2008–09 in Scottish football

none April 2014 January 2023 Scotland 2008–09 2007–08 2009–10 yes football background:#BFD7FF 2008–09 in Scottish football 200px Premier League champions Rangers First Division champions St Johnstone Second Division champions Raith Rovers Third Division champions Dumbarton Scottish Cup winners Rangers League Cup winners Celtic Challenge Cup winners Airdrie United Junior Cup winners Auchinleck Talbot Teams in Europe Celtic, Hibernian, Motherwell, Queen of the South, Rangers Scotland national team 2010 World Cup qualification The 2008–09 season was the 112th season of competitive football in Scotland. http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/stats/records/league-championship/league-tables/2000-2007/200809/ 2008/09 – The Scottish Football League 2012-08-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121216051952/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/stats/records/league-championship/league-tables/2000-2007/200809 16 December 2012 Overview Hamilton Academical competed in the Scottish Premier League for the first time, their first season in the top-flight since the 1988–89 season, after being promoted as First Division champions the previous season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/7353608.stm BBC Sport Hamilton Accies 2–0 Clyde 19 April 2008 19 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080423220158/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7353608.stm 23 April 2008 live Gretna were due to play in the First Division after being relegated from the SPL. However, on 29 May 2008, they were demoted to the Third Division due to their failure to guarantee that they would fulfill their fixtures.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gretna/7426281.stm BBC Sport Gretna demoted to Division Three 29 May 2008 29 May 2008 Gretna resigned from the SFL on 3 June 2008 with the club's administrators warning of the threat of liquidation, creating an opening in the Third Division for a new SFL member.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7428328.stm BBC Sport Four clubs wait for Gretna fate 30 May 2008 2 June 2008 Following Gretna's demise a new club, Gretna 2008 was formed, they were given a place in the East of Scotland League, filling the gap left by Annan Athletic. Ross County competed in the First Division after being promoted as Second Division champions. Airdrie United were also promoted into the First Division, filling Gretna's space, as they were the losing play-off finalists. Stirling Albion competed in the Second Division after being relegated from the First Division as the bottom team.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7334953.stm BBC Sport Partick Thistle 1–0 Stirling Alb 8 April 2008 8 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080411150016/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7334953.stm 11 April 2008 live East Fifehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/7296314.stm BBC Sport East Stirlingshire 0–3 East Fife 1 June 2007 5 June 2008 and Arbroathhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/7390697.stm BBC Sport Stranraer 1–0 Arbroath (1–2) 10 May 2008 22 May 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080513143602/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7390697.stm 13 May 2008 live competed in the Second Division after being promoted as Third Division champions and Second Division play-off winners, respectively. Stranraer were also promoted into the Second Division, filling the empty space following Gretna's relegation, as they were the losing play-off finalists. Berwick Rangershttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/7317734.stm BBC Sport Berwick Rangers 2–2 Peterhead 28 March 2008 5 June 2008 and Cowdenbeathhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7379026.stm Cowdenbeath 1–2 Arbroath (2–3) 3 May 2008 BBC Sport 5 June 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080506154512/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7379026.stm 6 May 2008 live competed in the Third Division after being relegated from the Second Division as the bottom team and through the Second Division play-offs, respectively. Annan Athletic competed in the Third Division after being admitted to the SFL. They replaced Gretna, who resigned their league status on 3 June. St Mirren moved into their new 8,000 seater stadium, New St Mirren Park, on 31 January 2009.http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1352950.0.st_mirren_finalise_deal_to_sell_love_street_stadium_to_tesco.php St Mirren finalise deal to sell Love Street stadium to Tesco 24 April 2008 Evening Times 16 June 2008http://www.saintmirren.premiumtv.co.uk/page/TheNewStadium/0,,10295,00.html From Love Street to Greenhill Road St Mirren F.C. 16 June 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080913062229/http://www.saintmirren.premiumtv.co.uk/page/TheNewStadium/0%2C%2C10295%2C00.html 13 September 2008 Notable events 2008 3 July – Annan Athletic, formerly of the East of Scotland League were admitted to the SFL,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/7487357.stm BBC Sport Annan voted into Scottish league 3 July 2008 3 July 2008 beating Cove Rangers, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Spartans.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/7449665.stm BBC Sport Who's next for Division Three? 15 June 2008 30 June 2008 They replaced Gretna, who resigned their league status on 3 June.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gretna/7433470.stm Gretna relinquish league status 3 June 2008 BBC Sport 5 June 2008 6 July – The first competitive match involving a Scottish team was played by Hibernian in the 2008 Intertoto Cup, they lost 2–0 to Elfsborg.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7488839.stm Hibernian 0–2 Elfsborg 6 July 2009 BBC Sport 17 January 2009 11 July – Gretna 2008, founded by the supporters of the bankrupt Gretna, join the East of Scotland League First Division.http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/Gretna-given-place-in-the.4279463.jp Gretna given place in the East of Scotland League Edinburgh Evening News 11 July 2008 15 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081012054430/http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/Gretna-given-place-in-the.4279463.jp 12 October 2008 live 26 July – Competitive domestic competition got under way with the first fixtures of the 2008–09 Challenge Cup.http://soccernet.espn.go.com/scoreboard?league=sco.challenge&date=20080726&cc=5739 https://archive.today/20120716065940/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/scoreboard?league=sco.challenge&date=20080726&cc=5739 dead 16 July 2012 Challenge Cup – Sat, 26 July ESPN Soccernet 17 January 2009 2 August – The Scottish Football League begins with the playing of the first fixtures in the First and Second divisions. 8 August – Former SPL members and Scottish Cup finalists Gretna F.C. are formally liquidated by the club's administrators.http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk/1.218555 Liquidation signals the final nail in Gretna coffin The Cumberland News 8 August 2008 19 August 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090314001628/http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk/1.218555 14 March 2009 9 August – The first matches of the 2008–09 Scottish Premier League take place.http://soccernet.espn.go.com/scoreboard?league=sco.1&date=20080809&cc=5739 https://archive.today/20120719152907/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/scoreboard?league=sco.1&date=20080809&cc=5739 dead 19 July 2012 Scottish Premier League – Sat, 9 August ESPN Soccernet 17 January 2008 13 November – A consortium led by Berwick Rangers Supporters Club agreed a deal to take over the club. Following a poor run of form, manager Allan McGonigal resigned at the same time saying "I made up my mind that when the current directors left I would move on."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/berwick_rangers/7721946.stm Supporters head Berwick takeover 10 December 2008 BBC Sport 10 December 2008 16 November – The 2008–09 Challenge Cup was won by Airdrie United who defeated Ross County 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 draw after extra time, the winning penalty was scored by Marc Smyth.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/airdrie_united/7730751.stm Airdrie Utd 2–2 Ross County 16 November 2009 BBC Sport 4 June 2009 4 December – Scotland fail in their attempt to have the match against Norway moved to October 2009, the match was to go ahead on 12 August 2009.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7765792.stm Scotland lose Norway tie battle 4 December 2008 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090112212445/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7765792.stm 12 January 2009 live 13 December – Celtic drew 1–1 with Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Parkhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/7778775.stm Celtic 1–1 Hearts 13 December 2008 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 which was followed by a reported dressing-room argument between Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and player Aiden McGeady.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7783858.stm Banned McGeady wants Celtic stay 17 December 2008 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090109110740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7783858.stm 9 January 2009 livehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/18/celtic-aiden-mcgeady-gordon-strachan-stephen-mcmanus Celtic players steering clear of McGeady-Strachan row 18 December 2008 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 London https://web.archive.org/web/20090204142132/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/dec/18/celtic-aiden-mcgeady-gordon-strachan-stephen-mcmanus 4 February 2009 live This led to Strachan banning the player without pay for two weeks, after initially saying he would contest the sanction McGeady accepted the punishmenthttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7814160.stm McGeady accepts Celtic sanctions 6 January 2009 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090117012332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7814160.stm 17 January 2009 live and later returned to the team.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/7819269.stm Celtic 2–1 Dundee 10 January 2009 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090116181536/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7819269.stm 16 January 2009 live 2009 3 January – St Mirren drew 0–0 with Motherwell in their last game at Love Street before they moved to New St Mirren Park.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/7806021.stm St Mirren 0–0 Motherwell 3 January 2008 BBC Sport 9 January 2008 28 January – Shares in Berwick Rangers were transferred to complete the deal which handed control to a consortium led by Berwick Rangers Supporters Trust.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/berwick_rangers/7854537.stm New Berwick owners remain bullish 28 January 2009 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090201192011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/berwick_rangers/7854537.stm 1 February 2009 live 31 January – St Mirren drew 1–1 with Kilmarnock in their first match at their new stadium.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/7858986.stm St Mirren 1–1 Kilmarnock 31 January 2009 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090203125954/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7858986.stm 3 February 2009 live 14 February – The Scottish Premier League agreed to the Scottish Football Association's request to delay the start of the SPL season by a week to give the Scotland national team extra time to prepare for the match against Norway.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7884052.stm SPL agree Scotland fixture change 14 February 2009 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090214154958/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7884052.stm 14 February 2009 live 25 February – Former First Minister and former East Fife player Henry McLeish was appointed to chair a review of Scottish football.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7910803.stm McLeish to chair football review 25 February 2009 BBC Sport 1 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090228072946/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7910803.stm 28 February 2009 live 15 March – Celtic won the 2008–09 League cup beating Rangers 2–0 after extra time in the final thanks to a goal from Darren O'Dea and an Aiden McGeady penalty. 4 April – Stranraer were relegated to the Third Division after being beaten 3–0 by Raith Rovers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/7980295.stm Stranraer 0–3 Raith Rovers 4 April 2009 BBC Sport 5 May 2009 2 May – St Johnstone won promotion to the Scottish Premier League as First Division champions following a 3–1 win over Greenock Morton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8028043.stm BBC Sport St Johnstone 3–1 Morton 2 May 2009 3 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090504072854/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8028043.stm 4 May 2009 live The Second Division title and promotion to the First Division was won by Raith Rovers, following a 1–0 win over Queen's Park at Hampden Park.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/8028052.stm Queen's Park 0–1 Raith Rovers 2 May 2009 BBC Sport 5 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090504115857/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8028052.stm 4 May 2009 live Clyde were relegated from the First Division despite beating Dundee 2–0.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8028035.stm Clyde 2–0 Dundee 2 May 2009 BBC Sport 5 May 2009 9 May – The Third Division title was won by Dumbarton after they beat Annan Athletic 3–1, they therefore gained promotion to the second Division.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8038853.stm Annan 1–3 Dumbarton 9 May 2009 BBC Sport 23 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090514061033/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8038853.stm 14 May 2009 live 17 May – Queen's Park were relegated from the Second Division after a 2–1 aggregate loss to Stenhousemuir in their Second Division play-off Semi-final.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/8051189.stm Queen's Park 0–0 Sten'emuir (1–2) 17 May 2009 BBC Sport 25 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090520091859/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8051189.stm 20 May 2009 live 23 May – Falkirk beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1–0 to stay in the SPL and relegate Inverness to the First Division on goal difference.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8062736.stm Inverness CT 0–1 Falkirk 23 May 2009 BBC Sport 24 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090525155559/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8062736.stm 25 May 2009 live Stenhousemuir won promotion to the Second Division as Second Division play-off winners, they beat Cowdenbeath 5–4 on penalties.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/8062746.stm St'muir 0–0 C'denbeath (5–4 pens) 23 May 2009 25 May 2009 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20090526022621/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8062746.stm 26 May 2009 live 24 May – Rangers are crowned Scottish champions after beating Dundee United 3–0, Celtic drew 0–0 with Heart of Midlothian so Rangers won by 4 points.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/8062744.stm Dundee United 0–3 Rangers 24 May 2009 BBC Sport 25 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090525163505/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8062744.stm 25 May 2009 live Airdrie United are relegated to the Second Division and Ayr United are promoted to the First after Ayr won the First Division play-off Final 3–2 on aggregate.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/8062749.stm Airdrie Utd 0–1 Ayr Utd (2–3) 24 May 2009 BBC Sport 25 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090525234403/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8062749.stm 25 May 2009 live 30 May – Rangers won the 2008–09 Scottish Cup beating Falkirk 1–0 in the final thanks to a goal from substitute Nacho Novo just after half-time.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/8072822.stm Rangers 1–0 Falkirk 30 May 2009 BBC Sport 9 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090603150535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8072822.stm 3 June 2009 live Transfer deals List of Scottish football transfers 2008–09 Managerial changes Team Outgoing manager Manner of departure Date of vacancy Replaced by Date of appointment Albion Rovers SCO John McCormack Resigned 28 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/hamilton_academical/7479161.stm BBC Sport McCormack new Accies assistant 28 June 2008 9 July 2008 SCO Paul Martin 9 Julyhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/albion_rovers/7497527.stm BBC Sport Martin is new Albion Rovers boss 9 July 2008 9 July 2008 Heart of Midlothian SCO Stephen Frail Sacked 9 Julyhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7498039.stm BBC Sport Hearts confirm Frail's departure 9 July 2008 12 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080719161829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7498039.stm 19 July 2008 live HUN Csaba László 11 Julyhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7500278.stm BBC Sport Hearts appoint Laszlo as manager 11 July 2008 12 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080719033158/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7500278.stm 19 July 2008 live Dundee SCO Alex Rae Sacked 20 Octoberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/7681011.stm Dundee sack Rae and seek new boss 20 October 2008 BBC Sport 20 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081022100359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/7681011.stm 22 October 2008 live SCO Jocky Scott 30 Octoberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/7695798.stm Scott is Dens boss for third time 30 October 2008 BBC Sport 1 November 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081101001430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/7695798.stm 1 November 2008 live Montrose SCO Jim Weir Sacked 19 Octoberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/montrose/7641052.stm Montrose job interests Donachie 8 October 2008 BBC Sport 24 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081003032255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/montrose/7641052.stm 3 October 2008 livehttp://www.montrosefc.co.uk/Latest%20News.html Montrose FC Latest News – October 2008 19 October 2008 Montrose FC 24 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081029225604/http://www.montrosefc.co.uk/Latest%20News.html 29 October 2008 dead SCO Steven Tweed 15 Januaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/montrose/7830698.stm Tweed takes charge at Links Park 15 January 2009 BBC Sport 17 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090119032903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/montrose/7830698.stm 19 January 2009 live Berwick Rangers SCO Alan McGonigal Resigned 13 Novemberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/berwick_rangers/7721946.stm Supporters head Berwick takeover 13 November 2008 BBC Sport 15 November 2008 SCO Jimmy Crease 26 Decemberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/berwick_rangers/7800263.stm Crease named new Berwick manager 26 December 2008 BBC Sport 1 April 2009 Livingston ITA Roberto Landi Sacked 1 Decemberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/7758863.stm Sack for Livingston manager Landi 1 December 2008 BBC Sport 1 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081204120330/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/7758863.stm 4 December 2008 live SCO Paul Hegarty 5 Decemberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/7764016.stm Livi confirm Hegarty as new boss 5 December 2008 BBC Sport 5 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081206124847/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/7764016.stm 6 December 2008 live Brechin City NIR Michael O'Neill Resigned 15 Decemberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/brechin_city/7784057.stm O'Neill exits Brechin for Hoops 17 December 2008 BBC Sport 20 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081219071041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brechin_city/7784057.stm 19 December 2008 live SCO Jim Duffy 9 Januaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/brechin_city/7819256.stm Duffy confirmed as Brechin boss 9 January 2008 BBC Sport 11 January 2008 Elgin City SCO Robbie Williamson Resigned 20 Decemberhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/elgin_city/7794086.stm Elgin manager quits before match 20 December 2008 BBC Sport 20 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081223074916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/elgin_city/7794086.stm 23 December 2008 live SCO Ross Jack 23 Januaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/elgin_city/7847622.stm New Elgin boss has heady ambition 23 January 2009 BBC Sport 23 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090209171902/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/elgin_city/7847622.stm 9 February 2009 live Inverness CT SCO Craig Brewster Sacked 19 Januaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/inverness_ct/7837715.stm BBC Sport Inverness sack manager Brewster 19 January 2009 19 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090122021207/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/inverness_ct/7837715.stm 22 January 2009 live ENG Terry Butcher 27 Januaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/i/inverness_ct/7842208.stm Butcher named as Inverness boss 27 January 2009 BBC Sport 27 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090125190100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/inverness_ct/7842208.stm 25 January 2009 live Stranraer SCO Derek Ferguson Resigned 24 Januaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stranraer/7849373.stm Ferguson quits as Stranraer boss 24 January 2008 BBC Sport 27 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090127025433/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stranraer/7849373.stm 27 January 2009 live SCO Keith Knox 17 Februaryhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stranraer/7900748.stm Knox appointed Stranraer manager boss 24 January 2008 BBC Sport 19 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090223033902/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stranraer/7900748.stm 23 February 2009 live East Fife SCO Dave Baikie Resigned 14 Aprilhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/east_fife/7998701.stm Baikie resigns as East Fife boss 14 April 2009 BBC Sport 29 April 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090417065033/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/east_fife/7998701.stm 17 April 2009 live SCO Stevie Crawford 14 April Livingston SCO Paul Hegarty Suspended 25 Aprilhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/8019326.stm Hegarty turned away at Almondvale 27 April 2009 BBC Sport 29 April 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090429160747/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/8019326.stm 29 April 2009 live SCO John Murphy 30 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/8125610.stm Livi name coach as deadline looms 30 June 2009 BBC Sport 30 June 2009 Aberdeen SCO Jimmy Calderwood Mutual consent 24 Mayhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/8066189.stm Dons part with manager Calderwood 24 May 2009 BBC Sport 25 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090527104125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/8066189.stm 27 May 2009 live SCO Mark McGhee 12 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/8087934.stm McGhee dedicated to new Dons post 12 June 2009 BBC Sport 12 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090610210351/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/8087934.stm 10 June 2009 live Celtic SCO Gordon Strachan Resigned 25 Mayhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8067244.stm Strachan resigns as Celtic boss 25 May 2009 BBC Sport 26 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090527070549/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8067244.stm 27 May 2009 live ENG Tony Mowbray 16 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8086779.stm Mowbray confirmed as Celtic boss 16 June 2009 BBC Sport 18 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090609115832/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8086779.stm 9 June 2009 live Hibernian FIN Mixu Paatelainen Resigned 29 Mayhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/8074794.stm Paatelainen parts with Hibernian 29 May 2009 BBC Sport 29 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090530012431/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/8074794.stm 30 May 2009 live SCO John Hughes 8 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/8089954.stm Hughes appointed Hibernian boss 9 June 2009 BBC Sport 9 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090612081224/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/8089954.stm 12 June 2009 live Falkirk SCO John Hughes Resigned 8 June SCO Eddie May 23 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/8090098.stm Falkirk name May as new manager 23 June 2009 BBC Sport 27 June 2009 Motherwell SCO Mark McGhee Resigned 12 June IRL Jim Gannon 30 Junehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8111043.stm Motherwell confirm Gannon as boss 30 June 2009 BBC Sport 30 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090623120451/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8111043.stm 23 June 2009 live League Competitions Scottish Premier League 2008–09 Scottish Premier League Scottish First Division 2008–09 Scottish First Division Scottish Second Division 2008–09 Scottish Second Division Scottish Third Division 2008–09 Scottish Third Division Other honours Cup honours CompetitionWinnerScoreRunner-upMatch report2008–09 Scottish CupRangers1–0FalkirkWikipediaLeague Cup 2008–09Celtic2–0 RangersWikipediaChallenge Cup 2008–09Airdrie United2–2 ( 3 – 2 pen.)Ross CountyWikipediaJunior Cup 2008–09Clydebank1–2Auchinleck TalbotDaily Record Non-league honours Senior CompetitionWinnerHighland League 2008–09Cove RangersEast of Scotland League 2008-09SpartansSouth of Scotland LeagueThreave Rovers Junior West Region DivisionWinnerPremier LeagueIrvine MeadowDivision OneLargs ThistleAyrshire LeagueDalry ThistleCentral League Division OneRutherglen GlencairnCentral League Division TwoBlantyre Victoria East Region DivisionWinnerSuper LeagueBonnyrigg Rose AthleticPremier LeagueMusselburgh AthleticNorth DivisionMontrose RoseleaCentral DivisionSt. Andrews UnitedSouth DivisionArmadale Thistle North Region DivisionWinnerPremier LeagueBanks O' DeeDivision OneBuchanhaven HeartsDivision TwoInverness City Individual honours PFA Scotland awards AwardWinnerTeam Players' Player of the Year SCO Scott Brown Celtic Young Player of the Year IRL James McCarthy Hamilton Academical Manager of the Year SCO Gordon Strachan Celtic Celtic midfielder Scott Brown was named Players' Player of the Year after winning the most votes from his fellow players. He was named on the shortlist along with three other Old Firm players, Celtic defender Gary Caldwell and Rangers midfielder's Steven Davis and Pedro Mendes.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/8000792.stm Old Firm to contest player award 15 April 2009 BBC Sport 19 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423224114/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8000792.stm 23 April 2009 livehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/8032039.stm Brown wins Player of Year award 4 May 2009 BBC Sport 19 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090507023736/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8032039.stm 7 May 2009 live The Young Player of the Year award was awarded to James McCarthy who was named on the shortlist along with; Heart of Midlothian winger Andrew Driver, Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher and fellow Hamilton Academical midfielder James McArthur. SFWA awards AwardWinnerTeam Footballer of the Year SCO Gary Caldwell Celtic Young Player of the Year SCO Steven Fletcher Hibernian Manager of the Year HUN Csaba Laszlo Heart of Midlothian International Player of the Year SCO Gary Caldwell Celtic Scottish clubs in Europe Summary ClubCompetition(s)Final roundCoef.CelticUEFA Champions LeagueGroup stage7RangersUEFA Champions LeagueSecond qualifying round0.5MotherwellUEFA CupFirst round0.5Queen of the SouthUEFA CupSecond qualifying round0.5HibernianIntertoto CupSecond round0 Celtic DateVenueOpponentsScoreThe score of the Scottish team is shown first.Celtic scorer(s)ReportChampions League Group stage17 SeptemberCeltic Park, Glasgow (H)DEN Aalborg BK0–0BBC Sport30 SeptemberEstadio El Madrigal, Villarreal (A)ESP Villarreal CF0–1BBC Sport21 OctoberOld Trafford, Manchester (A)ENG Manchester United0–3BBC Sport5 NovemberCeltic Park, Glasgow (H)ENG Manchester United1–1Scott McDonaldBBC Sport25 NovemberEnergi Nord Arena, Aalborg (A)DEN Aalborg BK1–2Barry RobsonBBC Sport10 DecemberCeltic Park, Glasgow (H)ESP Villarreal CF2–0Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGeadyBBC Sport Rangers DateVenueOpponentsScoreRangers scorer(s)ReportChampions League Second qualifying round30 JulyIbrox Stadium, Glasgow (H)LTU FBK Kaunas0–0BBC Sport5 AugustS. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas (A)LTU FBK Kaunas1–2Kevin ThomsonBBC Sport Motherwell DateVenueOpponentsScoreMotherwell scorer(s)ReportUEFA Cup first round18 SeptemberStade Marcel Picot, Tomblaine (A)FRA AS Nancy0–1BBC Sport2 OctoberFir Park, Motherwell (H)FRA AS Nancy0–2BBC Sport Queen of the South DateVenueOpponentsScoreQueens scorer(s)ReportUEFA Cup Second Qualifying Round14 AugustExcelsior Stadium, Airdrie (H)DEN FC Nordsjælland1–2Sean O'ConnorBBC Sport26 AugustFarum Park, Farum (A)DEN FC Nordsjælland1–2Robert HarrisBBC Sport Hibernian DateVenueOpponentsScoreHibernian scorer(s)ReportIntertoto Cup Second round6 JulyEaster Road, Edinburgh (H)SWE IF Elfsborg0–2BBC Sport12 JulyBorås Arena, Borås (A)SWE IF Elfsborg0–2BBC Sport Scotland national team Summary Scotland began the season with a friendly against Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland were denied a victory by substitute goalkeeper Allan McGregor who saved a David Healy penalty after he brought down Warren Feeney inside the area. The draw meant that Scotland had yet to win under George Burley after three matches. The 2010 World Cup qualification campaign began against Macedonia. Scotland faced an early free-kick after Macedonia striker Goran Maznov fell theatrically on the edge of the penalty area as he was challenged by stand-in captain Stephen McManus. Craig Gordon was able to tip the resulting shot onto the post, but Ilčo Naumoski followed up to score five minutes into George Burley's first competitive match. Both teams had opportunities and Scotland were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty after James McFadden was brought down but the referee waved away the appeals and booked the striker for his protests. Scotland recovered from their opening defeat with a 2–1 victory away to Iceland in what was Burley's first win as manager. Kirk Broadfoot scored on his debut and James McFadden scored from a penalty, Iceland got back into the match after captain McManus handled in the box and Eiður Guðjohnsen scored from the resulting penalty. Scotland held out for the win despite having to play the last 13 minutes down to ten men. Scotland drew 0–0 at home to Norway despite debutant striker Chris Iwelumo being presented with an open goal opportunity from just three yards, with the ball being crossed by Gary Naysmith from the left to the right side of the goal where Iwelumo is standing, he connects with the ball but somehow manages to put the ball wide of the left post. The draw left Scotland top of Group Nine but with just four points from three games, with the Netherlands having played just one. They next played a friendly against Argentina in Diego Maradona's first match as Argentina manager, Maxi Rodríguez scored the winning goal for the Argentines in a 1–0 win. The Netherlands beat Scotland comfortably with goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt, depleted by injuries Burley was forced to field an inexperienced side Ross McCormack making his debut started along with Christophe Berra and Allan McGregor, who were making their first competitive starts. Scotland were denied a chance to get back into the match at 2–0 down when referee Massimo Busacca (who was suspended by his home federation) disallowed a seemingly perfectly good Gary Caldwell goal, minutes later the Netherlands were awarded a penalty from which Kuyt scored. Ross McCormack and Steven Fletcher both scored their first international goals in a 2–1 win over Iceland, McCormack opened the scoring after 39 minutes firing high into the net from an Alan Hutton cross, Indridi Sigurdsson levelled for the visitors after Pálmi Rafn Pálmason hit the post, Scotland though regrouped and after 65 minutes were awarded a debatable corner which McCormack took, the ball was headed into the danger area by McManus and Fletcher headed into the net. Scotland had gained seven points from five matches and occupied second spot in Group nine, three points clear of Iceland, four matches between the other teams and Scotland retained second position having played less matches than all other teams in the group meaning they were in prime position for second place with Holland already guaranteed first, However, only the second placed teams from eight of the nine qualifying groups would go into the play-offs. Results Scotland national football team 2000–19 results DateVenueOpponentsScoreScotland's score is shown first.CompetitionScotland scorer(s)Report20 AugustHampden Park, Glasgow (H)NIR0–0FriendlyBBC Sport6 SeptemberSkopje City Stadium, Skopje (A)MKD0–1WCQ(9)BBC Sport10 SeptemberLaugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík (A)ISL2–1WCQ(9)Kirk Broadfoot, James McFadden (pen.)BBC Sport11 OctoberHampden Park, Glasgow (H)NOR0–0WCQ(9)BBC Sport20 NovemberHampden Park, Glasgow (H)ARG0–1FriendlyBBC Sport28 MarchAmsterdam Arena, Amsterdam (A)NED0–3WCQ(9)BBC Sport1 AprilHampden Park, Glasgow (H)ISL2–1WCQ(9)Ross McCormack, Steven FletcherBBC Sport Deaths 17 July – George Niven, 79, Rangers and Partick Thistle goalkeeper.http://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/george-niven-1-1081806 The Scotsman George Niven 23 July 2008 27 December 2014 27 July – Bob Crampsey, 78, broadcaster and writer who contributed to sports programming on BBC Scotland, STV and Radio Clyde.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/7527655.stm Broadcasting legend Crampsey dies 28 July 2008 BBC Sport 31 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080728032809/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7527655.stm 28 July 2008 live 28 August – Bobby Cummings, 72, Aberdeen player.http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1378825,00.html Bobby Cummings 29 August 2008 Aberdeen FC 30 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080901204008/http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10284~1378825%2C00.html 1 September 2008 dead http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2008/08/28/death-of-a-pitman-with-the-toon-in-his-blood-72703-21624951/ Death of a pitman with the Toon in his blood 28 August 2008 Chronicle Live 30 August 2008 31 August – Jamie Dolan, 39, Motherwell, Dundee United, Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston, Forfar Athletic and Partick Thistle player.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/7591749.stm Motherwell mourn death of Dolan 1 September 2008 BBC Sport 1 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080903224711/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/7591749.stm 3 September 2008 live 4 September – Tommy Johnston, 81, Kilmarnock player. 25 September – Jimmy Sirrel, 86, Celtic player.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/7635181.stm Magpies legend Sirrel dies at 86 26 September 2008 BBC Sport 1 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080928103729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/7635181.stm 28 September 2008 live 2 October – John Sjoberg, 67, Leicester City player. 15 October – Eddie Thompson, 67, Dundee United chairman.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/dundee_utd/7670895.stm Dundee Utd chairman Thompson dies 15 October 2008 BBC Sport 26 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081021112445/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee_utd/7670895.stm 21 October 2008 live 25 October – Ian McColl, 81, Rangers defender; Scotland manager.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7691907.stm Former Scotland boss McColl dies 26 October 2008 BBC Sport 26 October 2008 27 October – Andy Young, 83, Raith Rovers and Celtic player.http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituaries/Andy-Young-Footballer.4614926.jp Andy Young: Footballer 22 October 2008 The Scotsman 17 January 2009 3 November – Brooks Mileson, 60, Gretna owner.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7707044.stm Former Gretna boss Mileson dies 3 November 2008 BBC Sport 15 November 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106150424/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7707044.stm 6 November 2008 live 4 November – Paddy Buckley, 83, St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Scotland player.http://www.heraldscotland.com/paddy-buckley-1.894779 Paddy Buckley 15 November 2008 The Herald 28 December 2014 5 November – Ian Anderson, 54, Dundee and St Johnstone player. 27 November – Gil Heron, 87, first black player to play for Celtic.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/scottishpremier/celtic/3537168/Celtics-first-black-player-Gil-Heron-dies-aged-87-Football.html https://web.archive.org/web/20081206192731/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/scottishpremier/celtic/3537168/Celtics-first-black-player-Gil-Heron-dies-aged-87-Football.html dead 6 December 2008 Celtic's first black player, Gil Heron, dies 30 November 2008 The Daily Telegraph 10 August 2013 London Roddy Forsyth 6 December – John Cumming, 78, Hearts and Scotland player.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7771527.stm Hearts great Cumming passes away 8 December 2008 BBC Sport 10 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081211080637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7771527.stm 11 December 2008 livehttp://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Tributes-paid-to-the-.4773735.jp Tributes paid to the Iron Man 9 December 2008 BBC Sport 10 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081211102057/http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Tributes-paid-to-the-.4773735.jp 11 December 2008 live 26 December – George Miller, 69, Dunfermline, Hearts and Falkirk player; Hamilton and Dunfermline manager.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/7801192.stm Bairns and Pars great Miller dies 27 December 2008 BBC Sport 2 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081230024222/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/7801192.stm 30 December 2008 live 28 December – Willie Clark, 90, Hibernian and St Johnstone defender.http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituaries/Obituary-Willie-Clark.4859326.jp Obituary: Willie Clark 9 January 2009 The Scotsman 17 January 2009 6 January – Charlie Thomson, 78, Clyde goalkeeper.http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~1511948,00.html Champion goalkeeper Chic Thompson dies 7 January 2009 Chelsea F.C. 17 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090108110138/http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10268~1511948%2C00.html 8 January 2009 live 7 January – Alfie Conn, Sr., 82, Hearts and Raith Rovers player; Gala Fairydean and Raith Rovers manager. Part of the Terrible Trio forward line.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7816483.stm Hearts mourn death of legend Conn 9 January 2009 BBC Sport 9 January 2009 2 March – Andy Bowman, 74, Hearts, Hamilton Academical and Hawick Royal Albert player.http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituaries/Andy-Bowman.5058134.jp Andy Bowman 11 March 2009 Vallance Matthew The Scotsman 3 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110524142434/http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituaries/Andy-Bowman.5058134.jp 24 May 2011 dead 28 March – Hughie Kelly, 85, Blackpool and Scotland player.http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/A-sad-farewell-to-.5124230.jp A sad farewell to 'team man' Kelly Young Mike 31 March 2009 Blackpool Gazette 3 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090403041717/http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/A-sad-farewell-to-.5124230.jp 3 April 2009 dead 22 April – Billy Smith, 78, Aberdeen defender.http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1641012,00.html https://archive.today/20120630221750/http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1641012,00.html dead 30 June 2012 Former Don Billy Smith 24 April 2009 Aberdeen FC 2 May 2009 3 May – Bobby Campbell, 86, Falkirk and Scotland player; Dumbarton manager.http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10328~1648838,00.html Bobby Campbell obituary 5 May 2009 5 May 2009 Bristol Rovers Football Club https://web.archive.org/web/20090508153849/http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10328~1648838%2C00.html 8 May 2009 dead 25 May – Billy Baxter, 70, Scottish defender who mostly played for Ipswich Town.http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/v2.showNews.php?id=19774 Championship Winner Baxter Dies 26 May 2009 26 May 2009 TWTD https://web.archive.org/web/20090527235031/http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/v2.showNews.php?id=19774 27 May 2009 usurped 7 June – Willie Kilmarnock, 87, Motherwell and Airdrie player.http://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/willie-kilmarnock-footballer-and-publican-1-757450 Willie Kilmarnock: Footballer and publican The Scotsman 24 June 2009 29 December 2014 7 June – Gordon Lennon, 26, Stenhousemuir, Albion Rovers and Dumbarton player.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8089017.stm Football captain killed in crash 9 June 2009 BBC Sport 9 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090609144817/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8089017.stm 9 June 2009 live Notes and references 2008 Category:Football in Scotland by season