Glasgow Rangers are on the brink of administration it emerged today as club officials released a statement which can be found here
The SPL champions have been in financial troubles for a while now and today's announcement hasn't come as a surprise to many.
Poor money management has been the overriding reason for Rangers' money problems as David Murray ploughed millions into the club in the ninety's without return whilst Craig Whyte hasn't delivered during his short term as the Gers chairman.
Former chairman David Murray saw his millions turn to dust as big money moves for the likes of Tore Andre Flo failed to result in European success and large wages were problematic. From being able to spend £12million on one player over ten years ago, the Ibrox club could no longer compete with others in the transfer rat race as Rangers became an unattractive move for many.
The last big money move was for Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic in a deal worth £4million but after two seasons the club were forced to sell on without re-investment in the squad.
As Craig Whyte took control of the club it looked as if the Gers were going back to the good old days with healthy financial backing. Whyte promised everyone that he would invest £25million over a five year period but this never came to fruition as transfer windows passed without reasonable investment.
Lee Wallace's move from Hearts for £1.5million was the maximum amount that the Rangers chairman would spend. With rumours of the club's financial plight becoming widespread it appeared that Whyte was failing on his promises from when he took over.
Nikica Jelavic's departure on the final day of the January transfer window was the biggest indication of Ranger's money worries as no new players were drafted in. Although the deal was originally worth £7.5 million, previously owed money to Everton and Rapid Vienna meant that money was subtracted from the deal resulting in it only just covering the original deal which saw Jelavic join the Gers.
So on February 13 2012 Glasgow Rangers released a statement which compounded all their fears as they were on the brink of administration. Hopefully the club are saved from their situation in one way or another even if it comes at a cost on the football pitch.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Goodbye Nikica
Nikica Jelavic became one of Scottish football's top exports as he completed a move to Everton on transfer deadline day. The Croatian striker signed a four and a half year deal at The Toffees bagging Rangers £7.5million in the process which is a big help financially to the SPL champions.
The 26 year old made 45 appearances for The Gers scoring an impressive 30 times and was the league's top goalscorer for 2011/12 before he left. His national record is somewhat less impressive with only 2 goals from 17 appearances for Croatia and has resulted in him being down the pecking order under Slaven Bilic.
Jelavic only started finding the net whilst at Rapid Vienna scoring 25 times from 70 appearances. Rangers were soon chasing the forward after his excellent display in the Europa League against Celtic in a match that finished 3-0 to the Austrians. His spells at Hadjuk Split and Zulte Waragem were unsuccessful on the scoring front, only managing 11 goals during his time at both sides.
It always seemed inevitable that he would leave Rangers but the club resisted offers from Leicester and West Ham to keep him for a little while longer. Everton's offer proved to good to turn down however and Jelavic's absense at Rangers will be a big miss.
Everton will be hoping that the Croatian can keep up his excellent goalscoring record in the Premiership as David Moyes side lack a cutting edge. A good move for all parties involved, Jelavic will be hoping to live up to his price tag and show everyone why he is worth every penny.
Rangers only have a couple of hours to bring a replacement in. Without another striker the team will surely falter and the title fall Celtic's way. Targets Kris Boyd, Francisco Sandaza and Pawel Bozek have opted to turn down Rangers and a bid for Grant Holt has been rejected. A strike force of David Healy and Salim Kerkar is not an attractive one and everyone involved with the club will be hoping that Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith return as soon as possible.
Jelavic was a good servant during his time at Rangers but just like players before him, the club will go on...well unless the taxman gets them first.
The 26 year old made 45 appearances for The Gers scoring an impressive 30 times and was the league's top goalscorer for 2011/12 before he left. His national record is somewhat less impressive with only 2 goals from 17 appearances for Croatia and has resulted in him being down the pecking order under Slaven Bilic.
Jelavic only started finding the net whilst at Rapid Vienna scoring 25 times from 70 appearances. Rangers were soon chasing the forward after his excellent display in the Europa League against Celtic in a match that finished 3-0 to the Austrians. His spells at Hadjuk Split and Zulte Waragem were unsuccessful on the scoring front, only managing 11 goals during his time at both sides.
It always seemed inevitable that he would leave Rangers but the club resisted offers from Leicester and West Ham to keep him for a little while longer. Everton's offer proved to good to turn down however and Jelavic's absense at Rangers will be a big miss.
Everton will be hoping that the Croatian can keep up his excellent goalscoring record in the Premiership as David Moyes side lack a cutting edge. A good move for all parties involved, Jelavic will be hoping to live up to his price tag and show everyone why he is worth every penny.
Rangers only have a couple of hours to bring a replacement in. Without another striker the team will surely falter and the title fall Celtic's way. Targets Kris Boyd, Francisco Sandaza and Pawel Bozek have opted to turn down Rangers and a bid for Grant Holt has been rejected. A strike force of David Healy and Salim Kerkar is not an attractive one and everyone involved with the club will be hoping that Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith return as soon as possible.
Jelavic was a good servant during his time at Rangers but just like players before him, the club will go on...well unless the taxman gets them first.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Develop the Youth
With the Scottish games financial restrictions playing a major role in the decline of the SPL and SFL it should be more than obvious to us all that young players need their shot in the senior game.
The days of being able to afford the likes of Tore Andre Flo for £12million are well and truly gone which could be a good thing for the development of youngsters in the Scottish game who may not have been given a chance under the likes of Dick Advocat and Martin O'Neill.
Celtic's recent loan signing of Polish striker Pawel Bozek shows just how bad the finances and attraction of the Scottish game is with our biggest spending team bringing in a Trabsonspor reject.
This does suggest that the youth systems should be explored by not just Celtic and Rangers but all of the SPL and SFL to bring out the best in under 19's allowing them to reach their potential.
Although rare, Aiden McGeady and James Forrest flourished with an early introduction to the Celtic senior squad and eventually the first team. Both sides of The Old Firm have been guilty however of holding players off to long due to buying in players from abroad, rather than trusting their up and coming youngsters. John Fleck, Jamie Ness and Kyle Hutton are all players with potential and loan deals for Fleck and Hutton will hopefully give them the experience they need to push on.
In my eyes, the lower leagues in Scotland produce some of the best talents as they are more likely to get a taste of first team football at an earlier age. Hearts midfielder David Templeton learned his trade at Stenhousemuir, making his debut at the age of 16 and received the full benefits of the first team action.
Livingston are another side renowned for bringing through youngsters. Just look at Robert Snodgrass and Graham Dorrans who play at a high level in England whilst making appearances for Scotland. Andy Halliday has also made the move South due to his ability being developed massively at Livi with a new batch of youngsters coming through.
In terms of being given a chance, Steven Pressley has done an excellent job by introducing a few young players of whom are as young as 16. Craig Sibbald and Jay Fulton show what talents the Bairns have in their ranks and having them play week in,week out enhances their chances of doing well.
There has to be recognition given to some of the SPL teams though as they have in fairness, began to give their new stars a chance to shine. Aberdeen have recently sold on Jack Grimmer to Fulham whilst having the likes of Ryan Jack come through their youth system. St Mirren's Kenny McLean has been the recipient of attention from down south due to the outstanding performances exhibited by the 20 year old.
There are many talented youngsters in the Scottish game who just need a chance to showcase their skills to be able to flourish. Some teams have done better than others at bringing through their youth players but every club regardless of their stature have youngsters that are capable of stepping up to the first team.
For most teams the youth systems have to be the way forward to help themselves, the league and the national game as a whole. I'm in no doubt that the Scottish game will be enhanced with more and more talented youngsters making their way into the senior game.
The days of being able to afford the likes of Tore Andre Flo for £12million are well and truly gone which could be a good thing for the development of youngsters in the Scottish game who may not have been given a chance under the likes of Dick Advocat and Martin O'Neill.
Celtic's recent loan signing of Polish striker Pawel Bozek shows just how bad the finances and attraction of the Scottish game is with our biggest spending team bringing in a Trabsonspor reject.
This does suggest that the youth systems should be explored by not just Celtic and Rangers but all of the SPL and SFL to bring out the best in under 19's allowing them to reach their potential.
Although rare, Aiden McGeady and James Forrest flourished with an early introduction to the Celtic senior squad and eventually the first team. Both sides of The Old Firm have been guilty however of holding players off to long due to buying in players from abroad, rather than trusting their up and coming youngsters. John Fleck, Jamie Ness and Kyle Hutton are all players with potential and loan deals for Fleck and Hutton will hopefully give them the experience they need to push on.
In my eyes, the lower leagues in Scotland produce some of the best talents as they are more likely to get a taste of first team football at an earlier age. Hearts midfielder David Templeton learned his trade at Stenhousemuir, making his debut at the age of 16 and received the full benefits of the first team action.
Livingston are another side renowned for bringing through youngsters. Just look at Robert Snodgrass and Graham Dorrans who play at a high level in England whilst making appearances for Scotland. Andy Halliday has also made the move South due to his ability being developed massively at Livi with a new batch of youngsters coming through.
In terms of being given a chance, Steven Pressley has done an excellent job by introducing a few young players of whom are as young as 16. Craig Sibbald and Jay Fulton show what talents the Bairns have in their ranks and having them play week in,week out enhances their chances of doing well.
There has to be recognition given to some of the SPL teams though as they have in fairness, began to give their new stars a chance to shine. Aberdeen have recently sold on Jack Grimmer to Fulham whilst having the likes of Ryan Jack come through their youth system. St Mirren's Kenny McLean has been the recipient of attention from down south due to the outstanding performances exhibited by the 20 year old.
There are many talented youngsters in the Scottish game who just need a chance to showcase their skills to be able to flourish. Some teams have done better than others at bringing through their youth players but every club regardless of their stature have youngsters that are capable of stepping up to the first team.
For most teams the youth systems have to be the way forward to help themselves, the league and the national game as a whole. I'm in no doubt that the Scottish game will be enhanced with more and more talented youngsters making their way into the senior game.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
League Cup Review
Ayr 0-1 Kilmarnock (AET)
In the battle of the two Ayrshire clubs, it was Kilmarnock that came out on top to secure a place in the League Cup final. Goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert was extremely busy all afternoon for the First Division side and managed to get them through the ninety minutes. Extra time was a different story as Dean Shiels finally beat the seemingly unbeatable Cuthbert on 109 minutes to send his team through. Kenny Shiels showed relief at the goal as penalties loomed large which would have made it a lottery but his son's strike ensured that it was not needed.
Falkirk 1-3 Celtic
Neil Lennon's men had to dig out a result to reach the final of the League Cup as they overcame hard working Falkirk. The Hoops took the lead courtesy of a Scott Brown penalty as Thomas Rogne was hauled to the ground due to Bairns centre back Darren Dods grabbing his shirt. The Bairns stepped up a gear and created several chances before getting themselves level five minutes before the break. A well worked move led to the ball being on a plate for seventeen year old Jay Fulton who calmly slotted the ball past Fraser Forster. In the second half Falkirk continued to create chances without Fulton missing the pick of them from close range and were punished by the SPL league leaders. Anthony Stokes curled a freekick past keeper Michael McGovern to put his side back in front to the dismay of Falkirk manager Steven Pressley who disagreed with the decision to award a freekick in the first place. The First Division side gave it their all but were killed off with ten minutes remaining as Gary Hooper's low cross was met by Stokes for his second and Celtic's third of the afternoon.
I'm disappointed for both of the First Division final but Celtic v Kilmarnock should be a well contested final.
In the battle of the two Ayrshire clubs, it was Kilmarnock that came out on top to secure a place in the League Cup final. Goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert was extremely busy all afternoon for the First Division side and managed to get them through the ninety minutes. Extra time was a different story as Dean Shiels finally beat the seemingly unbeatable Cuthbert on 109 minutes to send his team through. Kenny Shiels showed relief at the goal as penalties loomed large which would have made it a lottery but his son's strike ensured that it was not needed.
Falkirk 1-3 Celtic
Neil Lennon's men had to dig out a result to reach the final of the League Cup as they overcame hard working Falkirk. The Hoops took the lead courtesy of a Scott Brown penalty as Thomas Rogne was hauled to the ground due to Bairns centre back Darren Dods grabbing his shirt. The Bairns stepped up a gear and created several chances before getting themselves level five minutes before the break. A well worked move led to the ball being on a plate for seventeen year old Jay Fulton who calmly slotted the ball past Fraser Forster. In the second half Falkirk continued to create chances without Fulton missing the pick of them from close range and were punished by the SPL league leaders. Anthony Stokes curled a freekick past keeper Michael McGovern to put his side back in front to the dismay of Falkirk manager Steven Pressley who disagreed with the decision to award a freekick in the first place. The First Division side gave it their all but were killed off with ten minutes remaining as Gary Hooper's low cross was met by Stokes for his second and Celtic's third of the afternoon.
I'm disappointed for both of the First Division final but Celtic v Kilmarnock should be a well contested final.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
SPL Review
Due to popular demand on increasing my article writing and decreasing the length of previews and reviews, i will be cutting down the detail of the latter.
Dundee United 1-1 Motherwell
Both sides finished the game with a point in a match that Arab's fans may be forgiven for thinking they deserved all three points. Stephen Craigan scored the eighth own goal of his career, giving him the new record to put United ahead on the half hour. Paul Dixon's low cross from the left bounced off of the Motherwell skipper into the net leaving keeper Darren Randolph with no chance. As the sides exchanged chances throughout the game it looked as if the home side would hold on, but it wasn't to be as stocky centre forward Michael Higdon prodded home from close range five minutes from time to grab the visitors a point.His celebration has resulted in him receiving a one match ban and will miss their next match.
Hibernian 2-3 St Johnstone
Hibernian were brought back down to Earth after last weeks victory at Dunfermline with a defeat at home to St Johnstone. Loan signing Lee Croft put The Saints ahead on the half hour with his shot going in off the post to put his side one goal up. That was the only goal until twenty minutes to go as Hibernian got back on level terms with Leigh Griffiths converting a penalty. However that only lasted a minute as The Saints went up the other end of the pitch and midfielder Liam Craig fired them ahead. More was to come as Calum Booth once again levelled for Hibs with five minutes remaining but it was a case of deja vu as within a minute Francisco Sandaza scored a superb goal to provide the three points for the away side. The Edinburgh based side are only a point ahead of The Pars whilst St Johnstone remain in fifth.
Inverness 1-0 Hearts
Caley Thistle continued their good form with a narrow victory over an inform Hearts team. With the scores level at half time it looked to most as if it would be an equal game but Shane Sutherland had other ideas as he scored five minutes into the second half sending The Jambos to defeat. Terry Butcher will be very proud of his side and now they are two points from sixth. Hearts have now fallen to fourth as Motherwell won midweek against Dunfermline at Fir Park.
Kilmarnock 0-3 Dunfermline
Nobody could have predicted what unfolded at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon. Bottom of the league Dunfermline who hadn't won for eighteen matches left Ayrshire with all three points in an unbelievable match. Jim McIntyre's side took the lead just before half time with striker Andy Barrowman finding the net from close range. The lead was doubled on the hour as tricky winger Joe Cardle cut inside and blasted a shot past Cammy Bell to give the away side a shock, two goal advantage. It got even better for the visitors as a mistake from Kilmarnock defender Mohamadou Sissoko allowed former Partick striker Liam Buchanan through on goal to finish the game off. This result has moved the Pars to within a point of Hibernian whilst Kilmarnock failed to take advantage of other results that went their way to remain seventh.
Rangers 1-1 Aberdeen
Rangers dropped points for the first time since their defeat away to Celtic in a match that they dominated but failed to take their chances. With Rangers missing chances galore,The Dons counter attacked and midfielder Kari Arnasson curled a shot into the bottom corner to put the boys in red into the lead. The home side finally took advantage of their possession as Maurice Edu had a shot deflected past Aberdeen keeper Jason Brown to put the current league champions on level terms. That's how the match finished and the Gers are now four points behind rivals Celtic. The Dons form has been excellent of late and they are looking better than the teams around them at present.
St Mirren 0-2 Celtic
The Hoops produced their twelfth win in successive games to overcome a determined Buddies side. Danny Lennon's Side were punished for not taking their chances in the second half as James Forrest fired in from the edge of the area to give the league leaders a goal advantage. Captain Scott Brown doubled the lead with two minutes to go as he bent a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, a replica of his goal at Ibrox last season. Neil Lennon's team are now four points ahead of Rangers whilst St Mirren haven't won since Christmas Eve and are struggling.
Dundee United 1-1 Motherwell
Both sides finished the game with a point in a match that Arab's fans may be forgiven for thinking they deserved all three points. Stephen Craigan scored the eighth own goal of his career, giving him the new record to put United ahead on the half hour. Paul Dixon's low cross from the left bounced off of the Motherwell skipper into the net leaving keeper Darren Randolph with no chance. As the sides exchanged chances throughout the game it looked as if the home side would hold on, but it wasn't to be as stocky centre forward Michael Higdon prodded home from close range five minutes from time to grab the visitors a point.His celebration has resulted in him receiving a one match ban and will miss their next match.
Hibernian 2-3 St Johnstone
Hibernian were brought back down to Earth after last weeks victory at Dunfermline with a defeat at home to St Johnstone. Loan signing Lee Croft put The Saints ahead on the half hour with his shot going in off the post to put his side one goal up. That was the only goal until twenty minutes to go as Hibernian got back on level terms with Leigh Griffiths converting a penalty. However that only lasted a minute as The Saints went up the other end of the pitch and midfielder Liam Craig fired them ahead. More was to come as Calum Booth once again levelled for Hibs with five minutes remaining but it was a case of deja vu as within a minute Francisco Sandaza scored a superb goal to provide the three points for the away side. The Edinburgh based side are only a point ahead of The Pars whilst St Johnstone remain in fifth.
Inverness 1-0 Hearts
Caley Thistle continued their good form with a narrow victory over an inform Hearts team. With the scores level at half time it looked to most as if it would be an equal game but Shane Sutherland had other ideas as he scored five minutes into the second half sending The Jambos to defeat. Terry Butcher will be very proud of his side and now they are two points from sixth. Hearts have now fallen to fourth as Motherwell won midweek against Dunfermline at Fir Park.
Kilmarnock 0-3 Dunfermline
Nobody could have predicted what unfolded at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon. Bottom of the league Dunfermline who hadn't won for eighteen matches left Ayrshire with all three points in an unbelievable match. Jim McIntyre's side took the lead just before half time with striker Andy Barrowman finding the net from close range. The lead was doubled on the hour as tricky winger Joe Cardle cut inside and blasted a shot past Cammy Bell to give the away side a shock, two goal advantage. It got even better for the visitors as a mistake from Kilmarnock defender Mohamadou Sissoko allowed former Partick striker Liam Buchanan through on goal to finish the game off. This result has moved the Pars to within a point of Hibernian whilst Kilmarnock failed to take advantage of other results that went their way to remain seventh.
Rangers 1-1 Aberdeen
Rangers dropped points for the first time since their defeat away to Celtic in a match that they dominated but failed to take their chances. With Rangers missing chances galore,The Dons counter attacked and midfielder Kari Arnasson curled a shot into the bottom corner to put the boys in red into the lead. The home side finally took advantage of their possession as Maurice Edu had a shot deflected past Aberdeen keeper Jason Brown to put the current league champions on level terms. That's how the match finished and the Gers are now four points behind rivals Celtic. The Dons form has been excellent of late and they are looking better than the teams around them at present.
St Mirren 0-2 Celtic
The Hoops produced their twelfth win in successive games to overcome a determined Buddies side. Danny Lennon's Side were punished for not taking their chances in the second half as James Forrest fired in from the edge of the area to give the league leaders a goal advantage. Captain Scott Brown doubled the lead with two minutes to go as he bent a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, a replica of his goal at Ibrox last season. Neil Lennon's team are now four points ahead of Rangers whilst St Mirren haven't won since Christmas Eve and are struggling.
Friday, 20 January 2012
SPL Preview
Once again its Saturday and with that comes the football. Lets have a look at this weeks SPL fixtures.
Dundee United v Motherwell
Both sides were on the wrong end of games that finished with a goal between the teams. United were narrowly beaten at Celtic but could have so easily grabbed a point had marksman John Daly found the net late on with a header. Stuart McCall's men fell at home to the ever improving Inverness CT with a Gregory Tade goal seperating the sides. The home side will be looking to get back to winning ways after back to back defeats with their last home game ending in misery against Aberdeen. The Arabs have failed to beat Motherwell in their last two attempts with The Well's visit to Tannadice last time ending 3-1 to the visitors. Motherwell have lost their form of late and have dropped down to fourth. With their away from abandoning them in the past month, The Steelmen have to try and buck the trend at United.Tough one to call but I'm going to edge this one in favour of United given that they are due a win and Motherwell are off form.
Prediction: 2-1
Hibernian v St Johnstone
The Hibees victory at bottom of the league Dunfermline last week has opened up a gap of four points between themselves and The Pars. Pat Fenlon's first league win in charge has come just in time as they try to stave off relegation. Leigh Griffiths has started firing for Hibs including two last week and partnered with Gary O'Connor or Eoion Doyle could see Hibs scoring some much needed goals. The Saints are coming off the back of a defeat at home to Rangers with Nikica Jelavic being the man to put them to the sword. However Steve Lomas' team are still within reach of third as only three points separates them from Hearts and two points from Motherwell. St Johnstone's away record is excellent with only one defeat on the road this season, against Hibs. That day ended in a 3-2 victory for the Leith based club and in my opinion it could be the very same this time. Hibs looked better last week even if they were playing Dunfermline and St Johnstone can't keep up their level of performance in my opinion.
Prediction: 3-2
Inverness CT v Hearts
This should be a great match considering both sides have been much improved of late. Caley Thistle are coming off the back of an excellent away victory at Motherwell with top scorer Tade bagging the goal. During the week, Inverness came from behind to knock out Dunfermline in the Scottish cup and should give Terry Butcher and his men great confidence approaching this one. The home side have only beaten Hearts three times throughout the history of the SPL and haven't secured a win against them in the last five. The Jambos have turned into the side that we all expected at the start of the season with their recent run allowing them to climb to third in the table. Even with ten men last week, Hearts managed to overcome St Mirren with Rudi Skacel bagging himself a hat-trick in a 5-2 win. Marius Zaliukas was dismissed during that game though and will miss this one out. With their recent form, Paulo Sergio will be hoping for another three points to come his teams way.
Prediction: 1-1
Kilmarnock v Dunfermline
Killie returned to the top six last week with their goalless draw against Aberdeen being enough to leapfrog Dundee United into sixth place. Kenny Shields will be expecting another good performance and a win at home to The Pars would be top of the order. Kilmarnock have dominated against Dunfermline in most encounters with four wins from five meetings, including eight goals scored at Rugby Park in the last two games. Where do i start with Dunfermline? Their losing run doesn't look like stopping anytime soon with their last win coming eighteen games ago and last weeks defeat to Hibs has put them in real bother. Andy Kirk and Liam Buchanan will be key to any success The Pars have but it seems unlikely that they will come away with anything.
Prediction: 3-1
St Mirren v Celtic
The Buddies haven't won since turning over Rangers last month and have dropped down to eighth in the process. Paul McGowan and Kenny McLean have been linked with moves away from the club in recent times as their performances have been excellent. McGowan picked up the recent player of the month acknowledging his ability. New signing Dougie Imrie is in contention to start tomorrow but looks likely to begin the game on the bench. St Mirren have failed to score a single goal against Celtic in their last five meetings which is grim reading for Buddies fans. Celtic on the other hand are looking very good, although they were lucky to hold on against Dundee United last week. Now standing at eleven wins in a row, The Hoops are on fire and don't look like slowing down anytime soon. Strikers Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes have been ploughing past defences of late and together have found the net twenty one times. Celtic look far to strong for The Buddies at the moment.
Prediction: 0-2
Rangers v Aberdeen
The Gers come into this one on the back of a win at St Johnstone last week thanks to a double from Nikica Jelavic. Since succumbing to defeat against rivals Celtic, Rangers have won all their matches to ensure the points deficit is only at two points. Allan McGregor will return between the sticks to replace Neil Alexander whilst John Fleck has left to join Blackpool on loan. Aberdeen haven't won at Ibrox in 16 years, which wasn't even a league fixture. The Dons have improved since the turn into 2012 and are now closing in on the top six. A draw with Kilmarnock last week was an okay result but the same result on Saturday would be a brilliant result for the men in red. The Gers will have too much quality for Aberdeen in my opinion.
Prediction: 1-0
Dundee United v Motherwell
Both sides were on the wrong end of games that finished with a goal between the teams. United were narrowly beaten at Celtic but could have so easily grabbed a point had marksman John Daly found the net late on with a header. Stuart McCall's men fell at home to the ever improving Inverness CT with a Gregory Tade goal seperating the sides. The home side will be looking to get back to winning ways after back to back defeats with their last home game ending in misery against Aberdeen. The Arabs have failed to beat Motherwell in their last two attempts with The Well's visit to Tannadice last time ending 3-1 to the visitors. Motherwell have lost their form of late and have dropped down to fourth. With their away from abandoning them in the past month, The Steelmen have to try and buck the trend at United.Tough one to call but I'm going to edge this one in favour of United given that they are due a win and Motherwell are off form.
Prediction: 2-1
Hibernian v St Johnstone
The Hibees victory at bottom of the league Dunfermline last week has opened up a gap of four points between themselves and The Pars. Pat Fenlon's first league win in charge has come just in time as they try to stave off relegation. Leigh Griffiths has started firing for Hibs including two last week and partnered with Gary O'Connor or Eoion Doyle could see Hibs scoring some much needed goals. The Saints are coming off the back of a defeat at home to Rangers with Nikica Jelavic being the man to put them to the sword. However Steve Lomas' team are still within reach of third as only three points separates them from Hearts and two points from Motherwell. St Johnstone's away record is excellent with only one defeat on the road this season, against Hibs. That day ended in a 3-2 victory for the Leith based club and in my opinion it could be the very same this time. Hibs looked better last week even if they were playing Dunfermline and St Johnstone can't keep up their level of performance in my opinion.
Prediction: 3-2
Inverness CT v Hearts
This should be a great match considering both sides have been much improved of late. Caley Thistle are coming off the back of an excellent away victory at Motherwell with top scorer Tade bagging the goal. During the week, Inverness came from behind to knock out Dunfermline in the Scottish cup and should give Terry Butcher and his men great confidence approaching this one. The home side have only beaten Hearts three times throughout the history of the SPL and haven't secured a win against them in the last five. The Jambos have turned into the side that we all expected at the start of the season with their recent run allowing them to climb to third in the table. Even with ten men last week, Hearts managed to overcome St Mirren with Rudi Skacel bagging himself a hat-trick in a 5-2 win. Marius Zaliukas was dismissed during that game though and will miss this one out. With their recent form, Paulo Sergio will be hoping for another three points to come his teams way.
Prediction: 1-1
Kilmarnock v Dunfermline
Killie returned to the top six last week with their goalless draw against Aberdeen being enough to leapfrog Dundee United into sixth place. Kenny Shields will be expecting another good performance and a win at home to The Pars would be top of the order. Kilmarnock have dominated against Dunfermline in most encounters with four wins from five meetings, including eight goals scored at Rugby Park in the last two games. Where do i start with Dunfermline? Their losing run doesn't look like stopping anytime soon with their last win coming eighteen games ago and last weeks defeat to Hibs has put them in real bother. Andy Kirk and Liam Buchanan will be key to any success The Pars have but it seems unlikely that they will come away with anything.
Prediction: 3-1
St Mirren v Celtic
The Buddies haven't won since turning over Rangers last month and have dropped down to eighth in the process. Paul McGowan and Kenny McLean have been linked with moves away from the club in recent times as their performances have been excellent. McGowan picked up the recent player of the month acknowledging his ability. New signing Dougie Imrie is in contention to start tomorrow but looks likely to begin the game on the bench. St Mirren have failed to score a single goal against Celtic in their last five meetings which is grim reading for Buddies fans. Celtic on the other hand are looking very good, although they were lucky to hold on against Dundee United last week. Now standing at eleven wins in a row, The Hoops are on fire and don't look like slowing down anytime soon. Strikers Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes have been ploughing past defences of late and together have found the net twenty one times. Celtic look far to strong for The Buddies at the moment.
Prediction: 0-2
Rangers v Aberdeen
The Gers come into this one on the back of a win at St Johnstone last week thanks to a double from Nikica Jelavic. Since succumbing to defeat against rivals Celtic, Rangers have won all their matches to ensure the points deficit is only at two points. Allan McGregor will return between the sticks to replace Neil Alexander whilst John Fleck has left to join Blackpool on loan. Aberdeen haven't won at Ibrox in 16 years, which wasn't even a league fixture. The Dons have improved since the turn into 2012 and are now closing in on the top six. A draw with Kilmarnock last week was an okay result but the same result on Saturday would be a brilliant result for the men in red. The Gers will have too much quality for Aberdeen in my opinion.
Prediction: 1-0
Thursday, 19 January 2012
GB Football Team, Scottish Perspectives
The Olympic games in London this year incorporate football. Team GB manager Stuart Pearce is in the process of shortlisting potential players to be part of the squad which therefore includes Scottish players. The SFA have made their stance clear in that they have no desire to be involved in the games. However James Forrest, Craig Mackail-Smith and Steven Fletcher have all shown interest in participating which goes against the SFA's wishes. Does this undermine them?
There is a vast majority of the Tartan Army who would be unwilling to accept some of the players back into the Scotland setup if they chose to play for Team GB. Wolves striker Steven Fletcher could be the prime candidate for national exile if he accepts the invitation to give his services to the Olympic side,given the fact that presently he chooses not to play for his country of birth. After all, this does suggest he is uncaring towards what the SFA and many Scottish supporters want. It has been reported that Fletcher has aspirations to play for the national side but this could be compromised with a place in the Great Britain squad. Although a football matter, First Minister Alex Salmond would be hoping for Scotland to avoid getting involved to back up the SNP's manifesto to do with independence from the rest of Great Britain.
On the other hand, should there be a problem at all with playing for the combined nations of Team GB? After all 63% of people on a recent poll indicated that they are against independence suggesting that most people may actually be in favour of being a part of the Olympic football team. The Scottish players could also also be forgiven for having the same ambitions as perhaps some of the English, Welsh and Northern Irish players by wanting to be part of such a prestigious occasion which only comes around once every four years. Furthermore it is the first GB football team since 1972 and a lot of players may see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity, making it a hard decision to turn the chance down.
As a Scottish fan the opinion may be that players shouldn't be accepted if they play for Team GB.As a Scottish player with the aspiration to participate in top events, it is understandable why they might want to be part of Stuart Pearce's plans. The SFA will hope that no Scottish players end up in the Olympic squad but if they do, what( if any) actions will be taken? There are many perspectives on the debate but one thing is for certain, if Scottish players represent Team GB then they should be honoured to play for their national side.
There is a vast majority of the Tartan Army who would be unwilling to accept some of the players back into the Scotland setup if they chose to play for Team GB. Wolves striker Steven Fletcher could be the prime candidate for national exile if he accepts the invitation to give his services to the Olympic side,given the fact that presently he chooses not to play for his country of birth. After all, this does suggest he is uncaring towards what the SFA and many Scottish supporters want. It has been reported that Fletcher has aspirations to play for the national side but this could be compromised with a place in the Great Britain squad. Although a football matter, First Minister Alex Salmond would be hoping for Scotland to avoid getting involved to back up the SNP's manifesto to do with independence from the rest of Great Britain.
On the other hand, should there be a problem at all with playing for the combined nations of Team GB? After all 63% of people on a recent poll indicated that they are against independence suggesting that most people may actually be in favour of being a part of the Olympic football team. The Scottish players could also also be forgiven for having the same ambitions as perhaps some of the English, Welsh and Northern Irish players by wanting to be part of such a prestigious occasion which only comes around once every four years. Furthermore it is the first GB football team since 1972 and a lot of players may see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity, making it a hard decision to turn the chance down.
As a Scottish fan the opinion may be that players shouldn't be accepted if they play for Team GB.As a Scottish player with the aspiration to participate in top events, it is understandable why they might want to be part of Stuart Pearce's plans. The SFA will hope that no Scottish players end up in the Olympic squad but if they do, what( if any) actions will be taken? There are many perspectives on the debate but one thing is for certain, if Scottish players represent Team GB then they should be honoured to play for their national side.
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