Graeme Mcgarry

Former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie has joined Aberdeen’s board, bringing lifelong support for the club and extensive experience from her playing career, including time at Glasgow City and Aston Villa. She is expected to contribute across both the men’s and women’s teams, with particular attention to rebuilding confidence in Aberdeen’s women’s programme after the departure of manager Scott Booth and several players. Corsie says the team was never at risk of disbanding and believes the appointment of ambitious young manager Nathan Flight, existing facilities and the club’s infrastructure provide a strong foundation for growth. She aims to challenge the perception that Aberdeen cannot compete with better-established Glasgow clubs and to use her experience to improve both performance and mentality across the club.

Sebastien Pocognoli's appointment as Scotland manager is praised as a bold, progressive choice that could give the national team a more attacking identity. The Scottish FA, Craig Mulholland and Ian Maxwell are credited with moving beyond the caution of Steve Clarke's era, while Clarke is criticized for excessive loyalty to established players. The column argues that Scotland has promising young talent across defense, midfield and attack, and urges Pocognoli to develop that next generation while building on the existing squad's foundations.

Luis Binks, the 24-year-old Brøndby captain, hopes to represent Scotland despite being born and raised in England. The central defender developed at Tottenham, chose regular first-team football over waiting for opportunities under José Mourinho, and gained experience in MLS with CF Montréal, Serie A with Bologna, Italy with Como, and the English Championship with Coventry City. He credits mentors including Thierry Henry, Siniša Mihajlović and Cesc Fàbregas with shaping his development. Binks believes young Scottish players should prioritise regular senior football over moving prematurely to elite English clubs, and argues that the Danish league offers strong competition and visibility. With Scotland facing an ageing group of centre-backs and a new manager expected to shape the next squad, Binks says he remains eager for a call-up and feels deeply connected to Scotland through his family and youth international experience.

St Mirren CEO Keith Lasley has outlined an “Our Progression” strategy focused on financial sustainability, academy development, smarter recruitment and player trading, and long-term community growth. The fan-owned club faces rising costs and competition from better-funded teams, so it aims to develop more homegrown players, align its academy with manager Craig McLeish’s progressive possession-based style, and use data-led recruitment under new head of recruitment Gavin Miller. The club expects short-term challenges as it introduces younger players but believes the approach can preserve its identity, improve sporting performance and generate sustainable income.

Motherwell began Alfred Johansson's tenure with a 2–0 home win over Faroese side Havnar Boltfelag in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifying tie. Martin Moormann and Lukas Fadinger scored outstanding long-range goals. Despite injuries, extensive turnover following Berthel Askou's departure and limited familiarity among the players, Motherwell displayed a recognizable playing style and created enough chances to secure a valuable advantage. New arrivals generally performed well, while 19-year-old academy midfielder Mikey Booth made a particularly positive impression in front of a crowd of 7,767.

An independent Scottish FA report on fan disorder during the Old Firm Scottish Cup match at Ibrox identifies major systemic failures by clubs, authorities and police while criticising the dangerous actions of ultras from both sides. The review highlights inadequate risk assessments, lack of deterrent sanctions, absence of multi‑agency planning and limited police situational awareness during the incident. It calls for stronger legislation, harsher punishments, expanded banning orders, digital ticketing and zero‑tolerance enforcement. The findings may reduce opportunities for clubs to work cooperatively with ultras and could further entrench reduced away allocations for Old Firm fixtures.

The departures of Steve Clarke and Scot Gemmill create a rare chance for the Scottish FA to redefine the national team’s identity. Newly appointed Chief Football Officer Craig Mulholland is expected to drive alignment across age groups, overhaul development pathways and establish a coherent playing philosophy. Past failures in youth progression, inconsistent coaching approaches and limited strategic continuity highlight the need for bold reforms. With public appetite for change and previous strategy architects gone, Mulholland faces an opportunity to set a clear long-term direction for Scottish football.

A four‑match ban issued to Elliot Watt for criticising a controversial VAR handball decision has sparked concern over the Scottish FA’s disciplinary approach, particularly as similar cases involving Derek McInnes and others are pending. The ruling is seen as excessively punitive and sets a strict precedent that could lead to far‑reaching consequences for clubs and managers. Motherwell were also fined for allegedly implying referee bias in match footage, adding to wider tensions surrounding officiating and disciplinary interpretations. Future hearings are expected to test the consistency and severity of the Judicial Panel’s stance.

Participants from Rangers and Liverpool joined families of Ibrox and Hillsborough victims at an educational event addressing the rise in tragedy chanting. Relatives such as Annette McLeish highlighted the deep emotional harm caused by fans mocking historic football disasters. Speakers from Liverpool’s survivor groups described efforts that strengthened sanctions against abusive behaviour in England, contrasting them with weaker measures in Scotland. Rangers officials called for broader education and tougher consequences to curb the problem, with proposals for similar programmes in Scotland. The day concluded with a memorial visit, reinforcing calls for greater respect for victims and an end to tragedy-related abuse.

Stephen Kerr urges the Scottish Government to align criminal law with the rest of the UK to impose stronger sanctions, including Football Banning Orders, for tragedy‑related abuse at matches. He supports tougher penalties for violent or dangerous behaviour but rejects reviving legislation that could limit lawful expression or penalise clubs for supporters’ actions, calling for firm action against genuine offenders while allowing ordinary fans to enjoy games safely.

A legal dispute has resurfaced over the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust’s attempt to erect a permanent fence around Cathkin Park’s historic football pitch, citing the need to protect the playing surface for youth football. Opponents, including historian Ged O’Brien and local residents, argue the plan threatens public access and risks damaging a site of major sporting heritage. A previous council decision approving a fence was overturned due to access-rights concerns, and the Trust now seeks an exemption under the Land Reform Act. Supporters emphasise the Trust’s investment and the park’s importance for youth development, while critics stress the need to preserve the park’s public and historical value as the dispute returns to Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Gianni Infantino faces strong criticism for undermining the integrity of the World Cup through political pandering, rule manipulation, and exploitative ticketing practices. His accommodation of Donald Trump’s influence over disciplinary decisions and reductions in player suspensions is portrayed as damaging to FIFA’s credibility and the spirit of the tournament. Despite early positive experiences reported by fans in the United States, the event’s legacy is overshadowed by governance failures and perceptions of corruption that have tainted football’s global showcase.