TheTwoPointOne-cast

Dundee will be playing their football in the Premiership next season thanks to an impressive playoff win over Kilmarnock. Not to be outdone, their rivals from across the street also grabbed the headlines after parting ways with their manager.Micky Mellon's solitary season at Dundee United was by no means a failure, he comfortably secured top-flight safety and led them to a cup semi-final. However, many fans have complained about the style of football his side played throughout the campaign.On this week's show, Niall Murray, Stefan Bienkowski, and Alex Marr discuss Mellon's time in charge at Tannadice, his side's issues, and where the Tangerines go from here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the Scottish football season winding down Niall, Stefan and Euan discuss the players they believe have stepped up and improved since the last campaign. Does anyone from your club make the list? There's only one way to find out... listen and enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

They've been playing in the Challenge Cup since 2018, but now Old Firm Colt teams look like they'll also be competing in the Lowland League next season. That's after clubs in the division gave provisional approval to allowing the Rangers and Celtic youngsters into the division for the 2021-22 campaign.Is this simply a one-off or will it lead to the floodgates opening? Does it show a lack of consideration for the pyramid system? And is it just the Glasgow giants that benefit or could it also benefit the Scotland national team in the long run? Niall, Stefan and James discuss all of these points on this week's show - enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steven Gerrard and Callum Davidson have both had excellent seasons no matter what happens between now and the end of the campaign. The former has secured Rangers their 55th league title in spectacular fashion and the other has the chance to secure a truly historic cup double for St Johnstone.Both are undoubtedly deserving of the manager of the year award, but who deserves it more? Niall Murray is joined by James Cairney and Euan Robertson to discuss exactly that on this week's show. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This season will go down as a historic one for Rangers after they secured their 55th Scottish Premiership title in impressive style. However, losses to St Mirren and St Johnstone have consigned the Ibrox side to back-to-back quarter-final exits in domestic cup competitions.There's no doubting Steven Gerrard has achieved his main aim this campaign, but he himself has admitted that one trophy out of nine isn't good enough for Rangers.On this week's flagship show, Niall, Stefan and James discuss why Rangers have struggled in cup competitions this season. Have they become complacent or is it purely down to bad luck on the day? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What a week it's been for football... and it's only Wednesday. The sport has been rocked by the European Super League announcement and the swift u-turn by some of the clubs involved. Oh, and there's also the small matter of Champions League reform!What does it mean for Scotland's football clubs? Should fans care? Niall, Stefan and Andrew discuss exactly that on this week's flagship podcast. They talk about how a European Super League could potentially impact Scottish clubs, the future of European competition for our teams and how this debacle should be a catalyst for the SPFL to improve the marketing of our game and shout about what makes it so great (we're not holding our breath!). Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Four games stand between Hibs and their first third-place finish in Scotland's top flight for 16 years. Jack Ross undoubtedly deserves credit, but should his side be doing even better?On this week's flagship show, Stefan and James take a closer look at the Easter Road side's overall performance this season and whether they're heading in the right direction under Ross. They also discuss where Hibs need to strengthen and what is likely to happen with this squad come the summer. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It seems like Eddie Howe's appointment as Celtic manager is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'. The Englishman’s apparently in advanced talks with the club and looks set to replace Neil Lennon in the Celtic Park hot seat.Just how big a job is waiting for the former Bournemouth boss in Glasgow's East End and what does he have to do to improve things on the pitch?James Cairney, Euan Robertson and Niall Murray discuss exactly that on this week's flagship show. They also look at whether he is the right man for the job and what he can do to fix this Celtic side. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes and Scotland producing disappointing performances against Israel in international football fixtures. However, we followed up Sunday's poor showing with a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands and now sit second, and undefeated, in our World Cup qualifying group.We're very much still in the mix, but some fans will understandably be disappointed not to have at least two more points on the board. That said, there have been positives over this international breaking. John McGinn's beautiful overhead kick, Che Adams netting his first Scotland goal and Kieran Tierney just being bloody brilliant to name a few.On this week's show, Niall, Stefan and Euan looked at what worked over the three games as well as the problems facing this current Scotland squad. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

They may not have a striker that can score goals, but Aberdeen do have a new manager. Former Dons player Stephen Glass has taken over from Derek McInnes, with reports he'll be joined by a backroom team including Scott Brown and Allan Russell in the near future.On this week's episode, Niall, Stefan and James discuss the appointment and whether it's the right one for the Pittodrie club. We also talk about the rebuilding job facing Glass in the North East and briefly hear the thoughts of TheTwoPointOne's resident Dandy Don, Andrew Southwick. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's just under three months until Scotland play their opening group match of Euro 2020, but before that there's the small matter of qualification for the 2022 World Cup.Steve Clarke's men face Austria, Israel (of course) and the Faroe Islands in the space of a week at the end of March. And we now know who's been included in the squad for these games, a squad that hints at which players are in the manager's plans ahead of our first appearance at a major finals since 1998.James, Stefan and Niall discuss Steve Clarke's selections including Scotland's newest recruit, Southampton striker Che Adams. Is he the goalscorer we've been missing? Should another right-back be in the squad? How unlucky are David Turnbull and Ryan Gauld to miss out? And what do we think about Jack Hendry's inclusion? All of this and more on this week's episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's felt inevitable for months, but Rangers have finally been confirmed as Scottish Premiership champions for the first time in a decade. Steven Gerrard's side have done it in style - they've won the title with six games to spare, conceding just nine goals and losing no matches to date. So how did they do it?Niall and Stefan are joined by Alex Marr to discuss just that on this week's show. The team look at what's made this Rangers team so formidable, the importance of this achievement for both Steven Gerrard and what it means for the club's financial muscle going into next season. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Football’s coming home… maybe… in 2030… according to Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister’s announced plans for a joint UK and Republic of Ireland bid for the 2030 finals which would see some games played north of the border. James, Andrew and Niall discuss their thoughts on the potential bid and try to answer the tough questions. What benefits would it bring to Scotland? Is now really the right time to be getting involved in a World Cup bid? And after going so long without qualifying do we not want to travel somewhere more exotic?All this and more of this week’s show - enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Celtic have finally done the one thing the whole of Scottish football have been waiting for them to do for much of the season: they've parted ways with Neil Lennon. The Northern Irish coach departs Celtic Park after a tremendously turbulent season in which Rangers have strolled to the Scottish Premiership title admist an almighty dumpster fire in the east end of Glasgow. However, relinquishing Lennon of his duties could possibly be the first sign of much-needed action at Celtic and the first step towards regaining their footing in Scottish football. With little need to dig back over what's gone wrong at Celtic this season, Stefan, James and Euan take a look at why the club decided to sack their manager now and what we can expect from the Glasgow giants between now and the end of the season. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Things couldn't be going any better for Rangers right now. Flying the flag for Scotland in the Europa League, sitting comfortable at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and their main domestic rivals - Celtic and Aberdeen - are doing their best to ignore calls from the fans to sack their managers. However, that's not say everything will remain that way forever more. While there's no doubt that Steven Gerrard's side will finish the season with a league title and a huge smile on their face, the summer brings with it a new season and a long list of issues for the Rangers manager and his backroom staff to sort out. In this week's podcast Stefan and Niall run through the Rangers squad and try to predict which players are expected to leave in the summer and which ones the Ibrox club may be tempted to sell. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It'll be March before we find out when the lower leagues and women's football in Scotland will resume. The Scottish FA’s confirmed that the Scottish Government won't commit to return dates due to the current Covid-19 situation.It's a blow for clubs who had put forward a plan which would've seen games get back under this month, and involved the regular testing of players and staff.So, what next? Well, that’s exactly what TheTwoPointOne’s dynamic lower league duo, James Cairney and Euan Robertson, discuss on this week’s show.Will the season be completed? Or are we looking at an even further reduced fixture schedule or the campaign being declared null and void? Answers to all of this and more! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Well, that was a little busier than normal! Deadline Day™ in Scotland is usually a rather dull affair, as we look jealously across the border at the stupid amount of money being spent in English football. But this time around it was pretty fun! Celtic sold some player, Rangers bought a few, some Hibs players tried to get Hibs to sell them and then Aberdeen bought half the strikers in the division. And that means we’ve got plenty to talk about!On this week’s main show, Niall, Stefan and James sit down to discuss all the transfers, loans and free signings from the January window and try to figure out which clubs did well and which teams could have done much better. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Celtic's season just seems to be getting weirder and weirder. As if the club's bizarre twilight zone approach to dealing with Neil Lennon isn't bad enough it now seems as though one of the club's brightest, young players is on his way out the door. On Tuesday after the Celtic manager confirmed that the Scottish champions had accepted a bid for Jeremie Frimpong after it became clear that "he wanted to leave". It wasn't long before Bayer Leverkusen were found to be the interesting buyers and as such it now seems as though Frimpong has probably played his last game for the Glasgow club. With that in mind, Stefan, Niall and Andrew sit down to discuss the deal itself, whether it's good business for Celtic and what this kind of sale at this point in the season means about where the Glasgow giants are at this moment in time. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The current COVID pandemic has turned a lot of football on its head. Celtic are imploding, Livingston are pushing for Europe and the lower leagues of the SPFL may not even finish their league campaigns. However, one thing that does seem to have remained immune to something as drastic as a global pandemic are Derek McInnes' Aberdeen side. And that's a problem. Despite everything that's going on in Scottish football, the Dons seem to be sleepwalking to third or fourth place under their long-time manager, as stagnation looks to have well and truly took hold at Pittodrie. On this week's episode of the podcast, Niall welcomes Andrew and Stefan on to the show to discuss Aberdeen this season and whether it's time to shake things up in the dugout. Is it time Aberdeen went looking for a new manager? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If Celtic fans think their team have issues now then they may want to take a moment to consider how this current squad may look next season. The Parkhead side will almost certainly have a new manager, but it’ll also have a number of new faces in defence, midfield and attack. But rather than be a result of extensive scouting and exceptional recruitment on behalf of a tired and frustrated Celtic support, it’ll be signing made in desperation when the (current) Scottish champions are forced to sell a number of their key players.With very little left to play for this season, we decided to cast our minds into the future to see what players will be worth keeping around Celtic Park after the summer transfer window, which ones will be worth selling on and then, in conclusion, what positions will need reinforcing before the next Scottish Premiership campaign. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There was an issue with this week's extra podcast when it was published this morning, meaning that it cut out mid-way through the episode. We'd like to apologise for the problem and have decided just to stick the full episode out on the normal podcast stream to save us having to spam anymore email inboxes. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was all going so well. Hibs were unbeaten in five games heading into their Boxing Day clash against Rangers - they’re now on a three game losing streak.Home losses to lowly Ross County and a resurgent Livingston followed a narrow 1-0 defeat at Ibrox. It leaves them three points behind Aberdeen despite having played two games more than the Dons.We look at what’s gone wrong for the Hibees and where they need to improve. James and Niall discuss whether this is just a blip in form or a real cause for concern for Jack Ross.And seeing as it’s January and the transfer window is open, we also consider where this Hibs squad could be strengthened. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The new year looks set to kick off with a bang, when Celtic travel to Ibrox to face Rangers in an Old Firm derby that will undoubtedly lead to all sorts of drama and consquences. Whoever loses, we all seem to win. Either Neil Lennon's time as Celtic manager will come to an end after an emphatic Rangers side or Steven Gerrard will face further question marks over his team's resolve following a defeat to their city rivals just a few weeks after being knocked out of the Scottish League Cup. Ahead of the clash on January 2 (yes we know there will be games before it!) Stefan and Niall sit down and go through the numbers to see if Rangers really are the in-form side ahead of this clash and whether Lennon may have some sneaky tactics up his sleave to steal all three points at Ibrox. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On Saturday we (finally) have the 2019/20 Scottish Cup final, as Hearts and Celtic face off at an empty but almost certainly wet and windy Hampden stadium. Robbie Neilson's side come into the game in good form as they sit comfortable at the top of the Scottish Championship table, well on their way to picking up what many assume will be little more than a walk to first place. Celtic, however, are far from comfortable and although Neil Lennon's side have found a bit of joy with an injection of youth in the middle of the pitch you'd struggle to find a fan of the Glasgow side that is going into Saturday's game full of confidence. As such, on this week's episode Niall sits down with our Championship expert Euan to talk through Hearts' form and how much they could hurt Celtic this season. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On Monday afternoon Scotland were drawn against Denmark, Austria, Israel, Molodova and the Faroe Islands for the coming 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. There's no doubt that Steve Clarke's were afforded a fair amount of luck as the nation avoided any of the big hitters in European football, but that's not to say Denmark, Ausrtia or even Israel are going to be easy. On this week's show Niall, Stefan and Andrew take a look at the Danish and Austrian squads to have a first look at our coming foes and deduce how the fixture list for the next 12 months of international football could help or hinder our chances of qualfiying. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It wasn’t so long ago that many were fearing the worst for Callum Davidson and his plucky St Johnstone side. Straight off the back of Tommy Wright leaving the keys to the kingdom to the novice coach, Davidson started his inaugural season as a football manager with one draw, two wins and 10 games in charge. In a season that was already putting unfair pressure from outside factors on Scottish Premiership clubs, the Saints looked like a club that had taken a risk at the worst, possible time. Yet, 10 games on from that first spell and something has certainly changed at McDiarmid Park. The players are performing, the formation is bamboozling opposition coaches and most important St Johnstone are getting points on the table. With just one defeat from their last 10 games, we take a look at what Davidson did to turn St Johnstone’s season around. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Following Celtic's 2-2 draw with Hibs in the Scottish Premiership Niall, James and Stefan sit down to discuss the current conundrum that Neil Lennon's side find themselves in and whether or not this season's league title is now out of their grasp. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s extra podcast we discuss what went wrong for the Scotland Under 21s and also take a look at what young Scottish players could be knocking on the door for a place in the senior squad next summer. If you'd like to listen to the full episode click on the link here and subscribe. Thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Although the international break hasn't completely finished, Stefan and Niall have already turned their attention to another fantastic weekend of Scottish Premiership fixtures. In particular, Hibs welcome Celtic on Saturday followed by Rangers hosting Aberdeen in two games that could have a dramatic impact on how things look at the top of the league table. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On such a momentous occasion we decided to make this week's extra podcast free for all to enjoy. If you like what you hear and you'd like to support the podcast please considering subscribing to our website here for more content and shows! On this week's EXTRA podcast Stefan, Niall and Euan sit down to give their reaction to Scotland beating Serbia and not only qualifying for the European Championships next summer but breaking a miserable run of failure that has lasted for 22 years. The guys break down what this means for our nation, how each player did on the night, whether Steve Clarke got his tactics right and just how infallible David Marshall really is... enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's podcast Niall and Stefan use the international break to take stock of how the Scottish Premiership looks after around one third of the fixtures played. Looking ahead to the rest of the league campaign, who can we say has been the best player in the league to date? Let's take a look at the performances and numbers to find out. If you'd like to sign up to our newsletters and extra podcast every week then click this link here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park may not seem like the most significant victory in the history of football, but all three points for Rangers put Steven Gerrard's side nine points above Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and was the latest example of just how well the Ibrox side are doing. But have Rangers really improved on last season's efforts or are they just in a particularly good run of form? On this week's podcast Niall and Stefan do their very best to answer that question. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s extra podcast we sat down with Byron Hutchison from the website Football From Afar to round-up some of the most impressive Scottish players on the continent that could be staking a claim in Steve Clarke’s national team before too long. To listen to the full podcast head here and sign up for as little as 73p a week to get access to all of our extra podcasts and five newsletters a week! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's main podcast Andrew, Euan and Stefan take a look at Derek McInnes' Aberdeen team after their dramatic 3-3 draw with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Aheaad of their Scottish cup semi-final we try to figure out just how good the Pittodrie side are and how far they can go. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Although a point against Aberdeen in the "New Firm" derby is by no means a poor result for recently-promoted Dundee United, just three victories from their first 11 Scottish Premiership games isn't entirely impressive either. On this week's main podcast Niall and Stefan take a look at the numbers behind Micky Mellon's team and try to figure out whether they're going forwards or backwards. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's extra podcast Niall and Stefan take a look at First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's decision to join other MSPs in calling for Sky Sports to broadcast this weekend's Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers for free. Is it fair? Is it even possible? Be sure to check out the full episode by clicking on the link here and taking out a subcription. Not only will you get access to all of our newsletters and extra podcasts but you'd be supporting all of our hard work too. Thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's episode James and Euan sit down with Stefan to discuss the main contenders for this season's Scottish Championship title. Is it going to be a one-horse race with Hearts leading the way or do other clubs have something up their sleeve? As referenced on the show, Euan put together a comprehensive guide to this season's campaign with detailed analysis of every club, manager and major signing. You can read it here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's episode Stefan and Niall take in the dramatically closing of the summer transfer window by casting their eyes back over the last 2-3 months to figure out which Scottish Premiership club made the most impressive signings and managed to shave off the most dead weight. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Celtic may have just thumped Hibs 3-0 in the Scottish Premiership, but questions remain over Neil Lennon's squad and whether the Northern Irish coach is taking them forwards or backwards. As ever, the gang dig through the stats to underline or debunk some of the major concerns about this Celtic team. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On today’s podcast, Niall and Stefan dig into the numbers behind St Johnstone's first eight games and try to figure out whether David Davidson’s side are due an upturn in form or whether they’re in real trouble this season. You can enjoy the full podcast here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Off the back of Sunday's 2-2 draw between Hibernian and Rangers, Euan, James and Stefan take a look at Steven Gerrard's squad and breakdown the stats, tactics and results to see if there are any obvious faults or weaknesses in the Ibrox side. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's bonus episode of TheTwoPointOne Stefan sat down with French football expert Robert Bairner to discuss Fraser Hornby's summer move to Stade de Reims and whether the young Scotland U21 international could hit the ground running and make a name for himself in the French top flight. To listen to the full episode head along to our website here and take out a subscription for as little as 73 pence per week. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's podcast Niall, James and Stefan take a look at Hibs' strong start to the Scottish Premiership season and breakdown the stats to see if Jack Ross' side are legitimate contenders for third place or just riding a wave of good fortune ahead of tough tests against Rangers and Celtic. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's episode Niall, James and Stefan look back over Scotland's 1-1 draw with Israel and 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic to tally up the positives and negatives going forward. We then wrap up the episode looking at potential play-off opponents Norway and where they could hurt Scotland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s extra podcast Stefan and Euan sit down to discuss the criticism that has been levelled at Scotland striker Oli McBurnie this week and then dig through the Sheffield United goascorer’s stats to see if the doubters have a point. Our extra podcasts are exclusively for our paid subscribers. If you would like to get access to all of our extra shows and help support what we do you can sign up to our Substack for less than £1 a week right here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s podcast Niall, James and Andrew take a look at a reborn Aberdeen team that have emerged from the ashes of a dreadful start to the season and now actually seem to be quite enjoyable to watch. Is it all down to new signing Ross McCrorie? Or has Derek McInnes made some crucial tactical changes? And even if they are a little easier on the eye, does it actually make them any better? All this and more answered on this week’s show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s extra podcast Stefan, Andrew and Euan sit down to discuss the latest Scotland squad that was announced this week to face Israel and the Czech Republic. Does Steve Clarke have a new formation up his sleeve? Is there a solution to that gaping hole in defence? And will Lyndon Dykes be Scotland’s next great striker? All of that and more answered in today’s show. Our extra podcasts are exclusively for our paid subscribers. If you would like to get access to all of our extra shows and help support what we do you can sign up to our Substack for less than £1 a week right here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's episode of the main podcast Niall, Stefan and James take a look at Motherwell dreadful start to the season that has seen the Steelmen fail to win any of their opening five games in the Scottish Premiership. As ever, we take a look at the underlying stats and trends in Stephen Robinson’s squad and then try to answer the question on every Motherwell fan’s lips: How will they fare after David Turnbull leaves? Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's main episode of TheTwoPointOne Niall, James and Stefan take a look at Dundee United’s start to the new Scottish Premiership season and try to draw some conclusions from Micky Mellon’s first four competitive games in charge of the Tannadice club.If you enjoy the show and want to help us keep it going please consider taking out a subscription for as little as 69p per week. You can read about all the benefits and perks you’ll get with that right here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's show Stefan and James are joined by sports journalist Euan Booth Robertson to discuss the news that Aberdeen and Celic would have their next two Scottish Premiership games suspended, following reports that their players had broke COVID-19 protocols. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's main show Niall, James and Stefan sit down to discuss the most important talking points from the opening weekend of Scottish Premiership football. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.