Northern Goal

In this episode, the most sought-after man in British football, Craig Brown - who led Scotland to both Euro '96 and the France '98 World Cup - discusses the Dark Blues' prospects at the European Championship. Brown reveals he's backing Steve Clarke's men to go deep into the tournament, with talent, top-level experience and age on their side. The former Aberdeen boss also explains how you prepare Scotland to meet 'Auld Enemy' England at Wembley, as well as offering his view on nullifying the Czech Republic and Croatia. All that, plus some of Brown's legendary Scotland stories from a life in the game. 

In this episode of Northern Goal, we chat to Martin Rennie, who was born in Thurso, but has built a successful coaching career on the other side of the world. Martin talks us through his journey from playing junior football in Scotland to bossing Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, as well as a spell in K League 2 with Seoul E-Land. Currently the boss of Indy Eleven in the United  Soccer League, Martin also speaks about new signing and Aberdonian Cammy Smith, his time working with Aberdeen management duo Stephen Glass and Allan Russell at Carolina RailHawks and why he doesn't see the benefits in the Dons' strategic partnership with Atlanta United. 

On this week’s Northern Goal, Andy Skinner – fresh back from Billy Dodds’ first press briefing as Inverness manager – talks us through the new boss’ priorities. We also reflect on what has been an acrimonious week for Ross County, with Malky Mackay appointed and several players, including captain Iain Vigurs and appearance/goal record-holder Michael Gardyne, unhappy with how they were released by the Staggies. Plus, there’s Niall McGinn’s new deal at Aberdeen – what are the chances of US international Christian Ramirez joining him at Pittodrie?

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We chat to lower-league goalscoring legend Rory McAllister on his near-decade with Peterhead, including winning the League Two title, silencing the Rangers fans at Balmoor and scoring five against Falkirk, despite a three-day hangover. The former Aberdeen youth academy prospect, who also spent time at Inverness, tells us why he has no regrets after turning down a host of full-time suitors over the years, as well as reflecting on current team Cove Rangers suffering end-of-season heartache as they missed out on promotion to the Championship.

In this episode, Ryan Cryle, Andy Skinner and Paul Third discuss Yogi’s Dingwall departure. Does the manager’s surprise exit suggest a move to Tannadice and how have the Staggies supporters reacted? Where does Roy MacGregor look next in his bid to get County up the Premiership and away from relegation battles – within the existing Global Energy Stadium staff to Don Cowie, or externally to the likes of Celtic interim boss John Kennedy or ex-Motherwell gaffer Stephen Robinson?

This week on Northern Goal, after Aberdeen's season-ending loss, questions need to be answered for next season - is Joe Lewis still the Dons' nailed-on number one? Will revamping the defence allow the Reds to play out from the back as Stephen Glass wants? Are strikers JET and Bruce Anderson both going to be at Pittodrie? Plus, which players - stalwarts and recent additions - should Ross County look to keep after securing Premiership safety with a win at Motherwell. Across the Kessock Bridge, is Billy Dodds a stick-on for the Inverness Caley Thistle job?

In this bonus episode of Northern Goal, we recap after Ross County took a major step to Premiership safety by beating Hamilton. Aberdeen have missed out on third after their defeat to Hibs, with the result further underlining their need for a squad overhaul. Plus, we reflect on Cove and Elgin's seasons after both of their play-off journeys ended.

In this week’s episode, how will Aberdeen fans be feeling about new boss Stephen Glass’ early moves to rebuild his squad, with Declan Gallagher and Gary Woods secured on pre-contracts. Will Mikey Devlin pen a new deal, and what about moves for Clark Robertson and Jamie McGrath? Meanwhile, what do the third-place-chasing Reds and relegation-battling Ross County have to do to beat Hibs and Hamilton and take a big step towards their respective Premiership goals. All that, plus the play-offs latest and Peterhead contract renewals, too.

In this bonus episode of Northern Goal, Andy Skinner reflects on Brora Rangers' 2-0 pyramid play-off home leg loss to Kelty Hearts. Can the Cattachs overcome the deficit tomorrow and set-up a clash with Brechin for a place in the Scottish leagues? Meanwhile, the panel also build up to Elgin City v Edinburgh City and Cove Rangers v Airdrieonians in the League One and Championship play-off semi-finals respectively.

This week, third-place hopefuls Aberdeen and relegation battlers Ross County have set up blockbuster finales to their Premiership campaigns with wins over Livingston and Dundee United, respectively. Could Dylan McGeouch’s performance for the Dons signal his potential to keep the incoming Scott Brown out of the team? Plus, there’s chat on Ryan Hedges’ comeback, Connor McLennan’s future at right-back and Inverness’ uncertain summer, as we also look ahead to a big night for promotion hopefuls Cove, Elgin and – most of all – Brora.