Robert Martin

4 weeks ago | thesportscol.com | Robert Martin

Women’s basketball has emerged as a national sport, but an undercurrent among fans threatens that standing. Don’t overshadow the game with off-court noise. Women’s basketball has finally arrived at its defining moment. Much like the NBA’s rise in the 1980s–fueled by the fierce rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird–a narrative shaped by not only talent but race, region, and personality, women’s basketball has been quietly and steadily building its cultural crescendo.

1 month ago | thescottishsun.co.uk | Robert Martin

TONY BLOOM has made a £10million offer for a 29 per cent stake in Hearts to try to DISRUPT Scottish football. The Brighton chairman has been in talks with Tynecastle chiefs for the past year, with a view to helping the Jambos eventually end the Old Firm’s dominance. The Gorgie outfit already use his analysis software through data firm Jamestown Analytics to inform its recruitment of players and coaches — including their current search for a new boss to replace the axed Neil Critchley.

1 month ago | thescottishsun.co.uk | Robert Martin

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND insists he meant no disrespect to Neil Critchley by blanking questions about his axed boss. The Hearts skipper appeared to smirk as he snubbed cameras walking into the club’s Player of the Year awards on Sunday evening. The Scotland striker claimed he was only following club orders at the time but now accepts the footage, which enraged fans on social media, ‘didn’t look great’. And he revealed he contacted Critchley on Monday to set the record straight.

1 month ago | thesun.co.uk | Robert Martin

RORY McILROY will return to the Renaissance Club for this year’s Genesis Scottish Open. The Irishman made history when he completed golf’s Grand Slam at the Masters last month. And he has now confirmed he’ll be back in Scotland for the Rolex Series event this summer. The Green Jacket winner edged out home favourite Bob MacIntyre to capture the title two years ago. MacIntyre, though, would not be denied and claimed an emotional win last time out.

2 months ago | thescottishsun.co.uk | Robert Martin

ROSS LAIDLAW wants Ross County’s future sorted by the end of the regular season — so he can go to his best mate’s WEDDING rather than the play-off final. The keeper’s pal Martin is due to tie the knot the week after their final game against Motherwell. That would have been an issue in each of the past two seasons, when the Staggies have ended up in the last-chance saloon before dodging the drop. Don Cowie’s side currently sit tenth — one point ahead of Dundee, who occupy the play-off berth.