We walk you through a few of the stories that are making headlines in the Scottish football world this Thursday morning.
Aberdeen and Elfsborg boss are connected
A new applicant has surfaced in the hunt for Aberdeen’s next long-term manager. Following a 1-0 loss to Dundee on Wednesday, the Dons’ Premiership slide deepened, leaving them just three points clear of the tenth-place relegation play-off spot. The necessity for a new manager has therefore increased, and according to The Scottish Sun, Jimmy Thelin, the head coach of Elfsborg, is currently a strong contender for the position. The 45-year-old is said to have had discussions with the Pittodrie administration during the previous campaign, and his performance in the Swedish Allsvenskan—where Elfsborg came in second behind Malmo—may convince Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack to show him some further interest.
Wales’s boss gives it high marks
Following their recalls to the Wales team for the Euro 2024 play-off match against Finland later this month, Hibs midfielder Dylan Levitt and Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo have received high praise from manager Rob Page of Wales. “I adore Rabbi so much; his speed is so dangerous,” Page exclaimed. He’s a terrific guy within and without the group. He has the right to return to the scene. Had he not been injured, we would not have been able to see him before now. Regaining Rabbi is a good thing. “Dylan has had a frustrating time; we’ve had him in and out of the squads,” Page continued on Levitt. But given that Joe Morrell was hurt, it seemed obvious to me. He is aware of our procedures.
Wyness asserts Rodgers
Should the Parkhead team fail to win the title, former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness predicts that Celtic and Brendan Rodgers will split ways. When asked about Rodgers and Celtic in an interview with Football Insider, Wyness—who was also CEO of Everton and Aston Villa—said, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see a change in manager in the off-season.” I’m not sure if Rodgers was the best choice. It’s not a joyful journey. Indeed, it appears that the shortcomings have occurred on the field. They appear to have been playing poorly in a few really important games. You’re nowhere in Scotland if you’re not at the top.
Former Celtic striker Andy Walker thinks that Matt O’Riley and three other midfield players, in particular, will determine the team’s success this year. When asked about Celtic’s circumstances on Go Radio, Walker responded, “Him [Callum McGregor] and [Reo] Hatate.” The relationship between the two of them. O’Riley, who was on fire at the beginning of the season, was the other. However, his form has declined. I’m not sure if Atletico Madrid’s interest caused him to turn around. However, you would sincerely miss McGregor. You are aware of his actions for the previous many years. With his passing and the occasional goal, Hatate offered them an additional advantage. To succeed, you must need a goalscoring threat from midfield. That has dropped off a little.”
Hearts have faith in the midfielder.
Scott Fraser, who hasn’t started for the Jambos since the Edinburgh derby stalemate with Hibs last month, may be considered for Saturday’s Hearts trip to Ross County. According to Edinburgh Evening News, Steven Naismith, the manager of the Jambos, “his issue wasn’t too bad before Monday.” We just want to make sure it’s gone as he suffered a similar issue at the beginning of the season. Although we’ll see throughout the course of the next several training days, I anticipate having him back in the squad.
Livi was forced to shut down by a bug.
According to Brian Rice, Livingston is experiencing a sickness outbreak. The team is hopeful that this won’t interfere with their plans for this Saturday’s crucial Premiership matchup against Hibs. A sickness that initially plagued midfielder Jason Holt and prevented him from playing in Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarterfinal loss to Celtic prevented the Lions from practicing on Tuesday. With a number of other players out due to injury with Scott Pittman, James Penrice, and Jack Hamilton all out, assistant manager Rice is dubious of the state of the bottom-of-the-table Lions going into the match at Easter Road. Brian Rice claims there’s an illness outbreak in Livingston. The club is hoping that this won’t affect their preparations for their important Premiership match against Hibs this Saturday. The Lions were unable to practice on Tuesday due to a virus that first afflicted midfielder Jason Holt, preventing him from participating in Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarterfinal loss to Celtic. Assistant manager Rice has doubts about the condition of the bottom-of-the-table Lions heading into the game at Easter Road since a number of other players are sidelined due to injury, including Scott Pittman, James Penrice, and Jack Hamilton.
James Tavernier hopes to emulate Ally McCoist’s feats following the Rangers legend’s rejection.
Australia squad: Celtic injury, Hearts duo out, Hibs talisman Martin Boyle not selected, Arnold claims club pressure