Scottish Football Podcast

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By: BBC Radio Scotland

The latest talking points in the national game with the BBC Scottish Football Podcast. Breaking news, views and analysis

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Oli McBurnie: “I’m here to change the story”
Oli McBurnie: “I’m here to change the story” episode artwork
Today at 12:00 PM

After five years away, Oli McBurnie is back in the Scotland squad and determined to make his second chance count. He tells Tom English why the recall meant so much to his family and reflects on missing out under Steve Clarke. How has fatherhood changed him on and off the pitch? What really happened in the old video that fuelled claims he did not want to represent Scotland?

McBurnie also discusses the insecurities behind his younger self, the lessons he learned while playing in Spain and why scoring his first international goal would mean everything.

00:37 — Ta...


Hibs Hunt a Manager, Scotland Starts Afresh
Hibs Hunt a Manager, Scotland Starts Afresh episode artwork
Today at 7:48 AM

A new Scotland chapter is about to begin. What can fans expect from Sebastian Pocognoli's first squad and a Nations League campaign packed into 11 days? With seven uncapped players involved, how quickly can Scotland adapt to a fresh style while still delivering results?

Andy Burke joined by Gordon Waddell and Rory Loy discuss Ollie McBurnie's return after five years away and whether he can make the most of his second chance.

Plus, who is leading the race to become the next Hibs manager, and what sort of football should Easter Road supporters expect?

...


Fight for each other and defend like brothers - Pocognoli's Scotland blueprint
Fight for each other and defend like brothers - Pocognoli's Scotland blueprint episode artwork
Yesterday at 12:00 PM

With new faces in the squad and four games demanding careful planning, how quickly can Pocognoli shape his Scotland side? He explains why consistency and connections matter, how he hopes to balance attractive football with qualification, and why his players must attack together and “defend like brothers”.

Could tactical flexibility provide the answer? Pocognoli also discusses the importance of a positive opening result against Slovenia, opportunities for the uncapped players and the excitement surrounding his first home match.

Plus we hear what advice Steve Clarke passed on in his handover telephone call.

00:12 — Four games...


Who can stop Stenny? It's the lower league round up
Who can stop Stenny? It's the lower league round up episode artwork
Yesterday at 7:00 AM

Can anyone catch Stenhousemuir after their remarkable start to the Championship season? Martin Dowden is joined by Ryan Flynn and Conor Sammon to discuss Marvin Bartley's league leaders, their defensive resilience and whether a promotion push is genuinely on the cards.

How are Raith Rovers building momentum, and can Dunfermline turn strong defensive displays into a title challenge? The panel also examines Morton's struggles, Ross County's impressive response to relegation and Hamilton's credentials as genuine contenders.

Plus, what's gone wrong for Queen of the South, and are Clyde and Stranraer already pulling clear in League...


Celtic's Collapse: Manager Problem or Club Problem?
Celtic's Collapse: Manager Problem or Club Problem? episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 7:00 AM

Three defeats in a row, two derby losses and growing uncertainty around Martin O'Neill. So where has it gone wrong for Celtic? Is the manager running out of answers, or are recruitment failures and structural problems at the club now impossible to ignore?

Andy Burke is joined by Tino Callaghan and Stephen McGowan to assess Celtic's dramatic downturn in form, question the summer transfer business, and debate whether O'Neill can still turn things around.

And after comments suggesting serious soul-searching ahead, could the Celtic manager be considering his future?

00:02:14 — Crisis at Celtic: More Th...


Sportsound: Belief is back for Rangers after another win over Celtic
Sportsound: Belief is back for Rangers after another win over Celtic episode artwork
Last Sunday at 2:17 PM

Richard Gordon, Tom English, Pat Bonner, Peter Lovenkrands, Scott Brown and Andy Halliday review Celtic 0-1 Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, plus we hear from fans of both sides


Sportsound : Reaction to Saturday's Scottish football drama plus previewing Sunday's huge clash at Celtic Park
Sportsound : Reaction to Saturday's Scottish football drama plus previewing Sunday's huge clash at Celtic Park episode artwork
Last Saturday at 8:11 PM

Scott Brown,Tom English and Rory Loy assess Saturday's action including big wins for both Dundee sides. Plus the fans join the debate looking ahead to Sunday's Old Firm clash.


Can Celtic bounce back for the Rangers game on Sunday? It's the SPFL weekend preview
Can Celtic bounce back for the Rangers game on Sunday? It's the SPFL weekend preview episode artwork
Last Friday at 7:32 AM

David Currie is joined by Scott Allan and Ewan Murray as they ask whether Celtic can recover from another European setback in time for Sunday's huge meeting with Rangers. Are the league leaders vulnerable, and will Rangers look to seize the moment at Parkhead?

The team also discuss David Gray's exit from Hibs, Aberdeen's improved form and the key talking points from a packed Scottish Premiership weekend

02:57 — Celtic's European collapse analysed

09:07 — Rangers sense an opportunity at Parkhead

17:14 — David Gray departs Hibs

22:44 — Aberdeen's resurgence and Easter Road test

24:05 — Premiershi...


Can Celtic bounce back for the Glasgow Derby? It's the SPFL weekend preview
Can Celtic bounce back for the Glasgow Derby? It's the SPFL weekend preview episode artwork
Last Friday at 7:00 AM

David Currie is joined by Scott Allan and Ewan Murray as they ask whether Celtic can recover from another European setback in time for Sunday's huge meeting with Rangers. Are the league leaders vulnerable, and will Rangers look to seize the moment at Parkhead?

The team also discuss David Gray's exit from Hibs, Aberdeen's improved form and the key talking points from a packed Scottish Premiership weekend

02:57 — Celtic's European collapse analysed

09:07 — Rangers sense an opportunity at Parkhead

17:14 — David Gray departs Hibs

22:44 — Aberdeen's resurgence and Easter Road test

24:05 — Premiershi...


Sportsound : Celtic's woes continue as O'Neill's side suffer defeat in their opening Europa League match
Sportsound : Celtic's woes continue as O'Neill's side suffer defeat in their opening Europa League match episode artwork
09/17/2026

Pat Bonner, James McFadden and Tom English assess another poor performance by Celtic as O'Neill's side kick off their Europa League campaign conceding three goals at home.


Hibs Pull the Trigger as Celtic Need a Response
Hibs Pull the Trigger as Celtic Need a Response episode artwork
09/17/2026

Should Hibs have stuck with club hero David Gray, or was the board right to act now? Presenter Jonathan Sutherland is joined by Stephen McGowan and former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan to dissect the first managerial casualty of the Premiership season,.

Ahead of a critical European night for Celtic and after a bruising Old Firm defeat, how much pressure is on Martin O'Neill and his players to respond? Are there deeper issues beginning to emerge, or can a big European night provide the reset they need ahead of another huge test against Rangers?

01:48 — Why Hibs en...


Pocognoli's first squad and a night of SPFL coupon busters
Pocognoli's first squad and a night of SPFL coupon busters episode artwork
09/16/2026

Reaction to Sebastian Pocognoli's first Scotland squad? Charlotte Cohen is joined by Michael Grant and Cammy Bell to assess the fresh faces, the return of Oli McBurnie and the areas where Scotland still have questions to answer.

Who could seize their chance during a demanding Nations League schedule?

We look back on a dramatic night in the Premiership. How did Aberdeen produce such a clinical display against Motherwell? Has Kilmarnock's win at Easter Road eased the pressure on Neil McCann? And what went wrong for Hearts as Falkirk claimed a surprise victory?

03:00 — Pocognoli na...


Sportsound: Reaction to wins for Aberdeen and Falkirk as the pressure continues to mount on David Gray
Sportsound: Reaction to wins for Aberdeen and Falkirk as the pressure continues to mount on David Gray episode artwork
09/15/2026

Jonathan Sutherland and the team review Tuesday night's Scottish Premiership action with wins for Aberdeen, Falkirk and Kilmarnock


Scotland's New Era Begins: Who will make Pocognoli's First Squad?
Scotland's New Era Begins: Who will make Pocognoli's First Squad? episode artwork
09/15/2026

A new chapter for Scotland begins as Sebastian Pocognoli prepares to name his first squad. Which young stars could force their way into the national team? Could players like Luke Graham, Lennon Miller, Robbie Ure and Kieran Bowie signal a changing of the guard?

Rory Loy and Ryan Flynn join Stevie Miller to assess the options across the pitch and discuss whether Scotland's style could evolve under new management.

Plus, can Hearts continue their strong form at Falkirk, will Aberdeen build on their League Cup progress, and how much pressure is growing on Kilmarnock ahead...


Rangers rip through Celtic and Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen reach Hampden.
Rangers rip through Celtic and Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen reach Hampden. episode artwork
09/14/2026

Have Rangers finally found their momentum under Derek McInnes after a dominant Old Firm victory over Celtic? Stevie Miller is joined by Kevin Thomson and Cillian Sheridan as they assess a one-sided afternoon at Ibrox, discuss why Celtic were second best across the pitch, and ask whether the result changes the outlook for both clubs.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen survive a dramatic penalty shootout against Kilmarnock to book their place at Hampden, Hibs ease past Ross County to relieve pressure on David Gray, and Hearts continue their rise under Wouter Brankens.

Plus, who are the favourites to...


Sportsound : Rangers reach the League Cup semi-finals with convincing win over Celtic
Sportsound : Rangers reach the League Cup semi-finals with convincing win over Celtic episode artwork
09/13/2026

Pat Bonner, Peter Lovenkrands and Tom English assess Rangers' convincing League Cup quarter-final win over Celtic, hearing from Martin O'Neill, Derek McInnes and Callum McGregor.


Sportsound: Reaction as Aberdeen and Hibs reach the League cup semi-finals plus we preview Rangers v Celtic
Sportsound: Reaction as Aberdeen and Hibs reach the League cup semi-finals plus we preview Rangers v Celtic episode artwork
09/12/2026

All the reaction to Saturday’s Scottish League Cup action as Aberdeen and Hibs make it through, plus we look ahead to Rangers v Celtic with the last semi-final place up for grabs.


Sportsound : Hearts too strong for Championship leaders Stenhousemuir as Vrancken's side ease into League Cup semi-finals
Sportsound : Hearts too strong for Championship leaders Stenhousemuir as Vrancken's side ease into League Cup semi-finals episode artwork
09/11/2026

Ian McCall and Ryan Stevenson assess Hearts' convincing 0-3 win over in-form Stenhousemuir to reach the League Cup semi-finals.


League Cup Crunch Time: Underdogs, Pressure and the Old Firm
League Cup Crunch Time: Underdogs, Pressure and the Old Firm episode artwork
09/11/2026

Can Stenhousemuir continue their remarkable rise and pull off one of the biggest shocks of the season against Hearts? Why are Kilmarnock and Aberdeen both under pressure heading into a huge League Cup tie? Is David Gray facing a defining afternoon as Hibs travel to Ross County? And when it comes to the first Old Firm meeting of the campaign, are Rangers finally ready to take the next step under Derek McInnes, or do Celtic still have the match-winners who decide the biggest occasions?

Martin Dowden is joined by Scott Allan and Ewan Murray to preview a...


Miovski's Late Heroics, Livingston's upheaval and Scotland's New-Look Coaches
Miovski's Late Heroics, Livingston's upheaval and Scotland's New-Look Coaches episode artwork
09/10/2026

Rangers and Celtic both picked up narrow wins, but what did the performances tell us ahead of a huge Old Firm clash at Ibrox? Can the rest of the Premiership close the gap on Scotland's dominant duo, and are Hearts ready to challenge near the top again?

Jonathan Sutherland, Stephen McGowan and Kris Doolan discuss Livingston's decision to part company with Glenn Whelan and bring David Martindale back into the dugout. Was it the right move, and what does it say about the club's expectations this season?

Plus, Sebastian Pognoli reveals his Scotland coaching team...


Sportsound: Reaction as both Celtic and Rangers claim 1-0 wins
Sportsound: Reaction as both Celtic and Rangers claim 1-0 wins episode artwork
09/09/2026

Kenny Macintyre and the team review Rangers 1-0 St Mirren and St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic


Who replaces Shankland for Rangers? And Celtic's winning machine heads to Perth
Who replaces Shankland for Rangers? And Celtic's winning machine heads to Perth episode artwork
09/09/2026

Who should start up front for Rangers following Lawrence Shankland's injury? Charlotte Cohen with Rory Loy and Michael Grant assess Derek McInnes' options ahead of a crucial clash with in-form St Mirren and debate whether Kevin Kelsy is ready to lead the line. Can St Mirren continue their impressive start and trouble Rangers at Ibrox?

Plus, Celtic head to Perth with questions over their attacking selection, but just how important is Duran becoming to Martin O'Neill's side? And after an encouraging return to the Premiership, can St Johnstone and striker Josh Fowler cause the league leaders any...


Martindale Returns, Shankland Blow and Scotland's New Team
Martindale Returns, Shankland Blow and Scotland's New Team episode artwork
09/08/2026

Livingston have made the first big managerial move of the season, bringing David Martindale back to the dugout. What went wrong for Glenn Whelan, and can Martindale quickly reignite a promotion push? There's also praise for high-flying Stenhousemuir as their remarkable start continues.

At Rangers, Lawrence Shankland faces a spell on the sidelines, but who steps up in his absence? Can Kevin Kelsy justify the investment, or will someone else seize the opportunity?

Plus, what should Sebastian Pogignoli's Scotland backroom team look like as a new era for the national side begins?

05:13 — Livingston Tu...


Hearts Rise, Hibs Fall and Rangers Face a Shankland Problem
Hearts Rise, Hibs Fall and Rangers Face a Shankland Problem episode artwork
09/07/2026

Hearts left it late but maintained their excellent start to the season with another three points at Tynecastle, strengthening the belief that Wouter Vrancken's side could once again challenge near the top of the Premiership.

Stevie Miller is joined by Cammy Bell and Ryan McGowan to break down Hearts' comeback win over Dundee, assess the growing pressure on Hibs after another defeat, and discuss St Johnstone's impressive return to the top flight.

The panel also examines Celtic's hard-fought victory over St Mirren, the impact of Yang's upcoming absence, and why Camilo Duran is already looking...


Sportsound: Hearts and St Johnstone win Sunday's SPFL games
Sportsound: Hearts and St Johnstone win Sunday's SPFL games episode artwork
09/06/2026

Sunday saw two Scottish Premiership matches, with wins for Hearts against Dundee and St Johnstone who hosted Hibernian.


Sportsound: Celtic win Saturday's top of the table clash in Paisley
Sportsound: Celtic win Saturday's top of the table clash in Paisley episode artwork
09/05/2026

After Celtic's win against St Mirren in Saturday night's top of the table clash, we hear from Martin O'Neill and Craig McLeish. With David Currie, Pat Bonner and Rory Loy.


Sportsound : Why change is needed now to maximise the potential of Scotland's footballing talent
Sportsound : Why change is needed now to maximise the potential of Scotland's footballing talent episode artwork
09/05/2026

The SFA's chief football officer Craig Mulholland highlights new proposals that will help develop Scottish football's young talent, benefitting both the clubs and national side.


How Liverpool’s Data Guru Would Fix Scottish Football
How Liverpool’s Data Guru Would Fix Scottish Football episode artwork
09/05/2026

How did data help Liverpool spot Andy Robertson, and why did Jürgen Klopp overlook concerns about his defending?

Former Liverpool research director Ian Graham explains what Scottish clubs can learn from smarter recruitment. Are players in Scotland really undervalued? Is the experience placed on older homegrown players blocking the pathway for emerging talent? And should Scotland cast it's net wider and exploit the Scottish diaspora to attract more eligible players from abroad?

Plus, Ian argues that Scotland’s refereeing standards may make English clubs think twice about sending promising youngsters north on loan.

0...


SPFL weekend preview, Edinburgh Derby fallout and transfer window verdicts
SPFL weekend preview, Edinburgh Derby fallout and transfer window verdicts episode artwork
09/04/2026

Hearts continue their impressive rise under Wouter Vrancken after another Edinburgh derby victory, but what does the defeat mean for David Gray and Hibs?

Jane Lewis is joined by Scott Allan and Stephen McGowan to assess the key moments from Tynecastle, including the impact of James Wilson and Josh McPake.

With the transfer window finally closed, which clubs have strengthened, who leaves with unanswered questions, and can Rangers and Celtic make their late business count?

Plus, the team look ahead to a fascinating Premiership weekend

00:03:25 — Hearts Take Control of Edinburgh

...


Sportsound: Reaction as Hearts win the first Edinburgh derby of the season
Sportsound: Reaction as Hearts win the first Edinburgh derby of the season episode artwork
09/03/2026

Alasdair Lamont, Scott Allan and Ryan Stevenson review Hibs 1-3 Hearts at Easter Road


Edinburgh Derby Under The Lights and Deadline Day Drama
Edinburgh Derby Under The Lights and Deadline Day Drama episode artwork
09/03/2026

Rangers and Celtic both picked up crucial SPFL wins, but what did we learn from two very different performances?

Ray Bradshaw is joined by journalist Mark Atkinson and former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan to assess Lawrence Shankland's impact, Celtic's impressive form and Motherwell's strong start to the season.

With transfer deadline day reaching its climax, who could still be on the move and are loans becoming the new normal in Scottish football? Plus, attention turns to Easter Road as Hearts and Hibs prepare for the season's first Edinburgh derby. Who handles the pressure best and...


Sportsound: Reaction to wins for Celtic, Motherwell, Rangers and St Mirren
Sportsound: Reaction to wins for Celtic, Motherwell, Rangers and St Mirren episode artwork
09/02/2026

Kenny Macintyre and the team review Wednesday night's Premiership action with wins for Celtic, Motherwell, Rangers and St Mirren


Is the transfer drama over? Plus we preview five massive midweek tests
Is the transfer drama over? Plus we preview five massive midweek tests episode artwork
09/02/2026

Can Celtic's late transfer business still deliver a successful season? As the SPFL's midweek fixtures approach, Charlotte Cohen is joined by Ewan Murray and Sean Dillon to assess the big talking points.

Why are Aberdeen supporters already looking for signs of progress under Steven Robinson? Will Rangers cope without Derek McInnes in the dugout at Falkirk, and what does Kevin Kelsy's arrival mean for the attacking options at Ibrox?

The panel also examines Dundee United's encouraging signs, Motherwell's strong start, and asks whether Kilmarnock's defensive problems should be causing serious concern after a difficult opening...


From Stenny to Elgin: The Stories Shaping Scotland's Lower Leagues
From Stenny to Elgin: The Stories Shaping Scotland's Lower Leagues episode artwork
09/01/2026

How long can Stenhousemuir keep their remarkable Championship run going? The team analyse another impressive win for Marvin Bartley's side and ask what's gone wrong at Livingston. Are Inverness Caledonian Thistle destined to climb the table, and have Dunfermline found a spark after their first league win?

In League One, Hamilton Academical and Ross County are setting the pace, but why are Airdrie and Queen of the South struggling?

Plus, Elgin City's flying start in League Two, Clyde's credentials as challengers, concerns for Stirling Albion, and whether Dumbarton should already be worried about life at...


Turning Point for Rangers? Celtic Stay Top and Kilmarnock in Trouble
Turning Point for Rangers? Celtic Stay Top and Kilmarnock in Trouble episode artwork
08/31/2026

Has Derek McInnes' Rangers reign finally found some momentum? Jonathan Sutherland is joined by Scott Allan and Richard Foster to dissect a dramatic Premiership weekend.

Rangers responded to their European disappointment with a hard-fought victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, easing the pressure on their manager and raising questions about whether this could be a turning point.

Celtic bounced back from their European frustrations to see off Falkirk and remain top of the table, while Hearts and Hibs both picked up wins ahead of a highly anticipated Edinburgh derby.

The panel also examines Motherwell's...


Sportsound: Reactions to wins for Rangers and Hibs as St Mirren and Motherwell share six goals
Sportsound: Reactions to wins for Rangers and Hibs as St Mirren and Motherwell share six goals episode artwork
08/30/2026

Richard Gordon and the team review all of Sunday's Scottish Premiership action including a win for Rangers in Aberdeen


Sportsound : Reaction to Saturday's Premiership drama including big wins for Celtic, Hearts and Dundee Utd.
Sportsound : Reaction to Saturday's Premiership drama including big wins for Celtic, Hearts and Dundee Utd. episode artwork
08/29/2026

Andy Halliday and Tom English debate Saturday's Premiership action with Celtic, Hearts and Dundee Utd picking up big wins, whilst Kilmarnock ship another 4 goals.


From European Agony to Weekend Premiership Pressure
From European Agony to Weekend Premiership Pressure episode artwork
08/28/2026

It's been a bruising week for Scottish clubs in Europe. Rangers are out before the end of August and the pressure is growing on Derek McInnes after a damaging defeat to Jablonec. How does he turn things around ahead of a daunting trip to Aberdeen?

Could Hibs have done anything differently after throwing away a place in the league phase with two late goals against Gent? And are Hearts now the success story after battling past Rapid Vienna to reach the Conference League?

Andrew Petrie is joined by Scott Allan and Cammy Kerr to dissect...


Sportsound : More misery for Scottish sides in Europe as Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell fail to reach the Conference League
Sportsound : More misery for Scottish sides in Europe as Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell fail to reach the Conference League episode artwork
08/27/2026

Andy Halliday, Steven Thompson and Tom English debate Rangers' woeful performance in their Conference League play-off, as Hibs and Motherwell also exit Europe.


Glory for Hearts - can Rangers, Motherwell, or Hibs qualify too?
Glory for Hearts - can Rangers, Motherwell, or Hibs qualify too? episode artwork
08/27/2026

Hearts pull off one of the greatest comebacks in their history - what will Conference League football mean for Wouter Vrancken’s side? Are they ready to balance domestic and continental commitments or are further reinforcements needed?

Motherwell would need a similarly seismic result to progress past Freiburg. Is there any hope for Alfred Johansson’s side? Or is the tie already a foregone conclusion?

David Gray’s says Hibs will have a “cup final mentality” for their second leg against Gent. How much pressure is on them to make history and secure Hibs first ever quali...