Scottish Football Podcast

Ryan Jack and Scott Brown debate Pocognoli's first win as Scotland boss in the Nations League against North Macedonia.

After a difficult start to the Nations League campaign, can Scotland finally find the goals and points they desperately need in North Macedonia? Martin Dowden is joined by Scott Allan and Joelle Murray to assess the pressure facing Sebastian Pocognoli, the defensive issues exposed against Switzerland and whether patience is already running thin.

With Andy Robertson on the brink of a century of caps, what does his leadership mean to this evolving Scotland side?

Plus, discussion on Ian Murray's departure from Morton, Cove Rangers' transfer penalty, Ayr United's need for results, and a look ahead to Sunday's Edinburgh Derby in the SWPL.

00:01:47 — Martin Boyle's Testimonial Tribute

00:03:43 — Scotland's Must-Win Trip to Macedonia

00:07:09 — Defensive Concerns Under Pocognoli

00:13:19 — Morton's Managerial Change Examined

00:18:23 — Cove Rangers Hit by Transfer Penalty

00:19:43 — Edinburgh Derby and the SWPL Title Race

Scotland's defeat to Switzerland leaves plenty of questions for Sebastian Pocognoli and his players. Was Angus Gunn unfairly criticised, are defensive issues becoming a bigger concern, and can the goals start flowing again?

Andy Burke, Mark Atkinson and Cammy Bell assess the challenges facing Scotland ahead of crucial matches against North Macedonia and beyond. They also examine the continued silence from Celtic over Martin O'Neill's future and ask whether the international break has given everyone at Celtic Park the chance to reset.

Plus, who are the Premiership's biggest overachievers and underachievers so far, and which players have made the strongest start to the season?

00:02:00 — Scotland's goalkeeping debate

00:06:37 — Defensive concerns under Pochegnoli

00:10:33 — Where will Scotland's goals come from?

00:14:21 — Celtic's silence over Martin O'Neill

00:20:46 — Premiership overachievers and underachievers

00:23:29 — Standout players and dressing-room intrigue

Scotland's honeymoon period under Sebastian Pocognoli has hit its first bump after a 3-0 defeat to Switzerland at Hampden. How much damage did Jack Hendry's early red card do, and should the result be judged in that context?

David Currie, Rory Loy and Stephen McGowan assess whether Scotland's problems are deeper than one difficult night, with concerns over goals, clean sheets and key players finding form?

Do we need to talk about John McGinn? and has the North Macedonia game now become a MUST win?

00:02:33 — Red card turns Hampden sour

00:04:08 — No goals, no wins and familiar frustrations

00:08:14 — Oli McBurnie emerges as a bright spot

00:10:02 — We need to talk about John McGinn

00:14:48 — Is Pocognoli going to get the time he needs?

00:21:40 — North Macedonia: opportunity or necessity?

Andy Halliday, Willie Miller and Tom English assess Scotland's disappointing Nations League defeat to Switzerland, in Pocognoli's first match at Hampden.

Sebastian Pocognoli gets his first home game as Scotland head coach, but can his side rise to the challenge against a talented Switzerland team? David Currie is joined by Swiss football enthusiast Paddy Gunn and analyst John Walker to assess the threat posed by the visitors and examine where Scotland might find an edge.

Is pressing high the key? Should Oli McBurnie lead the line? How important could Billy Gilmour be in unlocking the Swiss midfield? And with Hampden set for a big occasion, can Scotland produce a result against one of Europe's most consistent international sides?

00:03:03 — Why Switzerland Are Taking Scotland Seriously

00:05:15 — Just How Good Are the Swiss?

00:09:09 — Scotland's Tactical Plan Explained

00:12:16 — Does McBurnie Have to Start?

00:15:56 — Life Without Granit Xhaka

00:25:09 — Predictions for Hampden

A goalless draw in Slovenia marked the beginning of Sebastian Pocognoli's reign as Scotland head coach, but what did we learn from the first glimpse of his new-look side?

Jane Lewis is joined by Mark Atkinson to assess the positives, the problems and the potential. Was Scotland's more aggressive approach a sign of things to come? How impressive were debutants Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh? Why did Billy Gilmour emerge as the standout performer and would a fully fit Scot McTominay walk straight back into the starting line-up?

And with World Cup quarter-finalists Switzerland heading to Hampden, can Scotland take the next step in this new era or will a tougher test expose areas still needing work?

00:01:20 — First impressions of the Pocognoli era 00:07:58 — Billy Gilmour takes centre stage 00:09:52 — The McTominay selection dilemma 00:12:23 — New faces: Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh 00:16:11 — McBurney's Scotland return under the spotlight 00:18:54 — Switzerland arrive for Pocognoli's Hampden debut

Richard Gordon is joined by Callum Davidson, Michael Stewart, Willie Miller and Ramon Vega to preview Scotland v Switzerland, plus we learn more about Hibs' new manager

Andy Halliday, Pat Nevin and Tom English assess positive signs in Pocognoli's first Scotland match despite failing to convert their chances away to Slovenia in the Nations League.

Bonus preview of Slovenia v Scotland, presented by Alasdair Lamont with former internationals James McFadden, Pat Nevin and commentator Liam McLeod.

A new manager, a new-look squad and a fresh sense of optimism. As Scotland prepare for their Nations League opener in Slovenia, Andy Burke is joined by Scott Allan and John Walker to discuss what supporters can expect from the first match under Sebastian Pocognoli.

Can Scotland successfully switch to a more attacking style? Which players are best suited to the new approach? And how quickly can those ideas take shape on the international stage?

Plus, the team assess Hibs' appointment of Marink Reedijk , what his coaching record tells us, and whether the Easter Road side have found the manager to kickstart a new chapter.

02:03 — What will Pocignoli's Scotland look like?

05:14 — Do Scotland have the players for a new style?

08:49 — How long will Scotland need to adapt?

09:47 — Is Slovenia the ideal first test?

13:11 — Do modern managers still need time?

18:05 — Hibs' new era under Marink Reedijk

After five years away, Oli McBurnie is back in the Scotland squad and determined to make his second chance count. He tells Tom English why the recall meant so much to his family and reflects on missing out under Steve Clarke. How has fatherhood changed him on and off the pitch? What really happened in the old video that fuelled claims he did not want to represent Scotland?

McBurnie also discusses the insecurities behind his younger self, the lessons he learned while playing in Spain and why scoring his first international goal would mean everything.

00:37 — Tattoos, Scarface and life beyond football

01:29 — The long road back to Scotland

03:39 — Missing out and answering the critics

06:55 — Chasing that first Scotland goal

08:13 — How McBurnie has changed

11:14 — The video, the truth and a fresh start

A new Scotland chapter is about to begin. What can fans expect from Sebastian Pocognoli's first squad and a Nations League campaign packed into 11 days? With seven uncapped players involved, how quickly can Scotland adapt to a fresh style while still delivering results?

Andy Burke joined by Gordon Waddell and Rory Loy discuss Ollie McBurnie's return after five years away and whether he can make the most of his second chance.

Plus, who is leading the race to become the next Hibs manager, and what sort of football should Easter Road supporters expect?

And after Celtic revealed a £6.6m pre-tax loss, what do the figures really say about the club's direction on and off the pitch?

01:51 — Scotland's Pocognoli era begins 04:36 — New faces, new ideas 08:42 — McBurnie back in from the cold 10:52 — Who benefits from Scotland's injury crisis? 13:27 — Hibs start the hunt for a new boss 16:41 — Is Stephen Bradley the answer? 19:57 — Inside Celtic's £6.6m loss 23:14 — Why supporters remain frustrated 26:16 — Martin O'Neill weighing up his future 28:58 — What's next for Celtic?

With new faces in the squad and four games demanding careful planning, how quickly can Pocognoli shape his Scotland side? He explains why consistency and connections matter, how he hopes to balance attractive football with qualification, and why his players must attack together and “defend like brothers”.

Could tactical flexibility provide the answer? Pocognoli also discusses the importance of a positive opening result against Slovenia, opportunities for the uncapped players and the excitement surrounding his first home match.

Plus we hear what advice Steve Clarke passed on in his handover telephone call.

00:12 — Four games and a race to build connections

01:14 — Balancing ambition with qualification

02:25 — Nerves, excitement and responsibility

02:55 — “Attack together, defend like brothers”

03:58 — Tactical flexibility and the opening test

:06:57 — Advice from Steve and a new generation

Can anyone catch Stenhousemuir after their remarkable start to the Championship season? Martin Dowden is joined by Ryan Flynn and Conor Sammon to discuss Marvin Bartley's league leaders, their defensive resilience and whether a promotion push is genuinely on the cards.

How are Raith Rovers building momentum, and can Dunfermline turn strong defensive displays into a title challenge? The panel also examines Morton's struggles, Ross County's impressive response to relegation and Hamilton's credentials as genuine contenders.

Plus, what's gone wrong for Queen of the South, and are Clyde and Stranraer already pulling clear in League Two?

02:43 — Flynn on Arbroath's season so far

03:47 — Why Stenhousemuir are setting the pace

13:16 — Raith Rovers finding consistency

14:41 — Dunfermline's promotion hopes

17:25 — Ross County and Hamilton lead League One

21:55 — Clyde, Stranraer and the League Two picture

Three defeats in a row, two derby losses and growing uncertainty around Martin O'Neill. So where has it gone wrong for Celtic? Is the manager running out of answers, or are recruitment failures and structural problems at the club now impossible to ignore?

Andy Burke is joined by Tino Callaghan and Stephen McGowan to assess Celtic's dramatic downturn in form, question the summer transfer business, and debate whether O'Neill can still turn things around.

And after comments suggesting serious soul-searching ahead, could the Celtic manager be considering his future?

00:02:14 — Crisis at Celtic: More Than Just the Manager? 00:03:21 — From Flying Start to Sudden Collapse 00:05:51 — The Martin O'Neill Effect Wearing Off? 00:10:15 — Have Celtic's New Signings Delivered? 00:13:16 — Recruitment, Structure and Who Takes Responsibility? 00:19:05 — Will Martin O'Neill Walk Away?

Richard Gordon, Tom English, Pat Bonner, Peter Lovenkrands, Scott Brown and Andy Halliday review Celtic 0-1 Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, plus we hear from fans of both sides

Scott Brown,Tom English and Rory Loy assess Saturday's action including big wins for both Dundee sides. Plus the fans join the debate looking ahead to Sunday's Old Firm clash.

David Currie is joined by Scott Allan and Ewan Murray as they ask whether Celtic can recover from another European setback in time for Sunday's huge meeting with Rangers. Are the league leaders vulnerable, and will Rangers look to seize the moment at Parkhead?

The team also discuss David Gray's exit from Hibs, Aberdeen's improved form and the key talking points from a packed Scottish Premiership weekend

02:57 — Celtic's European collapse analysed

09:07 — Rangers sense an opportunity at Parkhead

17:14 — David Gray departs Hibs

22:44 — Aberdeen's resurgence and Easter Road test

24:05 — Premiership preview: St Johnstone, Falkirk and more

26:50 — Kilmarnock v Hearts under the spotlight

David Currie is joined by Scott Allan and Ewan Murray as they ask whether Celtic can recover from another European setback in time for Sunday's huge meeting with Rangers. Are the league leaders vulnerable, and will Rangers look to seize the moment at Parkhead?

The team also discuss David Gray's exit from Hibs, Aberdeen's improved form and the key talking points from a packed Scottish Premiership weekend

02:57 — Celtic's European collapse analysed

09:07 — Rangers sense an opportunity at Parkhead

17:14 — David Gray departs Hibs

22:44 — Aberdeen's resurgence and Easter Road test

24:05 — Premiership preview: St Johnstone, Falkirk and more

26:50 — Kilmarnock v Hearts under the spotlight

Pat Bonner, James McFadden and Tom English assess another poor performance by Celtic as O'Neill's side kick off their Europa League campaign conceding three goals at home.

Should Hibs have stuck with club hero David Gray, or was the board right to act now? Presenter Jonathan Sutherland is joined by Stephen McGowan and former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan to dissect the first managerial casualty of the Premiership season,.

Ahead of a critical European night for Celtic and after a bruising Old Firm defeat, how much pressure is on Martin O'Neill and his players to respond? Are there deeper issues beginning to emerge, or can a big European night provide the reset they need ahead of another huge test against Rangers?

01:48 — Why Hibs ended David Gray's reign 05:00 — Did Gray deserve one more game? 07:39 — Recruitment, results and shared responsibility 10:20 — Are football managers under more pressure than ever? 16:14 — Who should Hibs turn to next? 20:23 — Celtic's response mission begins

Reaction to Sebastian Pocognoli's first Scotland squad? Charlotte Cohen is joined by Michael Grant and Cammy Bell to assess the fresh faces, the return of Oli McBurnie and the areas where Scotland still have questions to answer.

Who could seize their chance during a demanding Nations League schedule?

We look back on a dramatic night in the Premiership. How did Aberdeen produce such a clinical display against Motherwell? Has Kilmarnock's win at Easter Road eased the pressure on Neil McCann? And what went wrong for Hearts as Falkirk claimed a surprise victory?

03:00 — Pocognoli names his first Scotland squad 04:23 — Scotland's goalkeeper dilemma remains 05:42 — New defenders and a changing back line 09:28 — Oli McBurnie's Scotland return 15:20 — Aberdeen's ruthless win over Motherwell 19:56 — Kilmarnock relief and Hearts shocked by Falkirk

Jonathan Sutherland and the team review Tuesday night's Scottish Premiership action with wins for Aberdeen, Falkirk and Kilmarnock

A new chapter for Scotland begins as Sebastian Pocognoli prepares to name his first squad. Which young stars could force their way into the national team? Could players like Luke Graham, Lennon Miller, Robbie Ure and Kieran Bowie signal a changing of the guard?

Rory Loy and Ryan Flynn join Stevie Miller to assess the options across the pitch and discuss whether Scotland's style could evolve under new management.

Plus, can Hearts continue their strong form at Falkirk, will Aberdeen build on their League Cup progress, and how much pressure is growing on Kilmarnock ahead of a crucial trip to Easter Road?

01:50 — Pocognoli's First Scotland Squad

04:50 — Fresh Faces Emerging in Midfield

09:15 — Scotland's New Striker Options

14:35 — Wildcards and McBurnie's Return?

16:15 — Hearts Face a Tough Trip to Falkirk

20:00 — Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Championship Talking Points

Have Rangers finally found their momentum under Derek McInnes after a dominant Old Firm victory over Celtic? Stevie Miller is joined by Kevin Thomson and Cillian Sheridan as they assess a one-sided afternoon at Ibrox, discuss why Celtic were second best across the pitch, and ask whether the result changes the outlook for both clubs.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen survive a dramatic penalty shootout against Kilmarnock to book their place at Hampden, Hibs ease past Ross County to relieve pressure on David Gray, and Hearts continue their rise under Wouter Brankens.

Plus, who are the favourites to lift the League Cup after the semi-final draw?

04:05 — Rangers overpower Celtic at Ibrox 09:50 — What next for Celtic after Old Firm defeat? 13:35 — Aberdeen survive Kilmarnock shootout drama 18:08 — Pitch invasion debate after Rugby Park scenes 19:27 — Hibs boost hopes with Ross County victory 22:00 — Hearts progress and semi-final predictions

Pat Bonner, Peter Lovenkrands and Tom English assess Rangers' convincing League Cup quarter-final win over Celtic, hearing from Martin O'Neill, Derek McInnes and Callum McGregor.

All the reaction to Saturday’s Scottish League Cup action as Aberdeen and Hibs make it through, plus we look ahead to Rangers v Celtic with the last semi-final place up for grabs.

Ian McCall and Ryan Stevenson assess Hearts' convincing 0-3 win over in-form Stenhousemuir to reach the League Cup semi-finals.

Can Stenhousemuir continue their remarkable rise and pull off one of the biggest shocks of the season against Hearts? Why are Kilmarnock and Aberdeen both under pressure heading into a huge League Cup tie? Is David Gray facing a defining afternoon as Hibs travel to Ross County? And when it comes to the first Old Firm meeting of the campaign, are Rangers finally ready to take the next step under Derek McInnes, or do Celtic still have the match-winners who decide the biggest occasions?

Martin Dowden is joined by Scott Allan and Ewan Murray to preview a weekend packed with storylines, jeopardy and knockout football.

03:13 — Can Stenhousemuir Shock Hearts?

09:12 — Pressure Builds at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen

16:10 — How Big Is This for Hibs?

19:05 — Old Firm: Where Will It Be Won?

23:39 — What Does Defeat Mean for Rangers?

25:08 — Predictions: Upsets, Headlines and Heroes

Rangers and Celtic both picked up narrow wins, but what did the performances tell us ahead of a huge Old Firm clash at Ibrox? Can the rest of the Premiership close the gap on Scotland's dominant duo, and are Hearts ready to challenge near the top again?

Jonathan Sutherland, Stephen McGowan and Kris Doolan discuss Livingston's decision to part company with Glenn Whelan and bring David Martindale back into the dugout. Was it the right move, and what does it say about the club's expectations this season?

Plus, Sebastian Pognoli reveals his Scotland coaching team. What can the new faces bring, and could a younger, more energetic national side be on the horizon?

02:24 — Chris Doolan's Ghost Goal and Great Football Gaffes

07:50 — Rangers and Celtic Find a Way to Win

12:22 — Old Firm Cup Showdown Takes Centre Stage

14:31 — Livingston Pull the Trigger on Whelan

19:18 — Morton's Fight for Survival

22:19 — Scotland's New Coaching Team and Youth Focus

Kenny Macintyre and the team review Rangers 1-0 St Mirren and St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic

Who should start up front for Rangers following Lawrence Shankland's injury? Charlotte Cohen with Rory Loy and Michael Grant assess Derek McInnes' options ahead of a crucial clash with in-form St Mirren and debate whether Kevin Kelsy is ready to lead the line. Can St Mirren continue their impressive start and trouble Rangers at Ibrox?

Plus, Celtic head to Perth with questions over their attacking selection, but just how important is Duran becoming to Martin O'Neill's side? And after an encouraging return to the Premiership, can St Johnstone and striker Josh Fowler cause the league leaders any problems?

01:50 - Who leads the line for Rangers? 04:42 - Can Rangers build momentum? 07:57 - Are Rangers genuine title contenders? 10:53 - St Mirren's impressive start 12:51 - Celtic's options without Yang 21:13 - St Johnstone's bright return to the top flight

Livingston have made the first big managerial move of the season, bringing David Martindale back to the dugout. What went wrong for Glenn Whelan, and can Martindale quickly reignite a promotion push? There's also praise for high-flying Stenhousemuir as their remarkable start continues.

At Rangers, Lawrence Shankland faces a spell on the sidelines, but who steps up in his absence? Can Kevin Kelsy justify the investment, or will someone else seize the opportunity?

Plus, what should Sebastian Pogignoli's Scotland backroom team look like as a new era for the national side begins?

05:13 — Livingston Turn Back to Martindale 10:43 — Stenhousemuir's Remarkable Rise Continues 13:14 — League One and League Two Talking Points 17:02 — Rangers Hit by Shankland Injury Blow 19:52 — Who Fills the Void Up Front for Rangers? 22:08 — Building Scotland's New Coaching Team

Hearts left it late but maintained their excellent start to the season with another three points at Tynecastle, strengthening the belief that Wouter Vrancken's side could once again challenge near the top of the Premiership.

Stevie Miller is joined by Cammy Bell and Ryan McGowan to break down Hearts' comeback win over Dundee, assess the growing pressure on Hibs after another defeat, and discuss St Johnstone's impressive return to the top flight.

The panel also examines Celtic's hard-fought victory over St Mirren, the impact of Yang's upcoming absence, and why Camilo Duran is already looking like a major success.

Plus, Rangers secured another important win but may have lost captain Lawrence Shankland to a significant injury, raising fresh questions about who will provide the goals in the weeks ahead.

There's also discussion of Aberdeen's struggles, Kilmarnock's search for stability and whether Scott Bain is forcing his way into Scotland contention.

Sunday saw two Scottish Premiership matches, with wins for Hearts against Dundee and St Johnstone who hosted Hibernian.

After Celtic's win against St Mirren in Saturday night's top of the table clash, we hear from Martin O'Neill and Craig McLeish. With David Currie, Pat Bonner and Rory Loy.

The SFA's chief football officer Craig Mulholland highlights new proposals that will help develop Scottish football's young talent, benefitting both the clubs and national side.

Looking ahead to the weekend fixtures. With Ray Bradshaw, Scott Allan and Andy Halliday.

After 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup finals, with manager Steve Clarke guiding the national team through qualification and the most dramatic climax at Hampden Park.

Scott McTominay left a struggling Man United to become Serie A’s Most Valuable Player, win the Scudetto for Napoli and be nominated for the Ballon D’Or - all in one year. Was he this good all along? Is he finally getting the respect he always deserved? This episode of Football Daily, hosted by football writer and Copa 90 presenter Eugene Noble, goes right back to the start of Scott’s incredible story and explores the making of McTominay: How he grew from the Man Utd academy, to being taken under José Mourinho's wing, to performing on the international stage. We speak to coaches and players who knew him at the academy, like Paul McGuinness and James Weir, as well as podcasters, pundits and fans like Jay Motty, Joe Fischetti and Umberto Bernardo, who have tracked his career from Old Trafford to the Neapolitan sun. We also hear from football journalists like Mina Rzouki about how Scott has transformed under Antonio Conte, as well as Scottish Legend and commentator Pat Nevin about how he is becoming a symbol for the nation in the blue shirt of Scotland. We even speak to Scotland head coach Steve Clarke about Scott’s crucial role to the international team and a conversation that sparked Scott’s career back into life. In 2026, McTominay is facing his biggest season yet: Napoli have a title to defend. They’re back in the champions league. And Scotland have their world cup qualifier campaign already underway. So the question isn’t just how Scott McTominay got here - it’s how much higher can he go?