Northern Goal: Recent Episodes
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The football podcast that’s passionate about Aberdeen, Ross County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Peterhead, Elgin City, Cove Rangers and the Highland League – from The Press & Journal and Evening Express sports desks. Get in touch at northerngoal@dctmedia.co.uk!
This week, the defence is a problem once again for Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen – are we already getting an idea of what might need done in January to fix it? Can Aberdeen still go into their crucial Friday night clash with Hibs feeling confident? Meanwhile, Ross County are moving in the right direction, despite a continued lack of points, says Andy Skinner, as question marks remain over Mark Ridgers’ half-time exit in Caley Thistle’s hammering at Morton. We’ve also got Jamie Durent on the bizarre time-wasting incident which capped Cove’s capitulation to draw 4-4 at Hamilton, following a week where Peterhead and Elgin’s fortunes also flipped somewhat.
This week, the defence is a problem once again for Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen – are we already getting an idea of what might need done in January to fix it? Can Aberdeen still go into their crucial Friday night clash with Hibs feeling confident? Meanwhile, Ross County are moving in the right direction, despite a continued lack of points, says Andy Skinner, as question marks remain over Mark Ridgers’ half-time exit in Caley Thistle’s hammering at Morton. We’ve also got Jamie Durent on the bizarre time-wasting incident which capped Cove’s capitulation to draw 4-4 at Hamilton, following a week where Peterhead and Elgin’s fortunes also flipped somewhat.
This week, is Jim Goodwin taking Aberdeen to Rangers at the perfect moment? The Dons' new 3-5-2 set-up is creating great combinations between Duk/Bojan Miovski and Connor Barron/Ylber Ramadani – but what about all the wingers now kicking their heels? Plus, Sophie Goodwin on how Aberdeen Women have plenty of chances to make history at Pittodrie on Sunday. Ross County aren’t cut adrift in the Premiership yet – but they need to make pre-World Cup games count, starting with Hearts, while Inverness have a great chance to strengthen their Championship hand against Morton, despite now having at least five starters injured. Striker Gerry McDonagh has staked his Cove Rangers claim, while Peterhead try to stay in touch at foot of League One, and Elgin City’s Kane Hester chases 20 goals before Halloween.
In this week's episode of Northern Goal, the panel run the rule over Aberdeen's midweek win over Partick Thistle and the emergence of their new cult hero, Luis 'Duk' Lopes. There's also injury news at both Ross County and Caley Thistle, plus Cove Rangers' need to find stability.
We also look at what should be expected of Peterhead given their well-documented early-season struggles, plus Elgin City's chances of a Scottish Cup run.
This week, Aberdeen’s ‘bad day at the office’ as Dons let expectant fans down woefully at Dundee United – in the process struggling with defensive issues we’ve seen several times this season. Having had an early glimpse into how his touchline ban might affect the Reds, will Jim Goodwin now regret his remarks about Hibs’ Ryan Porteous? The panel also talk Hearts on Sunday, VAR and whether Connor Barron and Leighton Clarkson fit in the same Aberdeen team. Plus, Ross County have set themselves up for a climb with Dundee United and Kilmarnock meetings to come, the latest Northern Goal derby between Cove Rangers and Inverness previewed, and, while Peterhead look to cling on to Clyde’s coattails, Elgin might now be nailed-on play-off place finishers a division below...
This week, Sean Wallace stands by his claim Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski is the Dons’ biggest signing coup since Hans Gillhaus - but is the trip to Dundee United going to be a straightforward as it might look on paper this weekend, for the Reds or Miovski? How bad is the mood at Ross County ahead of their clash with Livingston this weekend? And - on the subject of big games - Inverness have set up a tantalising Friday night clash with Partick Thistle where they could go level at the top of the Championship. It’s three wins in a row for Caley Thistle, and now two for a Cove Rangers side whose season is unrecognisable from a few weeks ago. Midfielder Connor Scully has had a big hand in this lift. And, while Peterhead continue to struggle, Elgin – with Kane Hester on his latest goalscoring streak – have also landed two eye-catching wins.
This week, we look at Aberdeen's 3-1 defeat at Hibs, where the pattern of the Dons losing when Ross McCrorie fills in at the back continued after Liam Scales' controversial dismissal. There's more likelihood of Jack Milne getting the nod to partner Anthony Stewart than a free agent coming in to provide back up, isn't there? In attack, could we see Ryan Duncan replacing the likes of Vicente Besuijen in the games ahead? Elsewhere, do Ross County have a scoring problem, and Cammy Harper and Inverness make a statement against fellow Championship title hopefuls Dundee. Then it's on to SPFL Trust Trophy previews - Caley Thistle look to make changes but avoid any slip-ups against Brechin City, Cove Rangers host Raith Rovers after their dramatic draw with Partick Thistle, and there's a Northern Goal derby as Peterhead host Elgin C
This week on Northern Goal - will Aberdeen have been disappointed not to meet Rangers at what feels like a vulnerable moment for the Ibrox side? Plus, why Hayden Coulson could be key to stopping Hibs' Martin Boyle on Saturday. As the Dons spearhead experiments in this area, are Saturday 6pm kick-offs going to boost the Scottish game? We also look ahead to Ross County's favourable-looking clash with St Johnstone, a huge game in the Championship as Inverness take on fellow title-hopefuls Dundee, and Cove Rangers meeting their former star Harry Milne as they travel to Partick Thistle. On top of this, there's good news for Peterhead on Andy McCarthy's puzzling ankle problem, and Elgin City go again in the hunt for two consecutive league wins.
This week on Northern Goal, the panel look to the positives following Aberdeen's frustrating draw at Ross County. Is it a good time to play Rangers, and - with Leighton Clarkson suspended - might a rejig see Bojan Miovski and Luis 'Duk' Lopes start together? For County, William Akio's Lazarus-like recovery from a knee injury and equaliser v the Dons means the Staggies have the chance to build momentum against Motherwell. Caley Thistle, meanwhile, maintained an incredible record against Raith to end a bad run and set up the chance to reel in favourites Dundee over the next couple of weeks. Leighton McIntosh again staked his Cove Rangers starting claim ahead of Friday's historic televised Balmoral clash with the Dees. Plus, when will something go right for Peterhead - after Elgin managed their first League Two win of the season against fast-starting Bonnyrigg Rose?
In this week's episode of Northern Goal, the panel discuss Aberdeen's 4-1 League Cup success at Annan Athletic in midweek and where, if at all the squad needs strengthening. There were defeats for Ross County and Caley Thistle against Celtic and Motherwell respectively, while we also get the lowdown on how Aberdeen Women have started the season in the SWPL. Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City have not enjoyed the best beginning to the campaign in their respective divisions, which we also mull over.
This week, we discuss Liverpool loanee Leighton Clarkson’s career trajectory after his talents were on full display for Aberdeen against St Johnstone - Can he perform well consistently? Would bulking up make him even better? Plus, Sean Wallace talks up his player of the season so far, veteran Jonny Hayes. How long he could stick around at Aberdeen? Will the Dons build on their win v Saints against Livi, and ahead of their Annan cup clash? Ross County’s win against Kilmarnock was a Premiership psychological boost, although they were on the end of some good fortune in terms of the refereeing. Can Inverness show their miserable night at Partick was an early Championship blip? The early pressure on Cove Rangers shows the standards expected at both the Balmoral Stadium and in the second tier, generally, while the panel also discuss Peterhead’s exciting new signing and hard-to-beat Elgin City.
This week, was Aberdeen’s disaster v Motherwell just a blip you’d expect from a completely rebuilt side? There’s clearly a need to keep players in their best positions ahead of St Johnstone on Saturday – although Bojan Miovski, at least, continues to look like he’ll be a goalscoring machine for the Dons. Ross County also showed they still need to build consistency, after having an off-day at the worst moment v St Mirren. They won’t go 10 games without a win again, will they? Meanwhile, Austin Samuels is impressing in a dynamic Inverness attack, as is Robbie Deas at the back. Although they took a heavy defeat at Caley Thistle, Cove are continuing to shape up, and Peterhead could be about to turn the corner, but are Elgin going to be ok this season?
Following Aberdeen’s scintillating win over St Mirren, we ask if long-range screamer-scorer Leighton Clarkson will be the new Scott Severin for the Dons, while also discussing the startling stats which show an immediate understanding between the Reds’ latest loanee and fellow midfielder Ylber Ramadani. What will Jim Goodwin’s first-choice midfield be going forward as Aberdeen target the first back-to-back Premiership wins of his reign when they host Motherwell this weekend? Plus, can strong-looking Ross County kick-start their own campaign against the Buddies, and following the blow of Connor Randall’s leg break? We then preview Caley Thistle v Cove Rangers – as Championship title-hopefuls Inverness hunt their first win – while also reflecting on the topsy-turvy 2-2 draws which left both Peterhead and Elgin City disappointed.
This week, the panel reflect on Aberdeen's league-opening loss at Parkhead and look ahead to St Mirren. Although the need for more centre-back cover was laid bare, there were positives: Bojan Miovski's aerial strength, Anthony Stewart's defensive intelligence and Matty Kennedy with the ball at his feet among them. We discuss why Dante Polvara will be all the better for his difficult afternoon and - while his involvement was a show of faith from Jim Goodwin - the Reds closing in on another winger suggests other widemen will exit. Plus, there's Ross County's sizzling first half at Hearts, Inverness' hopes to pick up where they left off last term against Arbroath, Cove Rangers' real ambitions this term, and Peterhead and Elgin City's opening defeats.
This week, Sean Wallace tells us what he learned about Aberdeen's new attacker Callum Roberts from former Killie boss Lee Clark, while we also ask if Hayden Coulson is going to be the Dons' main left-back this term. Is there enough depth on the left side of defence generally after this week's departures? There are certainly defensive conundrums and questions over who to start in attack at Celtic in Sunday's Premiership opener - Who replaces Liam Scales? Miovski or Ramirez? Does Roberts get a starting debut?
Meanwhile, Ross County's attack are flying going into their Hearts clash, while Inverness step into the unknown v Queen’s Park in what looks like an early banana skin for the Championship hopefuls. Plus, Cove Rangers and Peterhead still looking really light – or even lighter - two days before their league campaigns get under way, as Gavin Price tries to banish Elgin’s tendency for second half switch-offs.
This week, Aberdeen’s win over (albeit League 2) Stirling Albion suggests they’ve found an attacking verve, building excitement for the Premiership opener v Celtic. What did Sean Wallace make of Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes, and why Ylber Ramadani is worth at least £1 million. David Bates could also be set for the Dons exit door ahead of this weekend’s League Cup group stage-closer against Raith Rovers - lightning won’t strike twice, will it? Plus Kazeem Olaigbe terrorising full-backs in the blue of Ross County, as Staggies delve into the Canadian market again to secure viral sensation Willie Akio. Have Inverness had pound-for-pound the best Premier Sports Cup group campaign? Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City are all exiting early – how will they be feeling ahead of the league kick-off?
This week, the panel discuss Anthony Stewart after he sparkles at Glebe Park and, in his performance and organisation, looks the man to shore up Aberdeen’s defence – with or without armband – ahead of the season-opener against Peterhead. Can David Bates cement his place alongside him though? If he wants to stay at the Dons, the League Cup group games are striker Christian Ramirez’s big chance while we wait for Bojan Miovski’s visa situation to be resolved. However, all signs are pointing to a Vicente Besuijen-centered Aberdeen attack, aren’t they? We also discuss the worrying situation at threadbare Peterhead ahead of the clash with the Premiership giants, while there was a first look at Ross County’s revamped squad in action on Wednesday ahead of the start of their campaign at Buckie. What do they still need? And what signings will Inverness still be looking to make as they get set for a trip to Kelty Hearts on Saturday. Plus, Evan Towler joins Cove on loan from Aberdeen, and there are big hopes for the 17-year-old, while Elgin - facing a cup journey to Ayr on Saturday – have come out of pre-season full of optimism for the 2022/23 term.
This week, Sean Wallace and Andy Skinner join Ryan Cryle from Spain and Italy, respectively. Sean is embedded with Aberdeen in Alicante and delves into the big themes of the pre-season camp – what the Dons are working on in the sun, who’s there, who has impressed most, what his impression of summer signings like Anthony Stewart have been up close, and what the situation is with Ylber Ramadani and Bojan Miovski as they join up with their new team-mates. Plus, Sean gives a Jack MacKenzie injury update and also reveals what Jim Goodwin has told him at La Finca Resort about targets Connor Ronan and Jamie McGrath. Andy, similarly, gives us the inside story from Ross County’s camp in Verona, including what he’s made of all of the new faces brought in over recent days.
This week, we assess Aberdeen’s manic week in the transfer market. The Dons have made four signings – Jayden Richardson, Liam Scales, Anthony Stewart and, most notably, striker Bojan Miovski. We discuss what the experts have told us about them over the last few days, and whether Jim Goodwin’s business so far has shown us how the Dons will line up next term. Who will be next? (It won’t be Liam Boyce or Robby McCrorie...) We also preview Aberdeen’s weekend trip to Buckie Thistle, chat about the incomings at Ross County, Inverness and Peterhead, and look ahead to Cove Rangers veteran Stuart McKenzie’s testimonial against Dunfermline on Saturday.
This week, reaction to the £8m deal between Liverpool and Aberdeen for Calvin Ramsay – with the initial £4.5m fee set to break the Dons’ club record and previous high for a Scottish teen. Then Sean Wallace – after speaking to his ex-chairman in Norway - gives the inside track on how Reds-linked Tobias Lauritsen became a striker, overcoming adversity to get back to his nation’s top-flight in the process, and what his attributes are. There’s also further discussion on Macedonian target Bojan Miovski, what it all means for returning US forward Christian Ramirez and whether we’ll see Dean Campbell back in an Aberdeen kit. Plus, Ross County and Inverness contract extension, and shades of Paul Hartley in Jim McIntyre’s arrival to take manager’s role at Cove Rangers.
In this week’s episode of Northern Goal, the panel analyse Scotland’s 2-0 win over Armenia, which got their Nations League campaign off to a winning start. There’s also the big news of Paul Hartley’s departure to discuss at Cove Rangers, following his departure to English League Two side Hartlepool United at the end of last week. We also look at potential comings and goings at Aberdeen, with speculation about Calvin Ramsay’s future continuing and the Dons finally making their first signing of the summer in the form of Ylber Ramadani.
The panel sift through the debris of Scotland’s hugely disappointing night against Ukraine, in this week’s episode, which ended their hopes of making the 2022 World Cup. Where did it go wrong and are some players at the end of the road for the national side? We also look in-depth at a significant period of change for women’s football at Aberdeen and discuss what stories have caught our eye from our SPFL clubs.
This week, how did it all get away from Caley Thistle in their play-off final defeat to Premiership survivors St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, and following Austin Samuels’ all-action first-half display? The play-off system might be unfair, but Inverness now know – if they want to go up – they need to finish top of the Championship (which they maybe should have done), don’t they? We also discuss the Premier Sports Cup draw for all of our sides, with Aberdeen’s group-mates Raith Rovers providing a stark reminder to the Dons to take their rivals seriously if they are to blitz group A.
This week, off the back of Paul Third’s Reds Rebuild series for the Press and Journal/Evening Express, we discuss what Aberdeen and boss Jim Goodwin need in every area of the park this summer – numbers and skillsets. Plus, Dundee United fans’ disruption mars final Ross County game of the season. How big a loss is the departed Blair Spittal to the Staggies, and are we resigned to Regan Charles-Cook, Harry Paton and Alex Iacovitti leaving, too? Could Roy MacGregor push the boat out to get Joseph Hungbo back next term? Then - Inverness showed true grit to somehow overcome Arbroath in their Premiership play-off semi-final, but will they have a) recovered enough, and/or b) have the bodies for their shoot-out with St Johnstone.
On this week’s Northern Goal, the panel discuss Aberdeen’s 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone, which saw the Dons play without a senior striker after Christian Ramirez jetted off on holiday a week early. Following another soft goal against the Reds, can we see the Declan Gallagher and David Bates centre-back setup working next term? Sean Wallace also discusses the Luke Turner contract situation and how Jim Goodwin justified his decision to let the youngster goal. Plus, how did Ross County let Europe pass them by, and the Inverness v Arbroath play-off is on a knife-edge ahead of Friday’s second leg.
This week, with Aberdeen secure in the knowledge relegation won’t be happening, we ask: Is it time to throw Dante Polvara into the team and see what the January signing from the US can do? There’s also praise for developing Dons talents Connor Barron, Vicente Besuijen and Jack MacKenzie following the 1-0 win over Dundee, which didn’t do much to dampen questions over where Christian Ramirez’s future may lie. Plus, despite their awards snub, Ross County had a good week drawing at Hearts - and now a win over Motherwell this weekend could clinch Europe - while full-time success story Shane Sutherland’s ability was on full display as Caley Thistle took play-off pole position against Partick Thistle.
On this week’s Northern Goal, troubling times at Aberdeen as loss to Livi reconfirms bluntness in attack, inability to keep goals out and psychological fragility. No doubt Jim Goodwin's rebuild is needed, but – like Terry Butcher at Hibs – is he learning he should have waited? And is the mood music of the last week telling us Christian Ramirez and Calvin Ramsay are going? Meanwhile, Andy Skinner tells us why he thinks Ross County’s Malky Mackay and Regan Charles-Cook should be named Manager and Player of the Year, as Inverness look set to start the likes of Scott Allardice v Hamilton. Jamie Durent then talks Cove’s League One title win – much-deserved celebrations, Harry Milne’s exit for Partick Thistle, and what’s next in terms of their squad, contract model and infrastructure.
We start this week's episode of Northern Goal by reflecting on Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack's RedTV Q&A, before previewing this weekend's post-split opener at home to Livingston. Is Calvin Ramsay good enough for Liverpool, and is this the peak of Lewis Ferguson's potential transfer value to the Dons? Plus, Ross County could be even better now the pressure's off - starting with Celtic this weekend - couldn't they? Inverness are so close to sealing third, while surely (surely) Cove Rangers will claim the League One title in front of a bumper Balmoral crowd on Saturday.
After a meek display against Ross County saw Aberdeen condemned to the bottom six, the Dons are now trying to avoid being drawn into a relegation play-off fight. Did Jim Goodwin’s early squad reshaping moves affect the clash, and what further players are likely to be moved on from Pittodrie? Home top six fixtures have put Ross County odds-on for a transformative European football adventure, while – across the Kessock Bridge – Inverness’ hopes of finishing second in the Championship look to be over. A league below, Cove Rangers could be champions this weekend, while Peterhead’s safety could also be confirmed.
This week, we react to the news of Aberdeen legend Andy Considine’s impending departure and the subsequent fallout. We ask how new boss Jim Goodwin’s objective and reasonable (depending who you ask) call to let the veteran go, combined with a likely emotional reaction from the player’s camp and some fans, saw the situation spiral out of control in the build-up to a huge Premiership game against Ross County and on the day a new record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal was announced. There’s also the County angle ahead of Saturday’s top-six showdown, an Aberdeen Women update, plus Cove Rangers’ latest last-gasp goal as they edge closer to the League One title.
This week, the panel discuss what Aberdeen midfield star Lewis Ferguson is worth now he has started for Scotland. Should he stay this summer, is the best Dons midfield set-up Ferguson, Connor Barron and Ross McCrorie? And why have backroom staff Gordon Marshall and Adam Stokes left the club? With Dundee up next for the Dons and Ross County playing Hearts, the panellists give their verdict on which teams will end up fourth, fifth and sixth in the Premiership for the split. There’s also the Staggies’ coup of tying ex-Liverpool full-back Connor Randall down for another two years, the talents of Inverness loanee Reece McAlear and an end to Elgin City’s Edinburgh City hoodoo at the 15th attempt to discuss.
In this week’s episode, the panel discuss a huge game at the top of League One as Cove look to cement their title hopes on the road against nearest-challengers Airdrieonians. At the bottom end of the table, Peterhead are in desperate need of a result to drag themselves clear of lingering danger.
Elsewhere, we look at Connor Barron’s emergence into an influential figure in the Aberdeen midfield, Caley Thistle’s mini-revival ahead of the play-offs and a look at some of the potential new faces who could feature for Scotland ahead of their friendly double-header.
We discuss what the experience of Jonny Hayes and Andy Considine is worth at Aberdeen in a week where the signing of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was labelled ‘an absolute disaster’. This weekend’s clash with Hibs is the ‘definition of a must-win’, as the Dons bid to end a miserable winless run and keep top-six hopes in their own hands, but – when the campaign is over - is Jim Goodwin’s summer rebuild going to involve a few St Mirren players? Ross County will try to take their own big step to securing a top six place against Celtic, while Inverness upset the odds with a very attacking Billy Dodds line-up to finally get a victory – and what a victory over Arbroath it was! Can they build on it against play-off rivals Raith Rovers? Plus, Cove hit out at a weird red card for handball (and even weirder failed appeal), while Peterhead keep it positive despite their struggles and Elgin are already on the beach in League Two.
This week, the panel discuss why the writing was on the wall for Scott Brown at Aberdeen and ask where the signing ranks in recent Dons history. Ross McCrorie is the frontrunner to be the next captain, but can Jay Emmanuel-Thomas save his Reds career? There's also analysis of what Jim Goodwin will be prioritising during Aberdeen's week off. Then, Sophie Goodwin explains how huge a moment for women’s football in the north-east Aberdeen Women's Pittodrie debut is. Plus, Ross County's European hunt and - forget Arbroath - Inverness’ next game, against Raith Rovers, is massive. Will stand-out Harry Milne leave Cove Rangers in the summer if they don’t go full-time?
This week, Aberdeen continue to rack up miserable records with defeat at Hearts. New boss Jim Goodwin will be in no doubt over the scale of the Pittodrie rebuilding job this summer, but will a continued winless run actually serve to strengthen his recruitment power? We also ask - did the Tynecastle display show veteran midfielder Scott Brown is in the final few months of his playing career? Meanwhile, we focus on Joseph Hungbo following Ross County’s battling result at Motherwell, and question when and if Inverness will kick into gear again. In League One, we preview the latest meeting between Cove Rangers and Peterhead, and what a difference two weeks has made for Elgin City.
In this week’s episode, the panel discuss the early impressions made by new Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin, who took charge for the first time last weekend. We also look at the lack of form of our two Highland clubs, Ross County and Caley Thistle, as they try to right their seasons and ensure they have a positive ending. In the lower-leagues, Elgin’s troubles show no sign of abating, Peterhead strive to get away from the bottom of League One while Cove Rangers face an important few days in both league and cup competititions.
This week, our panel discuss Aberdeen's manager hunt - and why frontrunner Jim Goodwin's track record and general upwards trajectory makes him the right man to turn around the Dons - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer notwithstanding. Goodwin will have a job on his hands, though, as we also review what went wrong for Stephen Glass at Pittodrie, with the underperforming Reds heading back to Fir Park on league business this weekend. We also discuss Ross County's fascinating capture of former Premier League starlet Josh Sims, and how the significance of struggling Caley Thistle's clash with leaders Arbroath will hinge on their next three outings.
All of that, plus title-chasing Cove host Leigh Griffiths-bolstered Falkirk, Peterhead look to turn Scottish Cup plaudits into League One points, and Elgin City hope to stave off real relegation fears against Cowdenbeath.
A Funso Ojo-led second half fightback can’t hide an awful first half from Aberdeen against Celtic. Will the second half side – including Ross McCrorie at right-back, Funso Ojo in midfield and Matty Kennedy – start their season-defining Scottish Cup clash at Motherwell? Is the nightmare away game run and the Dons’ crisis of confidence on the road going to affect the tie – and pile huge pressure on Stephen Glass? A point for never-say-die Ross County despite a below-par showing, and a topsy-turvy clash at the Caledonian Stadium which saw Inverness come back three times to draw, rounds off our Wednesday review, before the panel look to our League One and Two sides – with Peterhead’s cup clash with top-flight strugglers Dundee just a few days away.
This week, reaction to Aberdeen not signing a striker in the transfer window. With Marley Watkins injured, is there now unfair pressure on Christian Ramirez? Dylan McGeouch staked his claim in the Dons’ midfield in the 1-1 draw at Ross County, but questions remain about Funso Ojo in attacking midfield. Given their away form, is Saturday’s trip to Livingston a scarier proposition for Aberdeen than Celtic at Pittodrie? For County, holding on to Regan Charles-Cook was their best piece of January business – and could guarantee Premiership survival. Meanwhile, can Inverness – with Austin Samuels now in their ranks - use a run of home games to string some much-needed wins together, and would a win for Cove Rangers be a knock-out blow to Airdrieonians in League One?
This week we discuss Aberdeen’s defeat at St Mirren and what it revealed about the squad. Which players are Dons fans right to say aren’t up to the job? If Ryan Hedges’ and Calvin Ramsay’s heads are elsewhere – should Aberdeen cash in over the next few days? Plus, Jamie Durent explains why he thinks Ryan Duncan has a big Aberdeen future, having seen him play for Peterhead. Meanwhile, it’s been baptism of fire for Declan Drysdale at Ross County following their loss to Dundee United, and Kilmarnock-bound Caley Thistle need to stop drawing games, don’t they?
This week, and ahead of the Scottish Cup fourth round, the panel reflect on the pile of positives from Aberdeen’s 1-1 Premiership draw with Rangers at Pittodrie – the high line, pressing, brave passing, resilience and even the dark arts (Scott Brown in particular) – but it’s also clear reinforcements are needed to add more attacking strength in depth. We then discuss Regan Charles-Cook’s latest wonderful display after his hat-trick saw 10-man Ross County beat Motherwell, and more evidence of Inverness’ soft underbelly in the Championship. Plus, there’s preview chat ahead of cup clashes between Hibs and Cove, Peterhead and East Kilbride, and Banks o’ Dee and Raith Rovers.
This week, Northern Goal returns with the latest transfer news from Pittodrie – with Ryan Hedges, Calvin Ramsay, Lewis Ferguson, Jamie McGrath, Ryan Broom and Dean Campbell all discussed, as well as other signing suggestions thrown in for good measure. Sean Wallace gives up the lowdown on new boy Dante Polvara after speaking to Georgetown coach Brian Wiese. Plus, an interview slip-up reveals Kayne Ramsay is heading on loan to Ross County. Also, what can Caley Thistle do to shore up against a renewed Kilmarnock Championship challenge, and is Cove’s clash with Montrose the pivotal moment in League One race?
This week, Teddy Jenks showed against St Johnstone there may be role for him at Aberdeen, while Dave Cormack's AGM interview reveals he expects Calvin Ramsay to be extremely hot property in January. Does it make sense for the Dons to offload Ryan Hedges in the winter window? And what of injury-ravaged out-of-contract centre-back Michael Devlin? Plus, Sophie Goodwin reviews the first half of Aberdeen Women's SWPL1 season, Ross County show it's the nature of defeat that kills you, while Inverness' Reece McAlear and Cove's Morgyn Neill compete for Northern Goal's absolute screamer of the weekend prize.
This week, the front four sparkle as Aberdeen score four against St Mirren, with St Johnstone up next. Has JET proved his value to the Dons? Plus, why Christian Ramirez looks certain to hit at least 20 goals, and the Red Army get an early Christmas present from Andy Considine. In part two, we ask if Ross County are cursed to not get a decent run of games this term, and whether a huge win over Kilmarnock in the Championship, but two cup exits, constitutes a good or bad week for Inverness? There are also musings on a seemingly unstoppable Cove, and a Peterhead side now probing at the play-offs.
In this week’s episode, the panel discuss Caley Thistle’s big week in both league and cup and the importance of Billy Mckay’s goals to their chances. Elsewhere Ross County’s Joseph Hungbo gets credit for his displays, while Aberdeen face potential six-pointers in the Premiership to try resurrect a stuttering campaign. Cove Rangers impress as they too look to balance league and cup commitments, Peterhead press on in the Scottish Cup while Elgin’s underwhelming season to date is assessed.
Cup double-winning former Aberdeen manager Alex Smith continues his chat with Ryan Cryle and Paul Third about his life in football. In the second part of the interview, Smith details finding 1989 League Cup hero Paul Mason in Holland, as well as telling young star Eoin Jess he’d be starting the Hampden final against Rangers. The veteran boss also reveals how he broke the news to Reds legend Willie Miller he wouldn’t play in the 1990 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, his total faith Hoops-bound Charlie Nicholas would net in the deciding penalty shoot-out and how Brian Irvine put his faith in God for the winning spot-kick. We close on Aberdeen’s 1991 top-flight title heartbreak at Ibrox, before Alex briefly reflects on what went wrong in season 1991/92 – during which he departed the Pittodrie hotseat.
Cup double-winning former Aberdeen manager Alex Smith talks to Ryan Cryle and Paul Third about his life in football. Now based in Australia, Smith details his friendship with Scotland legend Billy Bremner, revealing not just Bremner’s Aberdeen roots, but also how he almost brought him to Pittodrie to be his assistant. Ex-Reds gaffer Smith then details the chain of events which led to Dutch icons Theo Snelders and Hans Gillhaus signing for Aberdeen.
Part two of Northern Goal’s chat with Alex Smith will be out next week.
This week, we dedicate our opening section to the north-east derby between Cove Rangers and Peterhead, before musing on Ryan Hedges contract situation at Aberdeen. Do all the signs point to an exit? Continuing to put a bit more focus on the lower leagues during the international break, we discuss Elgin’s plight ahead of their League Two basement battle with Cowdenbeath, with Championship hopefuls Inverness looking to take advantage of Dunfermline’s struggles and put their indifferent run to bed.
In this week's regular episode, we discuss the vital role Marley Watkins and Ryan Hedges have played in Aberdeen's return to form, while we also ask whether stand-in Dean Campbell might just keep regular left-back Jack MacKenzie out of Stephen Glass' team. Will a week of disruption following Hibs' Covid outbreak have killed Ross County's barely-hatched momentum, and can Caley Thistle get over their blip at Ayr? Plus, with Cove going blow-for-blow with Queen's Park at the League One summit, could Elgin City be under threat of relegation from the SPFL?
Ryan Cryle is joined by writer and broadcaster Ally Begg, who discusses his book on Aberdeen's Continental adventures through the decades. In this interview, Ally explains why his look at the Dons' European story is the first in a series of books on the Dandies, telling stories from the Alex Ferguson era which have been included in his latest project and revealing how he got in touch with not just Reds legends, but also players who have starred for Aberdeen's Euro rivals - from Real Madrid to Reykjavik.
For this special edition published on all three of DC Thomson Media’s football podcasts, Michael McEwan and author Steve Finan take a nostalgic trip over the turnstiles, up and down the terraces, and deep into the history of those most holy places: the nation’s football stadiums.
Steve’s new books show 700 never-before-seen photos of everything from the giant stadiums of Glasgow, right down to the smaller but no less revered shrines of football around the country – especially on our home patches in Tayside and across the north of Scotland.
Michael leads a conversation that touches on why Ibrox once had a paddling pool, and fears of forky-tailies at Tannadice, by way of Firhill vegetable patches and tips on how to find Scotland’s incredible (but secret) store of football knowledge.
You can get £5 off the Lifted Over The Turnstiles 2 & 3 books using the code PODCAST5 at checkout at https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ until November 22, 2021.
For more sport podcasts from DC Thomson Media, tap the links below!
⛳️ The Bunkered Podcast: https://podfollow.com/bunkered ⚽️ The Courier Talking Football: https://podfollow.com/ctf ⚽️ Northern Goal: https://podfollow.com/northerngoal ⚽️ Twa Teams, One Street: https://podfollow.com/twateams
This week, we hail Christian Ramirez, Dean Campbell and Scott Brown after Aberdeen's draw at Ibrox. A performance for the defender-less Dons to be proud of – despite John Beaton’s soft, soft penalty award robbing them of the win - with the top-six within touching distance. We also fawn over Harry Clarke and Joseph Hungbo after Ross County’s fantastic five against Dundee - their first victory in the Premiership. And Inverness' struggles to break teams down see them fall off Championship's top spot.
This week, we discuss the high-stakes situation at Pittodrie as Aberdeen gear up for games against Hibs then Rangers. Stephen Glass has Dave Cormack's backing - and, he insists, final say on transfers - but does he need to adopt a pragmatic approach in the upcoming nightmare run? Malky Mackay, too, is facing big decisions to stop Ross County counting themselves out of matches. Does he put keeper Ross Laidlaw back in? Plus, we back Inverness to take care of Raith and Arbroath, Cove to recover from their East Fife blip, Peterhead to continue their out-of-the-blue revival, and hope Elgin can do the business in front of the TV cameras against Clydebank.
It's a big weekend for Stephen Glass' Aberdeen with Sean Wallace giving us his view the Premiership clash with Dundee can either be the catalyst which turns around the Dons' season, or a crippling blow ahead of tough games with Hibs, Hearts and Rangers. Meanwhile, winless Ross County should be targeting seven points against St Mirren, Livingston and Dundee, according to Paul Chalk, who also expects to see Billy Mckay get his Championship starting chance for Inverness this weekend. All that, plus chat about Cove's Ola Adeyemo, Peterhead's potential new boy Grant Savoury, and Elgin's Conor O'Keefe.
This week on Northern Goal, Aberdeen's slack backline is again the big issue as they're defeated by struggling Celtic. Can Stephen Glass fix his team during the international break and ahead of a must-win clash with rock-bottom Dundee? We also discuss the fine margins keeping Ross County from their first victory, and how Caley Thistle lost their unbeaten record against Hamilton. Plus, a crazy 25-second red card and a still-lethal Rory McAllister sees Cove get a big win over Alloa, but they are still upstaged in League One by five-goal Peterhead.
This week the panel discuss what went wrong for Aberdeen in their 3-2 loss at St Mirren as they extended their winless run to eight games. Will Stephen Glass drop Joe Lewis for this weekend's first clash of the season with struggling Celtic? Plus, Sophie Goodwin gives an update on Aberdeen Women's super SWPL1 start, we talk through the positives (and negatives) from Ross County's defeat at Motherwell, determined Inverness' continued Championship run, as well as Cove, Peterhead and Elgin's lower league fortunes.
This week, after Aberdeen’s winless run extended to seven games against St Johnstone, we discuss why the goals have dried up for the likes of Christian Ramirez, and just how ex-Red Stevie May managed to get the ball in the Dons' net. Ross County keep feelgood factor going as slightly more favourable fixtures arrive. Could Ashley Maynard-Brewer be their new no.1 goalkeeper? Plus, Inverness happy to stay unbeaten in Championship at Dunfermline, Peterhead’s lack of cutting edge costs them against local rivals Cove, and Elgin need to start catching up in League Two.
In this week’s episode, the panel discuss Caley Thistle’s superb start to the season, with five wins from five taking them to the top of the Championship. There’s also Ross County striving to find their best 11, while Aberdeen struggle to find a way out of their six-game winless run. The Dons women, however, are in buoyant mood after picking up their first SWPL1 victory and we turn our attention to Balmoor, where Peterhead and Cove Rangers renew old rivalries.
This week, with the international break behind us and the Dons set to come back with renewed purpose and ready for three winnable games to close out September, we ask: what is Stephen Glass’ best 11 now? Meanwhile, what does success looks like for Aberdeen Women in SWPL1?
Plus, like Aberdeen, Ross County will be looking to come back from two weeks of training with their huge cohort of new boys fully bedded into the squad.
Of course, our lower league teams kept playing and there’s plenty to reflect on from the SPFL Trust Trophy and talk through ahead of the weekend’s league action, including Inverness making 10 changes and still winning, Cove’s availability issues, Peterhead’s ongoing funk and Elgin’s chance to be the first team to beat Kelty Hearts.
The international break comes at the right time for Aberdeen to reset after a flurry of signings, the end to their busy Euro campaign and cumbersome showing against Ross County. In the final day of the transfer window, Newcastle United fan and journalist Sean Douglass tells us how Premier League starlet Matty Longstaff has ended up on loan at Aberdeen and what he'll offer. The panel also discuss who could leave Pittodrie today and what is still needed at County. There's also more fawning over Billy Dodds' seemingly unstoppable Inverness in the Championship, and a hat-trick of losses for Cove, Peterhead and Elgin to debrief.
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This week, Paul Third gives his verdict on Hearts 1 Aberdeen 1 – which showed the Dons’ fight and fitness, but also saw yet more injury issues emerge. The woeful pitch for last week's clash in Azerbaijan made it hard to compare Qarabag and Aberdeen, so who will emerge victorious from Thursday's monumental Europa Conference League play-off return leg at Pittodrie? Plus, will loan signing Austin Samuels bring different qualities from existing strikers Christian Ramirez and JET? Elsewhere, Ross County hint at potential with display in defeat to Rangers, and Inverness Caley Thistle on a high in the Championship.
This week, our panel reflect on Aberdeen's 2-1 League Cup loss against Championship Raith Rovers. How did they let first half dominance slip, what does it say about the Dons' squad, and where will confidence levels be sitting going into the Conference League play-off first leg against Qarabag? There are sparkling performances from Cove Rangers and Elgin City to discuss, while we also preview Ross County and Caley Thistle's return to action against Rangers and Ayr United, respectively, this weekend.
This week, we reflect on Aberdeen's wins against Breidablik and then Livingston over the last few days. Dons boss Stephen Glass made six changes for the Premiership clash with Livi - who impressed? And were the changes a sign Europe is the Reds' priority right now? Our panel also discuss Ross County's ongoing defensive problems and the resilience which has led to Inverness' perfect Championship start, as well as a tough weekend for Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City.
On this week's episode, our panel reflect on Aberdeen's straightforward win over Dundee United, which included a man-of-the-match showing from 18-year-old right-back Calvin Ramsay. There's also the evidence Christian Ramirez will be a goal machine, and what Iceland-based Reds legend Jim Bett thinks about Euro opponents Breidablik. Plus, we discuss what Ross County still need, Caley Thistle finally make a fast start in the Championship, and there's also all of the talking points for Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City after their league openers.
For 20% off the beautiful book ‘The Red Army’, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code ARMY20 at checkout. Offer ends 8 August 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
On this week's episode, which player impressed most in Aberdeen’s stunning showing to all-but-end their Euro tie with BK Hacken? Will Stephen Glass make changes for Thursday’s away leg ahead of the Premiership opener against Dundee United, after struggles against the Tangerines defined a disappointing 2020/21 campaign? Plus, all the build-up to Ross County, Inverness, Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City's league campaigns getting under way.
For 20% off the beautiful book ‘The Red Army’, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code ARMY20 at checkout. Offer ends 8 August 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
This week on Northern Goal, BK Hacken journalist Linus Petersson tells us why the Swedes view themselves as favourites for their Europa Conference League tie with Aberdeen – including detailing the strengths of Hacken's international-packed squad. We also ask, have Ross County’s Covid issues condemned them to a tough Premiership season? Plus, the latest from the Premier Sports Cup, and who are our panel tipping for Highland League success this term ahead of Saturday’s kick-off?
For 20% off the beautiful book "The Red Army", go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code ARMY20 at checkout. Offer ends 8 August 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
On this week's Northern Goal, who will be Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass' skipper when the campaign begins against BK Hacken, are the Swedes being underestimated and does the Inverness friendly draw at Cormack Park mean anything? Plus, reflections on the Dons youngsters' Aberdeenshire Cup loss to Buckie Thistle and analysis on our teams' Premier Sports Cup openers.
For 20% off the beautiful book "The Red Army", go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code ARMY20 at checkout. Offer ends 8 August 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
On this week's Northern Goal podcast, we chat to Aberdeen Women's captain Kelly Forrest after the Dons lifted the SWPL2 trophy to get back to the top-flight. What does Kelly think they can achieve next season in SWPL1. Plus, Christian Ramirez impresses in first Aberdeen interview, but what do the Reds still need squad-wise? Malky Mackay's Ross County took to the field for the first time at the weekend, beating Elgin City in a friendly. The Staggies may now be dealing with a Covid outbreak, but with signings now flowing, how are they shaping up?
For 15% off the beautiful book ‘We Had A Dream: Scotland Internationals in the Black & White Era’, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code DREAM15 at checkout. Offer ends 11 July 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
The gang discuss the Covid-19 situation at Caley Thistle on this week’s pod, which led to the postponement of their friendly with Brora Rangers. There is also Aberdeen Women winning the SWPL2 league title in impressive fashion, and new faces at Aberdeen, with Christian Ramirez sealing his move from Houston Dynamo to Pittodrie. There is also the recruitment latest at our north clubs, including Ross County, Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City.
For 15% off the beautiful book ‘We Had A Dream: Scotland Internationals in the Black & White Era’, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code DREAM15 at checkout. Offer ends 11 July 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
On this week’s episode of Northern Goal, we discuss our teams’ return for pre-season training. Why are Aberdeen doing all of their work at Cormack Park, and how worried should they be about Europa Conference League opponents BK Hacken? It’s gone quiet at Ross County, but Caley Thistle have been busy, including snapping up former Staggies Michael Gardyne and Billy Mckay. Meanwhile, Cove Rangers have possibly pulled off the coup of the summer in landing another ex-County pair in Iain Vigurs and Ross Draper, with Dundee pair Lyall Cameron and Josh Mulligan also heading back to Peterhead.
For 15% off the beautiful book ‘We Had A Dream: Scotland Internationals in the Black & White Era’, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code DREAM15 at checkout. Offer ends 11 July 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
This week on Northern Goal, we react to the SPFL fixtures for 2021/22. Aberdeen will be delighted with the hand they’ve been dealt, but will Brighton's Teddy Jenks be the new James Maddison when the campaign begins against Dundee United. Ross County need to ramp up their preparations for a challenging start, while we also discuss Inverness, Peterhead, Cove and Elgin's fixtures. All that, plus the panel's emotions after covering Scotland's 2-0 Euros loss to the Czech Republic.
For 15% off our beautiful football and rugby nostalgia titles, perfect for the sport-loving dad or grandad in your life on Father’s Day, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/ and use the code GIFT15 at checkout. Eligible titles are: The Red Army , Dark Blue Blood, Jim McLean: Dundee United Legend, Lifted Over The Turnstiles, Team Game, and We Had A Dream. Offer ends 16 June 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
In this episode, the most sought-after man in British football, Craig Brown - who led Scotland to both Euro '96 and the France '98 World Cup - discusses the Dark Blues' prospects at the European Championship. Brown reveals he's backing Steve Clarke's men to go deep into the tournament, with talent, top-level experience and age on their side. The former Aberdeen boss also explains how you prepare Scotland to meet 'Auld Enemy' England at Wembley, as well as offering his view on nullifying the Czech Republic and Croatia. All that, plus some of Brown's legendary Scotland stories from a life in the game.
In this episode of Northern Goal, we chat to Martin Rennie, who was born in Thurso, but has built a successful coaching career on the other side of the world. Martin talks us through his journey from playing junior football in Scotland to bossing Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, as well as a spell in K League 2 with Seoul E-Land. Currently the boss of Indy Eleven in the United Soccer League, Martin also speaks about new signing and Aberdonian Cammy Smith, his time working with Aberdeen management duo Stephen Glass and Allan Russell at Carolina RailHawks and why he doesn't see the benefits in the Dons' strategic partnership with Atlanta United.
On this week’s Northern Goal, Andy Skinner – fresh back from Billy Dodds’ first press briefing as Inverness manager – talks us through the new boss’ priorities. We also reflect on what has been an acrimonious week for Ross County, with Malky Mackay appointed and several players, including captain Iain Vigurs and appearance/goal record-holder Michael Gardyne, unhappy with how they were released by the Staggies. Plus, there’s Niall McGinn’s new deal at Aberdeen – what are the chances of US international Christian Ramirez joining him at Pittodrie?
For 15% off our beautiful football and rugby nostalgia titles, perfect for the sport-loving dad or grandad in your life on Father’s Day, go to https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/and use the code GIFT15 at checkout. Eligible titles are: The Red Army , Dark Blue Blood, Jim McLean: Dundee United Legend, Lifted Over The Turnstiles, Team Game, and We Had A Dream. Offer ends 16 June 2021; see https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions.
We chat to lower-league goalscoring legend Rory McAllister on his near-decade with Peterhead, including winning the League Two title, silencing the Rangers fans at Balmoor and scoring five against Falkirk, despite a three-day hangover. The former Aberdeen youth academy prospect, who also spent time at Inverness, tells us why he has no regrets after turning down a host of full-time suitors over the years, as well as reflecting on current team Cove Rangers suffering end-of-season heartache as they missed out on promotion to the Championship.
In this episode, Ryan Cryle, Andy Skinner and Paul Third discuss Yogi’s Dingwall departure. Does the manager’s surprise exit suggest a move to Tannadice and how have the Staggies supporters reacted? Where does Roy MacGregor look next in his bid to get County up the Premiership and away from relegation battles – within the existing Global Energy Stadium staff to Don Cowie, or externally to the likes of Celtic interim boss John Kennedy or ex-Motherwell gaffer Stephen Robinson?
This week on Northern Goal, after Aberdeen's season-ending loss, questions need to be answered for next season - is Joe Lewis still the Dons' nailed-on number one? Will revamping the defence allow the Reds to play out from the back as Stephen Glass wants? Are strikers JET and Bruce Anderson both going to be at Pittodrie? Plus, which players - stalwarts and recent additions - should Ross County look to keep after securing Premiership safety with a win at Motherwell. Across the Kessock Bridge, is Billy Dodds a stick-on for the Inverness Caley Thistle job?
In this bonus episode of Northern Goal, we recap after Ross County took a major step to Premiership safety by beating Hamilton. Aberdeen have missed out on third after their defeat to Hibs, with the result further underlining their need for a squad overhaul. Plus, we reflect on Cove and Elgin's seasons after both of their play-off journeys ended.
In this week’s episode, how will Aberdeen fans be feeling about new boss Stephen Glass’ early moves to rebuild his squad, with Declan Gallagher and Gary Woods secured on pre-contracts. Will Mikey Devlin pen a new deal, and what about moves for Clark Robertson and Jamie McGrath? Meanwhile, what do the third-place-chasing Reds and relegation-battling Ross County have to do to beat Hibs and Hamilton and take a big step towards their respective Premiership goals. All that, plus the play-offs latest and Peterhead contract renewals, too.
In this bonus episode of Northern Goal, Andy Skinner reflects on Brora Rangers' 2-0 pyramid play-off home leg loss to Kelty Hearts. Can the Cattachs overcome the deficit tomorrow and set-up a clash with Brechin for a place in the Scottish leagues? Meanwhile, the panel also build up to Elgin City v Edinburgh City and Cove Rangers v Airdrieonians in the League One and Championship play-off semi-finals respectively.
This week, third-place hopefuls Aberdeen and relegation battlers Ross County have set up blockbuster finales to their Premiership campaigns with wins over Livingston and Dundee United, respectively. Could Dylan McGeouch’s performance for the Dons signal his potential to keep the incoming Scott Brown out of the team? Plus, there’s chat on Ryan Hedges’ comeback, Connor McLennan’s future at right-back and Inverness’ uncertain summer, as we also look ahead to a big night for promotion hopefuls Cove, Elgin and – most of all – Brora.
Stephen Glass suffered his first defeat as Aberdeen manager in the 3-0 Scottish Cup humbling by Dundee United, and the pod pick over the bones of a disappointing day. Caley Thistle’s season is just about over, while Ross County bid to stay alive in the Premiership. Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin also face a frantic seven days in the final stages of Leagues One and Two.
This week, Aberdeen prepare for a league clash with Celtic and Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United. What made the difference as they battled past Livingston in Stephen Glass' dugout debut? Plus, we discuss every other north team in depth - after another weekend off, Ross County target a vital three points from their St Mirren clash, while every game from this point is massive for Inverness, Cove and Elgin too.
This week, with Stephen Glass finally taking over in-person at Aberdeen, we discuss his immediate priorities as the Scottish Cup clash with Livingston looms. Our panel also assess loan striker Florian Kamberi’s struggles. There are bold predictions on how Ross County and Caley Thistle’s seasons will end after two massive draws, as our three lower league teams vie for position pre-split. Plus, the SPFL aren’t going to deny Brora their play-off chance again, are they?
On this week's episode, Aberdeen's goalscoring struggles may have continued at League One Dumbarton, but the Scottish Cup draw has given them a great chance of reaching Hampden’s semis. The panel discuss goalscorer Callum Hendry's future and whether there is enough season left for players to prove themselves to incoming boss Stephen Glass. We also reflect on a Highland derby which went to form, what it means for Caley Thistle's quest to reach the top-flight and Ross County's bid to avoid going the other way. Plus, a lack of action tells for Highland League teams in their ties, and are Cove, Peterhead and Elgin all going to be in the play-offs?
This week on Northern Goal, we discuss long-serving right-back Shay Logan's departure from Aberdeen, strikers coach Allan Russell's potential arrival, plus the Scottish Cup tie against League One Dumbarton. We also weigh up Friday night's Highland derby, Cove Rangers' trip to Ibrox, and Brora, Fraserburgh and Formartine's hopes in the same competition.
In this special episode of Northern Goal, Ryan Cryle, Paul Third and Jamie Durent discuss Stephen Glass' appointment as Aberdeen boss. What does Dave Cormack's decision show about the Dons' recruitment and player development strategy going forward, what are Glass' immediate priorities and is the division surrounding the expected arrival of Scott Brown as assistant boss a risk?
This week, we’ve decided to delay our regular panel discussion episode until after Tuesday’s big Scottish Cup ties, featuring many of our teams, are played. To preview one of those matches, we’ve spoken to Highland League legend Steven Mackay on his team’s return to action against Championship leaders Hearts. Plus, Steven gives us his view on what will happen to the Highland League season and details Brora’s SPFL ambitions, as well as talking us through his playing career with the Cattachs, Ross County, Forres, Elgin, Peterhead and Nairn.
In this week's Northern Goal, we discuss the latest on Aberdeen's manager hunt. The panel assess frontrunner Stephen Glass' chances of landing the role amid a vast array of candidates and whether interim duo Paul Sheerin and Barry Robson might get the results to be handed the gig permanently. There's also disbelief about one refereeing decision in Ross County's loss to Hibs, as well as a verdict on whether Inverness Caledonian Thistle can still break into the Championship's play-off spots.
Caley Thistle find themselves in trouble at the wrong end of the table after their latest defeat, ahead of a double-header with Raith Rovers. Ross County are showing signs of progress in their bid to avoid the drop in the Premiership, while the lower-leagues are waiting on the nod to get back underway again. There’s also a look at a special Highland League piece we’ve been working on.
Following the news Derek McInnes has departed Aberdeen after a poor run of results and amid growing fan discontent, we reflect on the last eight years and discuss what will come next at Pittodrie. Was now right time to part with the manager, and why did a slow decline accelerate so quickly this season? The panel also go through the highs and lows of the McInnes era - League Cup success, European spot mainstays, cup heartache and a missed chance to beat Ronny Deila’s Celtic to the Premiership title. Looking ahead, who will be the frontrunner to fill the Dons hotseat?
This week, no more slip-ups is the message if Aberdeen want to beat Hibs to third in the Premiership. There are also mixed opinions on whether Collin Quaner was guilty of simulation in Ross County’s defeat at St Mirren. Meanwhile, we discuss whether Caley Thistle can capitalise on their Championship fixtures backlog. On the subject of fixtures, and following news some of Scotland’s part-time teams will return to action, how are League One, League Two and the Scottish Cup going to be completed given how many games are left to play?
This week, there's reaction to the news Caley Thistle boss John Robertson has stepped down from his position for an indefinite period following a family bereavement, with the Inverness board set to secure a temporary replacement for a busy run of Championship matches. We also go over Ross County's Premiership win over Celtic and its effect on their league prospects, as well as asking what Aberdeen can learn ahead of their clash with the Hoops at the weekend.
This week we discuss Aberdeen's goal drought as they near a club-record run without netting. We delve into the decision by Dons chairman Dave Cormack to announce a fan question and answer session at such a high-pressure moment, before postponing it, much to the Red Army's fury, days later. There's also reaction to the news two of Caley Thistle's attackers, including their most recent signing, have been hit by injury.
This week, we debate how Aberdeen get out of their current slump after the board gave its backing to boss Derek McInnes. There's also a hopeful discussion of Ross County's perilous plight down the bottom of the Premiership. Plus, Callum Law takes us through the lower league and Highland League reaction after the SFA announced clubs below the Championship will have to wait even longer to return to action. Could the ruling spell the end of this season's Scottish Cup?
In this week's episode, the panelists react to Aberdeen's blockbuster transfer deadline day, which saw them bring in three strikers. Does this mean they smell at opportunity to overhaul Celtic and exorcise the demons of January inaction in 2016? We also discuss Ross Stewart's prospects at Sunderland after leaving Ross County, and whether Caley Thistle will utilise the loan market to aid their bid for promotion from the Championship.
This week, there's reaction to Scott Wright's pre-contract agreement at Rangers. We also discuss Aberdeen's improved attacking display against Motherwell, Ross County's 5-0 loss at Ibrox ahead of, not one, but two relegation six-pointers, as well as the bid from League One and League Two clubs to get their season restarted.
We sit down with Willie West, who has spent 17 years playing for Fraserburgh. Utility man Willie talks us through his time in the youth ranks at Aberdeen, scoring a penalty at Hampden, rediscovering his love of the game under Charlie Duncan at the Broch, the trophies he's won and his desperation to complete his silverware set by winning the Highland League title.
On this week's episode, we discuss Derek McInnes' future as Aberdeen manager in the wake of the 4-1 defeat to Ross County in Dingwall. There have been banners outside Pittodrie and plenty of anger online - but does Dons chairman Dave Cormack have a decision to make yet? There's also praise of Ross County's attacking approach to their survival fight, plus chat on whether the Championship should be put into cold storage.
In this episode, we discuss the SFA's decision to suspend action for most part-time clubs in detail: Is it the right call? Did it come too late? Was it necessitated in part by recent Premiership misbehaviour? Should the top-flight and Championship have been put on hold as well? Are Caley Thistle in a position to jump straight into mandatory testing? Despite the delay to the fixtures taking place, there's the Scottish Cup third round draw to get excited about, as well as reflections on Aberdeen v Rangers, Scott Wright's impending Dons departure and Livingston v Ross County.
In this interview for Northern Goal, Ryan Cryle and Andy Skinner chat with Gothenburg Great Eric Black about his Aberdeen career - including his famous heading ability, a trio of Scottish Cup successes by the age of 20, European Cup Winners' Cup glory and feeling the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson.
This week we look ahead to Aberdeen v Rangers after the Dons recorded another goalless draw at the weekend, this time time against Dundee United. What do they need to add in the transfer window? We also talk through another Ross County penalty area mishap, nine-man Peterhead's defeat to local rivals Cove, as well as what teams are set up to take Scottish Cup scalps this Saturday.
In Northern Goal's final episode of 2020, our panel discuss Aberdeen's strong league position going into the new year and ask why they aren't playing the free-flowing football to go with it. Two games into the John Hughes era, Andy Skinner says whether he thinks their current winless and goalless run will end soon. There's also a preview chat ahead of Cove Rangers v Peterhead and reaction to a superb weekend in Scottish Cup action for the Highland League clubs.
We talk to former Aberdeen goalkeeper David Preece about spending the strange year of Covid with Ostersunds in Sweden, his Dons career under Ebbe Skovdahl, Steve Paterson and Jimmy Calderwood, walking into Teddy Scott’s kitroom in his pants to find Sir Alex Ferguson, the enduring quality of Jim Leighton, and his fears over the health problems which could come from multiple concussions suffered during his playing career.
John Hughes is now the Ross County manager, but has Stuart Kettlewell’s replacement shown in his management career he is capable of saving the rock-bottom Staggies from relegation? This week, we also discuss whether Aberdeen are in a good position from which to attack the second half of the season, whether Peterhead will overtake Cove Rangers in the League One standings and which Highland League sides will be looking forward to their Boxing Day Scottish Cup clashes.
This week - in addition to Derek McInnes' AGM bombshell over right-back Ronald Hernandez's future - we discuss Aberdeen's Premiership win over Ross County and whether Curtis Main is now the Dons’ main striker. On top of this, there's chat about whether Ross Stewart will move from the Staggies to Pittodrie, as we also look ahead to County's crunch games against Livingston and Hamilton over the coming days. Plus, as always, there's Caley Thistle, Peterhead, Cove, Elgin and reaction to the Highland League sides' Scottish Cup endeavours.
This week on Northern Goal, we discuss whether refereeing decisions or poor performances were to blame for Aberdeen’s poor run continuing at St Mirren. We look at this weekend’s clash with Ross County and whether the still-confident Staggies can win at Pittodrie for the second time in 2020. There’s also drooling over Caley Thistle’s goals at Queen of the South and an assessment of Brora Rangers boss Steven Mackay’s playing career.
This week our panel review Ross County's stunning Betfred Cup win against Celtic at Parkhead and whether it can be the moment their season kicks into gear. There's also Aberdeen's dismal week, with a draw at Hamilton and loss at St Mirren raising red flags about their squad depth and desire. As well as this, there's the usual chat about our lower league sides and Callum Law talks us through the first weekend of the Highland League season.
This week we preview the Highland League season - who will win the title, who we think will be best of the rest, who has strengthened well and who will be top goalscorer - with input from our special guest, Highland football doyen Dave Edwards. Before all that, there's the SFA shambles which hit Aberdeen before their loss at Ibrox, Ross County's nightmare against Kilmarnock and Caley Thistle's season kick-starting win over Raith Rovers. Plus, of course, Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City.
This week on Northern Goal, our panel discuss what a win away at Rangers could do for Aberdeen's season as the Premiership returns. We also ask whether Ross County, Peterhead and Caley Thistle's Betfred Cup showings will lead to them picking up much-needed points in their respective leagues.
On this week’s episode, our panel debates whether Aberdeen’s Andy Considine can expect to keep his place in the Scotland starting 11 for tomorrow’s Euro play-off final in Serbia. There’s also discussion of the Dons Premiership prospects for the rest of 2020, a debrief on all our teams’ Betfred Cup and league results, as well as general excitement at the impending return of the Highland League.
This week's Northern Goal has been moved to Wednesday... with the aim to give you better analysis of this week's Betfred Cup action.
The team discuss Aberdeen’s latest Scottish Cup shortfall against Celtic, as the Dons lose 2-0 in the semi-finals at Hampden Park. Ross County’s search for a win continues, Caley Thistle show their resiliency, while Cove Rangers and Peterhead record impressive victories. Rothes ended a 41-year wait for a trophy by beating Buckie Thistle in the Highland League Cup, with the pod assessing how far the Speysiders can go.
Our panel review Aberdeen’s dramatic 3-3 league draw with Celtic and establish who could’ve played their way into the team for Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash. We also try to work out why a decent Ross County attacking performance turned into a heavy loss at Motherwell, and what Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City have shown they can do this season in their first two matches.
In this week's episode, our panel ask how Aberdeen didn't beat Dundee United at Tannadice and conclude Ross County's defence is a base from which they can build, as evidenced in their 0-0 Premiership draw with Hibs. There's also plenty of reaction to Caley Thistle, Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City in league action (finally). At Highland level, we discuss the League Cup semi-finals and who will lift the trophy between finalists Buckie Thistle and Rothes.
In this week’s episode, the panel discuss Aberdeen defender Andy Considine’s belated ascension to Scotland starter and whether he can hold on to his place for huge games against the Czech Republic, Serbia and beyond. There’s also more than half an hour of reflection on our teams in Betfred Cup action, including Peterhead’s victory at Tannadice and Cove Rangers close call with Hibs. Plus, we preview the lower league start and the Highland League Cup semi-finals this weekend, as well as reacting to Dean Donaldson’s departure from Keith.
In this week’s Northern Goal, our panel talk through Aberdeen and Ross County’s transfer windows and whether they have strengthened sufficiently. There’s also a debrief from the Dons’ win over St Mirren and the Staggies’ defeat at Ibrox, and we build up to Inverness, Peterhead, Cove Rangers and Elgin City starting their seasons in the Betfred Cup.
In this week's episode, we discuss the decision to delay the Highland League's return until at least late November and ponder why fans can't return to grounds when bars and restaurants in Scotland are open again. There's also all of the talking points from Ross County v Aberdeen, including what went so wrong for the Staggies, what went so right for the Dons, Marley Watkins' ambition to split the Glasgow two and the Ronald Hernandez question.
This week, our panel dissect Aberdeen's shock hammering at the hands of Motherwell, as well as the deal struck with Nottingham Forest for centre-back Scott McKenna. There's also a comprehensive preview of the Europa League qualifying clash with Covid-ravaged, European bigwigs Sporting, an assessment of Ross County's top-six credentials and we ponder whether a delay of fans returning to football grounds due to the worsening coronavirus situation could derail the impending lower-league and Highland League seasons.
Aberdeen and Ross County welcomed supporters back into their grounds on Saturday to witness mixed results, while special guest Arild Stavrum joins the pod to look ahead to the Dons’ Europa League tie with Viking FK. We also take a look at some of the north’s SPFL sides making moves in the transfer market.
We’re joined by Cove Rangers skipper Mitch Megginson to talk us through his career. The former Pittodrie youth academy prospect discusses his surprise first-team debut in Europe against Sigma Olomouc and being released by Derek McInnes. He reveals why he decided to swap the Championship for Highland League, with his goals firing Cove to the SPFL then the League Two title.
This week, we discuss how a change of formation, plus sparkling displays from Ross McCrorie, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Hedges, Scott Wright and more, have re-energised Aberdeen's campaign. The panel also try to get a handle on Ross County's poor performance at Livingston - where boss Stuart Kettlewell criticised referee John Beaton - as well as the benefits of the planned 16-game Highland League season.
This week, we discuss Aberdeen’s two wins to secure their first six points of the league season, and what the team could look like for Thursday’s Europa League qualifying curtain-raiser against Runavik of the Faroe Islands. Our panel then try to predict the suspension which awaits the eight players who breached Covid rules at Friday’s SFA hearing. There’s also our debrief of Ross County’s draw against 10-man St Mirren in Paisley as the Staggies continue to rack up early Premiership points.
On this week's episode, there's the latest fallout from the Aberdeen Eight's Covid breach, and we discuss how vital it is the Dons take maximum points from their games with St Johnstone and Livingston. We also predict Ross McCrorie's role for the Reds, explain Ross County's defeat to Dundee United, and discuss how Danny Devine and Scott Allardice will bolster Caley Thistle.
Now we know for sure Aberdeen won’t be back in action until August 20, we discuss potential punishments for Covid rule breaches going forward, and whether a mid-October lower league return is under threat. Plus, we go in-depth on Ross County’s 100% Premiership start and the Betfred Cup draw.
In this special episode, Ryan Cryle, Paul Third, Jamie Durent and Callum Law react to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s suggestion that Aberdeen’s games against Hamilton and Celtic will follow their Premiership clash with St Johnstone in being postponed after eight players breached Covid-19 rules. We question why players, at the Dons and at Celtic, have flouted the regulations, and what lies ahead for the season.
Football is back. We review Aberdeen’s 1-0 defeat to Rangers – whether first-half sluggishness is cause for long-term concern, and which team should line-up against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. We also reflect on Ross County’s 1-0 win over Motherwell, where they may have showed a resilience to go with their attacking edge. Plus, will Caley Thistle, Peterhead, Cove Rangers and Elgin City be happy with their lower-league fixtures?
Aberdonian midfielder Paul Coutts talks us through a playing career which has included a Highland League title with Cove, before spells at Peterborough, Preston, Derby and Sheffield United. The 32-year-old describes marking Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez on his Posh debut, playing under the likes of Darren Ferguson, Nigel Clough, Steve McClaren and Chris Wilder, as well as his recent play-offs disappointment with Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town.
This week we’re joined by Highland League secretary, Rod Houston, who discusses the timescale for starting the new season with reduced testing, five substitutes, fans and hospitality. He also reflects on the failed reconstruction talks which ended Brora’s hopes of stepping into the SPFL, and looks back on two Dutch superstars turning out for their country in the Highlands.
We discuss striker Cosgrove’s near-move to France’s Ligue 2 and whether we can learn anything from the closed-door friendly between the Dons and Ross County. Plus, where do we think the next destinations are for the likes of Frank Ross, Chris Antoniazzi and Tom Kelly, Caley Thistle’s plans to use the Betfred Cup for pre-season, Elgin’s prospects for winning League Two and Loch Ness FC’s stunning, social media-conquering kits.
This week the panel discuss Aberdeen and Ross County’s starts to the season after the 2020/21 Premiership fixtures were revealed. Plus, partial crowds, Cove Rangers’ plea for aid in their promotion fight, and do League One and League Two hopes over reduced Covid-19 testing and October restart show way forward for Highland League?
Smart Osadolor joins the podcast this week to give his thoughts on how the Black Lives Matter movement has impacted him, and what he would like to see going forward. He also discusses life as a lower-league football and the uncertainty brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
This week, Aberdonian Rachael Boyle talks us through her career. The Scotland international explains the difficulties of returning to elite sport after pregnancy, how she’s determined to get to the European Championships with Scotland and close the gap on Glasgow City with club side Hibs Ladies.
The Staggies boss speaks to Northern Goal about the Premiership club’s return to socially-distanced training after the coronavirus shutdown. Kettlewell also opens up on County’s summer recruitment strategy, the team’s big focus for the new campaign, and the bosses who shaped him.
This week, Andy Skinner discusses Caley Thistle and Brora Rangers’ reaction to the death knell of SPFL reconstruction. Plus, the coup that is ICT boss John Robertson’s new deal, changes in the management structure at Ross County, and an imminent arrival (and departures) at Aberdeen.
We ask when SPFL reconstruction (with or without colts teams) will finally go away, and debate whether Aberdeen should sign Jonny Hayes. There’s also a potential departure at Ross County, as well as Cove Rangers’ bold statement of their ambition, and Huntly’s new boss.
Blue Toon gaffer McInally explains his stance against Hearts owner Ann Budge’s 14-14-14 SPFL reconstruction plan. Plus, the former Nottingham Forest and Dundee United man tells his funniest Brian Clough stories and reflects on glory days under Jim McLean, as well as his nine years at Balmoor.
The iconic centre-half – who is second in the Dons’ all-time appearance list – tells us about his partnership with Willie Miller, scoring a peach in the 1982 Scottish Cup final, going from Gothenburg pass-back nightmare to euphoria, and reflects on the Reds’ title heartbreak in 1991.