Ferguson MUST be Rangers Manager Despite Stats I The Football Show LIVE

Scottish Football

Rangers are out of the Europa League after a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Club in Bilbao — and all eyes now turn to Barry Ferguson. Should he be given the job full-time?   Should Celtic's Guard of Honour be scrapped?:    • Should Celtic's Guard of Honour be sc...   SUBSCRIBE NOW:    / @plzsoccer    On this Easter weekend edition of The Football Show, Peter Martin, Alan Rough, and Tam McManus debate Ferguson’s future at Ibrox following an impressive but ultimately incomplete European run.   With Rangers' season now hinging on domestic pride and a final Old Firm clash, we ask: has Barry done enough to convince the new owners? Or will they look elsewhere for a new manager?   Plus, we preview a massive weekend of Scottish Cup semi-finals:  ⚔️ Hearts vs Aberdeen  🍀 Celtic vs St Johnstone   The Football Show Highlights:   00:00:00 Show Introduction  Peter Martin opens the show alongside Alan Rough and Tam McManus, previewing the Scottish Cup semi-finals, the English Premier League, and Falkirk’s potential return to the Premiership.   00:00:55 Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Rangers Reaction  Reaction to Rangers’ 2–0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals and how far Rangers had come in the competition.   00:02:05 Dessers Penalty Claim vs Athletico Bilbao  Debate over whether Rangers should’ve had a penalty for a shirt pull on Cyriel Dessers and if VAR should have intervened.   00:03:35 Barry Ferguson’s Reaction to Penalty Claims  Ferguson believes there were two clear penalty incidents and says the game would have changed significantly for Rangers.   00:04:49 Rangers Penalty Claim (Handball)  Analysis of the second penalty claim involving a handball by a Bilbao player.   00:08:09 Rangers’ Defensive Lapses & Tavernier Criticism  Discussion on James Tavernier’s recurring defensive weaknesses, especially in big games against quality opposition like Athletic Club.   00:09:23 Barry Ferguson’s Ranger Managerial Record  Panel assesses Barry Ferguson’s chances of landing the permanent Rangers job. We look at results, leadership, and tactical performances.   00:11:18 New Rangers Ownership & Manager Search  Speculation on what type of manager the incoming owners might want—pedigree vs. club connection.   00:12:40 Should Barry Stay as Rangers Manager or Ambassador?  The panel discusses whether Barry would return to an ambassadorial role or seek another managerial job.   00:16:22 FA Cup Semi-Finals & Man United Comeback  Switch to the English football scene, analysing Man United’s dramatic extra-time win and what it means for Erik ten Hag.   00:18:07 Tottenham & Postecoglou’s Trophy Hunt  Speculation on whether Spurs can win the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, with the possibility of a final against Athletic Bilbao.   00:19:38 – Brendan Rodgers on Greg Taylor’s Future  Rodgers praises Greg Taylor's influence at Celtic and says there's room for him alongside Kieran Tierney.

Transcript

00:00:00Welcome to the Football Show on PLZ Soccer's YouTube channel. I'm Peter Martin, Alan Ruff and

00:00:10Tammy McManus are here with me and we're delighted you can join us on this Easter weekend. Looking

00:00:15forward to Scottish Cup semi-finals. We'll also cast our eye to the English Premier League

00:00:20and almost certainly talk about Falkirk on the verge of winning the Championship and a return to

00:00:26the Scottish Premiership but our first port of call is to give you an indication of what's

00:00:32happening on the show today. Rangers bow out of Europe but Ferguson wants to stay. Brendan Rodgers

00:00:39keen to keep Greg Taylor at Celtic. Neil Critchley defends his record at Hearts. Falkirk are on the

00:00:46verge of Premiership return. So there you have it that's what's on order today. Ruffey and Tam are

00:00:54here. Let's cut to the chase. Europa League, it's Athletic Bilbao 2, Rangers 0. And finally the run

00:01:02which was exceptional comes to an end. Yeah I think they had done exceptionally well to get to this

00:01:09stage. I think the further down the tournament you get you come up against better opposition

00:01:14and I think everybody would agree. Over the two legs I think Athletico were a wee bit ahead of

00:01:20Rangers at this moment in time. And I think over the two legs I think they deserve to win the tie.

00:01:27Yeah I mean it was always a step up in quality. I think Barry was hoping that maybe just a set

00:01:33piece or something could go their way. Something to defend in that second leg. And there are a number

00:01:38of points that I think we're going to discuss but in the first half it looked as if it was one way

00:01:43traffic Tam. 61% possession for Athletic Bilbao. Eight shots to Rangers 2. The second half it was 50-50

00:01:53but still Bilbao had the majority of the shots. But there are key moments that we have to talk about

00:01:59that may well have changed the outcome of this game. So first and foremost is there a penalty

00:02:06Dessers? Yeah I think in the letter of a loss Peter it's a penalty kick because he's pulled his shirt.

00:02:12I think once the referee didn't give it I didn't think he would overturn it because

00:02:16there's a couple of things for me. I didn't think that the pull was enough for Dessers to go down.

00:02:21I thought he delayed it a little bit and then went down. And then second point is I don't think he was

00:02:26getting on the end of it which isn't a clear goal scoring opportunity Peter so it wouldn't have

00:02:31been a red card for me. But listen you've seen him giving. He's pulled his shirt in the box.

00:02:35He's ripped his shirt and you know you've seen him giving. But on another day they might have got

00:02:41that. But I don't think it was a stone wall penalty Peter. I think there was a couple of grey areas

00:02:45within that. But Rangers would be disappointed that he never got it. If anything Ruffy the only thing

00:02:49that would have clouded it for some people is the way Dessers went down in the penalty box.

00:02:54I looked at it and I thought to myself that's a stone wall penalty.

00:02:58Yeah well I think obviously the strip. Rippon would indicate it was a big big pull but it

00:03:03definitely wasn't a big pull. It was a sort of one of the touch and releasing. So I think if he

00:03:09went down right away he might have had a better chance of getting it. I think because he delayed it

00:03:13they just never got it. But I'd love to hear the referee's explanation and VAR's explanation

00:03:21of why they never even looked at it. It would be interesting to see what their view of it

00:03:26was. We'll talk about what the implications of a penalty being awarded in a moment but

00:03:30we're talking about one penalty. Barry Ferguson, the Rangers manager, thought they should have

00:03:34had two. Two penalties.

00:03:36Yeah, it changes the dynamic of the game. It's a clear pull. It's a clear red card. They go

00:03:50down to 10 men as I said. That changes the full game and it baffles me at times some of the

00:03:56decisions. And then the second one in the second half with Nico. His hand's out here. It strikes

00:04:02his hand. That's another penalty.

00:04:06Now, I think at 16 minutes gone, I don't think it was a red card. But I definitely think if

00:04:13the Rangers had scored, they are the type of team that are good at just blocking it, sitting

00:04:20in in Europe. That's what they've been able to do on countless occasions really well. I

00:04:25think the biggest problem we've all dissected with Rangers, Tam, is the inability at times to

00:04:30relentlessly go and take a game to any team. They pick their moments. But that could have

00:04:35been, you've got to cut them some slack on it, that could have been something to defend

00:04:39if they'd scored.

00:04:40Yeah, I think the first goal was crucial in the game, Peter. I think if Rangers got the

00:04:43first goal then they could just sit in and play in the counter-attack. I think when Athletic

00:04:47Bilboa got the goal then I think that the Rangers have got to go and try and break the end down.

00:04:52They don't lose a lot of goals at home. They're a very, very solid defence. I think they've

00:04:57got one of the best records in Spain. I think the first goal was crucial in the game. It

00:05:01could have been a penalty kick, no doubt about that. I don't think it was a red card because

00:05:04I don't think he was getting on to the ball, Peter. So I disagree with Barry on that.

00:05:08But listen, he'll be disappointed he didn't get the first penalty. Second penalty, I don't

00:05:12think that's a penalty, Peter, because I don't think the guy knows where the ball is.

00:05:17I don't think it's an unnatural position. It just comes up and hits him. I don't think

00:05:22that was a penalty. The first one could possibly win a penalty yet.

00:05:24Yeah, we saw that last week though. We saw that last week when the penalty when Rangers

00:05:28Yeah, I know. The body didn't know where the ball was.

00:05:31I didn't think that was a penalty either. I don't think that was a penalty either. But

00:05:35again, Rangers fans will be looking at it going, if you're going to give that, you've

00:05:38got to give that. And that's for Barry looking at it as well.

00:05:40This is the consistency of it all. Yannis Hadji certainly, like his manager, not happy that

00:05:46they didn't get a chance to convert a spot kick.

00:05:51I just want my club to get back to where it should be. That's my main concern.

00:05:56Whether that's me or somebody else, and if it's not me, I'll fully support. I'll go back

00:06:01and do what I was doing before. Yeah, I'll go back to my role as ambassador. Hopefully.

00:06:07That offer's still there. So, look, I was enjoying myself, but listen, I got an opportunity that

00:06:14no many people get. And I would have been crazy to knock it back. I know I had a lot of doubters,

00:06:23but I've no issue with that. Everybody's entitled to their opinion.

00:06:28Well, we were meant to bring you a Yannis Hadji clip there, just basically talking about

00:06:35it could have changed the game. And we ended up going to Fergie. We'll discuss what Fergie

00:06:40says in a moment. With regards to the second penalty on the hand, the consistency of it,

00:06:46the consistency of it, Raffi. This is when Raskin hits the post with the shot.

00:06:50Yeah, yeah. I remember it, yeah. I agree with Tam. I think it came to the boy quite quick.

00:06:55Sort of, he was looking the other way and the ball, you know, come up and hit his hand.

00:07:00And we've seen it on numerous occasions when something like that happens.

00:07:03Somebody comes up with some rule that we don't know about. I don't know if you can think

00:07:07of way, way back when VAR came out. I remember it was at Celtic Rangers day when

00:07:12Olsen put his hand up. Yeah. And we all went, that's a stonewall penalty. And all of a sudden

00:07:17the referees come out and explain, it's not a stonewall penalty because what he's done

00:07:21is protecting the ball from hitting his face. So there must be wee rules like that going about.

00:07:26But it's the interpretation. And in that kind of rule, the handball thing has, if we went

00:07:31to the beginning of the season and looked at every wee handball that was given or not given,

00:07:35the inconsistency is there. Here's Hadji on the outcome of the game.

00:07:39A minute 15 away from home, you have a clear penalty. I think that obviously helps us,

00:07:45puts us in an advantage, obviously, in both, in the tie to go through. Does that mean that

00:07:52we win the game? No. But, yeah, it's disappointing. And then obviously, they started playing so

00:08:03much better and I think they deserve the win in the end.

00:08:07Yeah, fairly honest from Yanis Hadji on the basis that, you know, by the time you get

00:08:12to the second goal as well, there's no way back for Rangers. You know, I think once they

00:08:19go one up and then you hit the second half and you think to yourself, you're actually

00:08:23going to have to come out and force the issue to have a chance. And when they score the

00:08:27second one, game's up. Yeah, Rangers had to open up, Peter, in the second half. I thought

00:08:30the first half, they were well on top. I thought Rangers were pretty poor in the first half,

00:08:33to be honest, bar the penalty shout. I thought that they controlled the game and really dominated.

00:08:38I thought Rangers had a good spell just after half-time, 10-15 minutes where they came into

00:08:41the game and hit the post. You know, if it goes to one each, then they might have got a

00:08:45bit nervy. And at 1-0, you're always in the game, but Nika Williams comes in and headers

00:08:50it runs off Tavernier again, which is disappointing. We've seen it so many times over the years.

00:08:54You know, he's very good going forward, James Tavernier, but, you know, he's

00:08:58for an experienced player to get done on the blind side again. It's something that he has

00:09:02to work on. For me, he always gets found out. He'll get away with it in this

00:09:06league, Peter. He'll get away with it against, no disrespect, Ross County, Camarnock,

00:09:10you know, St. Merlin's, teams like that. Against quality outfits, and I

00:09:14can include Celtic in that. He's been caught out over the years.

00:09:18Yeah. On the point that Barry was making there, which is, I'm absolutely gobsmacked

00:09:24on this one, because now, obviously, they've had their European run. They'll have banked

00:09:29the money, not in comparison to what's on offer in the Champions League. It is, you know,

00:09:35totally dwarfs, Celtic's earnings dwarf, what Rangers picked up in the Europa League. But,

00:09:42by the same token, it's a quarter-final place. And now, Barry has got a run-in to the end

00:09:49of the season. To me, maybe state a case that's, is it fading by the week,

00:09:55Ruffy? When you consider what he inherited, what he's managed to do. Does his record stand

00:10:02up to scrutiny, and maybe the chance of getting the job?

00:10:07I think what he's done at the club, he's united them, he's got the fans back in believing, you know,

00:10:12that in big games that they can win them, and we saw that they can win them in big games.

00:10:17His actual stats aren't that impressive. I think it's ten games, he's only had four wins.

00:10:22You know, that's not a fantastic stat. It's not his team. No, I know it's not his team.

00:10:26But the stats are there, and people will remember what the stats are. The highs were obviously

00:10:31the Fernabache, the Celtic game. He's got another Celtic game coming up. I personally

00:10:36would give him it. Because I think what he's done is he's shown where his heart is with the

00:10:42club. He's shown that tactically against big teams, he's been an equal, you know. So, it

00:10:48depends on the new owners when they come in, what their idea is. I mean, everybody will

00:10:52start saying, oh, he's not got the pedigree to be a manager, because if you look at all

00:10:57the big managers, they've all done something. You look at Brendan Rodgers, you look at the

00:11:01managers down south. To get to a level, you need a manager who's got a CV, you know, to

00:11:06take you there. So, it really depends on the new owners what they think a new manager should

00:11:11look like. Yeah, they haven't actually had a great record, other than the year where

00:11:16Steven Gerrard delivered the title for them. But they haven't had a great record of managers

00:11:20that have come in, some with CVs, and some who just basically hoodwinked the club into

00:11:25thinking that he was the real deal, which I'm talking about was Michael Beal. Other

00:11:29than that, you know, I look at Barry and I think to myself, if he gets a win at Ibrox

00:11:34against Celtic, they'll be a clamour from the fans.

00:11:37Yeah, I think they will be, Peter, but I don't think he'll get the job, Peter. I think

00:11:41the new owners will come in and have their own ideas, and I think they'll be looking,

00:11:44with no disrespect to Barry, I think they'll be looking at a bigger name, you know, a better

00:11:47pedigree of manager than European football. There's a lot of good quality managers out

00:11:51there. I get, Barry knows Scottish football, you know, and he's galvanised the squad, and

00:11:56I think he had to get to the final, maybe, of the Europa League, possibly win it, to cement

00:12:01getting the job. I agree with Ruffey, again, it's not his squad of players. There's a lot

00:12:05of those players that Barry wouldn't have gone near. Let's be honest, if he was going to

00:12:09sign players, there's tonnes of them in that squad he wouldn't have gone near. And he's

00:12:13sure he's had to come in and try and get a tune out of them. He has a couple of times,

00:12:17Fenabache, Celtic. Other times, they've really let him down, particularly at home, against

00:12:22teams in Scotland. So, yeah, I think he, if he doesn't get the Rangers job, he's showed

00:12:27that he's a capable manager somewhere else. He was talking about going back to his old

00:12:31ambassador role. I think Barry's got the bug now, Peter. I think he's got the coaching

00:12:35bug again.

00:12:36Go back as an ambassador, though.

00:12:37I don't think so. I don't think so. I think if he doesn't get the Rangers job, I think

00:12:41he'll get another job somewhere else, Peter. Because I think you can see, you know, he's

00:12:45got the excitement back and the passion back coaching. You know, I've seen him walking

00:12:48out into the pitch before the game last night. And the smile on his face. I think when

00:12:53you're out of that, I think you miss it. And I think he's come back in, you know, working

00:12:58with the players again, getting results, feeling the buzz again of football, rather than,

00:13:02no disrespect, maybe going out and meeting supporters and all that. So I think he'll get

00:13:05another job, Peter. It just won't be Rangers.

00:13:07I don't think he can go back as an ambassador, Rafi. I'm sorry. I look at it and I say

00:13:12to myself, if he wins the game, by the way, I've got to read this. Hugh Burns says, he's

00:13:17not getting the job, Peter. Stop playing up to the masses. I might as well mention, you

00:13:22know, some people will be pro him. Some people don't like him. We've been close to him, you

00:13:28know, on this show. He's worked for us for a number of years. It's a job that he's dying

00:13:32to get, but he, you know, it might take, what, an unbeaten run to the end of the season.

00:13:39Yeah, something like that. Obviously the Celtic game will be a massive game. There's absolutely

00:13:45no doubt about that. I think if he's, if he's offered it, he'll jump at it. He'll take

00:13:50it, you know, but I don't know. I'm maybe agreeing with you. I'm not too sure about, you

00:13:56know, what you would do if you never got it. Because Tam's hit it on the head. It's the

00:14:00buzz. Yeah. It's everything. It's the turning up in the morning. It's mixing with quality players.

00:14:04It's playing in quality games. It's playing in Europe. It's a new manager in the dugout

00:14:09and you're, meanwhile, going round the corridors and people are saying, what did you make of

00:14:13that? Yeah. It's tough. You can't do that. It doesn't work. I know, but I mean, sometimes

00:14:19people decide they've had their bit. They've done it. It was his ambition to be the manager.

00:14:24He's done it. You know, that he might want an easy life with his family. Because it's all

00:14:29all-consuming. I don't think people realise how all-consuming it is being a Rangers or

00:14:34a Celtic manager or a top, top team. It's more than tonight and even further.

00:14:39I think he thrived on that. I think he thrived on that bit, Ruffy.

00:14:42That's what I'm saying, aye. Aye, but that's what I'm saying. That's why he would say yes.

00:14:45I think he wants that and probably something he's missed within football.

00:14:47But if he's not going to get offered that, you know, taking all that away, you know,

00:14:51it's a big, big, big, big miss. I don't know. I mean, I'm thinking of the times when

00:14:57Rangers went off peak or whatever you call it. Graeme Souness, Steven Gerrard.

00:15:05What?

00:15:06As a manager, I think that might be what the new owners are looking at. Something like that.

00:15:12Both of them are heavily backed financially as well. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Another thing about

00:15:16it as well is we're still waiting to see what group of investors are coming in, whether

00:15:21it's confirmed and when and if it is confirmed. You know, they'll be looking at it in a business

00:15:29sense. I don't see them being guided by people suddenly looking at, you know, people with a

00:15:36Rangers connection from what has gone before. I think they'll be looking at it in a broader

00:15:41I think he's done enough to get a year. Yeah. I think he's done enough to get a rolling

00:15:45contract as we all seem to think. They sign a year rolling contract. But what he's done

00:15:50at the club is united the supporters. I think if you did a survey of supporters, you know,

00:15:57the majority would go for them. Yeah. And I keep capping back to Neil Lennon. I think that

00:16:02was one of the reasons that Neil came back because it was a supporter input. They wanted him

00:16:07back because he'd done and for a wee while he had done it, you know, but that was the

00:16:11reason that he come back. And I see the same sort of similarity with Barry.

00:16:16Yeah. Okay. As far as the semi-finals, the draw itself, Tottenham against Bodo Glimt,

00:16:23Athletic Mobile against Manchester United. And that's because if you are one of those guys,

00:16:28well, you are because you've obviously got 34 televisions and a Russian satellite. But

00:16:33if you're one of those people who flicks between the games, suddenly you're looking at

00:16:37Manchester United 4-2 down and you're thinking they're out. And then suddenly they come back

00:16:42and win 5-2. It was just an incredible game, wasn't it?

00:16:47I mean, when it goes to extra time and Man United are playing against a team

00:16:51with ten men, you're thinking they'll go and get to the semi-final. And then

00:16:54the boy Cherki, who's a different class, by the way, for Leon, he'll go to a big club,

00:16:58scores a cracker and then they give away a penalty. And you're just thinking,

00:17:01this guy Amarim's under pressure. He's now under pressure, Peter. I know people will say,

00:17:06well, you've got to give the guy a chance and all that, but you cannot get beaten extra time

00:17:10with ten men at Man United in a quarter-final. Their season was over. And it was like the old

00:17:15Man United under Ferguson. You know, the buzz, I've not heard a noise like that from Old Trafford

00:17:20in a long time, since Fergie time, when they used to score goals late. And that could be a turning

00:17:25point for him and Man United. That keeps their season alive. They've got a tough tie coming up.

00:17:29But nah, I was pleased for Harry Maguire as well, who takes a lot of abuse and a lot of stick.

00:17:34You know, he went up there and scored the winner. So, nah, brilliant. I'm not a Man United supporter,

00:17:39but I was delighted for the supporters because of the hard season.

00:17:41Yeah, and Amarim is hoping that that unites the club.

00:17:45I think these kind of moments can help a lot of players in this kind of season, in this kind of context.

00:17:54These kind of moments can create some connection between the fans and the players.

00:17:59And we can forget for a few minutes what kind of season we are having.

00:18:07But again, today is a good feeling, but tomorrow we need to start everything again.

00:18:14Yeah, I don't think I'm like you. I think he's under pressure.

00:18:17And I think it will be Athletic against Tottenham in the final.

00:18:20And who would bet against Ange Postacoglu?

00:18:23Winning and then Tottenham reverting to type and sacking him.

00:18:27Sacking him.

00:18:28You never know what that guy Levy is going to do, do you?

00:18:31But I think Ange has handled it particularly well.

00:18:34Obviously, where they are in the league is nowhere they want to be.

00:18:38And they'll expect that they keep winning games to get them out of that.

00:18:43Because they are getting a wee bit near the relegation.

00:18:45But I know they're not going to get relegated, but they're getting near it.

00:18:48But no, he said that.

00:18:50He was very smart at the beginning of the season saying that

00:18:55I always win a trophy in my second year in charge of a football club.

00:19:00Now, that narrows it down to what about nine trophies.

00:19:03And he's on his last legs with this one.

00:19:05So, no, I think he's good at press conferences.

00:19:09And I think we all saw what he did up here.

00:19:11So, I think you want to get behind him.

00:19:13Yeah. Okay, we'll find out.

00:19:15Real Batiste against Fiorentina.

00:19:16And your garden against Chelsea in the Conference League semifinals as well.

00:19:20I think first leg's 1st of May.

00:19:23Second leg, 8th of May.

00:19:25Scottish Cup semifinal weekend.

00:19:27We're really looking forward to it.

00:19:28Hearts against Aberdeen.

00:19:30And on the Sunday, St. Johnston against Celtic.

00:19:33A 3pm kick off for that.

00:19:35Brendan Rodgers obviously was asked about the ongoing situation with Greg Taylor.

00:19:41And the, of course, impending arrival of Ciaran Tierney in the summer.

00:19:46Is there room for both of them?

00:19:48This is what Brendan had to say about it all.

00:19:50I've said all along he's a player I so want to keep here.

00:19:53But that bit of it is out of my hands.

00:19:55I hope this is one of these ones that can go on longer and it doesn't go the other way.

00:19:59He's such a fantastic player but he's more than that.

00:20:02He's instrumental off the field.

00:20:04His character fits this club because he's up for every game.

00:20:07For me, Ciaran Tierney can dovetail perfectly with someone like Greg.

00:20:11Do you agree with the Brendan Rodgers?

00:20:14Yeah, I think when Geoffrey Shloop came in and started really well at Celtic,

00:20:19they were looking at it and going, well, Greg Taylor's not going to play third fiddle.

00:20:23You know, they've got Ciaran Tierney, which is a wonderful signing on a pre-contract.

00:20:27Maybe Greg Taylor's back up, aye, but possibly third choice.

00:20:31But Geoffrey Shloop fell out of the team.

00:20:33Taylor's come back in and I think you can tell that Brendan rates him as a player,

00:20:37likes him as a player.

00:20:38Good professional.

00:20:39He's been a really good servant for Celtic.

00:20:41So, listen, it's up to him.

00:20:42I think there's a good contract on the table from Celtic.

00:20:44He's 28 years old, I think.

00:20:46I think he might maybe look at trying something else, Peter.

00:20:49Maybe Croatia or abroad.

00:20:50MLS teams in for him.

00:20:52English clubs.

00:20:53You know, he's won everything at Celtic that he can.

00:20:56So, I don't know.

00:20:58If you're a Celtic supporter, I don't think they're that bothered.

00:21:02I think they've got Ciaran Tierney coming in, who's the number one,

00:21:04who's going to play every week for me if he's fit.

00:21:06But Greg Taylor would be a handy backup.

00:21:08But it depends if Greg Taylor, 28 years old, wants to be a backup,

00:21:11which I tend to suggest no because he's not signed that contract yet.

00:21:16Yeah, I am of the opinion I'd like to see him stay, Ruffy.

00:21:20I don't think he's done a lot wrong.

00:21:23I think the problem that Celtic fans have is that expectation,

00:21:27that level where they want to see players of a certain calibre

00:21:31who can make a bigger impact in big Champions League games.

00:21:36And I think that's slightly gone against the boy.

00:21:39But he's done nothing wrong.

00:21:41You couldn't turn around and say, well, Greg Taylor's cost Celtic

00:21:43that game, that game, that game and that game.

00:21:45Not in any Premiership game.

00:21:47Scottish Premiership game, he's been absolutely fantastic.

00:21:51He plays the way Celtic want to play.

00:21:53Full-backs are leading for the halfway line into the 18-yard box

00:21:57and putting quality balls into the box, which he's done.

00:22:00I just think he's been made maybe a scapegoat in a lot of the European games

00:22:05where Celtic were losing goals down his side.

00:22:08You know, obviously other teams identifying maybe that side of the park

00:22:12was the weakness.

00:22:13And he came under the brunt of most of it.

00:22:15But this is all about Greg Taylor.

00:22:17That's Brendan Rodgers saying what he wants.

00:22:20Let's see what Greg Taylor's saying.

00:22:22Then you'll get an idea of what he's thinking

00:22:26because he's no different from any other individual.

00:22:28He's going to be thinking Tierney's coming.

00:22:30I love playing football.

00:22:32I don't want to go into the B team or their reserves.

00:22:34They're sitting about a dugout.

00:22:36I want to be playing at this stage.

00:22:38There certainly seems to be a lot of teams after him.

00:22:40So I don't think he's got a problem.

00:22:42Yeah, absolutely.

00:22:43Listen, there will be a lot of players in and out in the summer.

00:22:46Some players who have been brought in for big money

00:22:48will undoubtedly be assessed on whether they've got a future.

00:22:52Some players have just run their course and will leave,

00:22:55whether it's Rangers or Celtic.

00:22:57Brendan Rodgers had to bat away questions today about Adam Ida

00:23:01and was quite critical of people who expose players

00:23:05when they're on night south.

00:23:06Especially if you're heading out to a taxi

00:23:08and you're barfing all over the place.

00:23:12Now, I have to say, I wouldn't have seen that.

00:23:18I wouldn't have looked at it.

00:23:20If it had been on, it wouldn't have interested me.

00:23:22I'm that type of tittle-tattle.

00:23:24Players like a night off, they can switch off,

00:23:27providing they're doing the business on the park.

00:23:31You can have your time.

00:23:33I've witnessed some of the best players in British football

00:23:36who could burn the candle at both ends.

00:23:39But if you train well, you play well,

00:23:42you'll get a lot of slack cut on you.

00:23:44Yeah, I think obviously Adam Ida's come in and

00:23:48he's not really fulfilled his price tag yet, Peter.

00:23:51I think that's fair to say.

00:23:52I think that when he came in and loan,

00:23:54I think he looked hungrier.

00:23:56I think he looked hungrier to get the move to Celtic.

00:23:58He had a great opportunity to come as a Celtic supporter

00:24:00of the company club in loan.

00:24:02He scored some big goals.

00:24:04Celtic paid a lot of money for him.

00:24:05I don't think he's looked the same player this season.

00:24:07And you're right, if he was sitting in 25-30 goals,

00:24:11the Celtic fans wouldn't bother at all.

00:24:14I think some of them will go,

00:24:15well, maybe that's why he's not doing the business.

00:24:17He's having too many nights out.

00:24:19We've got a big semi-final.

00:24:20He's out getting drunk on a night out.

00:24:22But yeah, you're right.

00:24:23It's really disappointing to see people filming players.

00:24:26I was probably just before that.

00:24:28Ruffy obviously well before that,

00:24:29but I was just before that age of social media.

00:24:33Listen, you're right.

00:24:35He's a football player.

00:24:36He's a young guy, 24 years old.

00:24:37I believe they were off on the Thursday

00:24:39and he was out on a Wednesday night having a few drinks.

00:24:42I don't see any problem with that, Peter.

00:24:44And Brendan Rodgers said that in his statement today as well.

00:24:46So it's disappointing that people are trying to do you in,

00:24:48trying to stitch you up, maybe for social media likes.

00:24:51But that's the game now.

00:24:53That is the world we live in.

00:24:55And the players have got to be really, really careful

00:24:57when they're out and about and drinking

00:24:59because there's always somebody trying to do you in

00:25:01and somebody sitting with a camera to video you.

00:25:03Yeah.

00:25:04And that's the nature of it.

00:25:05Yeah, you can see why the players stay at the town.

00:25:07You know, they're on a wee bit to go to.

00:25:10It must be very, very difficult if they're single.

00:25:13You know, obviously they've got a family to go home to.

00:25:15Yeah.

00:25:16They're not going to get into so much trouble.

00:25:18But if you're single, you know, you'll think you're untouchable

00:25:21and you're out there.

00:25:22But people have done worse things than that.

00:25:24Not too far away from us.

00:25:26I mean, almost...

00:25:28Listen, please don't throw stones

00:25:32because if there'd been social media in your day,

00:25:35Tom and I would be on visitation rights and saying,

00:25:38do you want some food?

00:25:39Are you okay?

00:25:40Check you'll be able to survive in there.

00:25:42You've got another two years to go.

00:25:44But it shows you that players are just human.

00:25:48They're just ordinary guys.

00:25:49You know, you've got to give them a life.

00:25:51You've got to let them enjoy themselves.

00:25:53You can't be, you know, that 100% professional.

00:25:56If you're given a couple of days off,

00:25:58then you take the couple of days off

00:25:59and the managers should appreciate that when that happens,

00:26:02if they're single and they get there,

00:26:04there's these people out there who would want to catch them.

00:26:07Yeah, Les says,

00:26:09Tom is the expert on this subject going out for a few pints.

00:26:12So clearly, they obviously...

00:26:14His name is Sunday Meal.

00:26:15It done me, not the...

00:26:16Yeah.

00:26:17Let it go.

00:26:18Let it go.

00:26:19Okay.

00:26:20Selting against...

00:26:21What was the kebab shot you asked once?

00:26:24His name was the strippers then.

00:26:26Yeah.

00:26:27Yeah, absolutely.

00:26:28And that's...

00:26:31I'm not going there.

00:26:32Anyway.

00:26:33Is this 2025?

00:26:34Yeah.

00:26:35I think my ban's probably around it.

00:26:36I think it was 20 a year I get banned for.

00:26:38The pubic triangle.

00:26:40Yep, absolutely.

00:26:41Maybe we'll have a staff party in there now then.

00:26:44One to six Celtic.

00:26:46Red hot favourites.

00:26:47Ten to one.

00:26:48You can get St Johnson to cause the big upset.

00:26:51It's a big park.

00:26:53It's Celtic just coming to the boil again, Ruffy.

00:26:56Can you see anything other than a Celtic win?

00:26:59No, I can't.

00:27:00And I have to say,

00:27:01give St Johnson credit for the win a couple of weeks ago.

00:27:05They got the goal.

00:27:06They defended for their life.

00:27:08I thought they'd get away with it that day.

00:27:10Celtic, as usual, had so many possession of the ball,

00:27:14so many shots at goal, so many chances.

00:27:16If that happens again at the weekend,

00:27:18I think they'll take the majority of them

00:27:20and they'll win the game quite comfortably.

00:27:22What I've done is I've given the St Johnson players a wee bit of belief

00:27:25and that 1-0 win.

00:27:27If you're in the St Johnson dressing room,

00:27:29you're going to say,

00:27:30why not?

00:27:31We did it before.

00:27:32Why can't we do it again?

00:27:33Well, Simo Valakari reckons dreams can come true.

00:27:37We need to defend,

00:27:38but at the same time,

00:27:39I hope we can express our attacking way going forward,

00:27:42put some questions on them and play from that.

00:27:46It's beautiful for our fans as well

00:27:49to come there and support this team

00:27:51as they have done all this time I've been here.

00:27:53So, it's a day where miracles and heroes can be born.

00:28:05Miracles and heroes.

00:28:07He's just set it up beautifully.

00:28:08Yeah, he is.

00:28:09Listen, he's such a positive guy,

00:28:10such a positive coach.

00:28:11I think if you're a player,

00:28:12you'd like to play under him.

00:28:13I think he inspires the team,

00:28:16he inspires confidence in the players.

00:28:18I think Celtic will hammer St Johnson.

00:28:21I've seen this movie before this season.

00:28:23I remember Aberdeen going to Celtic Park,

00:28:25getting a two-each draw.

00:28:26Played them in the semi-final.

00:28:28Was it semi-final at Hampden?

00:28:29Six.

00:28:30Six.

00:28:31Hibs beat Celtic at Easter Road.

00:28:34They got them in the Scottish Cup

00:28:37and Celtic won that game comfortably.

00:28:38That could have been three or four.

00:28:40I think when Brendan Rodgers gets a bit between his teeth,

00:28:43Dundee done it as well.

00:28:44Early in the season.

00:28:46I remember speaking to Stuart Taylor,

00:28:48I think they drew with Celtic at Denz Park.

00:28:50Then they absolutely spanked him.

00:28:52Was it six or seven at Parkhead?

00:28:54I think Brendan will have them wound up about this

00:28:57just because St Johnson beat them a couple of weeks ago

00:28:59and I think Celtic won the game comfortably.

00:29:01I must admit, Ruffy,

00:29:03I can't see anything other than that.

00:29:04I think Celtic again coming to the boil,

00:29:07business end,

00:29:08want to finish off with the trophy,

00:29:10want to get the treble all done and dusted.

00:29:12Yeah.

00:29:13I mean, it's going to be a difficult day for them.

00:29:15As I said,

00:29:16Celtic in that big part,

00:29:17you know,

00:29:18the wide men

00:29:19could take on anybody,

00:29:21you know,

00:29:22with the pace that they've got

00:29:23and the three in the middle

00:29:24will control things.

00:29:25I can't look at the St Johnson team

00:29:27and look at anybody who's going to be

00:29:28a match winner for me.

00:29:30I think it's all about Celtic

00:29:31and how they handle the day.

00:29:33What about the other semi-final?

00:29:34Hearts against Aberdeen,

00:29:3512-30 kickoff for this one

00:29:37and quite a few Dons fans

00:29:40will be heading down there.

00:29:41Hearts fans out in great numbers,

00:29:43although I was in the capital yesterday

00:29:46speaking to a number of Hearts fans

00:29:48and I'll tell you,

00:29:50they are not enamoured with the manager

00:29:53and what has happened over the last week.

00:29:56Not getting into the top six is a huge disappointment.

00:29:59There's a bit of criticism coming Neil Critchley's way.

00:30:02He's taking it on the chin

00:30:04and bouncing back defiantly.

00:30:06Does it bother me?

00:30:08No, not really.

00:30:10Is it fair?

00:30:11Well, you could say that

00:30:12because there's evidence of that.

00:30:14But, I say, it's a small sample size.

00:30:17I've only been here six months.

00:30:19If we're still talking like this

00:30:21after another lengthier period of time,

00:30:25the team's evolving.

00:30:27We have to keep moving forward.

00:30:28We have to keep showing progression

00:30:29and I believe that we have

00:30:31and we're moving in the right direction.

00:30:34Well, we've got to cut him some slack here.

00:30:36I think there's a necessity to offer some balance

00:30:39on this situation.

00:30:4138 points from his 25 games in charge.

00:30:44That's his defence.

00:30:46The criticism has been dumped out of Europe.

00:30:49Can't beat Hibbs, failed to make the top six.

00:30:52He's had 15 wins, six draws and 12 defeats.

00:30:55Nine of his wins, you know, coming in in the league.

00:31:00So, you're looking at him and you're saying to yourself,

00:31:02has he got a case here?

00:31:04I don't think the Hearts fans will believe he's got a case, Peter.

00:31:08I think that they'll look at his inability to win big games.

00:31:11I mean, you look at the way they started in Europe.

00:31:13How they didn't get out of that group was incredible.

00:31:15You know, they bottled it in the last game against...

00:31:17Petro Cup.

00:31:18Petro Cup, Moldovan team.

00:31:20They should have beat them.

00:31:22You know, and to go out to Europe was disappointing.

00:31:25They can't beat Hibbs.

00:31:26Big games.

00:31:27And this is another big game tomorrow.

00:31:28This is a season on the line.

00:31:29You know, if they get beat off of Aberdeen tomorrow,

00:31:32I think you'll be under enormous pressure.

00:31:34And I'm all for giving managers an opportunity.

00:31:36I've seen that.

00:31:37The other side of the city with David Gray, Peter.

00:31:38You know, they stuck with him.

00:31:39They gave him an opportunity.

00:31:41But I think the Hearts supporters have got the daggers out for them just now.

00:31:45And they need to go and beat Aberdeen tomorrow

00:31:47or the pressure will be incredible.

00:31:49They've failed to win a big game.

00:31:51And tomorrow is the biggest of the season for them.

00:31:53What does the pressure being incredible mean to you?

00:31:55Do you think if he loses the game against Aberdeen,

00:31:58then he'll get sacked?

00:31:59I think he'll be very close to the sack, Peter.

00:32:01And the last five games in the split,

00:32:04you'll need to go and win most of them.

00:32:06Again, if they get put out of the cup,

00:32:09I think the first game is against Indy at home.

00:32:11If they get beat off of them or don't win that game,

00:32:14then there could have been a relegation battle as well.

00:32:16So I think he's got a massive, massive game tomorrow to go and win.

00:32:20If he doesn't win, there'll be a huge outrage from the Hearts supporters

00:32:24wanting him sacked for me.

00:32:26I think we're living in an era now, Ruffy,

00:32:28where everybody is clamouring for people to get the boot.

00:32:32Sometimes you can't criticise fans because they pay their money and they watch

00:32:37and they try and see a style.

00:32:39So we stood by David Gray in a long period when people were saying,

00:32:45you know, he's on the edge of the cliff here.

00:32:47That game against Aberdeen, ironically, is the one where many people thought

00:32:51Hib's board might have pulled the trigger on him had it not been a late equaliser from Rocky Bashiri.

00:32:57I'm looking at him saying to myself, you came in in October,

00:33:02you were second bottom at the table,

00:33:05and slowly but surely you've tried to get them away from relegation.

00:33:09I don't see them being relegated.

00:33:11I think he deserves time to get his own players in.

00:33:14Yeah, some people will say that, but we saw that fans are now dictating

00:33:19when managers go and when they stay.

00:33:21Look at that club, Ruffy.

00:33:23The supporters have got such a big say.

00:33:25I think the difference was with David Gray,

00:33:28when he was having that terrible time,

00:33:30he had the benefit of being a Hibs legend.

00:33:33The Hibs supporters, sort of a knot in bulk, turned against him.

00:33:38They stuck with him.

00:33:39I think he's got no Hibs tradition at all.

00:33:42The supporters won't see him any connection with Hibs.

00:33:45They'll look at how well Hibs are doing.

00:33:48That's like Rangers and Celtic.

00:33:50If the other part of the city is doing particularly well,

00:33:52that goes against you.

00:33:53He's unfortunately not got another Hibs-Harts game,

00:33:56which if he won it, might give him a wee bit of leeway,

00:33:59but that's not going to happen.

00:34:00So this Cup game is the big one.

00:34:03And I think if they do lose it,

00:34:05you'll see how vocal these Hibs supporters are.

00:34:08Okay, who's winning it?

00:34:10Aberdeen.

00:34:11Comfortably?

00:34:13No, not comfortably.

00:34:14I think it'll be a very, very tight game.

00:34:16I think Aberdeen have got their act together a wee bit.

00:34:19Sol losing bad goals at the back,

00:34:21but I haven't seen any of the Harts.

00:34:23The Motherwell game last week was a perfect example.

00:34:26Nobody taking the game by the scruff of the neck.

00:34:30Shanklin's missing chances he wouldn't be missing last year.

00:34:34So it remains to be seen whether he sticks by him,

00:34:37you know, and says this is the kind of game

00:34:39that he could win this for us.

00:34:40Yeah.

00:34:41As far as Aberdeen are concerned,

00:34:42off the back of what looked as if it was heading

00:34:45towards a victory against Rangers,

00:34:47suddenly they had to put up with a point

00:34:50after that late Giannis Hadji equaliser.

00:34:53Jimmy Tallin getting ready for this semi-final

00:34:56and a huge support backing them,

00:34:58says they've just got to put that draw behind them

00:35:00from last week.

00:35:01Sunday night was not one of the best ones,

00:35:05but also you have to understand that

00:35:09another game is coming really quick now,

00:35:12and it's an important one,

00:35:13and that's the skill you have to have

00:35:16if you work in this football context.

00:35:19You can't feel sorry for yourself,

00:35:22you have to show up and focus on the next target,

00:35:26and now it was the semi-final,

00:35:28so of course you have to get it out of the system,

00:35:32but Monday morning you have to focus on the right things again.

00:35:34Yeah, and focus on trying to get them into a cup final,

00:35:38and in the forum he's slowly but managed,

00:35:41slowly but surely managed to turn it around.

00:35:43They've only lost two games,

00:35:45they've won six and they've drawn three

00:35:47since the start of February.

00:35:49Yeah, I think they've had their wobble Peter,

00:35:51when it was more than a wobble,

00:35:52it was a nightmare run for them,

00:35:54I think 12 or 13 games without a win.

00:35:55It was a nightmare above wobble?

00:35:57Aye, I think it was a real bad period for them

00:35:59after the start they had.

00:36:01I was very surprised to see that they were outsiders,

00:36:04that Hearts were favourites,

00:36:05which I don't understand.

00:36:06I think that that big Hamden pitch will suit Keskinen,

00:36:10Shaden Morris,

00:36:11I think the pace they've got on the flanks,

00:36:13I don't think Hearts have got that.

00:36:14So, you know, I fancy Aberdeen as well,

00:36:17and I think it will be a close game,

00:36:19but I just think Aberdeen have got a wee bit more

00:36:21mobility in the wider areas,

00:36:22and they've got a goal threat with Nisbet,

00:36:24and I don't think Hearts have got that.

00:36:26They've looked very blunt in recent weeks,

00:36:27so I'm going to go for Aberdeen to win it.

00:36:29Yeah? How much?

00:36:322-1.

00:36:332-1 Aberdeen.

00:36:34Are you going 2-1 Aberdeen?

00:36:352-0 Aberdeen.

00:36:362-0 Aberdeen.

00:36:37Okay.

00:36:38Is that because you just can't see Hearts scoring a goal at all

00:36:41with Shanklin?

00:36:42No, I think he's only scored...

00:36:43I'm asking you because the criticism here has been,

00:36:46you know, as we look at all the managers,

00:36:48whether it's top six or bottom six,

00:36:50Ruffy, we always analyse and say,

00:36:51has he got a goal scorer?

00:36:53You know, and quite simply,

00:36:54Lauren Shanklin scored four goals this season.

00:36:56Last season he banged in 31.

00:36:58Yeah, and I think if you look at the game last week

00:37:00against Motherwell,

00:37:01if you look at the chances he got,

00:37:03he definitely looked, you know,

00:37:05not comfortable at all,

00:37:07not confident.

00:37:08There were chances last week

00:37:09that it would have hit the back of the net,

00:37:11but it just doesn't look like

00:37:13the Lauren Shanklin of old,

00:37:14but like good players,

00:37:16if you keep criticising them,

00:37:17sometimes they come up with the goods.

00:37:19Yeah.

00:37:20I don't think he will at the weekend.

00:37:21No.

00:37:22I think the manager deserves a bit of criticism,

00:37:24for me anyway.

00:37:25I think they're going to lose to Aberdeen.

00:37:27I think Aberdeen will win maybe 3-1,

00:37:30but I think the manager deserves criticism

00:37:32because if you're looking at such a big game

00:37:33to get you into the top six,

00:37:35you play a player,

00:37:37whether he's on the way out in the summer or not,

00:37:39if he can get a goal.

00:37:41I mean, he had one chance right at the death last week

00:37:43that could have salvaged him a place in the top six,

00:37:46and it was inches past the post.

00:37:48But I think he's got to play him.

00:37:50Yeah.

00:37:51Obviously, I think James Wilson will be back from suspension,

00:37:53which will give them a bit of energy

00:37:54and a bit of legs up front.

00:37:55I think he could possibly play.

00:37:58Would you play him from the start, Shanklin?

00:38:00I don't know, Peter.

00:38:01I don't think so.

00:38:02No, I wouldn't.

00:38:03To win a Scottish Bucks?

00:38:04I'd bring him on, Peter.

00:38:05I don't think he deserves to be playing

00:38:07in his performances, Peter.

00:38:08I know you're saying...

00:38:09He's not an impact player.

00:38:10I know, but I know you're saying

00:38:11he's been poor this season.

00:38:13I don't think his form this season

00:38:15dictates that he should start the game.

00:38:16I think he should maybe come on.

00:38:18But, you know, I agree.

00:38:20I felt that Hearts last season,

00:38:22I think he carried them at times,

00:38:23and I didn't think that last season

00:38:24that Hearts were a particularly great team.

00:38:26But with a guy like that

00:38:27who was scoring a lot of goals,

00:38:28and it just shows you when he's off form,

00:38:30you know, Hearts have not got anybody else to score a goal.

00:38:32Last year he looked sharp.

00:38:34You know what I mean?

00:38:35He looked sharp.

00:38:36Confidence, Ruffey.

00:38:37He didn't smother well.

00:38:38It was sloppy.

00:38:39It was a sort of a...

00:38:40I know the chance you're talking about,

00:38:42but the chance before that,

00:38:43he had a shot and he skied it.

00:38:45You know, he just didn't look, you know, sharp.

00:38:48Okay.

00:38:49We're all going for Aberdeen?

00:38:50Yep.

00:38:51Aberdeen to win, yeah.

00:38:52I agree with you, but Celtic,

00:38:53I think Celtic will win by 4 or 5.

00:38:54Yeah, I'm going to go for Celtic 4-0.

00:38:56I think they'll be ready for St. Johnston.

00:38:58Ruffey?

00:38:593-0.

00:39:003-0.

00:39:01Oh, so a tight 3-0 or a comfortable 3-0?

00:39:02No, I think I've been impressed

00:39:03with the St. Johnston goalkeeper.

00:39:04I think he'll have a good game.

00:39:05Okay.

00:39:06We sure.

00:39:07Not that good.

00:39:08We sure.

00:39:093-0's a good game in Ruffey's eyes.

00:39:12Give us your thoughts on that.

00:39:14Who's going to win the semi-finals?

00:39:15Will it be Hearts or Aberdeen taking their place at Hampden?

00:39:19Will it be Celtic?

00:39:20Or will it be a major cup shock

00:39:22to rival Queen's Park's efforts earlier on in the competition?

00:39:27Can St. Johnston produce a big performance on the day

00:39:30and have back-to-back wins over Celtic?

00:39:33It's a long time since I think you could witness St. Johnston

00:39:36having back-to-back wins over Celtic.

00:39:39If at all, this is a big chance for them.

00:39:42It's a one-off game, as Simo Valakari has mentioned.

00:39:44What do you think?

00:39:45Who's going to win the semi-finals?

00:39:47Give us your thoughts on that.

00:39:48Of course, Barry Ferguson, does he need to win all the games

00:39:51all the way through to the end of the season?

00:39:53Give us your thoughts on that, on whether he should be the manager

00:39:56or it's just wait and see on this new group of investors

00:40:01when eventually or if that indeed is going to take place.

00:40:05Give us your thoughts on it.

00:40:06We want to know what you think on this very topic.

00:40:09And over and above that, I can tell you that coming up next week

00:40:14we've got some big news on PLZ Soccer that hopefully you'll embrace.

00:40:17One thing I can say to you is that all of our content at the moment

00:40:23that's absolutely free will continue to be free.

00:40:26all the stuff that you're watching right now

00:40:29and hopefully you're enjoying it.

00:40:31Thank you for your support for the journals.

00:40:33The women's football show is getting more and more popular

00:40:36and of course the football show too and our one-to-ones.

00:40:40And there's some really special one-to-ones coming up

00:40:43over the next couple of weeks that I think you will enjoy.

00:40:46So keep it locked to PLZ Soccer.

00:40:48Hit the subscribe button if you get a chance

00:40:50and you can enjoy so many of the special guests that we've got coming in.

00:40:55Hamilton have been deducted 15 points.

00:40:58They sit at the bottom of the table 8 adrift of Airdrie now

00:41:03and staring a drop into the lower division.

00:41:07This is basically because of breaches in the SPFL rules roughly,

00:41:13failed payments, remuneration to six players which got them into trouble,

00:41:18incorrect info in their stadium,

00:41:20info submitted regarding the lifting of a transfer embargo

00:41:23and some tax defaults has really gone against them

00:41:27and this is a huge, huge penalty for them as well as financial penalties as well

00:41:32and there are some suspended penalties.

00:41:34But nevertheless, suddenly Dunfermline and Queen's Park will be breathing a huge sigh of relief.

00:41:41They certainly will.

00:41:42You know, I don't know how long that's been ongoing

00:41:44but they've kept it pretty quiet.

00:41:46And you're right, these two teams will feel a wee bit more relaxed.

00:41:51But it's a shame that Hamilton have had this kind of trouble happening.

00:41:57Remember they had money disappeared through, I don't know what happened,

00:42:01I don't know if they ever got to the bottom, it was a large sum of money.

00:42:04And these kind of things happening.

00:42:06There's one guy I think will be really pulling his hair out is Scott Struthers

00:42:10because we know when Scott Struthers was at Hamilton it was run pristine.

00:42:14You know, when you've got somebody like that on board, you know these things don't happen.

00:42:18So it will be interesting to see, I think they're going to appeal it.

00:42:22Yeah.

00:42:23I don't know if they appeal it, whether the fines still go through.

00:42:27So it will be interesting to see what happens.

00:42:29Yeah.

00:42:30Listen, it's a body blow for them.

00:42:34Dropping down, never mind Scott Struthers.

00:42:36John Rankin.

00:42:37Yeah, I feel sorry for him, Peter.

00:42:39I feel sorry for the players.

00:42:40And I feel sorry for the supporters.

00:42:43Listen, they've not got a massive support in Hamilton,

00:42:45but they've certainly got a very loyal branch of supporters that go and support them home and away.

00:42:49And I feel sorry for those guys.

00:42:51You know, those guys put their money into the club.

00:42:53They go and back the team.

00:42:54They go and watch them home and away.

00:42:56And for something like this to happen three or four games for the end of the season

00:42:59is heartbreaking for the supporters, heartbreaking for the manager and the players.

00:43:02So, yeah, it's one of those things.

00:43:05If you break rules, you know, you've got to make an example of them.

00:43:08I don't know.

00:43:09Why on the way to the end of the season and punish them and start the season with the punishment?

00:43:14Do you know what I mean?

00:43:16I find it a bit strange doing it three games before the end of the season.

00:43:18Well, the problem is it's like it's an unfair advantage during the season.

00:43:24If you're not, if you are not complying with SPFL rules and everybody else is,

00:43:29why should you benefit from staying in a league when you're not following the rules within that league within that season?

00:43:36It's amazing how Man City don't come into that.

00:43:39Well, the Man City situation is one which I think everybody is dying to know how that's going to unfold.

00:43:46Because quite simply, what you have, what you have is a situation which is basically a team of hot lawyers kicking it down the park,

00:43:56arguing everything and just tangling the FA and the English Premier League up in knots with this one.

00:44:03Everybody's waiting and saying, can you escape 115 charges?

00:44:08If they do, then fair play.

00:44:10They've got that right to be innocent until proven guilty, Tam.

00:44:15Man City is a situation where if of those 115 charges, some of them are hefty.

00:44:22What do they do? Do they strip them of titles? Do they give them huge fine?

00:44:26I don't know any fine that would literally be anything other than a pinprick to Manchester City.

00:44:32Yeah, because they're heavily backed, Peter.

00:44:34They've got tons of money and it wouldn't really affect them.

00:44:37The only thing that would affect Man City would be points deduction or relegation and stuff like that.

00:44:41Money, monetary fines is not going to bother them.

00:44:45But just getting back to Hamilton Ackeys, you know, with three games to go, four games to go,

00:44:50you're looking at it as quite tight at the bottom.

00:44:52Airdrie, I think Airdrie will be, I think they were relegated, Peter.

00:44:55They've now got a second chance.

00:44:56I think they'll finish in the play-off in Queen's Park.

00:44:59I mean, I think Dunfermham would have got out it with Neil Lennon,

00:45:01but Queen's Park were on a nightmare run and I think they've been saved by this as well.

00:45:05So there were a few club chairmen around about Scotland in that low end of the championship,

00:45:11I'd be even a huge sigh of relief because, you know, they were gone, Airdrie were gone

00:45:15and Hamilton Ackeys, for me, would have probably stayed up as well.

00:45:18Yeah.

00:45:19Say they are going to appeal it.

00:45:21Yeah.

00:45:22Say they appeal it and they win it.

00:45:24And you've deducted all these points and chipped them out of the league.

00:45:28Well, we have an appeal process which will finish long before the league's finished, Ruffy.

00:45:34They'll have the ability to appeal it and put their case forward.

00:45:37They've known it's coming for quite a long time.

00:45:40They've been trying to answer the case for quite a long time.

00:45:44And now, once the decision is out there, if you appeal it,

00:45:47they're definitely going to be able to get that appeal listened to before the end of the season.

00:45:51And then, even then, you know, they're going to have to come up with some strong evidence

00:45:56to suggest you've got it wrong.

00:45:58Even if they take five points off it, even if they appeal it and say,

00:46:01right, we'll take it down to ten, that gives them a chance, Peter,

00:46:04because they're eight points behind at the minute with three games left.

00:46:06They're relegated.

00:46:08If you get down to three, you've at least have got a chance.

00:46:10The manager and the players, they're the ones you're punishing.

00:46:12They've went on a wee run now.

00:46:14They've got a couple of good results.

00:46:16Now you go, well, there you are, take that.

00:46:18Some players though, I think, with regards to remuneration, have to be paid,

00:46:26which I think is one of the problems that they're going to have to...

00:46:29Yeah, I think they've went in there maybe to give them a slap on the wrist

00:46:32and they've opened, maybe opened a can of worms and seen stuff that they didn't realise was there.

00:46:38And that's led to this big fine in the points deduction.

00:46:41But I do think that they've went in there, the SPFL, and discovered things that they didn't know about.

00:46:47And obviously that's led to this.

00:46:49We'll wait to see if the appeal gathers any pace and gets anywhere.

00:46:54I must just say, our reporters are out at the two Scottish Cup semi-finals.

00:47:00And of course, we'll be heading to...

00:47:03I'm going to head to Falkirk to watch them take on Wraith Rovers, Ruffy.

00:47:07We've had great access this week with Falkirk

00:47:10and certainly thoroughly enjoyed chatting to the manager and some of the backroom team

00:47:15and the players as well. Some really good stuff with regards to Falkirk

00:47:22on the verge of winning the Championship.

00:47:25I've got to say, it's just an unbelievable situation over the last couple of years there.

00:47:30This is a club who have basically managed to turn things around

00:47:35and I think John McGlynn himself is absolutely delighted that not only the players

00:47:40but everybody connected with the Falkirk family have a chance to enjoy it.

00:47:45If they can defeat Wraith Rovers, if Livingston and Air United somehow slip up,

00:47:49it's going to be title party time at the Falkirk Stadium.

00:47:54The reality is different from believing, you know,

00:47:57because the reality is that we're now here on the threshold of doing that.

00:48:00And it would be a much bigger achievement than just winning League One

00:48:10and being Invincibles to come up and to continue what we've been doing so well

00:48:15and to get there, it would mean the world to everyone here.

00:48:19You know, fans, directors, obviously it's a fan-owned club,

00:48:25even the directors of fans and the players.

00:48:29What the players have done is just remarkable.

00:48:32Yeah, it is remarkable because to come up as Invincibles undefeated in League One is one thing.

00:48:39But to then go again and with, you know, a good youth policy,

00:48:44you know, some good recruitment as well,

00:48:47suddenly, Ruffy, they're up at the top end of the Championship

00:48:51playing a good brand of football that the Falkirk fans love to see.

00:48:56And it's great credit to John McGlynn, I think,

00:48:58what he's done there with Paul Smith and that whole backroom team.

00:49:01Yeah, it's a wonderful stadium, wonderful supporters.

00:49:04You know, they're a big, big asset to the club.

00:49:07You're talking five, six thousand at the games.

00:49:10They'll be a massive asset to the Premiership as well.

00:49:13And it's amazing how they've turned things around.

00:49:16It's only, I think it's three years ago when I was at Patrick Thistle,

00:49:20we beat Falkirk 5-1 to get promoted.

00:49:23And ever since that day, they have turned everything on its head.

00:49:27They've got Ivan behind the scenes, you know, the people who are running the club,

00:49:31you know, the way they play, the manager coming in.

00:49:34And the hospitality in Ivan is just fantastic.

00:49:38It's a day out for the family.

00:49:40And I'd like to say congratulations to them.

00:49:43They've done Ivan right.

00:49:44Yeah, absolutely.

00:49:45I mean, there's got some really good players.

00:49:48When you look at it, the arrival of Scott Arfield has just been unbelievable as well.

00:49:52I was chatting to him, you know, talking about, you know,

00:49:55it took you a full 30 seconds to really settle back in at Falkirk,

00:49:59side-foot the ball into the back of the net, scores a hat-trick, loving it.

00:50:03You know, you've got Calvin Miller there, who obviously is an experienced player called Donaldson.

00:50:10And, of course, Nicky Hogarth, the goalkeeper too.

00:50:13So, it's a really good team.

00:50:15And they play attacking football.

00:50:17Yeah, they're great to watch, Peter.

00:50:19I think we've seen that in the cup game against Celtic.

00:50:21You know, to go and see a championship team go to Parkhead and play like that was refreshing to watch.

00:50:26You know, they're really brave in their approach to the game.

00:50:28They've played the way they've played for a year and a half, Peter, before that under John McGlynn.

00:50:32And I think John deserves a lot of credit because he's picked up a lot of guys from bigger clubs

00:50:36and revitalised their career.

00:50:38Ethan Ross, I think, was at Aberdeen.

00:50:40Calvin Miller at Celtic.

00:50:42Dylan Tate, who was at Hibs, didn't quite make it at Hibs.

00:50:44Sean Mackey was at Hibs.

00:50:46So, they've picked up, I think they've picked up the boy Adams from the Lone League.

00:50:49So, he's picked up players, younger players with talent, maybe.

00:50:52Lost a wee wee bit in the game and he's gave them a platform to go and play again.

00:50:56So, they've got a really, really good squad there.

00:50:59And I think they're all going to win the championship and they'll deserve it to do it.

00:51:03And, again, he's got to be one of the contention for manager of the year, Peter.

00:51:08I think John McGlynn must be in the final four for what he's done at Falkirk.

00:51:11Yeah, I agree with you.

00:51:12And I'm not advocating that Hearts should be sacking Neil Critchley.

00:51:16I think he deserves a summer transfer window.

00:51:19But if the eventuality befalls him, then I would look and say,

00:51:24this is the man that they should be looking at as a Hearts manager.

00:51:28He knows the club inside out.

00:51:29He plays football the right way.

00:51:31I've heard some people blithering on about Hearts need to be a physical side and need to, you know, go and fight.

00:51:37That's what their style's all about.

00:51:38Rubbish.

00:51:39Hearts fans want to see good football, entertaining football wingers, you know, and high press and high intensity and scoring goals in that fabulous stadium.

00:51:50And I think he's got the exact blueprint.

00:51:53He's taken a leaf out of Brendan Rodgers' book.

00:51:56He's watched him.

00:51:57He's worked with him.

00:51:58He's learned from him.

00:51:59And they are reaping the rewards at Falkirk.

00:52:03I can't knock anything you've said.

00:52:05I think just unfortunately for John, the new manager seems to be a new breed that's coming in.

00:52:11It seems to be a lot of young managers on the way up, you know.

00:52:14But again, with Hearts, do you go with somebody with a bit of history behind him?

00:52:19And he's certainly got all that.

00:52:20So if it does happen, you know, I would like somebody like that to get it.

00:52:25But I just can't see it because it's a new era of managers now.

00:52:30Yeah.

00:52:31Just what do you want?

00:52:32Well, it's got Browns and all that.

00:52:34No, they seem to be given a chance.

00:52:36Owners seem to be giving players like that a chance.

00:52:39And I think that might just go against John.

00:52:41Okay.

00:52:42I don't think he'd want to leave Falkirk anyway.

00:52:44It's a fantastic run club.

00:52:45Yeah, absolutely.

00:52:46It's a brilliant stadium.

00:52:47Brilliant people.

00:52:48Really nice.

00:52:49Really looking forward to going there.

00:52:51And we've got a fabulous documentary on that.

00:52:53We've also got something coming out which hopefully you'll enjoy.

00:52:56Just a little feature on Motherwell.

00:52:57They had their beer garden in the sunshine last week.

00:53:01It was absolutely superb.

00:53:02And an insight into a fan experience that really everybody should enjoy.

00:53:08So you'll be able to see that on our YouTube channel as well.

00:53:12We're bringing you football stories, one-to-ones, programs with opinion, a little bit of humor.

00:53:17The journals in there, women's football.

00:53:19We're covering it all for you 24-7 and taking on the big guns.

00:53:23And hopefully you'll back us and show us your support.

00:53:26We've got big news coming up next week on PLZ Soccer that hopefully you'll show your support for.

00:53:32But lots of free, great, accessible content to enjoy.

00:53:38Tam with the Footballers Football Show chatting and getting an insight from players who've played the game and some who are managing in the game as well right across all the divisions.

00:53:49Tam, you just wonder about someone who gets to 32, 33 years of age, signs a new deal at Liverpool and he's on £400,000 a week now going into the twilight of his career.

00:54:04He was on £200,000 and he's now about to finish in £400,000.

00:54:08And the only thing, the recurring memory of Virgil van Dijk for me is the day when he picks the ball up in Perth and McDermott Parton thinks,

00:54:16do you know what, I'm just going to dribble round everybody and slot this into the back of the net.

00:54:20And at that point, I remember looking at him thinking, OK, the clock is ticking, you'll be off-ski out of here shortly.

00:54:27Yeah, listen, he's a Rolls-Royce, Peter. I think we know how good he is.

00:54:30I think we've seen him at the Strolls Scottish Football.

00:54:32I remember Ronnie Dyler used to leave 1v1 at the back.

00:54:36I remember going, that's a bit risky for Celtic playing.

00:54:38And then the striker just couldn't get the better of him.

00:54:40He's too quick, too strong, reads the game too well.

00:54:43Fantastic player. 32, still got two or three good years in him, I think.

00:54:47And it would cost Liverpool a lot of money to replace him.

00:54:50So, listen, I think they've done great business getting him to sign up, getting Mo Salah to sign up.

00:54:54Obviously costing the club a lot of money.

00:54:56But I think they're worth it. I think they've proven that they're quality players.

00:55:00In other league, good on him.

00:55:04Yeah, absolutely. Arna Slott, the Liverpool boss, certainly delighted that not only has he got Mo Salah,

00:55:10but Virgil van Dijk has signed on the dotted line.

00:55:12No, it tells you that we want to keep our best players.

00:55:18The players that have played a great season for so many years in a row now.

00:55:22And that we are able to keep them when they are a free agent tells you probably the ambitions we have for the upcoming years.

00:55:31And, yeah, I'm really happy that the both of them extended Virgil.

00:55:36We've spoken about Mo last week and Virgil has been so important for us defensively, offensively,

00:55:42in and around the dressing room, great personality and a great football player.

00:55:50Yeah, certainly can't disagree with him on that.

00:55:54We're bringing you as much football north of the border, south of the border, European football as well.

00:56:00Blair has been absolutely magnificent, Ruffy, in the Europa League with Rangers.

00:56:05He's been out there in Bilbao, he's been giving us top five things to do.

00:56:09Eating food, catching people, celebrating, interviewing people, giving us the managers and players, talking to journalists.

00:56:17He's been brilliant. And that's what we're going to continue to do.

00:56:21Thanks to Les Watts, who has posted a really nice message saying,

00:56:26Peter, PLZ is the only reason I keep YouTube on my phone.

00:56:30Because, as ever, you can watch YouTube on your phone.

00:56:33You can actually download the app and you'll get the programme.

00:56:36You can watch it on your phone there as well.

00:56:38Have you got the app on your phone, Ruffy?

00:56:40Yes, I have.

00:56:41Yeah, he's still got it in his Nokia 3210.

00:56:43I use it in my holidays.

00:56:45And also, quite a lot of people.

00:56:48I'm sure you do.

00:56:49Yeah.

00:56:50And Hugh Burns, who just basically throws grenades on the programme every now and then, just says,

00:56:55Liverpool chat, why are we discussing them?

00:56:57It's Peter's show.

00:56:58Thanks for that, Hugh.

00:56:59It's a football show.

00:57:00It covers Scotland, England, European football, world football.

00:57:04We discuss all sorts of things for the people who have got a broader mind and like football, Ruffy.

00:57:09Is that fair?

00:57:10Yeah, it's fantastic.

00:57:11I just can't get that Van Dyke wage out of my head.

00:57:14Imagine going home and the wife said, what have you earned this week?

00:57:17Just 400,000.

00:57:18Yeah.

00:57:19Very good.

00:57:20Ruffy, if you had 400,000 pounds in your bank tonight, what would you be doing?

00:57:25Would you be taking Tam and myself out on a night out?

00:57:28Would you be offering to pay?

00:57:30Which is not something you do on any regular basis at all.

00:57:33I can't remember the 13 years that I've known you, you to stand up and say, you know, it's been a great night.

00:57:39I'm going to buy everybody a drink.

00:57:40Here's the staff.

00:57:41I'm going to pay for everything.

00:57:42No, you might be right.

00:57:44There you are, Tam.

00:57:46You're listening for a pint of Christmas.

00:57:48No, I know.

00:57:49It's tight as a drum, honestly.

00:57:50It really is.

00:57:51I mean, that's the...

00:57:52That's always goat money.

00:57:53Well, that's it.

00:57:54Once we all lower the cord, we'll know there's about 13.8 million pounds in...

00:57:58I'm going to spend your ball.

00:57:59Surely you'll get your money.

00:58:00Are you leaving a lot?

00:58:01Get me something.

00:58:02Yeah, it has nothing to do with me.

00:58:04My wife has sorted it out.

00:58:05Has she sorted it all out?

00:58:06That's absolutely...

00:58:07Get me something.

00:58:08Yeah.

00:58:09He will.

00:58:10He will.

00:58:11One of his testimonial tops.

00:58:12Leave me a motor.

00:58:13It's quite disturbing.

00:58:15Leave his motor, brilliant.

00:58:17It's quite disturbing when you're sitting having your tea at night and all of a sudden

00:58:20they go, have you thought about crematorium?

00:58:22Yeah.

00:58:23So...

00:58:24Not with your fitness, by the way.

00:58:26Tennis and golf nonstop.

00:58:28Listen, thanks to everybody.

00:58:30We don't...

00:58:31I just read out some of your points.

00:58:32As long as you keep it nice, then we're more than happy to read out your points of you.

00:58:39As long as you're not abusive to people who are also watching the programme, we're quite

00:58:43happy to take it in the neck.

00:58:45Thank you to everyone for your support.

00:58:47Some of us you'll like, some of us you'll not like, but you'll get opinion, you'll get

00:58:51humour, you'll get interviews, you'll get lots of exclusive stuff on this channel.

00:58:55And if you hit the subscribe button on our YouTube channel, we'll be absolutely delighted.

00:58:59Why not download the app?

00:59:00You'll get all the breaking football news as well.

00:59:03What do you like?

00:59:04Hugh Burns it?

00:59:05Yeah, we're going to read them out.

00:59:06Peter's top five mates.

00:59:07I wonder if you can tell me who my top five mates are, according to Hugh, just before

00:59:11we finish.

00:59:12He said, here's Peter's top five mates.

00:59:15Top five mates.

00:59:16Kenny's not on it, no.

00:59:17Lenny's.

00:59:18Lenny's definitely on it, yeah.

00:59:19Barry.

00:59:20Barry's on it, yeah.

00:59:21That's not a bad two, is it?

00:59:22Brendan Rogers.

00:59:23Don't think so, Ruffy.

00:59:24There's a clue.

00:59:25Big DJ.

00:59:26DJ ahead of you.

00:59:27Because Derek, yeah, absolutely.

00:59:29Sean Maloney.

00:59:30I like Sean.

00:59:31Moise.

00:59:32Oh, Moise.

00:59:33Yeah.

00:59:34Oh, Moise.

00:59:35Oh, Moise.

00:59:36Yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:59:37Have we missed anybody?

00:59:38That's our top three, isn't it?

00:59:39Moise.

00:59:40Yeah, absolutely.

00:59:41Well, listen.

00:59:42No one ever criticising him.

00:59:43Well, exactly, because at the end of the day, show a bit of loyalty along the way.

00:59:59It gets you a long way, doesn't it, Ruffy?

01:00:01And tickets for games and hospitality.

01:00:03Yeah.

01:00:04And that's how Ruffy lives his life.

01:00:07Anyway, great to have your company.

01:00:10Thank you for joining us.

01:00:11Thanks to Ruffy.

01:00:12Thanks to Tam.

01:00:13For myself, Peter Martin.

01:00:14Thank you for listening and watching.

01:00:16Enjoy your weekend.

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