Latest news with #ex-Aberdeen
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic striker search has two transfer solutions and Brendan Rodgers knows all about them
It's no secret Celtic are in the market for another striker. Brendan Rodgers admitted as much back in January when the Parkhead side came up short in their bid to land reinforcements. In the end Daizen Maeda solved the problem by shifting over from the wing to blast 34 goals for the term – with Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn also weighing in with 20 plus strikes for the campaign. There was also a taste of the big time for Irish youngster Johnny Kenny in the run-in, and the kid was also involved in the Scottish Cup Final defeat to Aberdeen. But it's obviously an area Rodgers will be targeting this summer and Parkhead talent spotters are already down to work scouring players from all over the planet. There might just be a couple of options right under their noses though – and a pair of hitmen that would need no introduction. And both of them were Scottish football scoring sensations – but have become expensive foreign flops. Celts hero Kyogo Furuhashi and ex-Aberdeen ace Bojan Mioviski. The two were top poachers in the Premiership and earned big-money moves. Yet neither one of them has hit the same heights away from Celtic and Aberdeen. The Hoops haven't been shy about bringing back former stars with Jota returning in January and Kieran Tierney back in a few weeks. They were also linked with Miovski when he was banging in the goals for the Dons before he made his record £6.8m move to Girona in Spain. Both could be back on the market in the next few weeks though – and Celtic should be in the hunt. The question is, which one is now the bet bet? Record Sport looks at the pros and cons of both before delivering our verdict. Kyogo Snap Him Up Celtic fans won't need much persuading over this one. Most of them were not too chuffed he was sold in the first place. The Japanese ace won a place in the hearts of the punters with his swashbuckling style and his infectious smile – and his goals. It wasn't just the 85 in three-and-a-half seasons either. It was the magnitude of the goals. Kyogo was a big game player for Celts, blasting crucial efforts in cup finals and in crunch derbies, where he became a Rangers bogey man. There were games where he would be quiet and would then pop up with a winner out of nowhere, the ghost at the near post, haunting defences all over the place. Celtic romped to the league with a lot of the damage already done but there was no doubt he was a big miss in the Cup Final and a lot of punters would have him back in a heart beat. Say No Thanks It was Kyogo who wanted to leave Celtic. Sure, there were times he could frustrate his manager, who wanted him more involved in the play on occasions, but there's no doubt the Hoops would have been happy for him to remain. The £10m fee was good business, especially given he turned 30 in January and then there's the fact there's been long-term injury fears. It's no secret Kyogo has struggled with a shoulder issue and he admitted himself there would be a time when surgery would be the best way to sort it. The clock is ticking on that one and it could be a cause for concern. It's also tough to recapture the old magic one it's gone, plus some of the players who were so pivotal in teeing him up, are no longer around. There could also be competition, with the likes of EPL Bournemouth believed to be interested. Miovski Snap him up? The Macedonian was an inspired signing by Aberdeen in the summer of 2022. Then boss Jim Goodwin picked him up for £500,000 and the hitman provided plenty of bang for his bucks. Miovski notched on his debut against Raith Rovers and never looked back. In his two seasons there were some desperate times for the Dons but he was the one who was doing his best to drag the side along. He bagged 18 in his first campaign as the recovered from Goodwin going to finish third and then he kicked on the next term with 26 – to spark a frantic bidding war. The frontman's movement and finishing made him a perfect fit for the Premiership, with a variety of different kinds of goals on his CV. Celtic were keeping a look but the fee rocketed and Girona stepped in with a bumper bid to break the Dons transfer record. Miovski is stilly 25, an international regular, a proven poacher on these shores and could be picked up for under £5m. Say No Thanks It's been a pretty wretched season for the striker in Spain. He's managed just four goals in 25 appearances for Girona this term – and two of them came against fifth tier part-timers CD Extremadura in the cup. He's struggled to secure a regular role up top and appeared for just 20 minutes in the last 10 games in the battle to avoid the drop. There are question marks over his pace, which is something Rodgers loves to have in his team, especially in Europe. Miovski is on decent dosh and under contract until 2028, which might be an issue, and there is also interest in Italy. Verdict Miovski is the man. It might sound controversial given Kyogo's hero status at Celtic but there is a sense that ship has sailed and perhaps his best years are behind him. Celtic need a fresh approach and Miovski would be a winner. It wouldn't cost a fortune and he'd get plenty of service. He might not be rapid but his quick thinking buys him the space he needs in the penalty area. He's not perfect, but Miovski ticks a lot of the boxes for the Hoops and they should snap him up sharpish.
Press and Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Press and Journal
Scottish Premiership title odds: The startling difference between Aberdeen and Hearts
One bookmaker has raised eyebrows after revealing their odds on who will win next season's Scottish Premiership title. Unsurprisingly, Ladbrokes have installed Brendan Rodgers' Celtic as the 4/11 favourites after they finished 17 points clear this season. Rangers are expected to be their closest challengers once again and priced at 9/4 to claim the title. The odds then take an interesting turn with Hearts priced at 16/1 while Aberdeen and Hibernian are both available at a far more generous 150/1. This might be a surprise to Dons fans who saw their team win the Scottish Cup by defeating Celtic last weekend. Hearts, who failed to make the top six, will head into the new campaign with Derek McInnes at the helm after the ex-Aberdeen manager was confirmed as Neil Critchley's successor at the end of the campaign. Earlier this week, the Hearts shareholders approved a £10m investment offer from Brighton owner Tony Bloom. The Gorgie club has a formal relationship with Bloom's company Jamestown Analytics for recruitment. Elsewhere, Ladbrokes have priced Dundee United at 200/1, Dundee, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and St Mirren at 750/1 while newly promoted Falkirk and Livingston are 1000/1.
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Brother of ex-Scots footballer leaves man badly hurt with punch
Martin Hetherston - a trained boxer - set upon Charles Houston in the Joker Bar in Bellshill, Lanarkshire on July 2 2022. The victim was knocked unconscious by the 57 year-old with him left suffering a potentially fatal brain injury and a fractured jaw. First-offender Hetherston - described by his lawyer as effectively a pillar of his local community for his 40 years involved in boxing and coaching of the sport - was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow. READ NEXT: Man told Springburn neighbour he was a gangster and had weapons to kill people READ NEXT: 'Disappointed': Change to nursery funding could cost parents 'thousands' He had last month been joined in the dock by 60 year-old brother Peter Hetherston - the ex-Aberdeen and Raith Rovers midfielder - as well as 31 year-old Lauren McGowan. They had all faced a charge of attempting to murder Mr Houston. But, the ex-footballer and Miss McGowan walked free after Hetherston pleaded guilty to assaulting the man to his severe injury, permanent impairment and disfigurement as well as to the danger of his life. Lord Colbeck locked him for three years and seven months. The court heard how Mr Houston and friend Ian Mitchell went to the bar to sell cigarettes and a dash cam. The men spoke to a member of staff who said that they knew someone who would be interested in purchasing them. Mr Houston and Mr Mitchell were directed to the beer garden and were soon joined by Hetherston and another man. Prosecutor Liam Ewing KC said: "Hetherston immediately punched Mr Houston once on the head causing him to fall to the ground. "He then punched Mr Mitchell on the head before he was pulled away by the other man. "This other individual then punched Mr Mitchell on the head." The associate stated to Mr Mitchell as the pair fled the scene: "If you open your mouth, you will get worse." The hearing was told Mr Houston was initially unconscious for seven minutes. He came to and managed to walk away from the pub, but was found stricken again by paramedics outside a nearby property. Mr Houston was taken to hospital where he was found to have suffered a cut to his head, a fractured jaw as well as a blood clot between the skull and surface of the brain. This then involved surgery as well as plates and screws fitted to repair the damage to his jaw. Mr Ewing added: "The blood clot and swelling to his brain were life threatening and if he did not have the operation he would have died." It was stated that Mr Houston suffers from epileptic fits since the incident and struggles with fatigue. Hetherston, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, also admitted in court to assaulting Mr Mitchell. His lawyer said Hetherston had been involved in boxing since he was 18 with it being a "philosophy" for his "lifestyle, fitness, health and discipline". Graham Roberston, defending, added: "I stress discipline which is tragic in the circumstances." The court heard a total of 21 testimonials had been given to Lord Colbeck to read. Mr Robertson: "In the cross sections of references, there is a tremendous groundswell for Mr Hetherston from clergy members, business personnel, people who have known him for decades. "He presents as a man who is a very positive role model for many people." Sentencing, the judge stated Mr Houston and his friend appeared to have been "lured" to the beer garden in what seemed a "pre-planned confrontation". Lord Colbeck: "It is clear, however impulsive your behaviour may have been, you failed in the most terrible way to live up to the standards, I am told, you attempted to instil in others. "This is not a case of an ordinary man spontaneously throwing a punch. "It is one of a man with years of training punching an unsuspecting victim."
STV News
22-05-2025
- STV News
Ex-footballer cleared of murder bid after boxer brother admits punch attack
The brother of a former Scottish footballer who left a man badly injured with a single punch has been jailed for almost four years. Martin Hetherston – a trained boxer – set upon the victim in the Joker Bar in Bellshill on July 2, 2022. The victim was knocked unconscious by the 57-year-old, who left him suffering a potentially fatal brain injury and a fractured jaw. First-offender Hetherston – described by his lawyer as effectively a pillar of his local community for his 40 years involved in boxing and coaching of the sport – was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow. Last month, he had been joined in the dock by 60-year-old brother Peter Hetherston – the ex-Aberdeen and Raith Rovers midfielder – as well as 31-year-old Lauren McGowan. They had all faced a charge of attempting to murder the victim. But, the ex-footballer and McGowan walked free after Hetherston pleaded guilty to assaulting the man to his severe injury, permanent impairment, and disfigurement as well as to the danger of his life. Lord Colbeck jailed him for three years and seven months. The court heard how the victim and his friend went to the bar to sell cigarettes and a dash cam. The men spoke to a member of staff who said that they knew someone who would be interested in purchasing them. They were directed to the beer garden and were soon joined by Hetherston and another man. Prosecutor Liam Ewing KC said: 'Hetherston immediately punched [the victim] once on the head, causing him to fall to the ground. 'He then punched [the friend] on the head before he was pulled away by the other man. 'This other individual then punched [the second victim] on the head.' The associate stated to the victim as the pair fled the scene: 'If you open your mouth, you will get worse.' The hearing was told the victim was initially unconscious for seven minutes. He came to and managed to walk away from the pub, but was found stricken again by paramedics outside a nearby property. He was taken to hospital where he was found to have suffered a cut to his head, a fractured jaw, as well as a blood clot between the skull and surface of the brain. This then involved surgery as well as plates and screws fitted to repair the damage to his jaw. Mr Ewing added: 'The blood clot and swelling to his brain were life-threatening, and if he did not have the operation, he would have died.' It was stated that he now has epileptic fits since the incident and struggles with fatigue. Hetherston, of Coatbridge, also admitted to assaulting the man. His lawyer said Hetherston had been involved in boxing since he was 18, with it being a 'philosophy' for his 'lifestyle, fitness, health and discipline'. Graham Roberston, defending, added: 'I stress discipline, which is tragic in the circumstances.' The court heard that a total of 21 testimonials had been given to Lord Colbeck to read. Mr Robertson: 'In the cross sections of references, there is a tremendous groundswell for Hetherston from clergy members, business personnel, people who have known him for decades. 'He presents as a man who is a very positive role model for many people.' Sentencing, the judge stated that the victim and his friend appeared to have been 'lured' to the beer garden in what seemed a 'pre-planned confrontation'. Lord Colbeck: 'It is clear, however impulsive your behaviour may have been, you failed in the most terrible way to live up to the standards, I am told, you attempted to instill in others. 'This is not a case of an ordinary man spontaneously throwing a punch. 'It is one of a man with years of training punching an unsuspecting victim.' 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
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Celtic star Payton is diagnosed with dementia aged 57
Former Celtic star Andy Payton, 57, is battling dementia. The striker has been diagnosed with early-onset form of the killer condition that has struck several footballers including Hoops legend Billy McNeill. Mr Payton who played for the Parkhead club in the 90s is convinced playing football has caused his serious health problem. He said: 'I was just experiencing the usual symptoms - forgetfulness, loss of memory and headaches, but I was n't expecting to have early onset dementia, 'It's properly frightening, you just don't know what's coming down the line. 'My partner more or less manages my day-to-day life, so I know exactly what I'm doing. where I need to be so I don't forget anything. 'The neurologist who did my scan said there are 68 tracts in the brain and 27 of mine are damaged. 'That's half the brain that's damaged. 'The neurologist said it's from football, there's no other thing it can be.' He said that during his playing career he spent hours on end practicing heading footballs. Now he has problems remembering what he's eaten just an hour before. Mr Payton added: 'It was just header, header, bang, bang, bang. 'We'd do it every day, sometimes for an hour and a half. 'I must have headed the ball about 10,000 times, hence the fact I've ended with early onset dementia at 57.' Several players from Celtic's 'Lisbon Lions' team, who won the European Cup in 1967, have been diagnosed with dementia, including Bertie Auld and Billy McNeill. The former died at 83 after being diagnosed with dementia five months before his passing, while the latter died in 2019 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2010. Lisbon winning goal scorer Stevie Chalmers also died from the condition. In Scotland charities and loved ones have demanded more help for footie legends with dementia amid concerns they are missing out on aid available to ex-stars in England. Hundreds of families of former players battling the condition down south have benefited from a £1.5million fund set up with English Premier League cash but there is no comparable scheme here. The pleas for support came after Scotland's joint-top goal scorer Denis Law and ex-Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood became the latest heroes to lose their fights with the memory-robbing disease. Battle Against Dementia charity chief Douglas McCluskey urged game bosses to find more cash - amid links between heading a football repeatedly and brain damage. He has campaigned alongside the family of former Celtic captain and manager Billy McNeill. Their Billy Against Dementia fund have raised tens of thousands of pounds via raffles, T-shirt sales, charity golf tournaments and gala dinners.
