Anthony Evans

Couhaib Driouech says his proposed £7 million move from PSV Eindhoven to Rangers collapsed because the clubs’ medical teams disagreed over a small thigh tear and a knee injury that caused a hematoma. Although he had agreed personal terms and viewed the transfer as an important career step, he is now back in full training with PSV. His future remains uncertain, while former Feyenoord striker Harry van der Laan has urged PSV to keep him.

Rangers and Celtic will meet at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on September 12 or 13, but Celtic are not guaranteed the 20 percent away allocation required in the Scottish Cup. SPFL cup rules set no fixed minimum for visiting supporters, while the clubs’ Premiership agreement provides roughly 5 percent. The prospect of a larger Celtic allocation is further complicated by the March Scottish Cup pitch invasion, which led to objects and pyrotechnics being thrown, police injuries and an assault on a Celtic coach. Celtic later refused Rangers’ allocation for a league match unless the Union Bears were excluded.

Rangers defeated defending holders St Mirren 5-1 at Ibrox to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Ryan Naderi, Vanja Dragojevic, Djeidi Gassama, James Penrice and Ross McCausland scored for Rangers, while Chris Mochrie replied for St Mirren. The match also featured a missed retaken penalty after Killian Phillips took the first attempt before the referee’s whistle. Rangers were subsequently drawn at home against Celtic in the quarter-finals, while St Mirren’s title defence ended.

Rangers defeated defending champions St Mirren 5-1 at Ibrox to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals and were drawn at home against Celtic, setting up an Old Firm match shortly before the clubs meet in the Premiership. The other quarter-final ties are Stenhousemuir against Hearts, Ross County against Hibernian, and Kilmarnock against Aberdeen. Hearts, Hibernian, Aberdeen and Stenhousemuir also advanced from the last-16 ties, with Stenhousemuir providing the round’s major upset by eliminating Motherwell.

The Scottish Football Association and VAR chief Willie Collum said Celtic’s second goal in their 4-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Dundee United was correctly allowed to stand. Although the ball struck Kasper Hogh’s hand before Camilo Duran scored, the SFA said the contact was accidental and that the immediate-goal handball offence applies only when the player who handled the ball subsequently scores. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin, pundit Michael Stewart and former referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy disagreed, while the SFA said the incident differed from a handball decision that ruled out a Falkirk goal.

The Premier Sports Cup quarter-final draw will take place on Sunday, August 16, immediately after Rangers’ last-16 match against St Mirren, which kicks off at 4pm and may require extra time and penalties. Premier Sports will broadcast the draw, with subscribers also able to watch through its online player or app. The quarter-final ties are scheduled for the weekend of September 12–13, following the completion of the second-round fixtures.

Rangers will meet Georgian side FC Iberia in the Europa League playoff round if they overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Jagiellonia Białystok. The club has endured a winless start under Derek McInnes and suffered injuries to Youssef Chermiti and Tuur Rommens, while Couhaib Driouech is expected to arrive from PSV Eindhoven and Jayden Meghoma is reportedly a loan target. If Rangers fail to progress, they will enter the Conference League playoff round against either FK Jablonec or FC RFS.

Rangers have reportedly reopened talks with Sheffield United over Scotland Under-21 striker Ryan One after Youssef Chermiti suffered an ACL injury expected to rule him out for a significant period. Despite having Lawrence Shankland, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski available, Rangers are interested in the 20-year-old, who scored five goals in 16 appearances for Lincoln City last season and helped the club win promotion to the English Championship.

Rangers may regret allowing captain James Tavernier to leave without a new contract, according to former Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend. The club has struggled to fill the right-back position during a winless start under manager Derek McInnes, suffering defeats to Hibernian and Jagiellonia Białystok and drawing with Dundee United. Rangers are pursuing Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic, while earlier comments from former defender Connor Goldson have resurfaced warning that the club would only appreciate Tavernier after his departure.

Celtic are reportedly monitoring Nick Pope after Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle told the goalkeeper he is free to leave St James’ Park. Pope, who has 12 months remaining on his contract and more than 150 Newcastle appearances, is also being watched by newly promoted Ipswich Town. Celtic are seeking a replacement for retired goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel ahead of their Champions League qualifying play-off against LASK.

The Scottish Football Association will chair a summit with all 42 SPFL clubs at St Andrews on September 4 to discuss the future of Scottish football, with particular focus on opportunities for homegrown young players and elite talent development. The meeting follows scrutiny over the limited number of Scottish players receiving first-team opportunities and comes after Scotland’s early World Cup exit and Steve Clarke’s resignation. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mullholland will lead the discussions, while the association has yet to appoint Clarke’s successor.

Former Rangers player and manager Barry Ferguson says Nicolas Raskin should be worth at least £20 million and possibly more if Celtic’s Arne Engels attracts a fee above £25 million. Raskin, a Belgium international under contract with Rangers until 2028, is reportedly wanted by Villarreal and Real Betis after impressing at the World Cup. Ferguson believes Rangers have set a high internal valuation and would only sell if it is met.

Andy Halliday has strongly criticized Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez after errors in the club’s 1-1 draw with Dundee United and 2-1 Europa League defeat to Jagiellonia Białystok. Halliday argues that Fernandez lacks the positioning, body shape and defensive instincts required of a dependable centre-back, and claims Derek McInnes does not currently trust him but has limited alternatives. Rangers have added Ben Godfrey and Olwethu Makhanya to their defensive ranks, although Godfrey is injured and Makhanya has not yet played, while John Souttar could leave. Rangers must overturn the first-leg deficit in the return match at Ibrox.

Former Sunderland teammate Aiden McGeady said Celtic should have pursued Dan Neil before Rangers signed the midfielder on a free transfer. McGeady praised Neil's focus, technical ability, passing and positional intelligence, while jokingly telling him that he was better than Rangers. Neil has joined Rangers after spells with Sunderland and Ipswich Town and made his official debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw with Dundee United.

Gvidas Gineitis's agent says Celtic representatives have made contact and that the Torino midfielder is willing to consider a move, but no formal offer has been submitted. Celtic are looking to strengthen midfield amid West Ham's expected renewed pursuit of Arne Engels and uncertainty over Reo Hatate. The club is also discussing a potential deal for Paderborn playmaker Mika Baur, whose contract expires next summer.

Celtic supporters express alarm over the club's limited transfer activity ahead of a Champions League play-off against LASK, arguing that Martin O'Neill needs to strengthen the defence with one or two top-quality centre-backs. The club has spent £17 million on Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh but has struggled to land further targets. Hotline callers are divided over Rangers' 1-1 draw with Dundee United in Derek McInnes' first match, with some questioning the manager and others urging fans not to overreact before Rangers' Europa League tie against Jagiellonia Białystok. The column also pays tribute to regular caller Bud Hay, who has died.

Rangers began Derek McInnes's tenure with a 1-1 draw at Dundee United, prompting Daily Record hotline callers to question his tactics, recruitment and prospects of surviving beyond October. Some supporters warned that McInnes could be dismissed like Russell Martin, while Neil McCann was suggested as a possible replacement. Dundee United were praised for arguably deserving all three points. The discussion also covered Celtic's signing of Kasper Høgh, possible departures for Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, criticism of Youssef Chermiti, and continuing controversy over the pitch invasion and disciplinary treatment of Celtic's final match of the previous season.

Everton are preparing a potential offer of more than £10 million for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, although no official bid has yet been made. Celtic want to keep the 27-year-old, whose contract runs until 2029, after his strong performances for Canada at the World Cup and his return from a serious hamstring injury helped the club complete a domestic Double. Everton are leading the pursuit, with Fulham, Ipswich Town and other clubs also reportedly interested.

Derek McInnes will be allowed to manage Rangers from the dugout against Dundee United at Tannadice while the club appeals his Scottish FA four-match suspension. The ban followed comments he made as Hearts manager criticizing a VAR intervention that awarded Celtic a late penalty against Motherwell. Rangers argue that McInnes criticized a match decision rather than the competence or integrity of officials, and contend that similar comments have previously received lighter or no punishment. The club also cites an independent review that found the referee’s original decision correct and the VAR intervention improper.

Celtic are not expected to follow up their enquiry for AEK Athens left-back James Penrice, who joined the Greek club from Hearts for about £2 million last summer. The club have signed Camilo Duran and are reportedly close to a club-record deal for Kasper Hogh, while also pursuing Mika Baur and Brondby midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic. Brondby sporting director Julius Ohnesorge said the club would consider outgoing moves cautiously and would not prevent players from pursuing suitable opportunities.

Celtic drew 2-2 with AC Milan in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Celtic Park. Celtic took a 2-0 lead through Camilo Duran, who capitalized on a defensive error before setting up James Forrest. Milan responded after halftime when Francesco Camarda converted a penalty and later headed in Samuel Chukwueze's cross. Neither side found a winner, but the match provided useful preparation ahead of Celtic's Premiership title defence. The report also highlighted Celtic's agreed club-record deal of more than £11 million for Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh.

Daizen Maeda has left Celtic for newly promoted Ipswich Town in an initial £8 million transfer that could rise to £10 million. The Japan international, who scored 79 goals in 212 Celtic appearances and won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups, thanked the club and Glasgow supporters in an emotional farewell message. He said Celtic had been the most special chapter of his life and expressed hope that his family would return to Glasgow in the future.

Aberdeen are interested in signing 21-year-old Kayserispor centre-back Jadel Katongo, but the finances required to agree a deal with the Turkish club are expected to make the transfer difficult. The former Manchester City player spent two seasons on loan at Peterborough United, winning the EFL Trophy twice, before moving to Kayserispor in January, where he made 10 top-flight appearances. Katongo can also play right-back and has represented England through under-20 level, while remaining eligible for Zambia. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is continuing to reshape the squad ahead of the new Premiership season.

Tromso sporting director Lars Petter Kræmer-Andressen says the club is preparing for possible departures during the transfer window, including Rangers target Jens Hjerto-Dahl. Rangers previously had a £5.3 million bid rejected, while Cardiff City are reportedly willing to pay £7.8 million; Hjerto-Dahl has indicated that a move to Ibrox appeals to him. Rangers have also signed Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade and remain linked with Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, who is absent from the club for stated personal reasons after a proposed move to Belgium fell through.

Olwethu Makhanya has refused to return to Philadelphia Union, accusing the club of breaking promises after rejecting a European bid. Rangers have expressed early interest in the defender as they continue strengthening their squad, having already secured Ben Godfrey on loan and moving close to signing Vanja Dragojevic. Rangers also maintain interest in Jens Hjerto-Dahl, though Tromso demand a high fee amid competition from Cardiff City.

Rangers will face Polish champions Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round, with the first leg in Bialystok on August 6 and the return at Ibrox on August 13. The article outlines Jagiellonia’s history, key players including former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi, and their recent European record. Travel details, ticket prices and local costs for visiting supporters are also provided.

Jens Hjerto-Dahl expressed uncertainty over his future at Tromso after scoring in a 4–1 win against HamKam, amid ongoing transfer interest from Rangers and Cardiff City. Tromso are holding out for a £7.5 million fee, but a potential Rangers move may progress as the club seeks to sell Nico Raskin. Rangers are also close to signing Vanja Dragovic from Partizan Belgrade. Hjerto-Dahl said he is taking his situation day by day but hopes to feature in upcoming Europa League qualifiers, while manager Jorgen Vik praised his focus despite the speculation.

A brace from Tochi Chukwuani secured a 2–2 draw for Rangers in a pre‑season friendly against Johor Darul Ta'zim as the team concluded its training camp in Spain. The Malaysian side led by two goals before the Danish midfielder struck twice in quick succession. Derek McInnes used the match to rotate his squad, with several summer signings starting and further changes made in the second half. Rangers now turn attention to upcoming home friendlies against St Etienne and West Ham United before beginning their Premiership campaign and Europa League qualifying commitments.

Celtic are monitoring Atalanta’s Mitchel Bakker as a potential signing to strengthen the left‑back position, with the club also in talks to bring Marcelo Saracchi back after his successful loan spell. Bakker, who has struggled with injuries and limited playing time, is available for transfer and attracting further interest from Serie A and Turkey. Saracchi faces competition from Argentine clubs Independiente and Estudiantes as Celtic considers alternatives for the role.

Philadelphia Union rejected a £3 million bid from a Belgian club for South African defender Olwethu Makhanya, who is reportedly a target for Rangers as they continue to strengthen their squad. A move may hinge on the potential departure of John Souttar, who is attracting interest from Leicester City and Sheffield United after being omitted from Rangers’ pre‑season trip. Rangers have already added Ben Godfrey on loan as Derek McInnes prepares for Europa League qualifiers.

Scottish clubs remain active in the transfer market as Celtic face potential departures, Rangers continue to overhaul their squad, and Aberdeen move toward signing Lewis Smith following recent sales. Manchester United secure Andrey Santos, Roma extend Paulo Dybala’s deal, and Feyenoord pursue goalkeeper reinforcements. Transfer interest grows in Daizen Maeda, Che Adams, Robbie Ure, and Youri Tielemans, while multiple clubs across Europe prepare bids or finalize exits. Several Scottish sides, including Dundee, Airdrieonians, St Mirren and Kilmarnock, assess squad needs as preseason matches reveal early form and strategic adjustments.

Daizen Maeda reiterates his desire to leave Celtic this summer in pursuit of a move to the English Premier League, stating he is open to joining any top‑flight club. With one year remaining on his contract, both he and manager Martin O'Neill acknowledge the likelihood of his departure. Maeda reflects on a previously failed transfer to Wolfsburg but says he regained focus to help Celtic secure a league and cup double. He emphasises confidence in succeeding in England and awaits negotiations between Celtic and interested clubs.

Rangers had a £5.3 million bid rejected for Jens Hjerto-Dahl as Tromso maintain their £7.5 million valuation. The 20-year-old midfielder says he is trying to remain relaxed about his future while acknowledging he thinks about a potential move to Ibrox. Tromso’s sporting director Lars Petter Andressen confirms several clubs are interested but stresses that any transfer depends on both the player’s wishes and meeting the club’s price expectations.

Brondby sporting director Julius Ohnesorge confirmed the club is open to selling World Cup midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic but said they have received no contact from Celtic or Borussia Dortmund. Tahirovic, who played all four matches for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup, will review his future after returning from his break. Brondby’s recent signing of Max Ejdum provides cover in midfield, but any transfer depends on strong interest from both the player and another club at a suitable fee.

Cammy Devlin expresses excitement at reuniting with Lawrence Shankland and manager Derek McInnes at Rangers after joining on a free transfer from Hearts. He highlights Shankland’s long‑held ambition to play for the club and credits McInnes for boosting his confidence and development during their previous season together. Devlin views Rangers as the ideal place for shared ambition and looks forward to working under McInnes as the club begins a new chapter.

Nico Raskin is attracting significant transfer interest after a standout World Cup in which he was praised as Belgium’s most important player. Former coaches and ex‑professionals highlighted his versatility, discipline and defensive quality, with Premier League and Serie A clubs monitoring him as he considers a potential move away from Rangers.

Daizen Maeda has reiterated his intention to leave Celtic, stating that he believes the time is right to pursue a move to the English Premier League. Entering the final year of his contract, he highlighted his long-standing ambition despite concerns about his age affecting interest. Speaking at the launch of his autobiography, he maintained openness to any offers that may arise. Celtic have strengthened their attack with the signing of Camilo Duran and are negotiating to keep Kelechi Iheanacho, who is also exploring options abroad.

Callers debate Nico Raskin’s rising value after his World Cup performances and urge Rangers to keep him as a central figure. Celtic supporters and critics clash over pre-season form, transfer power, and expectations under Martin O’Neill, while the club prepares to sign Camilo Duran. Duncan Ferguson receives praise for his World Cup punditry as discussion continues across Scottish football’s major rivalries.

Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl admits a move to Rangers is tempting after the Scottish club had a £5.3 million bid rejected by Tromso, who are holding out for £7.5 million. The 20‑year‑old acknowledges the appeal of playing in the Old Firm derby and confirms he prefers a move to Glasgow over Istanbul despite interest from Besiktas. He says he is now focused on upcoming fixtures after the initial offer was turned down.

Scott McTominay is seeking a new £8.5 million-per-year contract at Napoli, a significant increase from his current salary, though the club views the demand as excessive. His strong performances in Italy have attracted interest from Real Madrid, but he faced criticism for Scotland’s early World Cup exit. Former goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano dismissed comparisons between McTominay and elite players as exaggerated, attributing his success to Antonio Conte’s coaching.

Hertha Berlin prepare for possible departures as goalkeeper Tjark Ernst attracts interest from Celtic and Feyenoord, with reports he has rejected Wolfsburg. Boca Juniors have frozen out Marcelo Saracchi after rejecting Celtic’s loan bid and are seeking a permanent transfer, with interest from Independiente and a minimum fee set by sporting director Juan Roman Riquelme.

Kerr McInroy reflects on his decade at Celtic, crediting the club for his football education and praising Shaun Maloney’s coaching ability as he rose through the professional ranks. Now playing for Shelbourne, McInroy is disappointed to miss a friendly against his former club due to injury but expresses gratitude for his development and fond memories of his time at Celtic. He highlights Maloney’s impact as a coach and recalls closely following last season’s dramatic title race and cup success.

Gianni Infantino rejected accusations that Donald Trump influenced FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card, insisting the ruling came from an independent disciplinary committee. Trump had appeared to take credit for the reversal, prompting backlash from UEFA, the Belgian FA and prominent figures such as Jurgen Klopp, who accused both leaders of overreach. Infantino acknowledged speaking with Trump during the process but maintained that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate autonomously and that respecting their independence is essential to preserving the organisation’s integrity.

Craig Burley criticizes FIFA for overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card after Donald Trump reportedly pressured Gianni Infantino to reverse the decision. UEFA and the Belgian FA condemn the ruling and consider legal action, while Jurgen Klopp also attacks Trump and Infantino for interfering in football matters. Burley argues the episode reinforces perceptions of bias within FIFA and suggests England may challenge a red card issued to Jarell Quansah.

Scottish clubs remain active in the transfer market as Celtic progress talks with Camilo Duran and secure Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a new deal, while Rangers pursue Vanja Dragojevic and assess potential sales to fund interest in Lewis Ferguson. Hibs complete the signing of Azeem Abdulai, Aberdeen prepare for further departures, and Hearts strengthen both squad and backroom staff. Internationally, major moves include Rennes signing Eliezer Mayenda, Newcastle landing Bazoumana Toure, and Juventus cooling interest in Zion Suzuki. Jurgen Klopp is linked with the Germany job, and Ange Postecoglou targets continental success after joining Al-Nassr. The live blog highlights ongoing negotiations, completed deals, and developing stories across Scotland and beyond.

Aberdeen’s revamped squad under Stephen Robinson includes eight new summer signings aimed at boosting physicality, creativity and pace after a poor previous season. The team is expected to use fluid formations, switching between four- and five-man defensive setups depending on the opposition, with early competitive fixtures in the Premier Sports Cup followed by their Premiership opener against Hearts. Several positions still need reinforcement, especially at full-back, as Robinson shapes his preferred lineup for the new campaign.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has agreed to extend his stay at Celtic by signing a new one-year contract after enjoying working under manager Martin O’Neill. Despite receiving offers from other European clubs, he is set to commit to the Scottish champions, having scored twice in 12 appearances since joining in February. Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to leave the club after Celtic opted not to extend his contract, with interest reportedly coming from teams in Turkey.

Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon last 16 after defeating Arthur Rinderknech and equalled Roger Federer’s record for men’s singles wins at the tournament. In a post‑match interview, he reacted humorously to being told Martina Navratilova holds an even higher all‑time singles win total and jokingly proposed a match with Federer to determine ownership of the record. He reflected on competing at age 39, highlighted challenging match conditions, and noted his desire to continue performing well as the tournament progresses.

A selection of high-profile footballers currently available on free transfers is highlighted, featuring experienced internationals and former league champions across Europe. The list outlines each player's recent form, career standing, and potential market value, emphasizing opportunities for clubs seeking strong additions without transfer fees. The XI includes notable names such as Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric, Casemiro, John Stones, and Dusan Vlahovic, with combined estimated values surpassing £130 million, showcasing the exceptional depth of talent available this window.

England fell 1–0 behind to DR Congo in their World Cup last‑32 match, prompting fierce criticism from prominent pundits who condemned the team’s lack of intensity, organisation and composure. Analysts including Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Paul Robinson highlighted England’s poor body language, defensive frailties and inability to control the game, while Brian Cipenga’s first‑half goal exposed vulnerabilities at the back. Alan Shearer expressed anger over VAR’s refusal to award Harry Kane a penalty, adding to frustration around England’s performance.

Celtic are monitoring Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis as a potential replacement for Arne Engels, who is attracting major transfer interest. The Lithuanian international has additional suitors in the Bundesliga, and his agent says he is motivated by working under new Torino coach Ignacio Abate while remaining open to evaluating strong offers. Gineitis has become an important player for Torino after consistent performances in Serie A.

Callers react to Rangers’ busy transfer activity, heavily criticising the loan signing of Ben Godfrey while expressing doubts about Derek McInnes’ direction. Celtic fans debate Daizen Maeda’s future, Arne Engels’ valuation and the appointment of set-piece coach Ross Grant. Additional callers discuss Scotland’s poor World Cup showing and propose John McGlynn as the next national team manager, while Ally McCoist earns praise for his commentary work.

Jack Butland confirms he is leaving Rangers after three seasons and 155 appearances, following a £3 million move to an English Premier League club and the club’s signing of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. In a message to fans, he expresses pride in representing the team and gratitude for their support, describing his time at Ibrox as memorable and emotionally significant.

Atalanta are targeting Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard following his strong World Cup performance for Norway, where he scored in a group-stage match against France. Italian reports claim new manager Maurizio Sarri is keen on the player and interest is expected to increase after the tournament. Rangers playmaker Nico Raskin is also reportedly in talks with the Italian club after featuring in all of Belgium’s group matches.

Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland manager after a World Cup group-stage exit, despite having signed a new four‑year contract weeks earlier, and he waived compensation as he departed. The Scottish FA, led by Ian Maxwell, has begun a wide‑ranging search for a successor, with Ange Postecoglou emerging as an early bookmakers’ favourite alongside several domestic and international candidates. Players and former figures such as Andy Robertson, Lewis Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish and others offered tributes, while pundits debated Clarke’s decision, Scotland’s performances and the merits of potential replacements. The discussion reflects frustration over repeated tournament failures alongside recognition of Clarke’s role in returning Scotland to regular major finals.

Elijah Just is assessing his future after a standout World Cup campaign, with his agent confirming discussions will take place upon the player's return amid strong interest from Celtic and other clubs. Celtic are also monitoring Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, though Wolfsburg have reportedly had a bid accepted and await the player's decision.

Roy Keane and Duncan Ferguson clashed on the Stick to Football podcast over whether Scotland’s next national team manager must be Scottish. Ferguson argued that the role should go to a Scot, while Keane countered that nationality does not guarantee success, citing Ireland’s successful periods under foreign coaches. The exchange unfolded amid the SFA’s search for Steve Clarke’s replacement following Scotland’s World Cup exit, with Ian Maxwell indicating a wide-ranging hunt for candidates.

Andy Robertson issued an emotional tribute to outgoing Scotland manager Steve Clarke after the team’s early World Cup exit, thanking him for his leadership and recalling landmark victories under his tenure. Clarke stepped down immediately after Scotland’s elimination, waiving compensation despite recently signing a new contract. Robertson apologised to supporters for failing to progress from the group stage and praised the Tartan Army for their support, promising continued effort to deliver future tournament success.

Scotland’s football leadership has begun the search for a new national team manager following Steve Clarke’s resignation after the World Cup group-stage exit. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said numerous coaches have already expressed interest and stressed the organisation will consider candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to continue recent progress. Maxwell praised Clarke’s successful tenure and noted strong emotional support from players during his departure, emphasising pride in recent achievements including qualification milestones and fan support.

Celtic are pursuing Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst as they look to strengthen their options following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement, but face competition from Ajax and interest from Wolfsburg. Ernst, a former Germany U21 international, played all but one league match for Hertha last season. The club has also been linked with Nikolas Polster as they assess potential signings for the goalkeeping position.

Rangers are assessing a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek as new manager Derek McInnes explores additional goalkeeping options amid speculation around Jack Butland. The club is also linked with Ivor Pandur and Sebastiano Desplanches while preparing to finalise a loan deal for Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey. Excelsior expects multiple bids for Casper Widell, another defensive option associated with Rangers.