Alan Pattullo

Dundee manager Steven Pressley discusses his training methods, calm leadership style and emphasis on personal development and good values. He explains the club’s £1 fines for staff who swear, reflects on nearly quitting after heavy defeats, and credits mentor Gordon Strachan with helping him remain in management. Pressley also says he decided against signing his son Aaron to avoid perceptions of favoritism and protect their relationship. The interview comes as Dundee prepare for a derby against Dundee United and deal with Simon Murray’s serious ACL injury, while Pressley settles back in Scotland with his family.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes celebrated his first win in charge as the team defeated St Mirren 5-1 in the Premier Sports Cup. The result set up two successive fixtures against Celtic in September, while Rangers also prepare for a Conference League play-off against FK Jablonec. McInnes said the club is still pursuing a striker to replace the injured Youssef Chermiti and another forward, and expects Ben Godfrey to return for the second leg against Jablonec. Loan signing James Penrice impressed on his debut with a goal and an assist.

Roberto Martinez has withdrawn from consideration to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland manager, with salary expectations reportedly contributing to the decision and Martinez linked to the Netherlands job. Former Clarke assistant Steven Naismith is now the bookmakers' favourite, though his possible appointment has received a mixed reaction. Rafa Benitez and David Moyes are also reported contenders, while the Scottish Football Association expects to appoint a permanent manager before naming its next post-World Cup squad.

Rangers CEO Jim Gillespie said the club appointed Derek McInnes because it viewed him as a Jurgen Klopp-style manager capable of aggressive, front-foot football suited to Rangers’ game model and supporters’ expectations. Gillespie said McInnes had been under consideration since April, before Danny Rohl’s departure, and was ultimately the only candidate judged to meet the club’s criteria. The explanation came amid concern over Rangers’ winless start under McInnes, with two defeats and a draw in his first three matches, though the shareholders’ meeting remained broadly supportive of the club’s leadership.

Rangers opened their league campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United, extending their wait for an opening-day win to four years. Manager Derek McInnes admitted he was wrong to confront referee Nick Walsh over a late decision and criticised the team for showing more urgency in seeking the equaliser than the winner. McInnes cited Dundee United's greater competitive sharpness but said it was not an excuse, while calling for a right-sided wide player and two defenders to join quickly ahead of important domestic and Europa League fixtures.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has appointed Lawrence Shankland as the club’s new captain, succeeding James Tavernier, but wants leadership responsibilities shared across a wider group. Dujon Sterling, Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey are among the likely lieutenants, while Nico Raskin’s future remains uncertain. Rangers are also close to completing a £5 million move for Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya and expect to add further defenders and a forward before the transfer window closes.

Hearts must overturn a 4-0 first-leg defeat by Sturm Graz at Tynecastle to keep their Champions League qualifying campaign alive. Manager Wouter Vrancken says the team will need an almost perfect, highly efficient performance, while Sturm Graz coach Fabio Ingolitsch expects the pressure on Hearts to create attacking spaces. The piece recalls famous European comebacks by Barcelona and Dunfermline, although Dunfermline ultimately lost its subsequent play-off. Hearts will be without key players Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, and several new signings could make their home debuts. Failure to progress would send Hearts into a Europa League play-off against either Benfica or St. Gallen.

A reflective account of covering Scotland’s 2026 World Cup campaign in the United States describes early elimination, muted atmospheres inside press boxes, and memorable off‑pitch experiences. It recounts fan culture, media interactions, and personal moments from travel to literary pilgrimages, while noting Scotland’s missed opportunity to reach the knockout stage and the emotional comedown following the team’s exit.

Roberto Martinez is viewed as an ideal successor to Steve Clarke due to his extensive international and club experience, but securing him would require the Scottish Football Association to significantly increase its financial commitment. With top managers earning multimillion‑pound salaries elsewhere, the SFA faces pressure to act quickly as potential candidates move on and the Nations League approaches. Leadership figures including Mike Mulraney and Ian Maxwell are urged to match Scotland’s recent progress with a competitive recruitment strategy, ensuring the next manager has the expertise and resources needed to advance the national team.

Argentina overturned England’s lead in the World Cup semi-final with two late goals created by Lionel Messi, ending England’s hopes of reaching their first final since 1966. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, but sustained Argentine pressure culminated in strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. Tactical decisions by England manager Thomas Tuchel, particularly withdrawing Gordon, drew criticism as England struggled to handle Argentina’s intensity. Messi’s influence and Argentina’s determination set up a final against Spain while England face France in the third‑place match.

A celebrated photograph taken by Scottish student David Yarrow at the 1986 World Cup final has become a multimillion‑pound charitable asset and an iconic sports image. Yarrow recounts gaining rare pitch access, capturing Diego Maradona moments after Argentina’s victory, and later seeing the image achieve major cultural and financial impact, including recent high‑value auction sales supporting charities such as Street Soccer Scotland. Now an established fine‑art photographer, Yarrow continues to produce prominent football‑related work, including a Viking‑themed Norway squad portrait that drew both praise and minor controversy. His connection with today’s players endures, highlighted by ongoing exchanges with Erling Haaland during the 2026 World Cup.