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      Abandoned stadium that shares unique link to Rangers’ ex-chairman and a by-election is now home to Sainsbury’s

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      FOR a generation of modern day football fans, Douglas Park is a Rangers director and former chairman.A wealthy motor trade businessman with a fleet of luxury coaches used by clubs around the country, and various car dealerships selling the latest models on four wheels.
      Douglas Park, home of Hamilton Accies from 1888 until 1994Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      This is also Douglas Park – of Rangers and motor trade fameCredit: SNS
      This is NEW Douglas Park formerly known as Ballast Park – opened in 2001Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      But some of those very cars now park up on the Scottish football site that once shared the same name – right in the middle of Hamilton.
      New Douglas Park is home to Hamilton Accies, and has been since 2001.
      Before then, ‘old’ Douglas Park – the original – was where the Accies played, but it’s now a car park serving shoppers, right next door.
      Meet the new ground, same as the old ground? Just about in geography terms, but very different in reality. It was called Ballast Park in its’ infancy and only has two stands for a start.

      In 1994 the club sold off their ground for £6m to a retail park after 108 years there. Developers built Sainsbury’s, McDonalds and a bingo hall on the site.
      Via ground sharing agreements at Firhill in Glasgow and Cliftonhill, Coatbridge throughout the 90s, Hamilton eventually moved back to where it all began and made a VERY short move north.
      Their new ground – now named just like so – borders their old one at the back of the supermarket – and from the former pitch turned car park you can see the floodlights of the current stadium quite clearly from the penalty box of old one.
      You can hear the cheers, moans and groans of fans on a busy matchday too – although not legendary fan ‘Fergie’.
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      Real name Ian Russell, he honed an infamous reputation for his barracking from the stands – and everyone was a target.
      He became a figure of Scottish football folklore for his loud heckles and language known throughout the country amongst fans and players alike.
      Accies tried to silence him by banning him during their travelling time and Russell ended up in court on a breach of the peace charge and fined £100.
      He said: “When the team is doing badly I can’t control my mouth. If the Accies were doing better, I wouldn’t have to swear.”
      The notorious Accies fan died in 2009, aged 71, with his beloved team in the top flight.
      A huge council car park nearby used to serve the old ground and is still used by buses and supporters’ cars now, but with John Rankin’s team in League One packed Premiership-style attendances have been few and far between recently.
      But fans truly made a noise during the nomadic days with Hamilton re-located for seven years while the new base was built.
      It even became a political campaign in 1999 when an independent by-election candidate Stephen Mungall stood on the promise to bring the club back to town – and picked up more than 1,000 votes.
      The supermarket can be seen taking shape behind goalscorer Marc CorcoranCredit: John Kirkby – The Sun Glasgow
      The Douglas Park pitch is now parking baysCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Famously outspoken Accies fan Fergie (real name Ian Russell)Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The primary school teacher picked up more votes than the club had ‘home’ supporters at the time.
      But now chasing promotion back to the Championship – though 11 points off League One leaders Falkirk, those bigger away crowds could soon be back in south Lanarkshire.
      But only if plastic pitches are allowed in at that stage. There is talk synthetic surfaces must be replaced by grass in the top division in future and Accies have used TigerTurf and various other plastic alternatives for the last 10 years at the 23-year-old ground.
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      To a generation of supporters its’ where Accies have always been, tucked behind Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, but the ghosts of the past are just a mishit shot at goal and a few parking bays away.
      Hamilton fans queue up for the first game at the new ground – a friendly vs Sunderland on July 28, 2001Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      Shocking moment young Raith Rovers fan is punched & stamped on in horror attack by Dunfermline thugs after match

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      THIS is the shocking moment a young football fan is punched and stamped on by thugs on his way home from a match. The young Raith Rovers supporter, 18, was at a bus stop waiting to go home after their 2-1 win over Dunfermline when the horror attack happened last night at around 5.30pm.
      A group of thugs attacked a fan after the Dunfermline v Raith Rovers match
      The video was shared on social media following the horror attack
      The game took place at East End Park last nightCredit: The Sun
      The lad was pounced upon by a gang of thugs – understood to be Pars fans – and brutally battered in the street.
      The horrific video was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, and shows the group punching and kicking the young fan while he is lying on the ground.
      As he finally gets to his feet, he is then kicked again and some members of the group can be heard laughing.
      It’s understood the fan’s hearing aid was also broken after the horror attack.

      Police confirmed that the 18-year-old was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.
      Both clubs have since released statements blasting the ugly scenes after the match.
      Dunfermline Athletic confirmed they are aware of the video circulating on social media and said the club condemns all forms of violence.
      And any supporter found to have taken part in the attack will be banned from East End Park.
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      The statement read: “Dunfermline Athletic are aware of a video circulating on social media last night.
      “The club condemns all forms of violence in the strongest possible way and we will support the authorities in identifying any individuals involved.
      “We will work with Raith Rovers to ensure that the supporter involved receives the support they need.
      “Any supporter found to have taken part in this horrible act will be banned from KDM Group East End Park.”
      Last night, Raith Rovers posted their statement on social media which read: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our supporters being assaulted after today’s match.
      “We have contacted the supporter to check on their well-being and to see how we can provide support in any way possible.
      “The incident has been reported to the police and we will work with Dunfermline Athletic to identify the offenders.”
      The Scottish Championship tie took place last night at the KDM Group East End Park in Dunfermline.
      Raith Rovers won the game 2-1 with two goals from Daniel O’Reilly.
      The Kirkcaldy side stay top of the league following the win over their rivals.
      Inspector Neil McGurk said: “We are carrying out enquiries after an 18-year-old man was assaulted in Dunfermline around 5.30pm on Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 following the Dunfermline Athletic v Raith Rovers football fixture.  
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      “He was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.
      “We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will work with both football clubs to identify those responsible”.  More

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      Incredible moment SPFL sub keeper comes on as striker and SCORES 30-yard screamer as fans say ‘he’s better than Dessers’

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      SCOTTISH football, don’t ever change. Just when you thought you had seen it all in the SPFL, up steps Arbroath goalkeeper Ali Adams.
      Arbroath sub goalkeeper Ali Adams bags the screamer
      He lets fly from distance
      Cyriel Dessers endured an uncomfortable afternoon against CelticCredit: Willie Vass
      Playing from 2-0 down against Championship leaders Raith Rovers, with Red Lichties boss Jim McIntyre already having used all three of his named outfield substitutes, he had little choice but to turn to the sub goalkeeper when centre half Aaron Steele went off injured.
      And it proved a masterstroke – because within minutes of coming on, he had lashed in a right-foot screamer from all of 30 yards to give them a lifeline.
      And with Leighton McIntosh following it up with a penalty against a shell-shocked Rovers soon afterwards to earn a point, it is a goal which could have massive ramifications in the title race.
      Dundee Utd made short work of Partick Thistle in the televised match last night.

      Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing, with a few comparing his efforts favourably to what they had just witnessed from hapless Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers.
      One wrote: “This is a goalie… no subs left so they brought on a goalie and he does this!!!! He’s better than Dessers.”
      A second said: “Arbroath keeper can do this and dessers trips over the ball.”
      A third wrote: “Championship keeper is a better striker than Dessers.”
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      A fourth simply: “Get him signed, Rangers”
      “A fifth said: And if Rangers can’t get Shankland, maybe they should go for Arbroath’s sub keeper who’s just come on against Raith as a striker…”
      One fan, sharing the clip of him celebrating, couldn’t help seeing the funny side, saying: “Milking it a bit, isn’t he?”
      The 31 year-old, who has also played with the likes of Musselburgh Athletic, Linlithgow Rose, Tranent JFC, Musselburgh Athletic, Berwick Rangers, Bonnyrigg Rose, Gretna, Bo’ness United and East Fife, had put that Howitzer of a right-foot to good use in the past.
      The former Junior Scottish Cup winner has a 55 yard fee kick goial on his resume from his time at Tranent Juniors.
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      Billy Gilmour’s brother signs for seventh tier club two years after being tipped to join him in Premier League

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      BILLY GILMOUR was all set to make it a family affair at Chelsea.Just two years ago, the Premier League giants were on the charm offensive to try and tempt younger brother Harvey to join the former Rangers prodigy at Stamford Bridge.
      Harvey Gilmour with brother Billy last year when he signed a deal at Kilmarnock
      Harvey was 15 at the time and there were some who thought he could go on to become even BETTER than his brother.
      A midfielder like Billy, Harvey was starring for the Kilmarnock youth sides and was still on the books at Rugby Park up until the summer just gone.
      Just last year, he signed his first professional contract with older brother Billy there to support him.
      Now 18, Harvey was without a club since July as he waited to make sure his next move was the right one.

      He had been spotted training with Kilwinning Rangers and appeared as a trialist in a game for the West of Scotland Football League First Division outfit a couple of weeks ago.
      The youngster has now signed a contract with the club but he WON’T be playing for the first team right away.
      Instead he will feature for the Buffs’ under-20s team, who play in Conference D of the West of Scotland Football Development League.
      Harvey’s new team currently sit top of the table, two points clear of Bonnyton Thistle (though they have played two games more).
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      Other names familiar to fans of junior football populate the division with Auchinleck Talbot, Darvel and Cumnock being some of the teams Harvey will come up against.
      Should he make the step up to the senior team, he could face the likes of Petershill, Rutherglen Glencairn and Shotts Bon Accord at Buffs Park.
      Also in the same league are uber-ambitious Johnstone Burgh, who over the summer signed Kyle Lafferty and Graham Dorrans.

      Kilwinning Rangers Under-20s said in a statement on social media: “We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder @harveygilmourrr from Kilmarnock FC. Another fantastic prospect, we are thrilled Harvey has decided to come to @steadythebuffs to play his football amidst interest from a number of other very good teams.”
      Billy himself was spotted training with a team outside of the SPFL in the off-season, working on his fitness with Glenafton Athletic as he prepared for the upcoming campaign with Brighton.
      He’s also taken in some matches involving local team Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the past.
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      ‘You need to appease clubs’ – Scots Fifa referee who moved to England stunned whistlers turn ‘blind eye’ to simulation

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      BOBBY MADDEN has lifted the lid on the power English clubs hold over referees.The former Fifa whistler retired in the summer after a season taking charge of games down south.
      Bobby Madden quit the game in Scotland to go and further his career in EnglandCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Madden had achieved all he’d set out to as an official in Scotland and wanted a fresh challenge in EFL League One.
      But he hung up his whistle for several reasons, including being stunned at how the observer marking system is weighted in the clubs’ favour.
      Madden, 45, said: “There were challenges and a different mentality in how they manage situations from an FA and PGMOL point of view.
      “The clubs pay them, so they have control over officials.

      “One of the frustrations which didn’t affect me directly is the clubs have 40 per cent of the mark that’s given to a referee.
      “Essentially you need to appease the clubs to get on, so anyone going into that system needs to referee with that in mind.
      “It’s difficult when you’ve refereed to a level with an observer system then you have a club system like that. It’s difficult for the referees.
      “There were good referees in League One and Two, but would they turn a blind eye to obvious simulation or clear dissent or foul or abusive language? I saw it happen.
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      “I think that’s one of the challenges they have.
      “Each club has 20 per cent of their mark.
      “In Scotland it’s one observer and you receive one mark and it’s the same with Uefa.
      “In England the assessor only has 20 per cent. They also go to a panel and review it, so it was a new system.
      “The clubs and players and managers know they are marking you.
      “I’ve heard comments like, ‘Just remember who’s marking you’. The clubs know they have that power.
      “It’s a challenging environment for referees coming through.
      “I didn’t change my tactics, though. I just managed games the way I always have.
      “I was probably known for not showing that many yellow cards and I tried to follow that, but it’s probably a more difficult arena to do that in.”
      Madden was also disappointed by the quality of the game down south, despite its bold claims, and the lack of respect shown by players towards officials compared to Scotland.
      He said: “In England the football and the teams are very well organised. The surfaces and facilities are good.
      “But I was disappointed with the football.
      “League One there compares to the bottom three or four in our Premiership and League Two compares to the Championship.
      “But England are very good at marketing their leagues, so people believe it’s high level.
      “Of course it’s very well organised, but the level of football probably wasn’t what I expected.
      “I was still fortunate to referee some decent games in League One.
      “In Scotland teams play against each other four times a season or whatever, so there’s a lot of repetition and it’s the same with referees.
      “You’ll referee each team five or six times a year. Take that over ten years and you are in a lot of contact with the same people so you build up a relationship.
      “They might not agree with your decisions and players will use foul language and I’ll use the same type back.
      “In England that level of respect isn’t there because of their approach, but it was maybe because I was a new face that they didn’t know.
      “They’re also in that arena where they’re very well paid, they have a fantastic environment and there’s maybe a degree of entitlement.
      “I did find a lot of players difficult to deal with and they didn’t like to be challenged.
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      “In Scotland I liked the banter and to give a bit back and have that relationship.”
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      Ex-Rangers star joins sixth-tier side just a week after club statement revealing money troubles

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      KYLE HUTTON once mixed it with the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in the Champions League. And he’s still going strong at the age of 32, even if he’s now dropped down the divisions.
      Kyle Hutton shields the ball from Paul Scholes
      Kyle Hutton locks horns with David Goodwillie
      How Darvel announced the news
      The midfielder has a new club today after agreeing a loan deal from West of Scotland Premier Division side Pollok.
      He’s moved to another club in the division in the form of last year’s Scottish Cup giant killers Darvel.
      After the huge highs of the epic cup win over Aberdeen, Darvel released a statement recently to explain that they would be making a deficit and were cutting cloths accordingly.
      But they clearly feel that the loan signing of Hutton can be an important step within their budget.

      They wrote in a statement: “We can confirm that we have signed midfielder Kyle Hutton on loan from @pollokfc for the remainder of the 23/24 season.
      “Kyle brings a wealth of experience playing at a high level and we can’t wait to see him show what he can do in a Darvel shirt this campaign.”
      Hutton broke into the Gers first team as a teenager under Walter Smith, making his debut that August against Kilmarnock and helping the Ibrox club win the league title and League Cup.
      He got a surprise start in the Champions League against Manchester United that season, and stuck around when Rangers dropped down the divisions.
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      He made 72 appearances in total before he was released in 2015 and has since played for the likes of Queen of the South, St Mirren, Dumbarton, East Kilbride and Cowdenbeath.
      After a year at Forfar, he headed down the divisions again to sign for sixth tier club Pollok before being made available for transfer.
      Outwith of football, Hutton these days works for Siemens Mobility, a company that aims to transform rail travel in Scotland.
      And explaining his role, he told Siemens Mobility on LinkedIn: “I’m a site coordinator at Siemens.
      “I’ll sort of send out reports for works that have been done that night and make sure all of the guys got off site safely.”
      A Darvel statement had hinted at major changes ahead, reading: “Over the coming months there will be a degree of change within the current playing squad which is still to be decided jointly between Club/Management Team, so we ask that fans are supportive of the proposed measures, for better days ahead.”
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      Full list of Storm Babet postponements as SIX Scottish football matches called OFF including two Premiership clashes

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      STORM BABET has hit Scotland – causing severe disruption to roads and public services across the country, and sadly also fatalities.And now no fewer than SIX clashes are off amid scenes which have left thousands of Scots without power.
      Aerial views of Brechin in Angus after the River South Esk burst its banksCredit: Alamy
      Cars have been left stranded as the flooding causes chaos in areas of ScotlandCredit: PA
      Aberdeen’s Premiership clash with Dundee, scheduled for Saturday night, is the highest profile casualty of the storm, with damage and flooding in two of the Pittodrie stands.
      St Johnstone’s meeting with Motherwell is also off, despite reports earlier in the day from both clubs that the match WASN’T in doubt.
      In the lower divisions, Arbroath vs Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers vs Montrose are both off.
      So too is Elgin City v Forfar and Stenhousemuir vs Peterhead.

      An SPFL statement read: “The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed that several games scheduled for this weekend have been postponed following significant weather warnings for much of the country.
      “The SPFL has been in discussions with clubs, Police Scotland and relevant authorities on the developing situation and after the red weather warning issued for Tayside, Aberdeenshire and Angus earlier today, it has postponed matches in the interests of safety. ”
      Calum Beattie, SPFL chief operating officer, said: “We have been in close contact with Police Scotland and our clubs and it’s clear that we continue to face very severe weather, particularly in the North East, in the coming days.
      “We never postpone any matches lightly, but our discussions with the emergency services left us in no doubt that this was the correct decision.”
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      An Aberdeen statement read: “The SPFL and Police Scotland have confirmed Saturday’s SPFL Premiership match against Dundee at Pittodrie has been postponed.
      “Much of the Scottish east coast has been ravaged by Storm Babet, leading to significant damage, disruption and, tragically, loss of life.
      “Pittodrie itself has not been immune, with both wind damage and flooding sustained in both the Richard Donald and Main Stands.
      “With the United Kingdom MET Office having updated its weather warning status to red for large parts of the northeast on Saturday, the most severe threat level which includes a risk to life, Police Scotland and the SPFL have postponed the fixture, along with five others, to a future date.”
      Chief Executive Alan Burrows said: “Given the current awful weather and the updated warnings now in place for Saturday, and the associated risk that would pose to the players, staff, and supporters of both clubs, postponing this match to a later date was the only sensible and logical step.
      “It goes without saying that we would ask everyone to heed the current warnings and advice and stay safe until the worst of the weather has passed.”
      The date and kick-off time of the rearranged match will be confirmed in due course.
      Road closures and cancellations to ScotRail services will make it difficult for players and fans to travel to games.
      Scots were urged to stay at home as a matter of course on Friday.
      The worst of the weather will affect the north and east of Scotland, in particular the areas of Angus and Aberdeenshire.
      In the town of Brechin in Angus there has been tragic flooding, with Met Office red weather warning for rain issued for the area.
      Full list of postponements (as of 3pm Friday 20 October)
      cinch PremiershipAberdeen v DundeeSt Johnstone v Motherwell
      cinch ChampionshipArbroath v Raith Rovers
      cinch League 1Cove Rangers v Montrose
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      cinch League 2Elgin City v Forfar AthleticStenhousemuir v Peterhead
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      Duncan Ferguson back in Scottish football as former Rangers star returns after exile of almost 30 years

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      DUNCAN Ferguson is back in Scottish football – some 30 years on from his controversial departure.It’s a sensational return to the Scottish game for the former Dundee Utd, Rangers, Newcastle and Everton man – who has been appointed manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
      Duncan Ferguson is back in Scottish football after a break of almost 30 yearsCredit: Getty
      Inverness Caledonian ThistleCredit: SNS
      The striker left the Ibrox men for Everton in October 1994 after a headbutt on Raith Rovers’ John McStay which led to a three-month prison sentence and a 12-game SFA ban.
      He went onto become a folk hero for both the Goodison Park side and Newcastle United.
      But he made only seven caps for his country and has never returned to Scottish club football – until now.
      He did his coaching badges with the SFA, although was always thought to be unhappy with how they dealt with his disciplinary issues.

      That’s because Inverness have chosen him as the man to take over from Billy Dodds and attempt to move them off the foot of the Championship table – and have handed him a 3-year deal.
      They wrote in a statement: “The club is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan Ferguson as the new Manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club.
      “The Everton legend joins us on a 3-year deal following an extensive recruitment process which involved some truly excellent candidates.
      “Duncan has worked alongside some of the most respected and outstanding football coaches in the world in recent seasons and we are proud to have him join ICTFC as our new Manager.
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      “His professionalism, commitment and dynamic leadership skills shone through in our discussions, making him the stand out candidate.
      “Everyone at the club is looking forward to supporting Duncan as the hard work starts now and we hope every Caley Jag will now get right behind him and the team in what we are sure will be a thrilling journey.”

      Ferguson earned his coaching reputation as a long-term assistant at Everton – serving as caretaker boss on a couple of occasions for the club.
      Assistant manager role under first Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Ferguson found his maiden stint as a manager in his own right at Forest Green Rovers challenging.
      He won just one of his 18 matches in charge, being unable to prevent them from relegation from League One.
      He has been out of work since leaving the club on July 4.
      But he’s back in the game today, having been appointed to the top job at Caley Thistle with other names in the frame having been Morton boss Dougie Imrie and Celtic hero Scott Brown.
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