Andy Halliday’s Weekend to Remember – From Ibrox Heroics to a Hibs Anthem Revelation
Andy Halliday, the former Rangers midfielder, experienced a rollercoaster weekend that Scottish football fans won’t soon forget. On Saturday, he captained Motherwell to a stunning 2-1 victory over Rangers at Ibrox, securing a milestone win for the club. Then, on Sunday, he made his Sky Sports punditry debut, covering the Edinburgh derby between Hibernian and Hearts.
What happened next? A hilarious revelation, a bit of football banter, and a reminder of a painful past that left Halliday in an awkward position.
Let’s dive into the details of Halliday’s action-packed weekend and why it’s got the Scottish football world buzzing.
Motherwell’s Stunning Ibrox Victory – A Captain’s Performance
Saturday saw Halliday take center stage as Motherwell pulled off an incredible 2-1 win at Ibrox. The Steelmen’s triumph marked their first victory at the famous Glasgow stadium since last season, and Halliday played a crucial role in the midfield.
This was a massive statement win for Michael Wimmer’s side, as they spoiled Barry Ferguson’s return as Rangers’ interim manager. Halliday, who has always had a deep emotional connection with Rangers as a lifelong fan and former player, showed his leadership skills by guiding Motherwell to one of their best performances of the season.
Reflecting on the game, Halliday admitted:
“All the talk was about Barry Ferguson’s return as interim manager. After their result at Kilmarnock, coming back from two goals down to win, it felt like there was a buzz going into the stadium. But it wasn’t just the result, it was the performance. I thought it was our best performance of the season.”
The Hibs Anthem Revelation – “First Time I’ve Heard It Live”
After the emotional high of Saturday’s victory, Halliday switched roles on Sunday, making his punditry debut for Sky Sports as he covered the Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibs.
During the match, Hibernian fans passionately sang their unofficial anthem, Sunshine on Leith, after their 2-1 victory over Hearts. But Halliday made a surprising confession during his appearance on the Open Goal podcast—he had never heard the famous song live before!
His admission shocked many, given his years of experience in Scottish football. Hibs’ anthem is one of the most iconic in the game, especially after their unforgettable 2016 Scottish Cup Final win.
Dylan McGeouch’s Brutal Response – A Painful Rangers Memory
Of course, Scottish football banter is never far away. Former Hibs and Celtic midfielder Dylan McGeouch, who was part of the team that defeated Halliday’s Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup Final, wasted no time in firing back.
When Halliday revealed he hadn’t heard Sunshine on Leith live before, McGeouch cheekily responded:
“The cup final, yous were in the dressing room.”
The room burst into laughter, while Halliday could only manage an awkward smile, no doubt recalling the painful day at Hampden Park when Hibs ended their 114-year wait for the Scottish Cup.
Halliday’s Goal Celebration Debate Resurfaces
Halliday was again in the spotlight on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard after Motherwell’s win at Ibrox. This time, the discussion turned to his controversial decision earlier in the season when he refused to celebrate after scoring against Rangers in a Scottish Cup semi-final.
His muted celebration had divided opinion, with some fans respecting his loyalty to his former club and others questioning his commitment to Motherwell.
When radio host Gordon Duncan pressed him about his reaction this time, Halliday clarified his stance:
“I certainly didn’t apologise after winning the game, that’s for sure. So I’ve learned my lesson from last time!”
His words suggest that while his love for Rangers remains, he’s fully committed to Motherwell and embracing his role as a leader at Fir Park.
A Performance to Remember – What’s Next for Halliday?
Despite the mixed emotions of the weekend, there’s no denying that Andy Halliday had one of his most impactful performances of the season.
Motherwell’s victory at Ibrox was a statement of intent, and Halliday’s leadership in midfield played a crucial role. Meanwhile, his punditry debut proved to be an entertaining addition to his career, with his sharp insights and good-natured banter winning over fans.
The question now is: will Halliday continue his rise as a pundit while still playing at a high level? And after finally hearing Sunshine on Leith live, will he ever experience it again in a less painful context?
One thing’s for sure—Halliday’s weekend has reminded Scottish football why he remains such a compelling figure, both on and off the pitch.
Source: Rangers Review