IF SCOTLAND fail to qualify for the 2012 European Championships, as most realists anticipate following a frustrating 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic, it would be unfair to attribute this solely to a few questionable refereeing choices in one match. Nonetheless, the crucial penalty decisions taken by Dutch official Kevin Blom at Hampden are bound… [Read more…]
September 2, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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FRASER Wishart, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Scotland, has a measured article in the Herald, urging more faith in youth and commenting on the impact of the work permit system. He writes: “If we are serious about youth development then we have to encourage longer-term thinking. Such is the pressure on managers,… [Read more…]
September 1, 2011
by Simon Barrow
THE VERDICT at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court of ‘not proven’ to a charge of assault with aggravated religious prejudice against Celtic’s manager, has produced widespread dismay among those who believe that stiff punishments are needed to root out sectarianism from Scottish football. John Wilson, the accused, admitted to invading the pitch during a high-profile Hearts… [Read more…]
August 31, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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SCOTLAND have won the Homeless World Cup for the second time, in a closely fought final in Paris. The Scots ended up beating Mexico 4-3, after the game was deadlocked 2-2 at half-time. The competition took place from 21-28 August 2011 at the Champs de Mars in the French capital. It brought together 64 national football… [Read more…]
August 31, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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FOR those of us with longer memories, the notion that ‘Transfer Deadline Day’ should become a major fixture in the fitba calendar seems slightly surreal. But there you go: Sky Sports News is in metaphor overdrive, and websites are awash with rumours. Indeed, several people have already announced that they’re on holiday, just to keep… [Read more…]
August 30, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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THE idea that a ten-team SPL will guarantee a more competitive top league in Scotland, and thereby assist a significantly improved position for Scottish clubs in Europe, is unproven, Scottish Football Association president Campbell Ogilvie has said. Simply altering the number of teams in the SPL up or down will not mend a broken game,… [Read more…]
August 29, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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THERE is no evidence that the ten-team SPL that has become an obsession for some senior figures in the Scottish game will sort out the country’s European woes, after three humiliating defeats by Hearts, Celtic and Rangers last week. That is the view of commentator Stephen Halliday writing in the Scotsman newspaper this morning. In… [Read more…]
August 26, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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THREE major Scottish clubs punted in the one night, no clubs in European competition and August not even over. It’s an easy forecast that the Scottish sports media will fixate on “what is wrong with Scottish football?” for the next wee while (well the next crisis, whatever that might be) - writes Alasdair Galloway. There… [Read more…]
September 3, 2011
by Simon Barrow
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