Mark Atkinson
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Articles by Mark Atkinson
I watched Celtic destroy Hearts and noted comments on demoted costly player and beady-eyed Serie A scout
Talking points from a huge victory for champions against title rivals Celtic gave a timely reminder of why they are champions with a 7-1 dismantling of Hearts at Parkhead. Martin O'Neill's men opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Premiership as a result, with Hearts now eight points away in third place. Mark Atkinson was at Celtic Park for The Scotsman and picks out four talking points.
Hearts grilled on Celtic capitulation as Wouter Vrancken explains performance
Disappointed head coach now wants to see a reaction Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken said he was left more disappointed than angry by his team's 7-1 capitulation against Celtic. The Belgian lamented individual errors that were seized upon by a rampant Celtic side and urged his players to learn from what happened in the east end of Glasgow.
Martin O'Neill forced into Celtic official apology as boss lauds starlet and issues major injury update
Manager calls on his team to ‘kick on' - starting against Celta Vigo Martin O'Neill savoured a “great” 7-1 win for Celtic over Hearts and hopes his team can use it as a catalyst for the rest of the season. The Premiership champions were rampant as they trounced Hearts at home to move four points clear at the top of the Premiership, with Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren netting doubles as well as strikes from Kieran Tierney, Camilo Duran and a Jamie McCart own goal.
Hibs look like relegation strugglers and Marink Reedijk really doesn't need this Hearts match
Easter Road side are bottom of the table - where is next win coming from? Once again, boos from those Hibs fans who stayed to the bitter end at Easter Road rattled through the empty seats. They had just watched their team slip to the foot of the Premiership. Sitting tenth going into Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Falkirk, that result - coupled with Kilmarnock defeating Motherwell 3-2 - condemned Hibs to bottom spot after nine rounds of fixtures in the league.
Finn Russell summons Adam Hastings for beer during interview as Scotland talisman usurped in Bath defeat
Trio of Scots drive Montpellier to victory at Rec Adam Hastings and two other Scots inspired Montpellier to a surprise 32-14 Investec Champions Cup victory over Bath at the Rec. And Hastings' performance earned the approval of his fellow Scotland stand-off and Bath counterpart Finn Russell, who interrupted the Montpellier man's post-match interview to invite him for a beer.
Magnificent Celtic obliterate shocking Hearts to remind them and Rangers who is top dog
Champions dismantle Jambos on painful return to scene of last season's dismay We talk about statement wins in football and this was one of them from Celtic, completely obliterating Hearts in a body builder-esque flex of their muscles. The defending Premiership champions put on a show at Celtic Park with a 7-1 victory. They were 5-1 up at the break against a Hearts team left to lick some serious wounds.
I watched Edinburgh Rugby lose to Toulon and noted classy operator and relished pretender to throne battle
Talking points from Edinburgh's defeat by Toulon in Europe Edinburgh Rugby kicked off their 2026/27 Challenge Cup campaign with a 27-17 defeat by Toulon at Hive Stadium. It was a disappointing outcome for the capital outfit, who lost for the first time this season after starting their URC campaign with a bang.
World champion Josh Kerr to play part in Scotland v New Zealand Murrayfield clash
Athlete to deliver match ball ahead of match against Kiwis World athletics champion Josh Kerr says it will be a “huge honour” when he delivers the match ball ahead of Scotland's much-anticipated Test match against New Zealand next month.
Fearless Hearts will have a go at shaky Celtic after 155 days of hurt and unjustness
Duo clash for first time since crazy end to last season's title race Forget Celtic v Rangers or Hearts v Hibs. When this season's Scottish Premiership fixtures were released in the summer, this was the match to put in the calendar.
What channel is Dundee v Rangers on? TV, live stream and highlights details plus team news
Full details ahead of Dundee's match with Rangers at Dens Park Rangers can move to the summit of the Scottish Premiership once again should they defeat Dundee. The Ibrox side hit the top last weekend for 24 hours after defeating Kilmarnock 3-1 and can repeat the trick ahead of Celtic's match against Hearts on Sunday.
How Hearts plan to deal with Celtic Park scar tissue as Wouter Vrancken ponders major changes
Head coach does not believe players will ‘live in past' Wouter Vrancken is confident his Hearts team won't “live in the past” when they travel to Celtic Park for the first time since losing a Premiership title decider earlier this year. Hearts played Celtic in May on the final day of last season requiring either a draw or a win to win the league title for the first time since 1960.
Scotland 'checked out World Cup coach' before appointing Sebastien Pocognoli
Garcia was free agent after leaving Belgium Scotland checked out former Belgium boss Rudi Garcia as a potential candidate to replace Steve Clarke as head coach, according to a member of the Belgian football federation. Garcia left his position at the Red Devils after guiding them to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Wasteful Hearts pay the Euro price and now must regroup fast for Celtic and Mo Salah
Nordsjaelland strike late to earn a point at Tynecastle Hearts so desperately crave progression to the knock-out stages of the Conference League, but their quest to start this campaign with a bang faltered late on. Going into the final five minutes 1-0 up against Danish side Nordsjaelland at Tynecastle thanks to Oisin McEntee's 33rd-minute opener, they could withstand severe pressure from the visitors and deflected Nicklas Rojkjaer effort ensured a share of the spoils.
Hearts explain hooking Claudio Braga and touchline exchange as certain subs called out
Vrancken laments letting lead slip against Danes Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken admitted he had to take Claudio Braga off for fear that his star Portuguese forward would be sent off during the 1-1 Conference League draw against Nordsjaelland. Braga picked up a yellow card just five minutes into the match for shirt-pulling and survived three further fouls as the game wore on.
'Ambition': Fares Ghedjemis lifts lid on snubbing both Celtic and Rangers in transfer window
Algerian happy to have stayed in Serie A Fares Ghedjemis says Frosinone's ability to match his ambition was the main reason for him turning down overtures from Celtic and Rangers. Ghedjemis became a man in demand last summer, with the newly-promoted Serie A side rejecting bids from both sides of the Old Firm. Celtic and Rangers targeted the wide attacker as someone who could enhance their squads, with the highest bid tabling £9 million.
What channel is Hearts v Nordsjaelland on? TV, live stream and team news for Conference League tie
Full details ahead of European clash at Tynecastle Hearts begin their Conference League campaign this week with a home match against Nordsjaelland. The Danish side are one of six main-phase opponents for Wouter Vrancken's Jambos, who are hoping to progress into the knock-out stages of the competition for the first time in its history.
Hearts chief Tony Bloom fires another message to Celtic and Rangers and breaks silence on title defeat
Jamestown chief remains sure that Jambos can break stranglehold Hearts supremo Tony Bloom says he would still be “really disappointed” if the Tynecastle club weren't able to win the Premiership title in his ten-year timescale.
Scotland starlet breaks scoring drought in six-goal thriller as sinner becomes saint on 100-minute mark
Former Rangers man caps off dream month with strike Scotland striker Robbie Ure netted his first goal for Sevilla since joining the Spanish giants during the summer. Ure netted the opening goal on 13 minutes and went on to provide an assist as Sevilla drew 3-3 at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia and cemented their fifth-placed position in Spain's top flight. Ure joined Sevilla from Swedish side Sirius in a deal that could total £9 million and has quickly become part of the first-team squad.
Rangers, Hearts, Celtic and Aberdeen involved in Sky Sports Christmas blockbuster as Monday slot revived
SPFL announce latest televised fixtures for Premiershio Sky Sports will show a blockbuster Scottish Premiership football Sunday double-header the weekend before Christmas after selecting Aberdeen v Celtic and Rangers v Hearts for live broadcast. The broadcaster has picked the two matches and they have been scheduled for Sunday, December 20, with Aberdeen v Celtic at Pittodrie to kick off at noon and Rangers v Hearts at Ibrox slated for 2.30pm.
Camilo Duran x Kasper Hogh can work for Celtic - just ask a man who knows
Colombian buoyed after becoming an internationalist Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has a lot to ponder as he tries to get his team firing on the back of three successive defeats - one of which is how to configure his front line. Star striker Kasper Hogh has only scored three goals since making an £11 million move from Bodo/Glimt - and they all came in the same match against Kilmarnock two months ago.
Russell Martin says sacking him won't be quick fix as Rangers flop faces furious fans amid Leicester debacle
Foxes languishing in League One after latest loss Former Rangers boss Russell Martin remains under enormous pressure at his current club Leicester City as fans called for him to be sacked during the 3-1 home defeat by Peterborough United. Martin, who was axed by Rangers last October after a dreadful start to life at Ibrox, believes that Leicester pulling the trigger on him will not bring a quick fix despite some fans leaving at half-time during the Foxes' latest loss.
Scott McTominay makes return from heart surgery as Scotland stars help Napoli win in Serie A
Midfielder makes first appearance since August Scott McTominay made his first appearance since undergoing heart treatment as Napoli defeated Frosinone 3-0 in Serie A. Scotland internationalist McTominay had not featured for Napoli since August 30 when he played in a 2-1 defeat by Como. It was announced shortly afterwards that the 29-year-old would have cardiac ablation surgery to fix a mild, benign arrhythmia.
Hibs' new era punctured by Dundee Utd as fan ire boils over and ball bursts at Tannadice
Tangerines well worth their win as Reedijk suffers false start on Tayside Marink Reedijk has promised entertaining football at Hibs under his watch - but it's likely the 2000-strong away fans would have left Tannadice far from amused after this 1-0 defeat by Dundee United. Had the Tangerines won by more - and they should have done - there would have been no grounds for complaints. It is now four defeats in five Premiership matches for Hibs, who are languishing in tenth place.
Marink Reedijk deflated by Hibs as he laments 'money-time' issue - but Rangers loanee lights up Tannadice
Dutchman admits Hibs did not translate training work on to pitch New Hibs head coach Marink Reedijk lamented how his team failed to display their training-ground performances at Tannadice as they went down 1-0 to Dundee United at Tannadice. In Reedijk's first game since taking over a fortnight ago, Hibs were soundly overpowered by Dundee United, who ought to have scored more than Daniel Bennie's 35th-minute strike.
What channel is Rangers v Kilmarnock on? TV, live stream and highlights details plus team news
Full details ahead of Rangers v Kilmarnock clash at Ibrox Rangers can temporarily go top of the Scottish Premiership this weekend if they defeat Kilmarnock at Ibrox. Derek McInnes' men are on a six-game winning run and three points against Killie would move them ahead of leaders Celtic, who have a two-point lead but don't play until Sunday lunchtime.
The unfinished business is not to do with Rangers and HYROX sessions have me ready for Hibs
Winger desperate to make an impact at Easter Road New Hibs signing Rabbi Matondo has a point to prove, intent on altering the false perception he feels developed around him during his time at Rangers. Winger Matondo joined Gers from Schalke in 2022 and made 70 appearances – but just 26 as a starter – before leaving in March of this year to sign for Brann.
Scotland give World Cup hopes huge boost after dramatic ending with rescinded penalty
Weir and Emslie on target in crucial first-leg victory Caroline Weir and Claire Emslie netted as Scotland claimed a 2-0 away in the first leg of their World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia. Leaving Pardubice with a two-goal cushion and a clean sheet puts Melissa Andreatta's side in full control of the tie heading into the return fixture in Paisley on Tuesday.
Hectic Marink Reedijk's Hibs coffee machine, 30-minute meetings, and remembering the names
New boss feels a good ‘buy-in' as Easter Road side kick off their new era Marink Reedijk has packed a lot into his first few weeks as Hibs head coach. Appointed on September 24 to replace David Gray, Reedijk embarked on a “pre-season on steriods” - essentially packing a summer's worth of work into a fortnight, in which Hibs went to La Manga to learn exactly how the 35-year-old Dutchman wants to play.
Derek McInnes admits Rangers 'nervousness' over recent change amid sweat over 13 stars' condition
Ibrox boss did not enjoy being without so many key players for so long Rangers manager Derek McInnes believes the most recent international break has been too long and admitted to “nervousness” about many of his players being away with their national teams for nearly three weeks.
Scotland give World Cup hopes huge boost after dramatic ending with rescinded penalty
1 hour ago A new statue of Nelson Mandela has been unveiled in Glasgow, celebrating the former South African President's links to the city. The statue from sculptor Alan B Herriot will stand in the city's Nelson Mandela Place, having been chosen from a shortlist last year. Glasgow was the first city in the …
How Rangers have improved Olwethu Makhanya as legend slides into DMs and the role of Mark Haskins
Gough's words of support buoy in-form Ibrox defender Understandably, some Rangers fans were sceptical when the club looked across the pond for its new centre-half and targeted a 22-year-old South African. Philadelphia Union's Olwethu Makhanya certainly wasn't a household name among the Ibrox faithful. He is now. Many are calling him the signing of the season - and he is already being tipped to earn Rangers millions in profit. These are early days in Makhanya's Rangers career, but so far, so good.
SPFL posts history-breaking financial results as Scottish clubs net £50m windfall
Doncaster hails accounts as organisation closes in on 2029 target Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster has hailed the work of its 42 member clubs after the organisation posted “by far the strongest financial results in the SPFL's history”. The SPFL's latest accounts show that it made £58 million in income and was able to distribute £49.6m to the clubs - closing in on the target of £50m by 2029. Fees paid to its members by the SPFL also rose by 17 per cent to £41.2m.
Rangers rocked by fresh injury blow as summer signing faces sizeable absence
The summer signing has picked up an injury that will rule him out of Rangers action for the foreseeable. Rangers have been rocked with a fresh injury after it was revealed that midfielder Cammy Devlin is out for the next six weeks with a hamstring issue. Devlin came on as a late substitute in the 1-0 Premiership win over Celtic before the international break and suffered the injury.
Real Madrid monitoring Scott McTominay Napoli talks as Man Utd interest cools due to strategy
Scotland talisman is negotiating new deal with Italian side Scotland internationalist Scott McTominay is on the radar of Spanish giants Real Madrid, according to reports on the continent. It is claimed that Real Madrid are monitoring McTominay's contract talks with his current club Napoli. The Serie A side opened discussions with the 29-year-old and his representatives earlier this year over an extension to his deal, which expires in June 2028, but so far there has been no breakthrough.
Mixed Rangers injury news as 13 players return, new signing gets scan results and Dan Neil update
McInnes gives update on his squad's health ahead of playing Kilmarnock Rangers boss Derek McInnes was pleased to see his 13 internationalists return to the club unscathed after nearly three weeks with their countries. The likes of Ivor Pandur, Olwethu Makhanya, Nicolas Raskin and Kim Minsu have been absent while representing their nations across the globe.
Rangers graced by footballing royalty as Hearts visitor turns up again to 'chew the fat'
Another visit of Sir Alex goes down well with Ibrox boss Derek McInnes may have missed the presence of 13 first-team Rangers players - but having football royalty at the club's training centre was certainly a bonus. In the third week of a long international break, Rangers manager McInnes was visited by Sir Alex Ferguson, who is making a habit of dropping in on the 55-year-old.
Forgotten Rangers winger: I played for 18 different clubs - why I loved Ibrox spell the most
Portuguese was back in Scotland to represent Govan side in Tennent's Sixes Daniel Candeias feels Rangers are the club he loves the most after representing 18 different teams over a 19-year career. The Portuguese winger, now 38, brought the curtain down on his playing days during the summer - although he dusted off the boots for last weekend's Tennent's Sixes at Braehead Arena. Candeias helped Rangers reach the final before they were defeated 5-4 by Celtic.
Scotland player ratings: Quartet of 4/10 strugglers sum up difficult night in defeat to Slovenia
How the Scotland players rated for their performance at Hampden Scotland signed off this four-match Nations League window with a damaging 2-1 defeat by Slovenia at Hampden. Despite leading at the interval, Scotland let the lead slip against the Slovenians, who were deserved victors in Glasgow. The result leaves Sebastien Pocognoli's side third in League B1, three points off the Slovenians in second place.
Scotland under-21s' win turns nasty as two coaches sent off in mad finale
Another victory for Docherty as new era continues on positive note Scotland Under-21s ended their UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over their Bulgarian counterparts in a feisty encounter in Pazardzhik.
Celtic issue injury update on 3 players as Martin O'Neill purrs over friendly
Portuguese winger closing in on return Celtic expect to have three first-team players back to full fitness soon - including long-term injury victim Jota. Manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Jota played in a bounce game against Falkirk during this international break and that he can't wait to have the Portuguese winger back in the squad. Jota was last seen in action in March last year, where he picked up a serious ACL injury against Dundee United at Tannadice.
The xG clue, Pocognoli's tactics and errors: Scotland can't wait for two players to come back
The main learnings from Scotland's four-game international break Scotland's first international break under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli came to an underwhelming conclusion on Tuesday with a 2-1 home defeat by Slovenia. The Scots played four matches in total in Nations League Group B1 over a ten-day spell: a goalless draw away to the Slovenians, a 3-0 home reversal by Switzerland, a 2-0 win in North Macedonia and then the defeat by Slovenia at Hampden.
Celtic and Rangers tipped as potential transfer route for 'real deal' Arsenal attacker
Record-breaking teenager has been short of first-team action this season Rising Arsenal star Max Dowman has been tipped to join either Celtic or Rangers in the January transfer window. Former England internationalist Emile Heskey believes the attacking midfielder moving to one of the Old Firm clubs “might help him grow” as the 16-year-old continues his development. Dowman burst on to the Arsenal first-team scene last season and became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Martin O'Neill to stay as Celtic manager as veteran boss explains timescale and stance
Northern Irishman still wants to lead the club Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has reaffirmed his commitment to the club and says he is “raring to go” when the domestic season comes out of cold storage this weekend. O'Neill's future as Celtic boss came under intense scrutiny last month when the Premiership champions lost three matches in a row - including two Old Firm clashes against Rangers.
Scott McTominay's Napoli future addressed as Serie A side tipped for splurge to help another ex-Man Utd man
Midfielder has been subject of transfer speculation this year Securing Scott McTominay's long-term future has been described as “crucial” for Napoli as the two parties continue talks over a new contract. Scotland internationalist McTominay moved to Napoli two years ago from Manchester United and has become a talisman for the club, winning the Serie A title in his first season in southern Italy alongside fellow Scot Billy Gilmour.
Scotland player ratings as star men land 9/10, one frustrating 5 and new boy who looks right at home
Marks out of ten for the Scotland players in Skopje Scotland picked up their first win under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli with a hugely merited 2-0 triumph over North Macedonia in Skopje. The Scots were dominant from the off at the National Arena Toshe Proeski and now have four points after three matches in Nations League B1. But most importantly, they earned a victory for their new boss and ended a four-match goal drought stretching back to last summer's World Cup.
Tennent's Sixes: Rangers spank Celtic as 36y/o scores five goals - and Hearts hero hurts Hibs again
Skacel shines for Jambos - but Ibrox side look hard to stop Thirty-three years on from its last appearance, the Tennent's Sixes was back in Glasgow - with a twist. In days of yore, it was current squad members of the top-flight clubs who would play the abridged format of football. This time around, it's down to former players, and a chance for some legends to strut their stuff in front of once-adoring fans.
Fuming Celtic release stinging Dermot Desmond protest statement after St Andrews drama
Parkhead supremo was targeted with tennis balls during Dunhill Links event Celtic have condemned the actions of balaclava-wearing supporters who targeted principal shareholder Dermot Desmond at St Andrews on Saturday with a tennis-ball protest. Desmond was playing golf as part of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship when his round was interrupted on the 15th green by protesters throwing tennis balls with head shots of the 76-year-old at him.
Tennent's Sixes: Rangers spank Celtic as 36y/o scores five goals - and Hearts hero hurts Hibs again
Brendan Rodgers, it's time for the other side of a story that sounds too convenient to be true It should come as a surprise to no one that the news of Brendan Rodgers’ ACSOM event this week has been controversial. The Irishman was admired almost …
Finn Russell dazzles with silky try as Bath's Scotland stars light up the Rec
High-scoring affair in pulsating West Country clash Scotland talisman Finn Russell showed off his handiwork to help Bath record a big PREM win over Exeter at the Rec. Russell scored a fine individual try by dummying his way past the visiting defence as Johan van Graan's side prevailed 40-34 in a pulsating West Country derby to move top of the league standings. Fellow Scotland internationalist Cam Redpath also scored with a 50-yard dash following an interception.
Scotland team to play North Macedonia as 3 changes in offing, 100-cap man and supremo dropped
How Pocognoli may line up in Skopje Scotland are preparing for their third match under Sebastien Pocognoli away to North Macedonia on Saturday evening. After taking just one point from his opening two matches against Slovenia and Switzerland, Pocognoli will be desperate to break his duck in Skopje. Scotland's 3-0 defeat against Switzerland on Tuesday meant they failed to score in four consecutive matches for the first time since 1971.
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