Northern Goal

This week, the defence is a problem once again for Jim Goodwin's Aberdeen – are we already getting an idea of what might need done in January to fix it? Can Aberdeen still go into their crucial Friday night clash with Hibs feeling confident? Meanwhile, Ross County are moving in the right direction, despite a continued lack of points, says Andy Skinner, as question marks remain over Mark Ridgers' half-time exit in Caley Thistle's hammering at Morton. We've also got Jamie Durent on the bizarre time-wasting incident which capped Cove's capitulation to draw 4-4 at Hamilton, following a week where Peterhead and Elgin's fortunes also flipped somewhat.

This week, is Jim Goodwin taking Aberdeen to Rangers at the perfect moment? The Dons' new 3-5-2 set-up is creating great combinations between Duk/Bojan Miovski and Connor Barron/Ylber Ramadani – but what about all the wingers now kicking their heels? Plus, Sophie Goodwin on how Aberdeen Women have plenty of chances to make history at Pittodrie on Sunday. Ross County aren't cut adrift in the Premiership yet – but they need to make pre-World Cup games count, starting with Hearts, while Inverness have a great chance to strengthen their Championship hand against Morton, despite now having at least five starters injured. Striker Gerry McDonagh has staked his Cove Rangers claim, while Peterhead try to stay in touch at foot of League One, and Elgin City's Kane Hester chases 20 goals before Halloween.

In this week's episode of Northern Goal, the panel run the rule over Aberdeen's midweek win over Partick Thistle and the emergence of their new cult hero, Luis 'Duk' Lopes. There's also injury news at both Ross County and Caley Thistle, plus Cove Rangers' need to find stability. We also look at what should be expected of Peterhead given their well-documented early-season struggles, plus Elgin City's chances of a Scottish Cup run.

This week, Aberdeen's ‘bad day at the office' as Dons let expectant fans down woefully at Dundee United – in the process struggling with defensive issues we've seen several times this season. Having had an early glimpse into how his touchline ban might affect the Reds, will Jim Goodwin now regret his remarks about Hibs' Ryan Porteous? The panel also talk Hearts on Sunday, VAR and whether Connor Barron and Leighton Clarkson fit in the same Aberdeen team. Plus, Ross County have set themselves up for a climb with Dundee United and Kilmarnock meetings to come, the latest Northern Goal derby between Cove Rangers and Inverness previewed, and, while Peterhead look to cling on to Clyde's coattails, Elgin might now be nailed-on play-off place finishers a division below...

This week, Sean Wallace stands by his claim Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski is the Dons' biggest signing coup since Hans Gillhaus - but is the trip to Dundee United going to be a straightforward as it might look on paper this weekend, for the Reds or Miovski? How bad is the mood at Ross County ahead of their clash with Livingston this weekend? And - on the subject of big games - Inverness have set up a tantalising Friday night clash with Partick Thistle where they could go level at the top of the Championship. It's three wins in a row for Caley Thistle, and now two for a Cove Rangers side whose season is unrecognisable from a few weeks ago. Midfielder Connor Scully has had a big hand in this lift. And, while Peterhead continue to struggle, Elgin – with Kane Hester on his latest goalscoring streak – have also landed two eye-catching wins.

This week, we look at Aberdeen's 3-1 defeat at Hibs, where the pattern of the Dons losing when Ross McCrorie fills in at the back continued after Liam Scales' controversial dismissal. There's more likelihood of Jack Milne getting the nod to partner Anthony Stewart than a free agent coming in to provide back up, isn't there? In attack, could we see Ryan Duncan replacing the likes of Vicente Besuijen in the games ahead? Elsewhere, do Ross County have a scoring problem, and Cammy Harper and Inverness make a statement against fellow Championship title hopefuls Dundee. Then it's on to SPFL Trust Trophy previews - Caley Thistle look to make changes but avoid any slip-ups against Brechin City, Cove Rangers host Raith Rovers after their dramatic draw with Partick Thistle, and there's a Northern Goal derby as Peterhead host Elgin C

This week on Northern Goal - will Aberdeen have been disappointed not to meet Rangers at what feels like a vulnerable moment for the Ibrox side? Plus, why Hayden Coulson could be key to stopping Hibs' Martin Boyle on Saturday. As the Dons spearhead experiments in this area, are Saturday 6pm kick-offs going to boost the Scottish game? We also look ahead to Ross County's favourable-looking clash with St Johnstone, a huge game in the Championship as Inverness take on fellow title-hopefuls Dundee, and Cove Rangers meeting their former star Harry Milne as they travel to Partick Thistle. On top of this, there's good news for Peterhead on Andy McCarthy's puzzling ankle problem, and Elgin City go again in the hunt for two consecutive league wins.

This week on Northern Goal, the panel look to the positives following Aberdeen's frustrating draw at Ross County. Is it a good time to play Rangers, and - with Leighton Clarkson suspended - might a rejig see Bojan Miovski and Luis 'Duk' Lopes start together? For County, William Akio's Lazarus-like recovery from a knee injury and equaliser v the Dons means the Staggies have the chance to build momentum against Motherwell. Caley Thistle, meanwhile, maintained an incredible record against Raith to end a bad run and set up the chance to reel in favourites Dundee over the next couple of weeks. Leighton McIntosh again staked his Cove Rangers starting claim ahead of Friday's historic televised Balmoral clash with the Dees. Plus, when will something go right for Peterhead - after Elgin managed their first League Two win of the season against fast-starting Bonnyrigg Rose?

In this week's episode of Northern Goal, the panel discuss Aberdeen's 4-1 League Cup success at Annan Athletic in midweek and where, if at all the squad needs strengthening. There were defeats for Ross County and Caley Thistle against Celtic and Motherwell respectively, while we also get the lowdown on how Aberdeen Women have started the season in the SWPL. Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City have not enjoyed the best beginning to the campaign in their respective divisions, which we also mull over.

This week, we discuss Liverpool loanee Leighton Clarkson's career trajectory after his talents were on full display for Aberdeen against St Johnstone - Can he perform well consistently? Would bulking up make him even better? Plus, Sean Wallace talks up his player of the season so far, veteran Jonny Hayes. How long he could stick around at Aberdeen? Will the Dons build on their win v Saints against Livi, and ahead of their Annan cup clash? Ross County's win against Kilmarnock was a Premiership psychological boost, although they were on the end of some good fortune in terms of the refereeing. Can Inverness show their miserable night at Partick was an early Championship blip? The early pressure on Cove Rangers shows the standards expected at both the Balmoral Stadium and in the second tier, generally, while the panel also discuss Peterhead's exciting new signing and hard-to-beat Elgin City.

This week, was Aberdeen's disaster v Motherwell just a blip you'd expect from a completely rebuilt side? There's clearly a need to keep players in their best positions ahead of St Johnstone on Saturday – although Bojan Miovski, at least, continues to look like he'll be a goalscoring machine for the Dons. Ross County also showed they still need to build consistency, after having an off-day at the worst moment v St Mirren. They won't go 10 games without a win again, will they? Meanwhile, Austin Samuels is impressing in a dynamic Inverness attack, as is Robbie Deas at the back. Although they took a heavy defeat at Caley Thistle, Cove are continuing to shape up, and Peterhead could be about to turn the corner, but are Elgin going to be ok this season?

Following Aberdeen's scintillating win over St Mirren, we ask if long-range screamer-scorer Leighton Clarkson will be the new Scott Severin for the Dons, while also discussing the startling stats which show an immediate understanding between the Reds' latest loanee and fellow midfielder Ylber Ramadani. What will Jim Goodwin's first-choice midfield be going forward as Aberdeen target the first back-to-back Premiership wins of his reign when they host Motherwell this weekend? Plus, can strong-looking Ross County kick-start their own campaign against the Buddies, and following the blow of Connor Randall's leg break? We then preview Caley Thistle v Cove Rangers – as Championship title-hopefuls Inverness hunt their first win – while also reflecting on the topsy-turvy 2-2 draws which left both Peterhead and Elgin City disappointed.

This week, the panel reflect on Aberdeen's league-opening loss at Parkhead and look ahead to St Mirren. Although the need for more centre-back cover was laid bare, there were positives: Bojan Miovski's aerial strength, Anthony Stewart's defensive intelligence and Matty Kennedy with the ball at his feet among them. We discuss why Dante Polvara will be all the better for his difficult afternoon and - while his involvement was a show of faith from Jim Goodwin - the Reds closing in on another winger suggests other widemen will exit. Plus, there's Ross County's sizzling first half at Hearts, Inverness' hopes to pick up where they left off last term against Arbroath, Cove Rangers' real ambitions this term, and Peterhead and Elgin City's opening defeats. 

This week, Sean Wallace tells us what he learned about Aberdeen's new attacker Callum Roberts from former Killie boss Lee Clark, while we also ask if Hayden Coulson is going to be the Dons' main left-back this term. Is there enough depth on the left side of defence generally after this week's departures? There are certainly defensive conundrums and questions over who to start in attack at Celtic in Sunday's Premiership opener - Who replaces Liam Scales? Miovski or Ramirez? Does Roberts get a starting debut? Meanwhile, Ross County's attack are flying going into their Hearts clash, while Inverness step into the unknown v Queen's Park in what looks like an early banana skin for the Championship hopefuls. Plus, Cove Rangers and Peterhead still looking really light – or even lighter - two days before their league campaigns get under way, as Gavin Price tries to banish Elgin's tendency for second half switch-offs.

This week, Aberdeen's win over (albeit League 2) Stirling Albion suggests they've found an attacking verve, building excitement for the Premiership opener v Celtic. What did Sean Wallace make of Luis ‘Duk' Lopes, and why Ylber Ramadani is worth at least £1 million. David Bates could also be set for the Dons exit door ahead of this weekend's League Cup group stage-closer against Raith Rovers - lightning won't strike twice, will it? Plus Kazeem Olaigbe terrorising full-backs in the blue of Ross County, as Staggies delve into the Canadian market again to secure viral sensation Willie Akio. Have Inverness had pound-for-pound the best Premier Sports Cup group campaign? Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin City are all exiting early – how will they be feeling ahead of the league kick-off?

This week, the panel discuss Anthony Stewart after he sparkles at Glebe Park and, in his performance and organisation, looks the man to shore up Aberdeen's defence – with or without armband – ahead of the season-opener against Peterhead. Can David Bates cement his place alongside him though? If he wants to stay at the Dons, the League Cup group games are striker Christian Ramirez's big chance while we wait for Bojan Miovski's visa situation to be resolved. However, all signs are pointing to a Vicente Besuijen-centered Aberdeen attack, aren't they? We also discuss the worrying situation at threadbare Peterhead ahead of the clash with the Premiership giants, while there was a first look at Ross County's revamped squad in action on Wednesday ahead of the start of their campaign at Buckie. What do they still need? And what signings will Inverness still be looking to make as they get set for a trip to Kelty Hearts on Saturday.  Plus, Evan Towler joins Cove on loan from Aberdeen, and there are big hopes for the 17-year-old, while Elgin - facing a cup journey to Ayr on Saturday – have come out of pre-season full of optimism for the 2022/23 term.

This week, Sean Wallace and Andy Skinner join Ryan Cryle from Spain and Italy, respectively. Sean is embedded with Aberdeen in Alicante and delves into the big themes of the pre-season camp – what the Dons are working on in the sun, who's there, who has impressed most, what his impression of summer signings like Anthony Stewart have been up close, and what the situation is with Ylber Ramadani and Bojan Miovski as they join up with their new team-mates. Plus, Sean gives a Jack MacKenzie injury update and also reveals what Jim Goodwin has told him at La Finca Resort about targets Connor Ronan and Jamie McGrath. Andy, similarly, gives us the inside story from Ross County's camp in Verona, including what he's made of all of the new faces brought in over recent days.

This week, we assess Aberdeen's manic week in the transfer market. The Dons have made four signings – Jayden Richardson, Liam Scales, Anthony Stewart and, most notably, striker Bojan Miovski. We discuss what the experts have told us about them over the last few days, and whether Jim Goodwin's business so far has shown us how the Dons will line up next term. Who will be next? (It won't be Liam Boyce or Robby McCrorie...) We also preview Aberdeen's weekend trip to Buckie Thistle, chat about the incomings at Ross County, Inverness and Peterhead, and look ahead to Cove Rangers veteran Stuart McKenzie's testimonial against Dunfermline on Saturday.

This week, reaction to the £8m deal between Liverpool and Aberdeen for Calvin Ramsay – with the initial £4.5m fee set to break the Dons' club record and previous high for a Scottish teen. Then Sean Wallace – after speaking to his ex-chairman in Norway - gives the inside track on how Reds-linked Tobias Lauritsen became a striker, overcoming adversity to get back to his nation's top-flight in the process, and what his attributes are. There's also further discussion on Macedonian target Bojan Miovski, what it all means for returning US forward Christian Ramirez and whether we'll see Dean Campbell back in an Aberdeen kit. Plus, Ross County and Inverness contract extension, and shades of Paul Hartley in Jim McIntyre's arrival to take manager's role at Cove Rangers.

In this week's episode of Northern Goal, the panel analyse Scotland's 2-0 win over Armenia, which got their Nations League campaign off to a winning start. There's also the big news of Paul Hartley's departure to discuss at Cove Rangers, following his departure to English League Two side Hartlepool United at the end of last week. We also look at potential comings and goings at Aberdeen, with speculation about Calvin Ramsay's future continuing and the Dons finally making their first signing of the summer in the form of Ylber Ramadani.

The panel sift through the debris of Scotland's hugely disappointing night against Ukraine, in this week's episode, which ended their hopes of making the 2022 World Cup. Where did it go wrong and are some players at the end of the road for the national side? We also look in-depth at a significant period of change for women's football at Aberdeen and discuss what stories have caught our eye from our SPFL clubs.

This week, how did it all get away from Caley Thistle in their play-off final defeat to Premiership survivors St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, and following Austin Samuels' all-action first-half display? The play-off system might be unfair, but Inverness now know – if they want to go up – they need to finish top of the Championship (which they maybe should have done), don't they? We also discuss the Premier Sports Cup draw for all of our sides, with Aberdeen's group-mates Raith Rovers providing a stark reminder to the Dons to take their rivals seriously if they are to blitz group A.

This week, off the back of Paul Third's Reds Rebuild series for the Press and Journal/Evening Express, we discuss what Aberdeen and boss Jim Goodwin need in every area of the park this summer – numbers and skillsets. Plus, Dundee United fans' disruption mars final Ross County game of the season. How big a loss is the departed Blair Spittal to the Staggies, and are we resigned to Regan Charles-Cook, Harry Paton and Alex Iacovitti leaving, too? Could Roy MacGregor push the boat out to get Joseph Hungbo back next term? Then - Inverness showed true grit to somehow overcome Arbroath in their Premiership play-off semi-final, but will they have a) recovered enough, and/or b) have the bodies for their shoot-out with St Johnstone.

On this week's Northern Goal, the panel discuss Aberdeen's 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone, which saw the Dons play without a senior striker after Christian Ramirez jetted off on holiday a week early. Following another soft goal against the Reds, can we see the Declan Gallagher and David Bates centre-back setup working next term? Sean Wallace also discusses the Luke Turner contract situation and how Jim Goodwin justified his decision to let the youngster goal. Plus, how did Ross County let Europe pass them by, and the Inverness v Arbroath play-off is on a knife-edge ahead of Friday's second leg.

This week, with Aberdeen secure in the knowledge relegation won't be happening, we ask: Is it time to throw Dante Polvara into the team and see what the January signing from the US can do? There's also praise for developing Dons talents Connor Barron, Vicente Besuijen and Jack MacKenzie following the 1-0 win over Dundee, which didn't do much to dampen questions over where Christian Ramirez's future may lie. Plus, despite their awards snub, Ross County had a good week drawing at Hearts - and now a win over Motherwell this weekend could clinch Europe - while full-time success story Shane Sutherland's ability was on full display as Caley Thistle took play-off pole position against Partick Thistle.

On this week's Northern Goal, troubling times at Aberdeen as loss to Livi reconfirms bluntness in attack, inability to keep goals out and psychological fragility. No doubt Jim Goodwin's rebuild is needed, but – like Terry Butcher at Hibs – is he learning he should have waited? And is the mood music of the last week telling us Christian Ramirez and Calvin Ramsay are going? Meanwhile, Andy Skinner tells us why he thinks Ross County's Malky Mackay and Regan Charles-Cook should be named Manager and Player of the Year, as Inverness look set to start the likes of Scott Allardice v Hamilton. Jamie Durent then talks Cove's League One title win – much-deserved celebrations, Harry Milne's exit for Partick Thistle, and what's next in terms of their squad, contract model and infrastructure.

We start this week's episode of Northern Goal by reflecting on Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack's RedTV Q&A, before previewing this weekend's post-split opener at home to Livingston. Is Calvin Ramsay good enough for Liverpool, and is this the peak of Lewis Ferguson's potential transfer value to the Dons? Plus, Ross County could be even better now the pressure's off - starting with Celtic this weekend - couldn't they? Inverness are so close to sealing third, while surely (surely) Cove Rangers will claim the League One title in front of a bumper Balmoral crowd on Saturday.

After a meek display against Ross County saw Aberdeen condemned to the bottom six, the Dons are now trying to avoid being drawn into a relegation play-off fight. Did Jim Goodwin's early squad reshaping moves affect the clash, and what further players are likely to be moved on from Pittodrie? Home top six fixtures have put Ross County odds-on for a transformative European football adventure, while – across the Kessock Bridge – Inverness' hopes of finishing second in the Championship look to be over. A league below, Cove Rangers could be champions this weekend, while Peterhead's safety could also be confirmed.

This week, we react to the news of Aberdeen legend Andy Considine's impending departure and the subsequent fallout. We ask how new boss Jim Goodwin's objective and reasonable (depending who you ask) call to let the veteran go, combined with a likely emotional reaction from the player's camp and some fans, saw the situation spiral out of control in the build-up to a huge Premiership game against Ross County and on the day a new record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal was announced. There's also the County angle ahead of Saturday's top-six showdown, an Aberdeen Women update, plus Cove Rangers' latest last-gasp goal as they edge closer to the League One title.  

This week, the panel discuss what Aberdeen midfield star Lewis Ferguson is worth now he has started for Scotland. Should he stay this summer, is the best Dons midfield set-up Ferguson, Connor Barron and Ross McCrorie? And why have backroom staff Gordon Marshall and Adam Stokes left the club? With Dundee up next for the Dons and Ross County playing Hearts, the panellists give their verdict on which teams will end up fourth, fifth and sixth in the Premiership for the split. There's also the Staggies' coup of tying ex-Liverpool full-back Connor Randall down for another two years, the talents of Inverness loanee Reece McAlear and an end to Elgin City's Edinburgh City hoodoo at the 15th attempt to discuss.

In this week's episode, the panel discuss a huge game at the top of League One as Cove look to cement their title hopes on the road against nearest-challengers Airdrieonians. At the bottom end of the table, Peterhead are in desperate need of a result to drag themselves clear of lingering danger. Elsewhere, we look at Connor Barron's emergence into an influential figure in the Aberdeen midfield, Caley Thistle's mini-revival ahead of the play-offs and a look at some of the potential new faces who could feature for Scotland ahead of their friendly double-header.

We discuss what the experience of Jonny Hayes and Andy Considine is worth at Aberdeen in a week where the signing of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was labelled ‘an absolute disaster'. This weekend's clash with Hibs is the ‘definition of a must-win', as the Dons bid to end a miserable winless run and keep top-six hopes in their own hands, but – when the campaign is over - is Jim Goodwin's summer rebuild going to involve a few St Mirren players? Ross County will try to take their own big step to securing a top six place against Celtic, while Inverness upset the odds with a very attacking Billy Dodds line-up to finally get a victory – and what a victory over Arbroath it was! Can they build on it against play-off rivals Raith Rovers? Plus, Cove hit out at a weird red card for handball (and even weirder failed appeal), while Peterhead keep it positive despite their struggles and Elgin are already on the beach in League Two.

This week, the panel discuss why the writing was on the wall for Scott Brown at Aberdeen and ask where the signing ranks in recent Dons history. Ross McCrorie is the frontrunner to be the next captain, but can Jay Emmanuel-Thomas save his Reds career? There's also analysis of what Jim Goodwin will be prioritising during Aberdeen's week off. Then, Sophie Goodwin explains how huge a moment for women's football in the north-east Aberdeen Women's Pittodrie debut is. Plus, Ross County's European hunt and - forget Arbroath - Inverness' next game, against Raith Rovers, is massive. Will stand-out Harry Milne leave Cove Rangers in the summer if they don't go full-time?

This week, Aberdeen continue to rack up miserable records with defeat at Hearts. New boss Jim Goodwin will be in no doubt over the scale of the Pittodrie rebuilding job this summer, but will a continued winless run actually serve to strengthen his recruitment power? We also ask - did the Tynecastle display show veteran midfielder Scott Brown is in the final few months of his playing career? Meanwhile, we focus on Joseph Hungbo following Ross County's battling result at Motherwell, and question when and if Inverness will kick into gear again. In League One, we preview the latest meeting between Cove Rangers and Peterhead, and what a difference two weeks has made for Elgin City.

In this week's episode, the panel discuss the early impressions made by new Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin, who took charge for the first time last weekend. We also look at the lack of form of our two Highland clubs, Ross County and Caley Thistle, as they try to right their seasons and ensure they have a positive ending. In the lower-leagues, Elgin's troubles show no sign of abating, Peterhead strive to get away from the bottom of League One while Cove Rangers face an important few days in both league and cup competititions.

This week, our panel discuss Aberdeen's manager hunt - and why frontrunner Jim Goodwin's track record and general upwards trajectory makes him the right man to turn around the Dons - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer notwithstanding. Goodwin will have a job on his hands, though, as we also review what went wrong for Stephen Glass at Pittodrie, with the underperforming Reds heading back to Fir Park on league business this weekend. We also discuss Ross County's fascinating capture of former Premier League starlet Josh Sims, and how the significance of struggling Caley Thistle's clash with leaders Arbroath will hinge on their next three outings. All of that, plus title-chasing Cove host Leigh Griffiths-bolstered Falkirk, Peterhead look to turn Scottish Cup plaudits into League One points, and Elgin City hope to stave off real relegation fears against Cowdenbeath.

A Funso Ojo-led second half fightback can't hide an awful first half from Aberdeen against Celtic. Will the second half side – including Ross McCrorie at right-back, Funso Ojo in midfield and Matty Kennedy – start their season-defining Scottish Cup clash at Motherwell? Is the nightmare away game run and the Dons' crisis of confidence on the road going to affect the tie – and pile huge pressure on Stephen Glass? A point for never-say-die Ross County despite a below-par showing, and a topsy-turvy clash at the Caledonian Stadium which saw Inverness come back three times to draw, rounds off our Wednesday review, before the panel look to our League One and Two sides – with Peterhead's cup clash with top-flight strugglers Dundee just a few days away.

This week, reaction to Aberdeen not signing a striker in the transfer window. With Marley Watkins injured, is there now unfair pressure on Christian Ramirez? Dylan McGeouch staked his claim in the Dons' midfield in the 1-1 draw at Ross County, but questions remain about Funso Ojo in attacking midfield. Given their away form, is Saturday's trip to Livingston a scarier proposition for Aberdeen than Celtic at Pittodrie? For County, holding on to Regan Charles-Cook was their best piece of January business – and could guarantee Premiership survival. Meanwhile, can Inverness – with Austin Samuels now in their ranks - use a run of home games to string some much-needed wins together, and would a win for Cove Rangers be a knock-out blow to Airdrieonians in League One?

This week we discuss Aberdeen's defeat at St Mirren and what it revealed about the squad. Which players are Dons fans right to say aren't up to the job? If Ryan Hedges' and Calvin Ramsay's heads are elsewhere – should Aberdeen cash in over the next few days? Plus, Jamie Durent explains why he thinks Ryan Duncan has a big Aberdeen future, having seen him play for Peterhead. Meanwhile, it's been baptism of fire for Declan Drysdale at Ross County following their loss to Dundee United, and Kilmarnock-bound Caley Thistle need to stop drawing games, don't they?

This week, and ahead of the Scottish Cup fourth round, the panel reflect on the pile of positives from Aberdeen's 1-1 Premiership draw with Rangers at Pittodrie – the high line, pressing, brave passing, resilience and even the dark arts (Scott Brown in particular) – but it's also clear reinforcements are needed to add more attacking strength in depth. We then discuss Regan Charles-Cook's latest wonderful display after his hat-trick saw 10-man Ross County beat Motherwell, and more evidence of Inverness' soft underbelly in the Championship. Plus, there's preview chat ahead of cup clashes between Hibs and Cove, Peterhead and East Kilbride, and Banks o' Dee and Raith Rovers.

This week, Northern Goal returns with the latest transfer news from Pittodrie – with Ryan Hedges, Calvin Ramsay, Lewis Ferguson, Jamie McGrath, Ryan Broom and Dean Campbell all discussed, as well as other signing suggestions thrown in for good measure. Sean Wallace gives up the lowdown on new boy Dante Polvara after speaking to Georgetown coach Brian Wiese. Plus, an interview slip-up reveals Kayne Ramsay is heading on loan to Ross County. Also, what can Caley Thistle do to shore up against a renewed Kilmarnock Championship challenge, and is Cove's clash with Montrose the pivotal moment in League One race?

This week, Teddy Jenks showed against St Johnstone there may be role for him at Aberdeen, while Dave Cormack's AGM interview reveals he expects Calvin Ramsay to be extremely hot property in January. Does it make sense for the Dons to offload Ryan Hedges in the winter window? And what of injury-ravaged out-of-contract centre-back Michael Devlin? Plus, Sophie Goodwin reviews the first half of Aberdeen Women's SWPL1 season, Ross County show it's the nature of defeat that kills you, while Inverness' Reece McAlear and Cove's Morgyn Neill compete for Northern Goal's absolute screamer of the weekend prize.

This week, the front four sparkle as Aberdeen score four against St Mirren, with St Johnstone up next. Has JET proved his value to the Dons? Plus, why Christian Ramirez looks certain to hit at least 20 goals, and the Red Army get an early Christmas present from Andy Considine. In part two, we ask if Ross County are cursed to not get a decent run of games this term, and whether a huge win over Kilmarnock in the Championship, but two cup exits, constitutes a good or bad week for Inverness? There are  also musings on a seemingly unstoppable Cove, and a Peterhead side now probing at the play-offs.

In this week's episode, the panel discuss Caley Thistle's big week in both league and cup and the importance of Billy Mckay's goals to their chances. Elsewhere Ross County's Joseph Hungbo gets credit for his displays, while Aberdeen face potential six-pointers in the Premiership to try resurrect a stuttering campaign. Cove Rangers impress as they too look to balance league and cup commitments, Peterhead press on in the Scottish Cup while Elgin's underwhelming season to date is assessed.