Stephen Craigan

Belfasttelegraph

Wednesday, 3 June 2020 | 12.8°C Belfast

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Entertainment [7]
Travel [8]
Sunday Life [9]

Menu Sections

Belfasttelegraph

News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Entertainment [7]
Travel [8]
Sunday Life [9]

Menu Sections

Stephen Craigan

Twitter

Back in 2000, I dropped down the leagues to Partick Thistle to kickstart my career but these options may be lost to some players.

Stephen Craigan Opinion Scottish football's new world could see unfulfilled talent lost to the game

As the Hearts owner Ann Budge revealed her new league reconstruction proposal this week to the 42 Scottish senior clubs, she included some very valid points.

Neil Lennon with SPL trophy after confirmation that he’d won it again

Stephen Craigan Opinion Neil Lennon and Celtic's pursuit of perfect 10 will define how Steven Gerrard is remembered at Rangers

As expected, Celtic were crowned Scottish Premiership Champions earlier this week and few can argue they weren't the best team this season. Rangers at times threatened to make a real fist of the title race but too often dropped needless points and couldn't maintain the relentless form of their city rivals.

Sore head: Celtic boss Neil Lennon faces a frustrating wait on title update

Stephen Craigan Opinion I fear Scottish football's public squabbling could result in lasting damage

It's fair to say Scottish football has been dragged through the mud in the last few weeks. My biggest concern is, where does it go from here?

Tough journey: Steven Gerrard still has to deliver on many of his promises to fans

Stephen Craigan Opinion Steven Gerrard will be lucky to last another year at Rangers if trophy drought isn't ended

In the week when all eyes were focused on Rangers and the SPFL, what slipped past relatively quietly was manager Steven Gerrard celebrating his second anniversary in charge at Ibrox.

Standing firm: Neil Doncaster has defended himself and the SPFL

Stephen Craigan Opinion Rangers risk humiliation in high-stakes fight with SPFL

Scottish football is never far from the headlines, and this week has been no different as the soap opera continues.

Stephen Craigan Opinion Stephen Robinson can carry on Michael O'Neill's success at Northern Ireland but other candidates are strong too

It seemed inevitable that Michael O'Neill would leave his post as Northern Ireland manager once the Euro 2020 play-offs - originally scheduled for March, then June - were postponed indefinitely.

Hitting back: Rangers have said they will not quietly accept the outcome of the vote

Stephen Craigan Opinion How bad management of SPFL's controversial vote has left an ill feeling that will take time to clear

From the outside looking in, I can only imagine what people must think of Scottish football as a whole after what can only be described as a chaotic seven days.

Cash plan: Steven Gerrard’s Gers have pushed for the release of prize money

Stephen Craigan Opinion Scottish football must restructure leagues to ensure no club loses out over coronavirus pandemic

On Wednesday, the SPFL put out a proposal to its 42 member clubs giving them the option of concluding the season now and paying out prize money as each club currently sits, cash which lower league sides are in desperate need of.

Stephen Craigan Opinion Liam Donnelly's among the best but Odsonne Edouard is the standout player from the Scottish Premiership season

There's no doubt that major trophies and league titles in particular are won as a team but they are strongly influenced by talented individuals with big moments.

Leading by example: Hearts captain Steven Naismith has agreed to take a 50% pay cut

Stephen Craigan Opinion Everyone must chip in to ensure that all clubs make it through the coronavirus storm

Football players dislike nothing more than not being able to fulfil their duties of simply playing the game. The current shutdown is taking plenty of them out of their comfort zone, as it's all new.