Northern Goal

Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup woes, Highland club’s fortunes and the ever-changing landscape of life in the lower leagues

Stephen Glass suffered his first defeat as Aberdeen manager in the 3-0 Scottish Cup humbling by Dundee United, and the pod pick over the bones of a disappointing day. Caley Thistle’s season is just about over, while Ross County bid to stay alive in the Premiership. Cove Rangers, Peterhead and Elgin also face a frantic seven days in the final stages of Leagues One and Two.

Is Niall McGinn deserving of a new Aberdeen deal?

This week, Aberdeen prepare for a league clash with Celtic and Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United. What made the difference as they battled past Livingston in Stephen Glass' dugout debut? Plus, we discuss every other north team in depth - after another weekend off, Ross County target a vital three points from their St Mirren clash, while every game from this point is massive for Inverness, Cove and Elgin too. 

New Aberdeen era begins as Stephen Glass starts work at Cormack Park with clear priorities

This week, with Stephen Glass finally taking over in-person at Aberdeen, we discuss his immediate priorities as the Scottish Cup clash with Livingston looms. Our panel also assess loan striker Florian Kamberi’s struggles. There are bold predictions on how Ross County and Caley Thistle’s seasons will end after two massive draws, as our three lower league teams vie for position pre-split. Plus, the SPFL aren’t going to deny Brora their play-off chance again, are they?

Favourable draw gives Aberdeen Scottish Cup chance. Plus, Caley Thistle's win at Ross County ramps up feel-good factor

On this week's episode, Aberdeen's goalscoring struggles may have continued at League One Dumbarton, but the Scottish Cup draw has given them a great chance of reaching Hampden’s semis. The panel discuss goalscorer Callum Hendry's future and whether there is enough season left for players to prove themselves to incoming boss Stephen Glass. We also reflect on a Highland derby which went to form, what it means for Caley Thistle's quest to reach the top-flight and Ross County's bid to avoid going the other way. Plus, a lack of action tells for Highland League teams in their ties, and are Cove, Peterhead and Elgin all going to be in the play-offs?

Reflections on Shay Logan's Aberdeen career, plus the return of El Kessocko

This week on Northern Goal, we discuss long-serving right-back Shay Logan's departure from Aberdeen, strikers coach Allan Russell's potential arrival, plus the Scottish Cup tie against League One Dumbarton. We also weigh up Friday night's Highland derby, Cove Rangers' trip to Ibrox, and Brora, Fraserburgh and Formartine's hopes in the same competition.

Stephen Glass confirmed as new Aberdeen manager - reaction special

In this special episode of Northern Goal, Ryan Cryle, Paul Third and Jamie Durent discuss Stephen Glass' appointment as Aberdeen boss. What does Dave Cormack's decision show about the Dons' recruitment and player development strategy going forward, what are Glass' immediate priorities and is the division surrounding the expected arrival of Scott Brown as assistant boss a risk? 

Brora Rangers boss Steven Mackay talks Hearts clash and his silverware haul

This week, we’ve decided to delay our regular panel discussion episode until after Tuesday’s big Scottish Cup ties, featuring many of our teams, are played. To preview one of those matches, we’ve spoken to Highland League legend Steven Mackay on his team’s return to action against Championship leaders Hearts. Plus, Steven gives us his view on what will happen to the Highland League season and details Brora’s SPFL ambitions, as well as talking us through his playing career with the Cattachs, Ross County, Forres, Elgin, Peterhead and Nairn.

Will Stephen Glass be the next Aberdeen manager?

In this week's Northern Goal, we discuss the latest on Aberdeen's manager hunt. The panel assess frontrunner Stephen Glass' chances of landing the role amid a vast array of candidates and whether interim duo Paul Sheerin and Barry Robson might get the results to be handed the gig permanently. There's also disbelief about one refereeing decision in Ross County's loss to Hibs, as well as a verdict on whether Inverness Caledonian Thistle can still break into the Championship's play-off spots. 

Caley Thistle slip further into the mire, Ross County making strides, and the lower leagues in limbo

Caley Thistle find themselves in trouble at the wrong end of the table after their latest defeat, ahead of a double-header with Raith Rovers. Ross County are showing signs of progress in their bid to avoid the drop in the Premiership, while the lower-leagues are waiting on the nod to get back underway again. There’s also a look at a special Highland League piece we’ve been working on.

Derek McInnes leaves Aberdeen – reaction special

Following the news Derek McInnes has departed Aberdeen after a poor run of results and amid growing fan discontent, we reflect on the last eight years and discuss what will come next at Pittodrie. Was now right time to part with the manager, and why did a slow decline accelerate so quickly this season? The panel also go through the highs and lows of the McInnes era - League Cup success, European spot mainstays, cup heartache and a missed chance to beat Ronny Deila’s Celtic to the Premiership title. Looking ahead, who will be the frontrunner to fill the Dons hotseat?