Mark Atkinson

Hibernian head coach David Gray expects further transfer activity in both directions before the September 3 deadline, saying the squad remains thin in some areas. Hibs have already signed Jason Kerr, Adam Mayor, Azeem Abdulai, Callum Wright and Nathan Lowe. The expectation follows an impressive week featuring wins over Rangers, FK Shkendija and Partick Thistle, although Gray warned that the team must become more clinical after relying on goalkeeper saves to preserve a 1-0 cup victory over Thistle.

Sebastien Pocognoli’s appointment as Scotland head coach signals a deliberate shift away from Steve Clarke’s pragmatic approach toward a younger, more aggressive and modern playing identity. The Scottish Football Association used data-driven analysis in selecting the 39-year-old Belgian, whose successful spell at Union Saint-Gilloise was followed by dismissal from Monaco after a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish. Supporters appear broadly excited by the change, while emerging players such as Luke Graham, Lennon Miller, Kieron Bowie and Robbie Ure may gain greater opportunities as the team moves beyond established figures including Grant Hanley, Kenny McLean and Lyndon Dykes. Pocognoli will be judged on whether his new approach can take Scotland beyond the group stages and build toward the 2028 European Championship.

Celtic’s 4-0 Premier Sports Cup victory over Dundee United gave Martin O’Neill confidence ahead of the Champions League play-off against LASK, although he acknowledged periods of untidy play. O’Neill said further signings were possible but unlikely before the first leg. Anthony Ralston was omitted because of match-day squad limits, while Yang Hyun-jun missed the match after stiffness but was expected to recover. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is suspended because of a European disciplinary issue dating back roughly 27 years, and Arne Engels was unavailable while completing his transfer to West Ham for about £22 million.

Celtic defeated Dundee United 4-0 to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, extending their winning run to 11 matches after a significant squad rebuild costing about £25 million. Benjamin Nygren was the standout performer with a goal and involvement in two others, while new signings Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur featured. Dundee United struck the woodwork five times but lacked an answer to Celtic's attack, leaving manager Jim Goodwin facing a defensive overhaul before the Dundee derby. Celtic now turn their attention to the Champions League play-off against LASK.

Rangers have signed left-back James Penrice on loan from AEK Athens, with an option to buy at the end of the season. The 27-year-old returns to Scottish football after spells with Hearts, Livingston and Partick Thistle, and could debut against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup. The move addresses Rangers' shortage at left-back, worsened by Tuur Rommens' injury, while manager Derek McInnes said Penrice would provide competition and valuable Scottish Premiership experience.

Celtic assistant coach Shaun Maloney has praised Yang Hyun-jun’s rapid development after the South Korean winger nearly left for Birmingham City a year earlier. Yang became an important contributor during Celtic’s successful previous season, earning a new contract and international recognition. Maloney highlighted his work rate, defensive contribution, versatility and improved confidence, while manager Martin O’Neill’s encouragement of direct one-on-one play has helped him thrive. Celtic are still pursuing Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan to strengthen the left side, but Yang is expected to remain central to the team. Maloney has also taken on more individual attacking-player work following Gavin Strachan’s departure, with responsibilities shared among the coaching staff.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes says the club must accept supporter frustration after a stoppage-time 2-1 home defeat by Hibernian left Rangers five points behind Celtic after two matches. McInnes defended his team's performance and criticised the penalty decision that gave Hibs an early advantage, while acknowledging that Rangers need new players. Striker Youssef Chermiti was stretchered off with a knee injury shortly after Rangers rejected a bid of about £22 million from Galatasaray; scans are due to determine the severity. Rangers are also pursuing winger Couhaib Driouech, have been linked with James Penrice and are discussing a possible Mohamed Diomande bid from Çorum FK.

Hibernian defeated Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox, winning there for a third consecutive season for the first time in the club’s 151-year history. Josh Campbell scored from the penalty spot before Miguel Chaiwa’s own goal levelled the match, and Callum Wright secured a stoppage-time winner. Hibs head coach David Gray praised his players’ resilience and said the team had created its own history. Gray also said he was unaware of any contact regarding reported Genoa interest in midfielder Josh Mulligan. He defended the penalty decision after VAR review, arguing that Rangers defender Vanja Dragojevic had impeded Jason Kerr while not playing the ball.

Hibernian defeated Rangers 2–1 at Ibrox with Callum Wright scoring in stoppage time, giving Hibs a historic third consecutive victory at the ground. The result has intensified pressure on new Rangers manager Derek McInnes, whose expensively assembled side remains five points behind Celtic after two league matches and continues to lack creativity. Rangers were also frustrated by a contentious VAR-awarded penalty, missed chances and an apparent serious injury to Youssef Chermiti, while David Gray earned significant credit for Hibs’ defensive performance and impactful substitutions.

Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti reflects on the difficulties of adapting to the club after joining for £5 million, while expressing confidence that his second season will be more productive. He has reclaimed the No. 17 shirt, a number he considers significant, after Kelechi Iheanacho’s departure. Tounekti also discusses Tunisia’s disappointing World Cup campaign, including the players’ frustration with the mid-tournament managerial change from Sabri Lamouchi to Hervé Renard. He now hopes to build on his decisive goal against Kilmarnock and establish himself at Celtic.

Dundee defeated Aberdeen 2-0 at Dens Park through goals from Joe Westley and man of the match Joe Bevan. Dundee manager Steven Pressley called it the team’s most complete performance since his arrival but warned that difficult periods and substantial work remain. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson said his side failed to compete physically, make good decisions or perform the basics, accepting that nobody—including himself—deserved credit. Aberdeen also confirmed the signing of Belgian forward Mitchy Ntelo from Yverdon-Sport FC to add pace, strength and goals to the attack.

Dundee defeated Aberdeen 2–0 at Dens Park in a dominant Scottish Premiership display that supporters celebrated as “Pressley-ball.” Joe Bevan was the standout performer, scoring one goal and assisting another, while Dundee’s organized defense and quick, attractive attacking play ensured a comfortable victory. Aberdeen were widely booed by their travelling fans and must improve significantly before the teams meet again in the Premier Sports Cup at Pittodrie the following week.

Celtic have made a reported £9 million offer to Real Oviedo for winger Haissem Hassan, who was omitted from the club’s latest friendly squad, suggesting a move to Glasgow may be close. The club has also pursued Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis, but that interest is expected to cool if Hassan signs. Assistant coach Shaun Maloney said Celtic may already have enough right-wing options, including Yang Hyun-jun, James Forrest and Sebastian Tounekti, while Rangers are also interested in Ghedjemis.

Celtic defender Auston Trusty reflected on a hectic summer in which he helped Celtic win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, represented the United States at the World Cup, started a match and scored against Turkey, and supported his seriously ill father. After returning late to pre-season, he immediately featured in Celtic's win over Dundee. Trusty declined to comment on the political controversy surrounding FIFA's suspension of Folarin Balogun's ban, saying his views were not relevant. He welcomed Kilmarnock's decision to replace its synthetic Rugby Park surface with grass.

Derek McInnes faces significant pressure in his first competitive home match as Rangers manager when Hibernian visit Ibrox. Rangers have drawn with Dundee United and lost to Jagiellonia Białystok, while their squad rebuild remains incomplete despite more than £10 million being spent on nine players. Hibs are also struggling for consistency and have injury concerns, but they have won at Ibrox in each of the past two seasons. McInnes has never lost a home match against Hibs in 17 games as a manager, and Rangers urgently need a convincing performance and three points to begin their season and prevent Celtic from gaining an early advantage.

Celtic assistant coach Shaun Maloney oversaw Friday training while manager Martin O'Neill recovered from a minor medical procedure, leaving O'Neill's availability for Sunday's Premiership match at Kilmarnock uncertain. Transfer-linked players Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels trained, while Celtic pursued additions including Oviedo winger Hassiem Hassan, Fares Ghedjemis and Mika Baur. The league champions began their title defence with a 1-0 win over Dundee and are seeking to strengthen before a Champions League play-off against LASK later in the month.

Celtic have submitted a fresh bid of about £9 million for Real Oviedo winger and Egypt international Haissem Hassan, with Spanish reports suggesting the offer will be accepted. The club is prioritising a new wide player before its Champions League play-off against LASK after two unsuccessful bids for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis. Celtic have already spent around £17 million on forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh, are pursuing Mika Baur, and have sold or loaned several players. West Ham are interested in Arne Engels, while Everton’s interest in Alistair Johnston has reportedly cooled.

Celtic and Rangers have reportedly submitted bids of around £6–8 million for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis, but the Italian club wants more than £10 million. Frosinone are strengthened by the player’s contract through 2028 and his 15-goal promotion-winning season, while Ghedjemis’s selection for Algeria has increased his profile. Celtic previously failed to sign him and is competing with Rangers to add a winger before upcoming European fixtures.

Celtic opened their Scottish Premiership title defence with a 1-0 win over Dundee at Parkhead, Benjamin Nygren scoring the decisive header. Cameron Carter-Vickers was identified as Celtic’s crucial player after an assured defensive performance on his return to league starting action. The club faces possible departures for Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston, while supporters again protested against the board, adapting The Stone Roses’ “I Wanna Be Adored” into a chant calling for the board to be sacked. Dundee, despite losing, earned praise for its organization and resilience under Steven Pressley.

Rangers are reportedly close to signing Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota for around £3 million, potentially before their next Premiership match. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expects discussions with chief executive Michael Nicholson to advance several deals, including targets Mika Baur and Fares Ghedjemis, while the club continues to reject West Ham bids for Arne Engels. West Ham are expected to renew their pursuit of Engels after reportedly agreeing personal terms through 2031, and Everton are monitoring Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.

Celtic began their 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign with a 1-0 victory over Dundee, but established scorer Benjamin Nygren rather than the club's £17 million forward signings, Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran, supplied the winning goal. Nygren headed in Kieran Tierney's cross after Hogh missed several chances. Dundee competed admirably but lacked creativity in attack, while Celtic's performance highlighted both their existing quality and the need for further squad additions ahead of the Champions League play-offs against LASK. Interest from West Ham and Everton in Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston also underlines Celtic's concern about losing players.

The Conference League play-off draw has given Hibernian potential ties against IFK Göteborg or Gent if it beats Shkëndija, while Motherwell would face Bundesliga club Freiburg if it eliminates HJK Helsinki. Hearts and Rangers could enter the competition as a fallback after Europa League defeats, with Hearts drawn against Paide or Rapid Vienna and Rangers against Jablonec or RFS. The play-off legs are scheduled for 20 and 27 August, with UEFA due to confirm the detailed fixture schedule.

The Europa League play-off draw gives Rangers a potential tie against Larne or Georgian champions Iberia Tbilisi if they overcome Jagellonia Białystok. Hearts would face either Danish champions Aarhus or Azerbaijan’s Sabah if they produce an upset against Benfica. Both Scottish clubs would drop into the Conference League play-offs if eliminated, with the ties scheduled for 20 and 27 August. UEFA is due to confirm the full fixture schedule and resolve possible stadium or city clashes.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to send 18-year-old forward Mikey Moore out on another loan after his impressive season with Rangers, where he scored seven goals and won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award. Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln is reportedly leading the race, with Hamburg and Spanish clubs also interested. Moore prefers a move to a top-five European league, while Rangers’ hopes of making his loan permanent appear to have ended. Borussia Dortmund’s interest failed because Spurs rejected a purchase option.

Josh Kerr won the Commonwealth Games mile in Glasgow in 3:54.12, beating Australia’s Cam Myers and Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot in front of a home crowd. The victory gave Kerr redemption after his disappointing 2022 Games performance and followed his recent world-record run. Scotland also celebrated Melanie Woods’ second gold medal in the wheelchair 400m, while Andrew Butchart ended his track career and several Scottish relay and field athletes competed across the programme.

Aberdeen and Hearts approach their latest Pittodrie meeting in sharply contrasting positions compared with the previous season. Aberdeen endured a poor campaign, dismissed Jimmy Thelin and rebuilt under Stephen Robinson with a more pragmatic team and targeted recruitment, making a top-four finish appear realistic. Hearts, by contrast, have lost manager Derek McInnes and key players including Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin, while adding nine senior recruits under Wouter Vrancken. Their 6-0 Champions League defeat by Sturm Graz exposed the squad's lack of cohesion, and a demanding August schedule includes a European tie against Benfica. Aberdeen's strong League Cup form and home advantage make them favorites to exploit Hearts' transition, although a Hearts victory would reaffirm their ambition to challenge for the title.

Celtic's transfer activity remains under scrutiny after signing Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran while losing 14 players, including influential winger Daizen Maeda. Manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged the financial constraints facing Scottish clubs and said the club is working to recruit Mika Baur, Fares Ghedjemis and other targets. With Arne Engels attracting interest from West Ham and Alistair Johnston wanted by Everton, Celtic are also preparing for possible departures before the Scottish Premiership begins and a crucial Champions League play-off. O'Neill expressed confidence in the recruitment team and said the process is collaborative, but the club must strengthen quickly to challenge Rangers, Hearts and European opposition.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the club has a strong interest in Frosinone winger Farès Ghedjemis, who helped the Italian side earn promotion to Serie A and is valued at about £8 million. Celtic are also assessing potential defensive reinforcements, with Kieran Tierney expected to be first-choice left-back. O'Neill confirmed Everton have expressed interest in Alistair Johnston and that West Ham United's opening offer for Arne Engels was below Celtic's valuation. He acknowledged that replacing either player would be difficult but said the club would have to seek replacements if their departures became unavoidable.

Everton are reportedly considering a bid of more than £10 million for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, who is contracted until 2029. Celtic captain Callum McGregor has indicated that he intends to remain at the club despite speculation about a move to Al Qadsiah. Rangers have sanctioned Oliver Antman's transfer to Anderlecht for an expected fee of around £4 million and are pursuing Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya. Dundee United have also signed QPR winger Daniel Bennie on a season-long loan.

Kasper Hogh has arrived in London for a medical ahead of an expected move to Celtic from Bodo/Glimt for a fee of about £11 million. The 25-year-old Danish striker is expected to sign a contract through summer 2029 and become Celtic’s second summer signing, following Colombian forward Camilo Duran. The moves help offset the departure of Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town. Celtic are also pursuing Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, but the German club says it rejected a £4 million bid. Celtic begin their Scottish Premiership title defence against Dundee and face Champions League play-offs in August.

Reuben Ward won the Commonwealth Games men's all-around gymnastics gold medal at Glasgow's Emirates Arena, becoming the first Scotsman to claim the title. He scored 79.650 across the six apparatus and edged Canada's Felix Dolci by 0.2 points after a strong high-bar routine. Ward, who was born in Bury and represents Scotland through his East Kilbride-born parents, described the victory as the best day of his life and said he hoped it would inspire younger gymnasts. After missing a team-event medal, he is targeting a second gold in the pommel horse final against Olympic champion Rhys McClenaghan.

Scotland revived its Commonwealth Games netball medal hopes with a 56–47 Pool B victory over Wales at Glasgow’s Hydro. After leading 16–8 in the opening period, Scotland resisted a Welsh fightback and extended its advantage through the final quarter, despite pressure following its opening defeat by New Zealand. Niamh McCall said the team stayed calm, focused on its structure and tried to keep the occasion fun. Scotland next faces Trinidad and Tobago before crucial Pool B matches against Uganda and Jamaica. In Pool A, defending champions Australia made a strong statement with a 66–47 win over England.

Celtic ended pre-season with a 2-2 draw against AC Milan after taking a two-goal lead through Camilo Duran and James Forrest. The likely starting XI for the Premiership opener against Dundee is discussed, with Celtic expected to retain a 4-3-3 formation and Viljami Sinisalo beginning the season as first-choice goalkeeper. The article also examines Daizen Maeda's departure for Ipswich Town, revealing that Celtic had offered him a substantial contract more than a year earlier, but he preferred to pursue a move to the Premier League or Bundesliga.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill says Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh is expected to undergo a medical within 24 hours after the clubs agreed a fee that would make him Celtic’s record signing. Hogh’s arrival is intended to address the club’s longstanding need for a recognised No. 9 and offset Daizen Maeda’s transfer to Ipswich Town. Celtic have also signed Camilo Duran from Qarabag, while negotiations for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur remain unresolved. O’Neill says Celtic still want one or two more quality additions but is not anxious about the pace of recruitment. He was encouraged by Celtic’s 2-2 pre-season draw with AC Milan, despite the team surrendering a two-goal lead after half-time.

Daizen Maeda has completed a move from Celtic to Ipswich Town in a deal that could earn Celtic up to £10 million. In an emotional farewell, the Japanese forward called his four-and-a-half years at Celtic the most special chapter of his career and said Glasgow would remain his family's second home. Celtic are reportedly close to signing Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh for more than £11 million, potentially a club-record fee, after spending nearly £6 million on Camilo Duran.

Hearts defeated Raith Rovers 1-0 in their final pre-season friendly, with Rogers Mato scoring late after intercepting a short back-pass. Wouter Vrancken fielded a largely different XI from the side beaten 4-0 by Sturm Graz in the Champions League, giving fringe players including Sabri Guendouz, Amadou Ba-Sy and Zander Clark valuable game time. New goalkeeper Beau Reus impressed during his first appearance, although he cannot play against Sturm Graz, while new signing Laurent Mendy is also ineligible for the tie. Hearts now prepare for the second leg at Tynecastle as they attempt to overturn the four-goal deficit.

Duncan Scott won Scotland’s first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in the men’s 200-metre individual medley, retaining his Birmingham title and setting a Games record in 1:56.38. Faye Rogers also won para-swimming gold, while Katie Shanahan and Stephen Clegg took silver medals. The strong opening in the pool provides welcome momentum for host nation Scotland amid criticism of the Games’ reduced scale and uncertainty over its future.

Motherwell began Alfred Johansson’s tenure with a 2-0 home win over HB Tórshavn in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifying tie. Martin Moormann and Fadinger scored long-range goals, while Alex Paulsen made several saves as HB threatened late on. Despite controlling possession, Motherwell lacked a recognised striker and missed chances, leaving the tie open ahead of the return in Tórshavn. The result offers encouragement amid major squad turnover, but progression will require a stronger performance in the Faroe Islands.

Hibernian were booed by their travelling supporters after losing 2-0 to FK Malisheva in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying-round tie in Pristina. Kreshnik Uka scored in the first half and Valmir Nafiu added a late second, while Hibs missed several chances through Nathan Lowe, Owen Elding and Miguel Chaiwa. David Gray's side must overturn the two-goal deficit at Easter Road next week to remain in the competition.

St Mirren mounted a remarkable 4-3 comeback against East Kilbride to stay on course for Premier Sports Cup progression, while other Premiership sides face qualification uncertainty after mixed results across the groups. Several teams, including Falkirk, St Johnstone and Dundee, now require specific outcomes in their final fixtures to advance, with group standings tightening ahead of the last round of matches.

Hearts suffered a damaging 4–0 loss to Sturm Graz in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie, leaving their hopes of progression in serious jeopardy. Despite creating strong chances early on, defensive lapses allowed the Austrian side to dominate, with goals from Jon Stankovic, Jeyland Mitchell, Luca Weinhandl and Jurgen Hell. Wouter Vrancken’s first match in charge ended in disappointment as Hearts now face a monumental task in the second leg, with potential Europa League fallback opponents also outlined.

Celtic are close to signing Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur for more than £4 million as they prepare for the departure of Daizen Maeda, with Ipswich Town agreeing a deal worth around £10 million. The club has already added Camilo Duran and remains linked with Haissem Hassan, while Nottingham Forest continue to monitor Arne Engels and Reo Hatate seeks an exit.

An independent review into the disorder at the March 8 Scottish Cup match between Rangers and Celtic identified two serious near‑miss incidents involving potential mass confrontation and crowd‑crushing risks. The report cited planning shortcomings, the influence of Ultras groups and concerns from police and stewards about safety at high‑risk fixtures. Both clubs were charged under SFA rule 37, while Rangers and Celtic issued statements accepting some responsibility but disputing elements of the findings. The SFA committed to evaluating the recommendations and working with authorities to prevent similar incidents at future matches.

Hearts prepare to face Sturm Graz in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round in Graz, with the match broadcast on Premier Sports 1 and streamed via Premier Player. Kickoff is at 7.30pm BST. Harry Milne is set to captain the team, and new signing Amadou Ba-Sy is included in the squad. Should Hearts advance, they will meet either Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze; defeat would move them into the Europa League qualifiers against Benfica or St Gallen.

Hibernian and Motherwell learned their potential UEFA Conference League third‑round opponents, contingent on winning their current qualifying ties. Hibs would face either Slovenia’s NK Bravo or North Macedonia’s KF Shkendija, while Motherwell could meet Coleraine or HJK Helsinki. The article outlines recent form, stadiums and relevant history of each prospective opponent.

Ange Postecoglou has been appointed manager of Saudi club Al‑Nassr, ending speculation linking him to the vacant Scotland national team role following Steve Clarke’s departure. The former Celtic, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest manager will oversee a squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane. His move follows Brendan Rodgers, his Celtic successor, who also manages in Saudi Arabia. Postecoglou had been among the leading candidates for the Scotland job due to his international and Scottish football experience, but attention now turns to other contenders including David Moyes and Alex Neil.

Rangers signed Croatian goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City on a four‑year contract for an estimated £6 million, positioning him as their new first‑choice keeper as Jack Butland prepares to leave for Hull. Pandur, currently at the World Cup with Croatia, joins following a strong season that helped Hull gain promotion. Manager Derek McInnes praised his abilities, while Pandur expressed excitement about joining the club. Rangers have now made four summer signings, including Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Lawrence Shankland.

Daizen Maeda is expected to attract major transfer interest as he signals a desire to leave Celtic to advance his career following Japan’s World Cup exit. Strong performances for club and country, combined with his contract nearing its final year, have renewed attention from previous suitors including Wolfsburg and Brentford. Celtic may find it difficult to resist bids this summer after blocking a move last year, with Maeda emphasising the need for a new challenge to continue improving.

Steve Clarke steps down as Scotland manager after the World Cup, leaving a legacy of restoring the national team to regular tournament participation. Despite criticism following Scotland’s group-stage exit against stronger opponents, his achievements, including qualification successes and fostering unity within the squad, are highlighted as deserving recognition now rather than in hindsight. Future progress will depend on addressing weaknesses in key positions and the limited talent pipeline, posing significant challenges for his successor.

Rangers secured defender Ben Godfrey on a season‑long loan from Atalanta with an option to buy, making him their third summer signing. The England international adds experience across central defence and full‑back positions. Derek McInnes welcomed his arrival, highlighting his pedigree and athletic qualities, while Godfrey expressed enthusiasm about joining the club and contributing to its pursuit of silverware.