The Scottish Football Show

A week of firsts in the SPFL; a first win of the Premiership season for Aberdeen, a maiden home victory for Nick Montgomery in his second game charge of Hibs, and record-breaking first appearances for a couple of young Hibs & St Johnstone players.

It's not all plain sailing however in the top flight. Three wins in a week for Rangers but many fans are irked by what they're seeing at Ibrox under Michael Beale, including the manager himself.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have announced Duncan Ferguson as their new manager. Caley  fan Andrew Young from The Wyness Shuffle Podcast joins us to reflect on what's been going on at the Highland club.

And is it ok for a child to run onto the pitch to meet their heroes, or are we glorifying this behaviour too much?

Join Andrew Slaven and Findlay Marks for all the latest news, funny stories and reaction across the divisions of our wonderfully bonkers game.

RUNNING ORDER:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - The best of this week’s funny stories, including Aberdeen fans serenading German newlyweds, spelling your own player's name wrong, and how The Force is strong with Stuart Kettlewell.
07:19 - A round up of this week’s biggest news stories, including new owners arriving at Livi, where Aaron Hickey's future might lie, and why you should be checking out our YouTube channel this season.
13:54 - Premiership round up, including lacklustre Rangers & Hearts, brilliant St Mirren and Aberdeen, and a cheeky pitch invader in the Celtic game.
European preview, covering Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen's tough tests this week.
36:05 - Discussing Inverness Caledonian Thistle's start to the season as well as their incoming new manager, with Andrew Young from The Wyness Shuffle Podcast.
47:12 - Championship, League One & League Two round up, including Airdrielona, Super Stenny and Clyde finally winning a game of football.
50:08 - Outro

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The European group stages get underway this week but some of the team are giving off negative vibes… or are they just being realistic? 

Join Andrew Slaven, Findlay Marks and Laura Brannan for the latest round up of the weird and wonderful stories across Scottish football.

We have a very special guest this week as St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson joins us with his side sitting pretty in second place in the Premiership.

At the other end of the managerial success scale though, Billy Dodds and his assistant Barry Wilson have departed Inverness Caledonian Thistle after a poor start to the season.

Could Scotland be given automatic qualification to Euro 2028 if they fail the traditional way? Perhaps, if the UK & Ireland win their bid to host the tournament, it looks like there will be a safety net for some of the home nations.

And what’s Gary Caldwell’s latest training regime? Gone are the days of army kidnapping, he’s now moved on to TikTok trends.

RUNNING ORDER:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - The best of this week’s funny stories, including head tennis at Hamilton Accies, clubs telling their own fans to go and see other sides, and Gary Caldwell's latest maverick team training tactic.
05:33 - A round up of this week’s biggest news stories, including Billy Dodds being sacked by ICT, the latest on Elliot Anderson, and the brilliant Scotland tifo Laura helped bring to life.
15:47 - European preview, covering Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen's tough tests this week.
21:48 - Discussing St Mirren's terrific start to the season, with Buddies boss Stephen Robinson.
40:58 - SPFL round up, looking briefly at the major stories from the most recent round of matches across all 4 divisions.
48:02 - Outro

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Scotland, officially one of the best teams in Europe right now, are a bawhair away from clinching qualification to EURO 2024.

Join Andrew Slaven, Laura Brannan and John Blaesdale for more feel-good international chat as we enjoy the 3-0 win over Cyprus and look ahead to the clash with England.

How good is Scott McTominay, how strong is our squad, how amazing will Germany be next summer?! Try and stop us getting carried away.

There’s also the usual delve into this week’s news and funnies. Clickbait headlines, some good old fart chat and how bad was the carpet at the Scottish Masters? And of course, kudos to Scottish football fans uniting to defeat the government over their proposed draconian supporter bus rules. 

RUNNING ORDER:
01:00 The latest funny stories across Scottish football
11:25 The latest news stories outwith the international break
18:13 All the Scotland chat 

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It’s the international break and it’s a huge one for Scotland. We could actually qualify for Euro 2024 if results go our way… not that we’re getting carried away or anything.

We look ahead to the qualifier against Cyprus and the 150th anniversary friendly match against England with Gordon Sheach from The Tartan Scarf.

We also look back on the weekend action, including the referee howler that denied Kilmarnock a point, Celtic winning the first Old Firm game of the season, Michael Beale’s shoogly peg, St Mirren and St Johnstone’s dramatic late equalisers and Motherwell sitting joint top of the Premiership.

Also, have you heard about Ryan Kent’s crocodiles? And Hamilton Accies’ two Twitter accounts? Andrew Slaven, Laura Brannan and Findlay Marks have you covered for another week of Scottish football chat.

RUNNING ORDER:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - The best of this week’s news and funnies, including Killie's season-ticket record being smashed and Dundee United becoming the latest club to instigate a dedicated singing section to match days.
16:59 - Reaction to what lies in wait for Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen in their respective European group stages.
27:41 - Premiership round-up
40:56 - Cyprus & England preview with Gordon Sheach from The Tartan Scarf
52:16 - Outro

GET IN TOUCH:
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Well that didn't take long, did it? The first managerial casualty of the season has happened with the much maligned Lee Johnson being axed by Hibs after just three games of the league season. Matty Fairnie of the Longbangers podcast joins the show to review his tenure at Easter Road.

With only a handful of days left before the transfer window closes, Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph gives us the latest gossip around the potential comings and goings around the SPFL this week.

And with the pacesetters starting to make themselves known in the divisions below the Premiership, we look who's making an impression at the right and wrong end of the Championship, League One and League Two tables.

Andrew Slaven is joined by Melbourne City's Findlay Marks and Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph to unpack all the latest goings on from our own wee corner of The Beautiful Game.

RUNNING ORDER:
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - The best of this week’s news and funnies, including Lewis Ferguson's smashing it in Serie A, Kemar Roofe's surprising holiday plans, and Scottish football legends partying with the best of them in Ibiza.
06:29 - Lee Johnson's sacking by Hibs, with Matty Fairnie from the Longbangers podcast.
19:29 - Do we give managers enough time in the modern game?
22:42 - Premiership round-up
34:18 - Transfer Tavern
42:10 - Championship, League One and League Two round-up
45:58 - Outro


GET IN TOUCH:
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• Follow Matty Fairnie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattyfairnie

Kilmarnock continue their blistering start to the new season with the scalp of Celtic in the Viaplay Cup, but is it just a blip from Brendan Rodgers' side or is there cause for concern for the season ahead?

St Johnstone fans may be delighted for a weekend off after a disastrous start to their campaign, but is Steven MacLean on a hiding to nothing this season regardless? We hear from football betting analyst, podcaster and Saints fan Greg Browning to find out.

And with Rangers, Hearts and Hibs all successfully navigating their way through to their respective final qualifying rounds in Europe, we're starting to dream about having five sides in the group stages.

Andrew Slaven is joined by Melbourne City's Findlay Marks and The Herald's Euan Booth Robertson to unpack all the latest goings on from our own wee corner of The Beautiful Game.

RUNNING ORDER:
00:30 The best of this week’s news and funnies, including over-zealous videographers, celebrating in bars where you're outnumbered and Scotland's footballing legacy in Argentina.
10:19 Is it ok to celebrate England losing?
15:05 League Cup roundup.
21:12 St Johnstone's grim start to the season, with Saints fan Greg Browning.
34:13 What lies ahead for Rangers, Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen in Europe, including the John McGinn derby.
42:26 Queen of the South v Annan Athletic in the first ever competitive Dumfriesshire Derby. 
44:15 Outro

GET IN TOUCH:
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• Follow Greg Browning on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Browning84Greg

Lee Johnson is back with the iconic soundbites this week, but are they enough to inspire his side on the European stage?

Hibs go to Switzerland ahead in their Conference League tie while Hearts host their return leg against Rosenborg at Tynecastle. Rangers are also in midweek action, playing for a Champions League play off spot against Servette.

Andrew Slaven is joined by West Ham’s Laura Brannan and Sky Sports’ Andrew Dickson to look ahead to the European ties and chat to Hearts commentator and podcast producer of Scarves Around the Funnel, Laurie Dunsire.

They also dissect the best stories, including Keiran Tierney’s Arsenal future, Steven McLean’s harsh St Johnstone words and did you see Martin O’Neill rivalling Rod Stewart for the best cup draw shenanigans? 

RUNNING ORDER:
01:41: The best of this week’s news and funnies, including Martin O’Neill, Dick Campbell and David Moyes
08:10 Should Keiran Tierney get out of Arsenal for his own good?
14:08 Laurie Dunsire on Hearts’ start to Europe and the league.
28:45 Hearts and Rangers are also playing in Europe this week.
42:40 The best of the rest from the SPFL this weekend, including was Steven McLean too harsh on his players?
49:33 Outro

There’s a new young team on the scene and they’re already taking the SPFL by storm. 

Andrew Slaven, Laura Brannan and Findlay Marks catch up with The Spartan’s Kenny Cameron who leads the youth group who go by the name North Ultras.

Meanwhile, Raith Rovers’ historian John Greer joins the team to give some more depth and insight into the crazy shipwreck story that got everyone talking after episode one.

And the new league season got underway at the weekend. David Turnbull has hit the ground running for Celtic, St Mirren made a late comeback at Easter Road and has anyone stopped to consider how strange the unfurling of the championship flag actually is?

RUNNING ORDER:
00:00: INTRO
01:29: RAITH ROVERS - The Kirkcaldy club's historian, John Greer, enlightens us on the story around Raith's new away kit that got everyone talking last week.
10:23: NEWS & FUNNIES - Wasps, technical difficulties and James McArthur's retirement.
14:27: SPFL ROUND-UP - rounding up the best of the action from the opening day of the season.
29:15: SPARTANS - Youth group leader Kenny Cameron tells us all about the boys making all the noise from the North Ultras.
44:38: EURO PREVIEW - Looking ahead to what lies in store for the four clubs in European action over the coming days.
48:50: FFS - How did every do on in the fantasy football on the opening weekend? Hopefully you did better than Fin...
50:23: OUTRO

The team are back for the 2023/24 season, previewing what lies ahead in Scottish football.

Join Andrew Slaven, Laura Brannan and Findlay Marks as they look back on some huge stories from the off season, including Scotland’s incredible double header, Hibs’ European shocker in Andorra and what reaction Brendan Rodgers’ return has received.

They also take a look at the new, wild, bold and baffling kits across the SPFL with Craig McFarlane from the Football Kit Memories podcast.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: INTRO (00m 00s)
• PART 2: NEWS [Part 1] - Scotland's double header & Craig Brown (05m 40s)
• PART 3: NEWS [Part 2] - Hibs in Europe and SPFL problems (20m 31s)
• PART 4: PREDICTIONS - Which teams to look out for across all four divisions (36m 58s)
• PART 5: KITS - Reviewing the good, the bad and the freakin' abysmal kits ahead of the big kick off with Craig McFarlane (54m 21s)
• PART 6: OUTRO (71m 23s)

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The campaign is coming to a close but the drama never ends. Join us for one last episode of the 2022/23 season. 

Andrew Slaven, Findlay Marks and Laura Brannan look back on the incredible Premiership playoff final where Ross County pulled off the mother of all comebacks.

Staggies striker Jordan White joins us on the show to reflect on the match that will go down in Scottish football folklore.

There was success for Celtic as well at the weekend, as they enjoyed breaking a world record, clinching their eighth treble. But the real story is the future of their beloved manager Ange Postecoglou as he looked destined to be appointed the new Tottenham Hotspur manager. 

And it’s a victory for the fans, and just about every club in Scotland, as the SFA shelf plans for their controversial Conference League. The motion to create a new fifth tier and allowing four B teams to compete has been met with a resounding no from almost everyone involved.

We look ahead to the final weekend of the season as Celtic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle battle it out for the Scottish Cup and Ross County go head to head with Partick Thistle for a place in the Premiership.

Join Andrew Slaven, Laura Brannan and Findlay Marks for the penultimate episode of the 2022/23 season.

The Scotland squad is announced ahead of the double header against Norway and Georgia, the two Dundee teams confirm their respective managers for next season and Hearts snatch the final European spot… for now.

We also catch up with Annan Athletic captain Steven Swinglehurst after their historic promotion to League One.

Meanwhile, what is going on with the Scottish Cup final television coverage… is our game really less important than Garden Rescue? 

And is it ok for fans to celebrate winning the title by having an impromptu street party? We look at what happened at Trongate on Celtic’s trophy day.

Take a trip down memory lane on the 20 year anniversary of Celtic going on an incredible UEFA Cup run to the final in Seville. 

Despite ultimately falling at the final hurdle, Celtic fans still hold the campaign close to their heart, including Sean McDonald, the man behind the hugely popular Blethered podcast.

Laura Brannan caught up with the broadcaster/presenter to look back on that run two decades ago. Please note, this episode contains swearing.

This is the third and final stand-alone show this month where we celebrate the incredible achievements of Scottish sides reaching major European finals. Check out 40 years since Aberdeen won the European Cup Winners' Cup and 15 years on from Rangers' UEFA Cup run to Manchester if you missed them at the time.

A big decision is looming for Scottish football as clubs will soon vote on the proposed new Conference League and addition of B teams at tier five.

With Aberdeen turning down the chance to submit a Colts team, Andrew Slaven, Findlay Marks and Andy Bargh look at the impact this story could have on our game.

It’s also award season, as Celtic tidy up at the PFA POTY awards.

Hamilton Accies pull off a ridiculous comeback in their play off semi final, but their fight for survival isn’t over yet.

And elsewhere, the SWPL comes to a dramatic conclusion this weekend. It’s tight at the top, but who will grab the glory?

RUNNING ORDER:
00:37 - [Part 1] News & Funnies
13:13 - [Part 2] Colt Teams and the prospective new division
24:06 - [Part 3] Previewing the dramatic conclusion to the SWPL season
30:43 - [Part 4] SPFL Round-up

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In the second of three stand-alone shows this month we’re celebrating the incredible achievements of Scottish sides reaching major European finals as they mark landmark anniversaries this year.

In this episode, we’re focusing on Rangers and their unlikely and, ultimately, unlucky run to the UEFA Cup Final in the 2007/08 season.

Andrew Slaven and Findlay Marks caught up with former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson - an integral part of the side that made it all the way to Manchester - to hear his recollections from that legendary campaign.

In the first of three stand-alone podcasts this month, we’re celebrating the incredible achievements of Scottish sides reaching European Finals, with three clubs all celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.

First up, it’s Aberdeen. It’s been 40 years since the Dons lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup on 11th May 1983, beating Real Madrid 2-1 in Gothenburg under the guidance of a certain Alex Ferguson.

Laura and Fin were joined by Scottish football broadcasting legend, avid Aberdeen supporter and author of ‘Glory in Gothenburg’ Richard Gordon to relive the whole story, from early days of the Alex Ferguson era right through to the lasting legacy winning the Cup Winners' Cup achievement has had on the club.

It was a weekend of coronations as both Celtic and Dundee were crowned champions of their respective divisions. 

Join Andrew Slaven, Laura Brannan and Findlay Marks as they reflect on Ange Postecoglou's side clinching the title with four games to go and the dramatic end to the Championship season. 

Is the SFA disrespecting the fans with their 17:30 Scottish Cup final kick-off slot?

And who will win at the PFA Player of the Year Awards this weekend?

Meanwhile, it’s 40 years since Aberdeen won the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Hear a sneak peak of Scottish football legend Richard Gordon’s memories ahead of a special episode released on Wednesday. 

This week also marks 15 years since Rangers’ run to the UEFA Cup Final. Ahead of a feature length interview with former Ibrox midfielder Kevin Thomson dropping this weekend, listen to a short preview on this episode about Kevin's recollections moments after the final whistle in Manchester.

You won’t get a better fixture card than this weekend’s Championship finale. 

Join us as we look ahead to the last day of the season, where the title, the promotion play-off spaces and relegation slots are all still to be decided. Nine of the ten teams have something to play for and we can’t wait for the drama.

Elsewhere, former Motherwell fans’ favourite Allan Campbell joins us for a special catch up. He looks back on why he chose to leave Fir Park, how he’s grown up since joining Luton Town and being on the brink of promotion to the English Premier League. 

Aberdeen have appointed Barry Robson as their manager on a pernamanet basis and Inverness Caley Thistle are one game away from securing European football ’til Christmas. 

Laura Brannan, on hosting duties this week, is joined by Findlay Marks and Euan Booth Robertson.

Is winning the league a good enough reason to invade the sacred grass? Join the team as they debate the championship-winning codes of conduct.

BT Sport’s Andrew Slaven, West Ham’s Laura Brannan and football filmmaker Findlay Marks are back again for the latest helping of Scottish football’s news and funny stories.

You might have noticed you could watch the FA Cup semi finals on TV at the weekend, but not any of our own exciting fixtures that were playing at the same time. We look at why the English FA broke their own blackout rules and how it’s impacting the Scottish game.

Meanwhile, the Premiership split saw St Mirren and Hibs bag the spots in the top six, while Livingston missed out again. But could more be done to market this stage of the season?

Stirling Albion finally made it over the line and clinched the League Two Championship, hear from manager Darren Young on the achievement.

And who’s going to make it out of this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi finals? It’s Falkirk v Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday, before Rangers v Celtic on Sunday.

RUNNING ORDER:
01:42: Andrew tells us what it’s like to produce a live title-winning game for the TV.
04:49: Pitch invasions, are they harmless or disrespectful?
10:35: News stories and funny stories, including what is going on with the blackout breach.
18:08: We breakdown The Split, what happened and what the league should be doing to sell it better.
25:34: SPFL round up, from Motherwell taking points off Celtic right down to Brechin City winning the Highland League.
32:00: Hear from Stirling Albion manager Darren Young.
36:05: The Scottish Cup semi final previews.

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“I was too ashamed to go to Tesco”
How it feels to be sacked as a manager

Listen to the full, unedited chat with title-winning Dunfermline manager James McPake.

Just days after clinching the League One championship, the 38 year old joined the team to reflect on the club’s achievement and how he has grown personally, as a manager.

At a time when the role is proving to be so precarious amid poor runs of form, McPake describes the emotional and mental toll that comes with being sacked and how he’s used that to his advantage. 

Give him a listen and let the team know if you agree Dundee’s loss is Dunfermline’s gain at @TSFSpodcast on Twitter.

As yet another top flight manager loses his job, the team ask if the panic button is being pushed too hastily these days. 

BT Sport’s Andrew Slaven is joined by West Ham video producer Laura Brannan and football editor Findlay Marks for yet another week of the biggest, the best and the downright ugliest stories across Scottish football.

Eight Premiership managers have been sacked so far this season, with Callum Davidson the latest to depart St Johnstone. But is it justified?

Meanwhile, Dunfermline manager James McPake joins the team to reflect on not only winning the League One title but also how he’s grown as a manager a year on from being hastily let go himself, from Dundee.

Who actually wants to host Euro 2028? The SFA unfortunately. They seem happy with Hampden being the only Scottish stadium as the UK and Ireland "dangerously join forces" with a bid to host the tournament.

And is it socially acceptable to listen to the football on the radio when you’re at a wedding? We're asking all the important questions this week.

RUNNING ORDER 
00:42 - PART 1 - News & Funnies: Jurgen Klinsmann in Kilmarnock, hating on the Team GB Euro 2028 bid, and listening to 'Open All Mics' at a wedding.   
15:58 - PART 2 - Sacking Managers: As Callum Davidson became the eighth manager to lose his job in the top flight this season, we ponder if managers are getting enough time in the job these days.
26:52 - PART 3 - SPFL Round-up: Dundee United are coming in to form at just the right time, Stirling Albion are tantalisingly close to League Two glory, and does anyone actually want to win the Championship? 
33:38 - PART 4 - James McPake: In a hugely candid interview, Dunfermline boss James McPake chats to us about his side's title win, the ignominy of getting the sack, and why he's loving life in Fife. 
 
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