2020-07

Paul Coutts on his journey from Cove Rangers to Premier League promotion with Sheffield United

Aberdonian midfielder Paul Coutts talks us through a playing career which has included a Highland League title with Cove, before spells at Peterborough, Preston, Derby and Sheffield United. The 32-year-old describes marking Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez on his Posh debut, playing under the likes of Darren Ferguson, Nigel Clough, Steve McClaren and Chris Wilder, as well as his recent play-offs disappointment with Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town.

Secretary Rod Houston on restarting the Highland League, and the time Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder played at Brora Rangers’ Dudgeon Park

This week we’re joined by Highland League secretary, Rod Houston, who discusses the timescale for starting the new season with reduced testing, five substitutes, fans and hospitality. He also reflects on the failed reconstruction talks which ended Brora’s hopes of stepping into the SPFL, and looks back on two Dutch superstars turning out for their country in the Highlands.

Sam Cosgrove stays at Aberdeen, but what does Guingamp’s accepted transfer bid say about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis?

We discuss striker Cosgrove’s near-move to France’s Ligue 2 and whether we can learn anything from the closed-door friendly between the Dons and Ross County. Plus, where do we think the next destinations are for the likes of Frank Ross, Chris Antoniazzi and Tom Kelly, Caley Thistle’s plans to use the Betfred Cup for pre-season, Elgin’s prospects for winning League Two and Loch Ness FC’s stunning, social media-conquering kits.

Tough opening fixtures for our Premiership outfits?

This week the panel discuss Aberdeen and Ross County’s starts to the season after the 2020/21 Premiership fixtures were revealed. Plus, partial crowds, Cove Rangers’ plea for aid in their promotion fight, and do League One and League Two hopes over reduced Covid-19 testing and October restart show way forward for Highland League?