Matthew Elder

Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed Scotland’s head coach on an initial two-year contract, replacing Steve Clarke after Clarke’s seven-year tenure ended following Scotland’s World Cup exit. The Scottish Football Association selected the 39-year-old Belgian through a data-led process, citing his emerging reputation, clear vision and aggressive, front-foot style. Pocognoli, who previously managed Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco, will name his first squad next month and debut against Slovenia before facing Switzerland at Hampden. The SFA expects him to build on Clarke’s success while aiming to take Scotland beyond the group stage at Euro 2028.

Sebastien Pocognoli is set to be unveiled as Scotland’s new manager, succeeding Steve Clarke after Scotland’s World Cup exit. The 39-year-old Belgian, a former international left-back, was selected by the Scottish Football Association through a data-led process after coaching in Belgium and Monaco. He led Union Saint-Gilloise to its first Belgian league title in 90 years but was dismissed by Monaco after a disappointing seventh-place finish. Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken, who played and later coached against Pocognoli, described him as a good person with a physical, direct style that could suit Scotland. Former Belgium and Everton winger Kevin Mirallas is expected to join Pocognoli’s staff, while the SFA is also recruiting new youth-team head coaches.

Robbie Ure made an immediate impact on his Sevilla debut after joining from Swedish club Sirius for an initial €6.5 million, potentially rising to €9 million. Introduced at half-time against Rayo Vallecano, the former Rangers striker helped transform Sevilla’s performance, winning a stoppage-time penalty after his team had been reduced to ten men. Peque Fernández converted it to secure a 2-1 comeback victory. Sevilla head coach Luis García Plaza and Spanish media praised Ure’s mobility, work-rate and ability to contribute beyond a traditional number-nine role. His strong start has also prompted speculation that he could be considered for Scotland’s senior squad.

Celtic have signed 22-year-old German Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur from SC Paderborn 07 for an initial £4.5 million, potentially rising to £6.8 million with add-ons. Baur, who helped Paderborn earn promotion to the Bundesliga, was persuaded to join after speaking with former Celtic player Nicolas Kuhn. His arrival brings Celtic’s summer spending to £27.5 million, or as much as £32.8 million if add-ons are met, following the signings of Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh and Haissem Hassan. Manager Martin O'Neill praised Baur’s technical ability, versatility and commitment, while Baur said he is eager to compete in major matches and described himself as a confident playmaker.

The Tennent's Sixes will return to Scottish football in October 2026 after a 33-year absence, with all 12 Premiership clubs participating at Glasgow's Braehead Arena under official SPFL backing. Unlike the original tournament, which featured active first-team players, the revival will be a legends competition involving former players in current club kits. Premier Sports will broadcast the event, which will include regionalized group stages, knockout rounds, penalty-shootout bonus points and the return of the sin bin. Tennent's is returning as sponsor, while organizers aim to appeal both to nostalgic supporters and a new generation of fans.

Scottish striker Robbie Ure is expected to join Sevilla from Swedish club IK Sirius in a reported €9.2 million transfer. The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 15 league appearances this season and is set to undergo a medical before signing a five-year contract. Formerly of Rangers and Anderlecht’s B team, Ure could debut against Rayo Vallecano and hopes to earn a senior Scotland call-up despite also being eligible to represent Ukraine.

The first Edinburgh derby of the Scottish Premiership season between Hibs and Hearts has been moved from Wednesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 3 at 7:45pm for live coverage on Premier Sports. Their following league fixtures have also moved to Sunday, with Hibs visiting St Johnstone and Hearts hosting Dundee. Rangers’ away match at Falkirk has been shifted from 7:45pm to 8pm for Sky Sports coverage, while St Mirren versus Celtic will now begin at 8pm on September 5 instead of 3pm.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, 74, is recovering in hospital after undergoing what the club described as a small procedure. Celtic expects him to be discharged within a day or two and has asked supporters to respect his privacy. O’Neill recently signed a one-year deal after leading the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double during two interim spells, but it is unclear whether he will manage Celtic against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Former Hearts head coach Eva Olid is set to replace Marc Skinner as head coach of Manchester United Women. Olid, who led Hearts to their first Scottish Women's Premier League title before leaving the club by mutual agreement, is expected to meet the Manchester United squad as her appointment is finalized. Skinner departed after five years, during which United reached four domestic cup finals, won the 2024 FA Cup and finished second in the WSL in 2022-23, but missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fourth in 2025-26.

Dundee United, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, and several other sides secured key Premier Sports Cup group-stage results, including a late winner from Joe Hugill for 10-man Kilmarnock and a decisive stoppage‑time save by Aberdeen debutant Marius Muller. St Mirren maintained their strong title defence with a 4‑0 win over Cove Rangers, while East Kilbride, St Johnstone, Inverness, Ayr United, Ross County and Partick Thistle also recorded important victories to shape the early group standings.

Kelechi Iheanacho declined a return to Celtic, instead signing a three‑year deal with Turkish second‑tier club Bursaspor. Despite Celtic’s intention to re-sign him after his one‑year spell in Glasgow, a delayed contract decision and managerial changes left him free to move. Bursaspor, pursuing a rapid rise back to the top flight following consecutive promotions, aim to make Iheanacho a key part of their title push.

FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, a move supported by president Gianni Infantino and initially proposed by CONMEBOL. The format would involve 16 groups of four teams and a 32-team knockout stage, increasing the total number of matches to 128. Expansion would raise qualification chances for nations such as Scotland while creating logistical challenges for future hosts. Additional revenue from broadcasting, commercial deals and ticket sales is expected, with member associations likely to benefit financially. Scotland’s participation in 2026 earned the national association $10 million, and further expansion could provide similar opportunities.

Rafael Benitez has shown renewed interest in becoming Scotland’s next head coach following Steve Clarke’s departure after the team’s World Cup group-stage exit. While Roberto Martinez is viewed as the leading candidate, Benitez says he is open to international roles and sees Scotland as a potentially appealing opportunity. His past successes contrast with a more modest recent record, and financial constraints could challenge the Scottish FA given his previous salary levels.

Colombian forward Camilo Duran completed a transfer from Qarabag to Celtic on a five-year deal worth around £6 million. Having scored 15 goals last season, including five in the Champions League, he joins the Scottish champions at their pre-season camp in Portugal and may debut against Sporting Lisbon. Duran described the move as a dream come true, outlined his ambition to score goals in Europe, and hopes the move will boost his chances of representing Colombia internationally.

Daizen Maeda signals a desire to leave Celtic after strong World Cup performances, with past transfer interest from Wolfsburg resurfacing. Hearts sign 19‑year‑old midfielder Cormac Daly on a two‑year deal, expecting to loan him out for experience. Rangers prepare for Jack Butland’s departure to Hull City, with Ivor Pandur set to move the opposite way in a swap structured to help Hull meet financial compliance rules.