Whilst Celtic are getting soundly thrashed in the World Cup Break Cup (see any edition of the Daily Record for details), a reversion to a time when actual football was played. A regular feature is the Good/Bad/Lucky/Unlucky grid. In essence this plots teams’ average goal difference with the difference between that and the expected goals … [continue reading]
Squad Depth Issues Never Stop
Last season’s improbable title win (beating the world champion Europa League finalists!!!!) was largely achieved by 16 players once the January transfer window had closed. 2021/22 Only 16 players completed over 500 minutes on the pitch in the 24 league and cup matches after that window. 40 players appeared for at least one minute during … [continue reading]
Fast Start, Strong Finish
In most running races it is important to start well to establish rhythm and confidence. And, obviously, to finish well – to have enough in the tank for a strong finish without either blowing up too early, or leaving anything on the track. So, in football, being a low scoring sport, it is unusual for … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Week 15
The final round of matches before the dry World Cup in Qatar! SPFL week 15 saw Celtic host Ross County and St Mirren host The Rangers. As ever, the Yorkshire Whistler is here to adjudicate on the big calls. The impact of that call being incorrect can then be evaluated using the framework outlined here … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Week 14
SPFL week 14 saw Celtic travel to Motherwell, and the limitations of the Scottish version of VAR writ large, whilst The Rangers took on Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox. As ever, the Yorkshire Whistler is here to adjudicate on the big calls. The impact of that call being incorrect can then be evaluated using the … [continue reading]
Have the SFA lied to Celtic again?
In Celtic’s recent match at Fir Park, Kyogo Furuhashi played a killer though ball to Jota in the 59th minute. The Portuguese ran on before chipping Liam Kelly in the Motherwell goal. It was a thing of beauty. The linesman raised his flag upon the goal being scored, and the usual check occurred as happens … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Weeks 12 and 13
Bringing us up to date with the big calls reviewed from Match Week 12 and 13 in the SPFL. Despite VAR, there remains uncertainty over the big calls for reasons of inconsistency and people being unsure of the protocols and procedures. As ever, the Yorkshire Whistler is here to help. The impact of that call … [continue reading]
Hart Stopper
Today I am delighted to share a guest article by Martin McGinn. As a goalkeeper himself, Martin would like to offer some insight into Joe Hart this season. As an aside, I welcome guest articles so I you have a proposal please contact me to arrange. Take it away, Martin! Context and Summary Points This … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes Week 11 – The Dawn of VAR
Bringing us up to date with the big calls reviewed from Match Week 11 in the SPFL. The introduction of VAR added to a tumultuous match at Tynecastle involving Celtic where a big call seemed to need review every five minutes. There was also a big moment at Ibrox as the hosts played Livingston. The … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Week Ten
Bringing us up to date with the big calls reviewed from Match Week Ten in the SPFL. VAR will definitely be in operation this weekend! Will this make the Yorkshire Whistler redundant? Or (more likely), will it add another layer to the complexity and intrigue surrounding big calls in SPFL matches? <- Leading question alert … [continue reading]