Scottish Premiership report card: How does your membership fee? | Soccer Information

With one other dramatic Scottish Premiership season completed, Sky Sports activities assesses who earned prime marks, who might have achieved extra and who have been the star males?

Aberdeen 4/10

It is troublesome to know the place to begin when reviewing Aberdeen’s season.

On one hand this can be a workforce which beat Eintracht Frankfurt in amongst some very credible Europa Convention League performances, narrowly misplaced the League Cup ultimate and have been a penalty kick away from reaching the Scottish Cup ultimate.

Then again, Barry Robson paid for some dismal league outcomes together with his job lower than a yr after being appointed on a everlasting foundation, and the stunning and temporary tenure of Neil Warnock left Dons followers looking for extra solutions because the veteran interim boss did not register a league win earlier than strolling away after 34 days.

The seek for Robson’s everlasting successor ultimately led the board to Elfsborg boss Jimmy Thelin, who will arrive in June. Earlier than then Peter Leven had achieved a powerful job to steer the membership away from a possible relegation play-off spot and to a snug end, albeit within the backside six.

Aberdeen’s solely defeat since March 13 got here on penalties after an exciting 3-3 draw with Celtic within the Scottish Cup semi-final. Thelin might be charged with offering extra days out at Hampden subsequent season.

What do they want subsequent season? Aberdeen followers might be hoping that Thelin can hit the bottom operating and, on the very least combat it out with the likes of Hearts for third spot and a spot again in Europe. The supporters crave silverware and both the League Cup or Scottish Cup stays their greatest wager.

They might be higher positioned to try this if they might maintain on to star striker Bojan Miovski, whose 16 league targets have been invaluable this season, however he might be a person in demand over the summer season.

Star man: Bojan Miovski

Celtic 8.5/10

Celtic peaked on the proper time as they secured a 3rd Scottish Premiership title in a row following a decent title race with Rangers.

It was not as simple because it maybe appeared the season earlier than, with defeats dwelling and away to Hearts and Kilmarnock in addition to dropped factors at dwelling to St Johnstone, Motherwell and Killie once more making for some stunning leads to Brendan Rodgers’ first season again on the membership.

Since that defeat at Tynecastle on March 3, nonetheless, Celtic have barely regarded again. They have been able to make the most of Rangers’ slip-ups and have been relentless in doing so. Taking 10 factors from their Previous Agency rivals made it virtually unimaginable for Philippe Clement’s aspect to come back out on prime and a 2-1 win over Rangers at Parkhead on Might 11 all however sealed the title.

A stunning 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock within the early phases of the League Cup in August ensured there might be no treble for Celtic this season however they’ve the prospect so as to add additional silverware to the cupboard on Saturday once they meet Rangers within the Scottish Cup ultimate.

Rodgers has promised to make Celtic even higher subsequent season and additions could be wanted if they’re to enhance on this time period’s leads to the Champions League, with a crushing 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid the low level of a European marketing campaign which noticed them end backside of their group.

What do they want subsequent season? Rodgers has hinted that he was not completely pleased with Celtic’s summer season enterprise final yr and has promised to mould the squad extra in his picture this time round, spending a few of that assured Champions League money within the course of. A brand new goalkeeper might be prime of the procuring listing, with Joe Hart set to retire they usually could must discover a alternative for star man Matt O’Riley, who has been linked with some heavyweight sides on the continent after one other stellar season during which he bagged 18 targets and 13 assists.

Star man: Matt O’Riley

Dundee 7.5/10

Tony Docherty has taken to his first managerial function like a duck to water after succeeding Gary Bowyer final summer season. Docherty, a very long time assistant to Derek McInnes at St Johnstone, Bristol Metropolis and Aberdeen, made the step up after Bowyer left Dens Park shortly after securing promotion again to the Premiership.

His affect has been fairly exceptional, a lot in order that he was nominated for the PFA Supervisor of the 12 months award. Dundee secured a prime six spot with a degree at Aberdeen in April and put a large dent in Rangers’ title problem with a stalemate the next week.

Sure, the considerably farcical nature of repeated postponements of that match in opposition to Philippe Clement’s aspect was not a terrific look, however Docherty’s workforce have put in some spectacular performances once they have truly taken to the pitch.

Owen Beck was an impressed mortgage signing from Liverpool, even when accidents have curtailed the previous couple of months of his season, whereas the likes of Lyall Cameron and Luke McCowan have been excellent in midfield.

If Docherty is ready to maintain on to all three for subsequent season – which might be simpler stated than achieved – you would not wager in opposition to Dundee ending within the prime half of the desk once more subsequent time round.

What do they want subsequent season? Can Dundee maintain on to Cameron and McCowan? It is going to be very important to their ambitions subsequent season however each are heading into the ultimate yr of their contracts. Whereas targets have been unfold pretty properly concerning the workforce, conceding has been a problem Docherty will wish to handle for subsequent season. Dundee have conceded 68, the second highest within the division after relegated Livingston. Many have are available a couple of heavy defeats to both half of the Previous Agency however the supervisor might be conscious of it subsequent yr.

Star man: Luke McCowan

Coronary heart of Midlothian 8/10

It has been one other profitable season for Steven Naismith, who has established himself as Hearts head coach in his first full season on the helm.

A 3rd place end and two wins over champions Celtic, dwelling and away, alongside two cup semi-final spots level in direction of a satisfying marketing campaign, though there could have been disappointment at not with the ability to go to Hampden not less than as soon as extra this season.

Lawrence Shankland has flourished as soon as once more underneath Naismith, scooping the PFA Scotland participant of the yr award in addition to the Scottish Soccer Writers Affiliation Participant of the 12 months on his solution to breaking the 30-goal barrier in all competitions, regardless of intense hypothesis over his future within the January switch window.

It is not all about Shankland, nonetheless. Hearts have the third meanest defence within the league, and whereas Craig Gordon’s continued absence was a blow, Zander Clark has helped his aspect to 16 clear sheets for the season – the second highest behind Jack Butland at Rangers.

What do they want subsequent season? Does Shankland keep or does he go? The Scotland striker is heading into the ultimate yr of his contract and says he expects additional talks over the summer season, when he needs to be concerned with Steve Clarke’s squad at Euro 2024.

No matter whether or not Hearts do resolve to money in on their star striker, Naismith must discover a manner of including targets to his squad general. Shankland could have bagged 24 within the league for the season, however the drop off to second prime scorer Kenneth Vargas on six, is important.

Star man: Lawrence Shankland

Hibernian 3/10

It has been one other vastly disappointing season for Hibernian, who once more discover themselves with out a everlasting supervisor after the departure of Nick Montgomery earlier this month.

Invoice Foley’s Black Knights, who personal Bournemouth, secured a 25 per cent stake within the membership in March, with their funding probably serving to to fund stadium and coaching floor developments whereas including to the first-team price range.

It’s as much as new sporting director Malky Mackay to make sure these switch funds are lastly spent correctly, however to additionally discover the best supervisor to take the membership ahead, making certain backside six finishes like this season are consigned to the previous.

Hibernian have been underachieving for too lengthy now. Whoever is in cost subsequent season must get Hibs difficult for trophies and a spot in Europe subsequent season.

What do they want subsequent season? Membership stalwarts Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson, each a part of the 2016 Scottish Cup profitable aspect, will depart Easter Highway this summer season after enjoying over 1100 video games mixed for Hibs. That have won’t be simple to exchange, particularly with the managerial place in such flux.

Hibs’ recruitment has been sporadic and disjointed for too lengthy now, hindered undoubtedly by turnover within the dugout and that ought to enhance with Mackay overseeing issues. Making Myziane Maolida’s mortgage transfer a everlasting one can be a begin.

Star man: Myziane Maolida

Kilmarnock 8/10

Derek McInnes did an excellent job of protecting Kilmarnock within the Premiership final season after their return to the highest flight however few might have anticipated such a powerful marketing campaign this time round.

Killie have secured fourth spot and a spot within the second qualifying spherical stage of the Europa League for his or her efforts and European soccer is well-deserved. Nobody exterior of the Previous Agency has overwhelmed Kilmarnock since December 2.

McInnes and his workforce acquired their league marketing campaign off to the very best begin with a shock 1-0 victory over Rangers at Rugby Park. They might observe that up with wins within the Premiership and League Cup over Celtic, even taking a degree at Parkhead in February.

The everlasting signing of Lewis Mayo from Rangers has been an impressed one whereas 19-year-old David Watson was one of many tales of the Premiership season, as his excellent performances earned him the PFA Younger Participant of the 12 months award.

McInnes, nominated for the PFA Supervisor of the 12 months award, was rewarded for an additional high quality season when he gained the Premiership Supervisor of the Season prize on Friday.

What do they want subsequent season? A lot of their summer season exercise could depend upon whether or not the membership decides to money in on Watson. {The teenager} signed a brand new contract till 2026 in November so they’re properly positioned to ask for a major payment for the midfielder. McInnes might be eager to make difficult for Europe a given, reasonably than a bonus and, whereas defensively strong as at all times, could wish to add extra targets to his workforce.

Star man: David Watson

Livingston 2/10

David Martindale had Livingston punching properly above their weight for a lot of years however they lastly succumbed to relegation and might be enjoying within the Championship subsequent season.

The Lions had historically been a cussed aspect to interrupt down however at 70 have conceded essentially the most targets within the league this season. Mix that with scoring simply 29 targets, with the bottom variety of pictures and pictures heading in the right direction throughout the division, and it’s no shock that the drop has lastly caught up with them.

There was once a touch of tension for each Rangers and Celtic when making the journey to Almondvale however these days seem to have gone.

Joel Nouble, who’s out of contract in the summertime, has been a key participant for Livi however has managed only one aim within the league this time period and his targets have been badly missed.

What do they want subsequent season? The enjoying squad will possible endure an actual overhaul heading into the Championship nevertheless it seems as if work is properly underway already. Livi have already introduced the pre-contract signings of Daniel Finlayson, Ricky Korboa, Robbie Muirhead, Matthew Clarke and Liam Sole forward of subsequent season.

Bruce Anderson is ready to go away after three years on the membership however protecting maintain of the likes of Tete Yengi and Stephen Kelly might be pivotal if they’re to come back straight again up, whereas making certain Martindale continues to be round to supervise a promotion push might be simply as very important.

Star man: Tete Yengi

Motherwell 6/10

Motherwell’s place of ninth within the Premiership desk would not fairly inform the entire story of their season. They sit on extra factors than sixth-placed Dundee due to the top-flight cut up however there have been highs in a season combined with a couple of lows.

Stuart Kettlewell’s place was underneath scrutiny in December after a run of 12 video games with out a win despite the fact that that they had taken a well-earned level at Parkhead in that point. The membership caught with Kettlewell, who picked up sufficient factors to stave off the lingering risk of a relegation combat with loads of time to spare.

Nonetheless, the membership have suffered with inconsistency all season. A 5-0 thumping win over Ross County in February was adopted by a disappointing Scottish Cup exit by the hands of Championship aspect Greenock Morton three days later.

A primary win at Ibrox since 1997 in March in opposition to a Rangers aspect that had gained 11 video games on the bounce was adopted up by a meek defeat at dwelling to Aberdeen.

What do they want subsequent season? Kettlewell will wish to see Motherwell begin to make strikes into the highest six locations subsequent season. For too lengthy they hovered uncomfortably over the relegation play-off spot this season and, regardless of being the third highest scorers within the league, they nonetheless have a destructive aim distinction. They’ve saved simply three clear sheets all season, the bottom within the league, and that must be addressed.

The emergence of Theo Bair and Lennon Miller has been a serious constructive for Kettlewell – can he maintain on to them and herald that little bit of additional high quality that can see Motherwell hassle the highest six versus the play-off spot?

Star man: Theo Bair

Rangers 6/10

Few would have predicted that Rangers would nonetheless be battling for a treble as late as Might after a pitiful begin to the season which included three league defeats of their first seven video games and noticed Michael Beale sacked after 10 months in cost.

Philippe Clement’s arrival noticed a right away reversal in fortunes as they clawed again a seven-point deficit to Celtic to arrange one of many tightest title battles in a lot of years. The Belgian guided Rangers to their first League Cup win in 12 years in December and to the final 16 of the Europa League the place they went all the way down to Portuguese giants Benfica 3-2 on mixture.

Nonetheless, it was shortly earlier than their European exit that Rangers’ title problem started to wobble. A battling victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park was instantly adopted by a 2-1 defeat at dwelling to Motherwell.

A defeat at Ross County and draw at Dundee have been slips too far for Rangers of their title chase. Taking one level from 4 Previous Agency conferences within the league proved to be one other decisive issue as a 3-3 draw at Ibrox was adopted up by a 2-1 defeat at Parkhead as Celtic all however secured the title.

Rangers have an opportunity to redeem themselves considerably this weekend once they meet Celtic at Hampden within the Scottish Cup ultimate with Clement chasing his first derby victory as Rangers boss. A win right here would safe a cup double and break Brendan Rodgers’ stranglehold over the fixture.

What do they want subsequent season? Clement has spoken on quite a few events about Rangers’ harm listing. Forward of the go to of Dundee within the penultimate spherical of the season, the supervisor listed the 11 first-team gamers who can be unavailable to him for the match. The membership wants to search out options to a “puzzle” that has performed a component in derailing Rangers title challenges for a lot of years now.

Huge gamers together with John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe and Borna Barisic are all set to go away the membership on the finish of their contracts and Rangers merely must get their summer season recruitment proper forward of one other rebuild. They’ve little margin for error.

Star man: Jack Butland

Ross County 4/10

It was at all times going to be a wrestle for Malky Mackay to duplicate his first season on the World Power Stadium, when he took Ross County to a prime six end however the membership has regressed since then. They averted relegation final season by the barest of margins of their play-off with Partick Thistle.

Mackay solely lasted till November, when he was sacked with County solely above Livingston on aim distinction and having not gained in 9 video games.

His alternative Don Cowie oversaw an honest turnaround in fortunes, which included the membership’s first ever win over Rangers in April.

That they had been set to safe their Premiership standing with a victory over St Johnstone within the penultimate spherical of the season however Adama Sidibeh’s final minute aim saved the play-off scrap ticking over till the ultimate day.

Ross County then did not beat Aberdeen at dwelling whereas St Johnstone acquired what they wanted at Fir Park to arrange one other nail-biting play-off ultimate.

Yan Dhanda, who ought to full his free switch to Hearts in the summertime, has once more been pivotal for the Staggies however who is aware of the place County can be with out Simon Murray’s 13 league targets.

What do they want subsequent season? County must work exhausting to exchange Dhanda’s creativity however Cowie has proven loads of indicators that he’s the person to assist take the membership to the following degree subsequent season, if they will get previous Raith Rovers within the play-off. Supporters might be eager to see progress in transferring away from the underside two spots. Retaining Murray’s targets might be key however County’s defence continues to be a problem, with solely Dundee and the relegated Livingston conceding extra this season.

Star man: Simon Murray

St. Johnstone 4/10

It has been a vastly irritating season for St Johnstone.

The appointment of Craig Levein following the sacking of Steven MacLean in October did present some non permanent reduction and pulled them away from the automated relegation place however you could not shake the sensation that they have been by no means completely out of the woods.

A 1-0 win over Ross County in Dingwall in February opened up daylight of their bid to keep away from the relegation combine however they adopted that up with 4 straight defeats and have taken simply 5 factors from 9 video games for the reason that begin of March.

A final minute equaliser from Adama Sidibeh in opposition to the Staggies within the penultimate spherical of fixtures was very important as they secured their top-flight standing following a ultimate day win at Motherwell.

The Perth aspect discovered themselves on this place thanks largely to a critical lack of targets this season. Nicky Clark and Stevie Might, so usually instrumental in scoring the targets to maintain St Johnstone ticking over, have struggled this season. Clark has seven within the league, with Might’s solitary strike coming within the League Cup in July.

What do they want subsequent season? St Johnstone will wish to keep away from being on this place once more subsequent season. Proprietor Geoff Brown agreed to promote the membership to American lawyer – and Cambridge United minority shareholder – Adam Webb earlier this month. The hope is that may rejuvenate a membership whose place within the league has felt just a little stale over the previous few seasons, particularly after the excessive of profitable a cup double underneath Callum Davidson in 2021.

Star man: Dimitar Mitov

St. Mirren 8/10

Stephen Robinson can head into the summer season with a way of satisfaction as soon as extra after guiding St Mirren to back-to-back prime six finishes within the Premiership, even bettering final season’s ultimate league place.

Much more thrilling for the Saints is what that fifth place end means – they’ll enter the second qualifying spherical of the Europa Convention League subsequent season, with Robinson main St Mirren again into Europe for the primary time since 1987.

Toyosi Olusanya and Mikael Mandron have chipped in with some very important targets this season, however Alex Gogic has most likely greatest outlined the aspect’s decided angle. St Mirren have been within the prime six dialog all season and have very successfully gone about their enterprise all through the marketing campaign.

Their first Premiership lack of the season got here to Rangers in October, displaying how positively that they had began they usually discovered a substantial amount of consistency all through the season. Their prime six hopes have been significantly boosted when Mark O’Hara and Olusanya scored in stoppage time to earn a 2-1 win over Aberdeen in March, sparking wild celebrations on the SMISA stadium.

What do they want subsequent season? Olusanya prolonged his deal earlier within the yr and Gogic signed a brand new three-year contract earlier this month, displaying Robinson is eager to maintain his key gamers with an eye fixed on subsequent season. Nonetheless, the supervisor will wish to add targets over the summer season. Solely the three relegation contenders – Livingston, Ross County and St Johnstone – have scored fewer this season. Including extra targets might push St Mirren on once more subsequent time period and presumably see them put a cup run collectively.

Star man: Alex Gogic