Stephen Mcgowan

Iowa

Football Writer at The Herald (Scotland)

Scottish Daily Mail Chief Football Writer. Columnist. Don’t write headlines in paper or online. @mailsport

Articles

Dumbarton administration reprieve looks more like stay of execution

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Dumbarton have been plunged into uncertainty this season after financial mismanagement (Image: NQ Design) THE story is almost as old as Dumbarton Castle, the historic edifice where David II and Mary, Queen of Scots sought shelter and safety. Property investors with an eye on the bottom line identify a valuable piece of land in a beauty spot where a football ground stands inconveniently in the way.
Game-changer Fiona McIntyre reflects on SWPL journey

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Fiona McIntyre walked into Scottish Women’s Football in 2014 and found an operation starting from scratch. The Premier League was run no differently to the under-13s. Commercial deals were non-existent and broadcasters preferred to send their cameras somewhere else at the weekend. “I don’t think there were even any professional players,” recalls the Managing Director of the SWPL now.
Celtic, Rangers & Glasgow City enter shared stadium hub talks

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

A general view of the front of Hampden (Image: SNS Group) Scottish FA President Mike Mulraney has initiated discussions on a shared stadium for Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City’s women’s teams in a push to accelerate the growth of the game ahead of Scotland co-hosting the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Hamilton ready to fight potential points deduction with SPFL tribunal date set

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Hamilton Head Coach John Rankin (Image: Ross Parker - SNS Group) HAMILTON Academical will fight any attempt to punish a breach of SPFL rules with a points deduction at an SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal later this week. John Rankin’s team currently sit seventh in the Scottish Championship, seven clear of bottom club Airdrie and two adrift of the relegation play-off position, after back to back away wins over Dunfermline and Partick Thistle.
Stephen McGowan: It is too soon for Celtic fans to fret over Terminado: The Sequel

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Kieran Tierney has worked his way back into Mikel Arteta's plans at Arsenal - but will join Celtic in the summer (Image: Bradley Collyer - PA) Poor Alan Smith. A razor sharp finisher in the 1990s, the Arsenal old boy passed up an open goal during the 1-1 draw with Brentford. Addressing Kieran Tierney’s first Gunners start for two years, Amazon Prime’s co-commentator fired an effort straight into row Z.
Stephen McGowan: What now for Jack Butland, a microcosm of Rangers' problems?

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

When 12 butt-clenching, agonising minutes of additional time finally came to an end, the nine men of Rangers relaxed. Through the exhaustion and relief they could peer into the future and see hope and optimism on the horizon. After a serious test of endurance they’d given themselves something to cling to in Bilbao next week. Nico Raskin kept the ball in the corner for the final seconds then puffed out his cheeks at full-time as supporters, put through the wringer for 102 minutes, knew how he felt.
Flagging Celtic need challenge from 49ers-era Rangers or anyone else

2 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Celtic seem to have strolled to the title this season but a recent drop-off has been tangible (Image: NQ Design) AS arguments rage over reconstruction in Scottish football the league’s most glaring issue is overlooked. For 12 of the last 13 years one club has monopolised the Premiership title. And, barring an uptick in form, Celtic will win it again while playing in second gear.
Dundee chief John Nelms brings in Brian Cox to help sell stadium plans

2 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Dundee chief John Nelms alongside a mock-up of the club's proposed new stadium (Image: Promotional) The irony should be lost on no one. Anxious to secure the green light for a new £100 million stadium, Dundee’s quest for planning permission has been delayed by Transport Scotland, the agency charged with keeping the traffic moving. To clear the gridlock the Dens Park club have turned to Hollywood royalty.
SPFL reconstruction debate ignores an inconvenient truth

2 weeks ago | heraldscotland.com | Stephen Mcgowan

Adam Webb has weighed in with his opinion on the structure - which curiously aligns with St Johnstone's immediate needs (Image: NQ Design) In 1992 the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League arrived to change football forever. Fearful of Scottish football being left behind Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United, Hearts and Rangers decided the time had come to get with the programme.
SPFL's 10-team reconstruction verdict with self-interest set to rule again

3 weeks ago | heartsstandard.co.uk | Stephen Mcgowan

The SPFL have plotted out a return to a 10-team Scottish Premiership with no top-six split (Image: NQ Design) Recollections of why the Scottish Premiership needed a top-six split in the first place cloud with time. Before the change to a 12-team top flight in 2000/01 marketing men spoke of increasing competition, reducing the number of meaningless fixtures and sparing clubs the slog of 44 games. The reality was always more prosaic.