Latest news with #StevenNaismith
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Martin to prove right for Rangers in six months'
Russell Martin will have shown he is the "right man" for Rangers "within the first six months or so", predicts former team-mate Steven former Southampton manager, 39, begins his Ibrox reign with a Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month, while his first Scottish Premiership game is a visit to Motherwell on 2 played alongside Martin for Norwich City and Scotland and believes he will prosper in Glasgow."I fully believe that he will come in and be a real success," Naismith told BBC Scotland. "I think what has been lacking at Rangers over the years, he ticks most of the boxes. His style of play, he knows how to break down a low block that he'll come up against a lot, in terms of dominating possession."His communication and leadership skills are probably the highest things for him. He's shown in the three clubs he's managed before that he can produce, he can make teams better."Within the first six months or so, I think he will have shown a lot of those doubting him that he is the right man."Ex-Hearts head coach Naismith also revealed the pair are in contact regularly and, although he has not spoken to him specifically about the Rangers job, he says he will be on hand if Martin needs him."We chat a lot because we're friends and we're similar in terms of what we're going through in terms of coaching and management," the 38-year-old continued. "I'll give him any help I can. He's pretty straightforward and laser focused on his style, his mindset and what he wants."His experience of playing at the club (on loan in 2018) is definitely something that will hold him in good stead going into the start of his managerial career at Rangers."He wants his players to do certain things on the pitch that in Scotland get challenged from the stands quickly if it's not going well. Finding that balance of having that clear style and working towards that, but also getting results short-term, is going to be key for him."
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
When the first Hibs vs Hearts clash is as 2025/26 Premiership fixtures are released
Edinburgh's big two will lock horns at least three times in the league Hibs finished best of the rest last season. Now it's up to Derek McInnes to make Hearts Scotland's third force again. The Jambos had a campaign to forget as Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley both lost their jobs - with Liam Fox steadying the ship for the final few games. Across the city, the Hibees' faith in David Gray was rewarded as the club legend recovered from a nightmare start to lead the club from bottom to third - overseeing a remarkable 17-game unbeaten run that will live long in the memory of supporters. There's no question Hibs head into 2025/26 with the bragging rights as the Europa League hopefuls look to continue their rise under Gray. And Edinburgh's big two will lock horns in the first blockbuster battle of the season at Tynecastle on Saturday, October 4. Hearts will then make the trip to Easter Road for a festive cracker on Saturday, December 27 before another clash under the lights of Gorgie on Wednesday, February 11. Dates and kick-off times are subject to change due to TV selection. As Hearts missed out on the top six, Scottish football was robbed of a fourth Edinburgh derby last term. All going well this year, the duo could meet a fourth time in the league depending on the final positions in the league standings after Matchday 33. Edinburgh Derby dates in full Hearts vs Hibs - 04/10/2025 Hibs vs Hearts - 27/12/2025 Hearts vs Hibs - 11/02/2026 Post-split dates Matchday 33 - 25/04/2026 Matchday 34 - 02/05/2026 Matchday 35 - 09/05/2026 Matchday 36 - 13/05/2026 Matchday 37 - 16/05/2026 Matchday 38 - 17/05/2026 Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Verdict on Hearts' summer transfer window 2024 as nine players assessed
Hearts had a busy summer in 2024 and this window currently shows much of the same traits. Already, the Jambos have made multiple signings and have been linked with plenty more in the era of Jamestown Analytics. Head coach Derek McInnes is to be backed in the market to revamp a squad that finished in the bottom six of the Premiership last term, with designs on third place like they achieved in 2024. That placement in the league under Steven Naismith was backed up with nine signings, a few of which are no longer at the club, while some have gone on to make telling impacts. Here's our verdict on how the nine summer signings of last year got on ahead of another busy summer. 1 . Yan Dhanda Showed in Liam Fox's interim reign what he could after a frustrating time under Neil Critchley. Interesting to see what Derek McInnes has planned for him. | SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . Blair Spittal Did what was said on the tin. A reliable player at this level who contributed to 12 goals and was a more consistent performer. | SNS Group Photo Sales 3 . James Penrice The best of the bunch hands down. Took on the task of replacing Alex Cochrane with ease, no mean feat considering his trait for consistency. A man to be built around. | SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . Daniel Oyegoke Arrived in June from Brentford, played 26 times and was then sold to Serie A side Verona for a profit. Player trading model in full effect. | SNS Group Photo Sales
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Move to Europe would suit Miller, says Naismith
A move to Europe would suit midfielder Lennon Miller if he is to depart Motherwell this summer, says former Scotland striker Steven 18-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his Fir Park deal, is reportedly attracting interest from a number of clubs after a stellar youngster ended a memorable season with a first Scotland start, impressing in midfield and providing an assist in the 4-0 win in boss Naismith says he has "loved" seeing Scottish players, such as Lewis Ferguson, Josh Doig and Aaron Hickey, go abroad at a young age and feels Miller could be next to benefit from a move to the continent."My generation, players going abroad was something that rarely happened," the former Rangers forward said on BBC Sportsound on Sunday. "European football would suit Miller better, because his big attributes are he's good technically and his awareness is very good. "Other parts he can learn, Ferguson is the prime example of that. Ferguson's turned into a brilliant all-round midfielder. "Motherwell will get rewarded for their hard work [with a good fee]."
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wimmer's shock exit left O'Donnell 'baffled & gutted'
Defender Stephen O'Donnell said he was left feeling "pretty baffled" and "gutted" after Michael Wimmer's shock exit as Motherwell former Stuttgart coach left Fir Park for family reasons, returning to Germany to join third-tier club Jahn right-back O'Donnell was a regular under Wimmer, who had comfortably guided the Lanarkshire side to top-flight survival.O'Donnell said there was plenty of positivity heading into next season. Then came the "massive shock" of the manager's departure last month."At the end of the [last game of the season] he thanked us," O'Donnell said on BBC Sportsound. "There was lots of optimism going forward. "Then when I got the text I was pretty baffled. He'd spoken a couple times about his family. These are the kind of things you don't question, family comes first. "I was gutted personally. I'd been playing and was looking forward to next season."Motherwell are yet to appoint a replacement for Wimmer. On Sunday's Sportsound, former Hearts boss Steven Naismith said the role would not interest O'Donnell said he would be "excited to work" under another foreign coach.
