europa League semifinal second leg, MUN v ATH updates
Welcome to Sportstar's live coverage of the second leg of the Europa League semifinal between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao, being played in Manchester, United Kingdom. Manchester United Starting XI 📋❤️🔥 Introducing your Reds squad for tonight's huge game… "UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!" 🗣️💯#MUFC || #UEL — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 8, 2025 Athletic Bilbao Starting XI
Press and Journal
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
STARTING XI: Peterhead co-manager Ryan Strachan on his toughest opponent and favourite away ground
It has been quite the week for Peterhead after they were crowned League Two champions so we felt it only right we speak to co-manager Ryan Strachan who helped lead the club to the title for this week's Starting XI. The Blue Toon player co-manager took time out from the celebrations which no doubt will continue after their final game of the season at Clyde on Saturday, to look back on the big moments from his career in our Q&A feature. It was for Peterhead in July 2009 in a Challenge Cup tie. We were playing Cowdenbeath who won 2-1 at Balmoor and I remember starting the game but little else. That's maybe because it was very fast, physical and I struggled to catch a breath. I wondered what the hell was going on basically. It was a far cry from what I was used to in youth and reserve football. Well, I've got to put one as a manager haven't I? Winning League Two last weekend with Peterhead was amazing. I know it's fresh for in my mind, but it is different from being a player. It was an incredible feeling. I'm lucky to have some great memories from playing. I've got a few at Peterhead too but the one that really stands out is winning promotion from the Highland League with Cove Rangers in 2019. It's special for me because I feel like I was one of the first players to come out from the league to help them go up. It felt like I had a massive sway in pushing them getting into the leagues and attracting better players. This is difficult because people are so different. Some are quick, some are good defenders, some are technically good, and others score goals, but I think the most accomplished player I've played with is Fraser Fyvie. He pretty much has everything. He is strong, good on the ball, his awareness is excellent, he can score, can defend and is fit. But I feel as if I have to give an honourable mention here for Rory McAllister. I remember when I was a younger player at Peterhead that I never liked starting a game if Rory wasn't playing. If he wasn't on the pitch, it felt like it had an impact on the team. I remember some really tough days as a young player coming up against Dado Prso. Rory was really tough too when I was really young. Jon Daly was another really tough customer. But in the lower leagues I would have to say David Goodwillie. His movement is really good. He was a handful for any defender to play against. We had good success against his teams because he was never always in the best team, but as an individual, he was very good. It has to be the new kids on the block, the next generation lads like Kieran Shanks and Blessing Oluyemi. All the guys in their early 20s seem to go for the skater punk look. I would like to think I have good leadership qualities, and I'm professional. I've got an intense side but at the same time I can be immature too, so it's a mixed bag. I'm quite hard to get to know. I take a long time to work people out but once I do and they work me out they are in my circle and that's it. It's self-explanatory but spot on. The best players do the simple things well all the time and consistently. I try to apply it in my own game and in the football team. I've got two again. I've played at Ibrox so many times and had success there. The pitch, the atmosphere, the environment, it's been brilliant every time I've been there. But in terms of the lower league, probably East End Park, home of Dunfermline. It's a good grass pitch and a good atmosphere. I felt like I always had a good time going there. I don't really have one of my own. I've scored quite a few belters in my time but I'm not going to pick one of my own because I can't think of a significant one. Maybe my goals came in games which didn't mean much. That's why I'm picking Peter Pawlett's goal which won us the championship against East Fife on Saturday. Being on the other side of things as a manager, the overriding feeling of relief and the significance of the whole thing is hard to put into words. It was the first time we've ever won the league as a management team so I'll never forget that. I'm taking two again – my pals Rory and Jason Brown for sure. I can't split them because we're just too alike. We think the same, we laugh at the same stuff, we're really immature. It wouldn't be dull that's for sure. It's definitely a round of golf. Getting that time away from yourself and not think about things is what I enjoy doing. But I enjoy family walks and enjoy seeing my kids happy. That certainly helps relieve any stress in my mind.
