Alan Pattullo
Verified
sports writing asparagus farmer and Big Dunc chronicler. Glamis. Dundee. Edinburgh. The Scotsman since - eek - 1998.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Alan Pattullo
The search for Alex Harris, Hibs and Scotland's forgotten starlet - 'I'm happy how it's worked out'
Once a wispish winger, 32-year-old is now in financial services and an occasional centre-half The recent announcement that Martin Boyle had been awarded a testimonial from Hibernian prompted two reactions. The first was gladness that a terrific career had been recognised so appropriately. And the second response? Well, I can't be alone in wondering whatever happened to Alex Harris? For those who are already a bit lost, let me explain.
Sebastien Pocognoli urges calm as Scotland bid to avoid an all-time record low in North Macedonia
New head coach inherits a goalscoring problem - but is not concerned by stat Sebastien Pocognoli has urged his players to trust the project and remain calm amid Scotland's worst goalscoring run for 55 years. The new national team manager suffered a calamitous first home match in charge on Tuesday against Switzerland as the Scots fell to a 3-0 defeat.
Don't mention genetics: Sebastien Pocognoli facing his own World Cup to win over Tartan Army
Four games in 11 days for new head coach and new-look squad Nine years after one Scotland era ended in bitter disappointment in Ljubljana, a new one opens in the Slovenian capital. Whatever happens in the Stadion Stozice on Saturday afternoon, Sebastien Pocognoli probably won't be minded to mention “genetics”.
Rangers are walking wounded after Celtic Park as Derek McInnes basks in glory and explains booking
Ibrox side dig deep despite injuries to cut gap at summit Derek McInnes praised his side for their "panache" after Rangers won a second Old Firm match in seven days to cut the gap from five points to two at the top of the Premiership. The Ibrox manager admitted he hadn't wanted to begin the international break eight points behind their fiercest rivals. If anything, the interruption is a frustration after five successive wins.
Celtic's marked Rangers man returns to scene of Scottish football history
McInnes knows home fans will be baying for him in Parkhead Old Firm derby You know what they say about places associated with a past trauma. Avoid. For the manager of Rangers Football Club, dodging trips to Celtic Park is not usually an option. And why would they even want to? These are the games that really matter, the ones that stir the juices. This is especially true of an early season six-pointer, as Sunday's clash in the east end of Glasgow already is.
Scotland excited by 16Y/O talent as Man Utd kid takes snub in his stride
Docherty and Naismith can't wait for new national team roles Get Scotland to a major finals. Steve Clarke was deemed to have a difficult job when he was appointed in 2019. Well, what about Tony Docherty? The new Under-21 head coach has been tasked with ending 30 years of failure. Scotland's youngsters have not reached a major tournament since making the last four at the European Championships in 1996 under Tommy Craig.
Oli McBurnie in emotional Scotland reaction after squad recall as alternate motive to 'revenge' detailed
Pocognoli has explained some of his Scotland squad selections Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli has described Oli McBurnie's “emotional” response to being given a second chance with the international team as part of a radical post-World Cup shake-up. Pocognoli also stressed that the Hull City player is not motivated by a desire to prove anyone wrong. Rather, the striker, cast aside by Steve Clarke, has a burning ambition to prove to himself that he can score goals for Scotland.
Scotland squad debrief: Robbie Ure, Andy Robertson meeting and changing of guard
Pocognoli makeover begins in earnest with new-look squad Ever wondered when a Scotland squad would be announced where the majority of players were born in the 2000s? This landmark moment arrived in late morning on Tuesday 15th September 2026 at Hampden Park. Welcome to a new era. All hail Sebastien Pocognoli's Gen Z babes. Talk about a freshening up. Exactly half of the 28 players named were not involved when Scotland's World Cup adventure hit the buffers 12 weeks ago against Brazil in Miami.
Luke Graham gets Scotland call-up as Sebastien Pocognoli set to name enlarged squad
Defender has been in good form for Stoke Stoke City centre-half Luke Graham has been called up by Sebastien Pocognoli's for the forthcoming Nations League set of four fixtures with the new Scotland manager set to ring the changes. Pocognoli is taking his players to a warm-weather camp in La Manga, southern Spain before games against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
I watched Rangers beat Celtic and noted bilious song, Kasper the Ghost and Steven Gerrard return
Talking points from Rangers' 3-0 win over Celtic at Ibrox Rangers defeated Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox on Sunday to win the first Old Firm derby of the season. A double from Dan Neil and a strike from Kevin Kelsy earned Rangers a spot in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals, where they will face Aberdeen, and the bragging rights in a one-sided encounter in Govan.
Rangers listen to bullish fans' graphic Celtic message as Umbro ad hoarding moment says it all
Neil takes centre stage as Ibrox side make their mark in Old Firm derby Despite seemingly doing everything possible so far this season to create the impression they are a poor footballing side, Rangers could no longer maintain this pretence. An opening goal that was a work of art set the tone for a result that has truly kick-started Derek McInnes' nascent Ibrox managerial reign.
Derek McInnes lauds 'terrific' Rangers trio and tells players to use Celtic reference point
Ibrox side move on from Jablonec with fifth win in a row Derek McInnes has stressed the need to use Rangers' commanding 3-0 Premier Sports Cup victory over Celtic as a “reference point” for the rest of the season. The home side were dominant throughout at Ibrox in front of over 51,000 home fans – away supporters were locked out – to seal a semi-final berth against Aberdeen at Hampden next month.
Scottish club's owners set to buy historic English football side in landmark deal
Capital outfit's main shareholder heads up new consortium - including US goalkeeping legend The owners of part-time Scottish League Two side Spartans have been given the green light to complete a remarkable takeover of Shrewsbury Town. In a ground-breaking twist to recent cross-border dual club ownership deals, a consortium led by Spartans' United States-based main shareholder Scott Davidson have been in discussions with Shrewsbury Town chairman and owner Roland Wycherley MBE.
Rangers and Hearts 'miracle man' tells his story after cruellest of blows
One-time starlet was forced to retire twice during career At first, Billy Mackay's mobile phone is not playing ball. But a little more button pressing, a little more angling towards a window, and reception strengthens and he's able to play the footage. A diminutive, red-haired figure, wearing a classic Rangers No 7 shirt, flickers on screen taking a corner. The whereabouts are immediately recognisable as the old Beach End at Pittodrie stadium. It's August 1977. He is only 16- years-old.
Steve Clarke returns to public eye in Scotland and reveals contract 'shove' and 'complex person'
Former national team boss helps raise amazing sum for charity and Spartans and holds court with tales The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last month, the exclusive Spartans charity dinner on Thursday night. Judging from his guest of honour appearances, Steve Clarke is enjoying life in the ceremonial position of greatest-ever former Scotland manager.
Celtic discover a gift from the gods in front of Parkhead royalty amid worrying signs at Aberdeen
Colombian is star of the show alongside legendary special guest It was hard to know what to expect at Celtic Park given all the transfer activity though Kenny Dalglish's appearance was definitely a pleasant surprise. The one-time king of this parish watched Camilo Duran score an opener that might have come from his own back catalogue of goals. Benjamin Nygren struck a second 20 minutes later, set up by a sensational flick from Duran.
Celtic signings may not be finished yet as Martin O'Neill provides major transfer update
O'Neill still keen for further arrivals as UEFA deadline passes Celtic manager Martin O'Neill made a swift exit from his post match press conference following the 3-0 win over Aberdeen to continue the club's transfer hunt. Although the Uefa registration deadline was 11pm on Wednesday, little more than 90 minutes after the final whistle blew following the champions' latest league win, O'Neill was still actively trying to finalise deals. “I need to go!” he said, as he left the room.
Martin O'Neill derides Rangers offer, reveals Celtic injury concern and the player who ruled himself out
Celtic boss hails ‘unexpected' reaction of fans after midweek Champions League capitulation Martin O'Neill has reacted dismissively to Rangers' decision to offer Celtic just 300 tickets for next month's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final clash at Ibrox, claiming their rivals might as well not have bothered allocating any at all to the visiting fans. Celtic have yet to respond officially but O'Neill came out fighting following his side's tight 2-1 win over Falkirk.
I watched Celtic beat Falkirk and noted one player should leave, the 17 y/o hope and Scotland candidate
Three talking points from champions victory after European woe Celtic got back on the winning trail with a 2-1 win over Falkirk in the Premiership. A few days on from crashing out of the Champions League, Martin O'Neill's side were victorious thanks to a double from striker Camilo Duran.
Red-faced Rangers haunted by two ghosts, Louden Tavern call and gleeful Hearts as key men's judgement clouded
Euro exit against Jablonec adds to McInnes' woes as Ibrox side lurch into crisis mode again These are (more) difficult days for Rangers. It's just been confirmed that the Original Louden Tavern in Dennistoun, one of the longest-standing pubs associated with the Ibrox club, will close its doors for the final time as soon as this weekend.
Celtic sold short by absent large shareholder and hubristic board as Luke McCowan hung out to dry
Shades of 1964 as Celtic capitulate on the banks of the Danube It's not the name on the back of the shirt that matters; it's the one on the front of it. Variations of this sporting platitude get recycled and although the sentiment is admirable, it's quite obviously poppycock. At least that seemed the case at the end of a catastrophic night for Celtic against LASK in Linz on Tuesday. Ralston, Murray, Trusty and Scales.
Celtic suffer casualties and embarrassment in all-time European low as Champions League torpedoed
Celtic surrender four-goal lead in Austria to rank among worst ever European nights The Europa League can rarely have had less willing participants. Even while they are lining up in the group stage of this second-tier competition next month Celtic and Martin O'Neill will still be trying to figure out what on earth happened on the banks of the Danube River.
Inside the Dundee derby: United injury miracle cure and Pressleyball with a twist in SPFL prime time slot
The Dundee derby brought up plenty of thrills and spills in its latest Tannadice instalment. There must be something in the water in Dundee. Both Will Ferry and Drey Wright seemed set to miss this derby due to injury and yet they both featured on the team-sheet, with the latter making maximum impact. Wright scored one of the great goals of recent times in this fixture to set the visitors on their way.
SFA chief and a 20-year Rangers lesson he's taking to Hampden as next Scotland manager process proves constant
The former Rangers figure has entered a key role within the Scottish FA. The bright-eyed, engaging Craig Mulholland does not seem like the kind of person who would ever take a closed-minded approach to things. However, during his time as academy director at Rangers, he admits there had to be an element of selfishness in how he operated. The relevance?
Martin O'Neill not fooled by Celtic score as he hails 'real bargain' and reveals player set for scan
O'Neil reserves praise for several Celtic stars after 3-0 win over LASK Celtic manager Martin O'Neill hailed his side's performance against LASK but stressed the tie was “still in the balance” despite what sounds like a comprehensive 3-0 first-leg victory. Three high-quality goals have put Celtic in a good position ahead of next week's second leg in Austria.
Sebastien Pocognoli sought assurance over key concern before accepting Scotland job
Belgian is first foreign Scotland manager since Berti Vogts and only the second ever Sebastien Pocognoli admits he sought an assurance that his nationality would not be an issue before agreeing to become Scotland's first foreign manager in over 20 years and only the second such appointment ever. The Belgian has signed a two-year contract to replace Steve Clarke and was unveiled in front of the media at Hampden on Monday morning.
Sebastien Pocognoli goes from flag-planting young wolf to smooth operator with plan to meet Scotland fans
Belgian brings different vibe to Hampden as new era beckons A small lion rampant pin badge on the lapel of a double-breasted suit jacket favoured by the modern gentleman, and the top button of his shirt fastened despite the absence of a tie. Sebastien Pocognoli certainly cut a dash during his first official appointment as new Scotland manager. Whether there's more style than substance, time will tell.
Rangers yin-yang moments and dream debut get Derek McInnes off mark - but boss not out of woods yet
Supremely welcome 5-1 win over St Mirren secures first Rangers victory under new boss Derek McInnes turned and punched the air with both fists. Ryan Naderi had just given Rangers the lead after nine minutes with the kind of scrappy goal that the phrase ‘they all count' was designed to describe. In such challenging times, goal quality is not the consideration.
Celtic signing lifts lid on moment 28.8m people found out about transfer to the 'big stage'
New arrival learned trade in German lower leagues against ‘big guys, many in fights' New Celtic midfielder Mika Baur was sitting having lunch with his girlfriend Emma when his phone began lighting up with notifications. Although not necessarily unusual, the fact this activity was caused by news of his own transfer seems exceptional. Online transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had broken the news on X and Instagram. Baur received the “Here we go” treatment for Romano's 28.8 million followers (yes, really).
Derek McInnes provides Rangers transfer update, reacts to Celtic draw and reveals Ben Godfrey return date
Rangers manager enjoys job for first time in cup win Derek McInnes admits he enjoyed managing Rangers “for the first time” in a 5-1 Premier Sports Cup win over St Mirren that has set up a quarter-final clash against Celtic next month. The Ibrox manager knows he still has something to prove and the challenges will only get stiffer. But this was a very welcome first win after five games in charge.
Celtic reveal Arne Engels replacement plan, address goalkeeper position and detail two sides to injury blow
Celtic transfer latest as midfielder departs on eve of Champions League play-off Martin O'Neill has revealed Celtic are still in the market for a box-to-box midfielder to replace Arne Engels, who is in London ahead of a £22 million transfer to West Ham United. Mika Baur's arrival at Celtic from German side Paderborn was confirmed on Thursday. O'Neill explained that the 22-year-old German midfielder is not the same type of midfield player as the departing Belgian.
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill's comforting development as plan revealed to move out of ensconcement
O'Neill returns to the dugout after recent health scare as Celtic visit Dundee United in League Cup High up on any doctor's instruction sheet when a patient is discharged from hospital is the need to take steps to avoid places of obvious distress. For Martin O'Neill and Celtic, Tannadice—where the Parkhead side plays Dundee United in a Premier Sports Cup last 16 clash on Saturday evening—certainly fits this description.
Derek McInnes makes stark Rangers admission and reacts to Ibrox boos as half-time change explained
Rangers boss gives his reaction to dismal Europa League exit An anguished Derek McInnes has admitted that Rangers exiting the Europa League at the hands of Jagiellonia Bialystok is a stark illustration of the side's lack of quality. The new manager knows he has a race against time to earn the faith of Rangers fans after the Ibrox side exited the Europa League on a miserable night in Govan.
Next Scotland manager: Former favourite to succeed Steve Clarke no longer in running
Odds shift on next Scotland manager as big name drops out Roberto Martinez is no longer in the running to be the next manager of Scotland having at one point led the bookmakers' odds to replace Steve Clarke. The Scotsman understands that the former Portugal manager, who is reported to be in discussions with the Dutch FA about taking over the Netherlands national team, sees his future elsewhere despite initial willingness to be considered.
Rangers reveal thinking behind Derek McInnes appointment as they opt for Klopp over Guardiola
Discussions over move for Hearts boss pre-dated Danny Rohl exit The strategy behind Rangers appointing Derek McInnes as manager came down to one key consideration: is he a Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola-style manager? Ibrox CEO Jim Gillespie revealed that the recruitment team felt McInnes was the Klopp-style manager they needed to take the team to the next level.
I watched Rangers falter at Dundee United and noted one man's emotional reaction and poser up top
Talking points from Dundee United 1-1 Rangers Dundee United and Rangers played out a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the Scottish Premiership 2026/27 campaign. The hosts took the lead through Lachlan Rose, only for Thelo Aasgaard to equalise after the break. However, Derek McInnes' men were unable to find a winner in his first game as manager. Alan Pattullo was in attendance for The Scotsman and picks out three key takeaways from proceedings at Tannadice.
Rangers reaction: McInnes' out of order admission, new signings plea, desire claim
Ibrox boss reacts to draw with Dundee Utd at Tannadice Derek McInnes has admitted he was out of order to approach referee Nick Walsh after Rangers' latest failure to win an opening day league fixture. Frustration got the better of the new Ibrox manager, who is already the subject of a pending four-match touchline ban for an alleged offence while he was with Hearts, at the end of the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice on Friday night.
Rangers keep up harmful tradition on opening night for Derek McInnes as glaring miss proves costly
Aasgaard rescues point at Tannadice - but hosts have best chance of lot A mere 76 days after experiencing the lowest of lows in what proved his last game in charge of Hearts, Derek McInnes walked up the side of the Tannadice pitch as the manager of Rangers. His immediate ambition was stemming a run of three successive seasons where the Ibrox side have failed to take full points from the opening Premiership match. It will be a matter of deep frustration for him that he was unable to do so.
What FIFA wants tends to happen - now it gets really interesting
After UEFA make their stance clear, football has a fight on its hands Oh he's good. He's very good. And that is the terrifying part when it comes to Gianni Infantino's dastardly plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors, including members of Donald Trump's family. Whether the Fifa president gets away with it or not, time will tell. It turns out he might not be quite good enough.
Rangers reveal 'pivotal' transfer priority as Derek McInnes assesses Djeidi Gassama future
Manager's long-awaited debut comes at Tannadice and more is required despite heavy recruitment Whether or not it has truly sunk in that he's finally manager of Glasgow Rangers Football Club, one imagines there won't be a moment when it feels more real for Derek McInnes than crunching up the gravel path running alongside the Tannadice pitch on Friday night. The 55-year-old will be wearing those buttressed brown brogues he's already been getting a little bit of heat about from predictable places.
'I do things properly': New Rangers talisman ready for what's ahead of him
After coming so close as Hearts skipper last season, now striker will lead Ibrox side As the new captain of Rangers, Lawrence Shankland knows how he will be measured: on trophies lifted. The goals he himself scores will go a long way to dictating what happens on that front. There's a lot resting on the former Hearts striker's shoulders. However, if he's not now ready - to quote the Rangers motto - following such a protracted journey to Ibrox, he never will be.
'Options': Rangers star's Ibrox career drawing to close as futures of trio discussed
McInnes addresses state of play for men in his squad John Souttar's four-year spell at Rangers is drawing to an end after Derek McInnes admitted the player is investigating options elsewhere. Although, according to the Ibrox manager, no move is imminent, the defender is not expected to feature in Rangers' squad for their first league game against Dundee United on Friday.
Rangers keen to avoid another James Tavernier situation after making Lawrence Shankland call
McInnes wants Ibrox burden to be shared by leadership group - not just skipper Derek McInnes has warned that he does not want to see a James Tavernier situation develop in the case of Lawrence Shankland, who has been named Rangers skipper ahead of Friday night's Premiership opener against Dundee United at Tannadice. Confirmation that Shankland would wear the armband in the coming season arrived on Wednesday afternoon.
Wouter Vrancken opens up on where Hearts are and has mixed news on injury front
Belgian knows development will take time after exiting Champions League Wouter Vrancken lamented more of the same from his side as Hearts' Champions League ambitions were sunk at Tynecastle. The outcome was unsurprising, considering the hosts faced the task of clawing back a four-goal deficit against Sturm Graz.
Hearts' faint Champions League hopes washed away amid fresh injury concerns
Mission impossible proves just that as Austrians prevail in Gorgie The Champions League music won't be booming out at Tynecastle, not this season at least. This wasn't the magical night new Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken had tried to almost will into existence on the eve of the second leg. There is no group of fans in the land with more reason to be realistic than hard-bitten Hearts supporters.
Bundesliga-bound Hearts star desperate to bow out with mother of all highs after emotional interview
Schwolow says his farewell and explains why he has to go back to Germany Alexander Schwolow is desperate to bow out on a high at Tynecastle as he prepares to bid an emotional farewell to Hearts fans. The 34-year-old German goalkeeper is due to join Mainz 05 this weekend after an eventful eleven-month spell in Gorgie.
From Barcelona to Dunfermline, Hearts chase the ultimate European remontada
Hearts searching for a minor miracle in Champions League qualifier As well as world champion footballers, Spain's gift to the game includes a word for a dramatic comeback or turnaround: Remontada. Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken used the term at Tynecastle on Monday. He is preparing for as stiff a challenge as any of his predecessors faced in what is only his second competitive match in charge. Hearts supporters, of all supporters, might find it hard to believe in the existence of football miracles.
Inside my Scotland 2026 World Cup
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
England left with regrets as World Cup final dream dies at hands of Messi magic amid questionable tactics
Messi magic for Argentina sets up final against Spain as England face France for bronze After 60 years of hurt, England won't be able to assuage the pain on Sunday night in New Jersey. They will instead play for a bronze medal against France on Saturday, the night before football's greatest occasion. While the French can have few complaints given the paucity of their performance against Spain on Tuesday night, England will have to somehow pick themselves up off the floor.
The incredible story behind Scottish student's iconic £2m Azteca photo - and why Erling Haaland is texting him
How to land the ultimate trophy shot, by David Yarrow As he walked across the pitch at Estadio Azteca one very early morning in June 1986, a Scottish student looked over his shoulder. He noticed the tread his feet had left in the glistening grass. Although only 20-years-old and studying for a degree in business studies at Edinburgh University, he was aware that what lay ahead would amount to the biggest day of his life to date. He just didn't know how significant.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Alan
Contact Alan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack