Press Association

Falkirk have signed American striker Jacob Murrell from MLS club DC United, with manager John McGlynn praising the 22-year-old’s physical qualities, mobility and potential. St Mirren forward Roland Idowu has moved to Romanian SuperLiga side Botoșani for an undisclosed fee, with St Mirren retaining a sell-on clause. Raith Rovers have also taken Kilmarnock attacker Scott Tiffoney on a season-long loan.

Hibernian drew 0-0 away to Gent in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off, despite Owen Elding having a 15th-minute penalty saved by Davy Roef. Gent created several chances, but Hibernian defended strongly to preserve a clean sheet and put themselves in a favorable position ahead of the return leg at Easter Road, where they can secure European group-stage football.

Rangers academy graduate Findlay Curtis is determined to establish himself as a first-team regular and help restore success to his boyhood club. The 20-year-old Scotland attacker believes his loan spell at Kilmarnock and international experience have improved him, and he aims to become one of the league’s best players. After scoring against Panathinaikos last season, Curtis also hopes to add more European goals when Rangers face Jablonec in the Conference League play-off.

Craig Mulholland is urging Scottish clubs and the Scottish Football Association to cooperate on developing young players amid increased competition from English clubs after Brexit. With homegrown players making up only about a quarter of Scottish Premiership starting line-ups, he argues that clubs must provide clearer first-team opportunities and high-quality support. Mulholland believes retaining and developing talent could create a sustainable economic model in which Scottish clubs sell established first-team players, but acknowledges that financial pressures, self-interest and short-term thinking have historically hindered collective reform.

Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken has urged his team to make the most of their final opportunity to reach a European league phase by defeating Rapid Vienna in the Conference League play-off. Hearts have already lost qualifying ties to Sturm Graz and Benfica, while Rapid arrive after an 8-0 win over Grazer AK and have scored 29 goals in eight competitive matches. Vrancken believes Hearts are better prepared than earlier in the season and expects a demanding contest against Rapid’s high-pressing, combination-based style. Harry Milne remains a doubt, Laurent Mendy could return, and a potential signing of American forward JJ Williams is nearing completion.

Pep Guardiola revealed that his marriage to Cristina Serra ended after they lost their passion, describing the personal impact during an angry Manchester City dressing-room speech following a Champions League defeat by Juventus. The incident appears in the Amazon Prime documentary A Beautiful Obsession. Guardiola also said he is uncertain about returning to management, needs time to recover from personal and professional experiences, and wants to rediscover himself before deciding his next step.

Multiple wildfires spread across the West Midlands during extreme heat, damaging or threatening homes in Stourbridge, Pershore, Stoke-on-Trent and Salford Priors. Six houses were affected in Stourbridge, a child and three firefighters were hospitalised, and residents were evacuated from several areas; around 200 homes temporarily lost power in Pershore. Smoke also closed the M6 northbound, while firefighting disrupted water supplies. Emergency services urged residents to stay indoors, and local councillors warned that the fires highlighted inadequate preparedness for climate-change impacts.

Aston Villa captain John McGinn says the club can continue competing at the highest level despite selling Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne during a summer of change. He points to the club’s established structure, coaching methods and continuing ambition after last season’s Europa League success. Manager Unai Emery expects Villa to be below peak fitness for the Super Cup in Salzburg, with Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emi Martínez absent after extended breaks, but says the team will still compete.

Jose Mourinho revealed in a new Netflix documentary that he signed an agreement to succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager after leaving Real Madrid in 2013, but reversed the decision and returned to Chelsea because he had already given his word to the London club. Ferguson said Mourinho called him in tears to explain the change, leaving Ferguson disappointed but understanding. Mourinho said missing the United job was dramatic, but he does not regret choosing Chelsea out of loyalty and emotion.

Motherwell advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League with a 3-0 win over HB Torshavn, securing a 5-0 aggregate victory. Lukas Fadinger scored from the penalty spot before Regan Charles-Cook and Dylan Williams added further goals. Alfred Johansson’s side handled a disrupted squad and injury list effectively, and will next face HJK Helsinki or Coleraine. Tawanda Maswanhise also returned from a fractured jaw as a late substitute.

Heart of Midlothian winger Calvin Miller believes the club can improve under new manager Wouter Vrancken despite a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying. He argues that Motherwell’s slow start under Jens Berthel Askou last season shows that a new tactical system can take time to develop, while acknowledging Hearts’ lack of match fitness and limited preparation. Miller remains confident the team can respond in its Premiership opener away to Aberdeen.

Arsenal have reportedly made an early inquiry about signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, with the Brazil forward having one year left on his contract. The potential deal is still at a formative stage as Mikel Arteta seeks a marquee addition after Arsenal’s first Premier League title in more than 20 years. Other attacking targets include Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola. Arsenal have already signed Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapié and Illan Meslier, while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea after Arsenal declined to meet the asking price. Vinicius’s future is uncertain following José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid and controversy surrounding Mourinho’s response to Vinicius’s allegation of racial abuse.

Goalkeeper Ivor Pandur expresses excitement and confidence after joining Rangers from Hull City on a four‑year deal, citing the club’s expectations, competitive environment under Derek McInnes, and his desire to develop further. Following World Cup duty with Croatia, he made his debut in a friendly win over Saint‑Etienne and says he is now a more developed player than when Rangers first showed interest years earlier. Pandur highlights the opportunity to learn from new goalkeeping coach Allan McGregor as a key factor in his enthusiasm for the move.

St Mirren manager Craig McLeish expressed confidence that new signing Eseosa Sule will make a strong impact this season, though he is unlikely to feature immediately. Sule joined on a three-year deal from West Brom after recovering from an injury-shortened loan at Motherwell. The club values securing a permanent forward ahead of the league campaign and views Sule as a long‑term asset. Elsewhere in the SPFL, Aberdeen added experienced goalkeeper Marius Muller amid interest in Dimitar Mitov, while several other Scottish clubs prepare for upcoming cup fixtures.

Thomas Tuchel urged a fundamental shift in England’s footballing mentality after their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, arguing that the team became too passive after taking the lead and struggled to retain control. He accepted responsibility for tactical decisions, including defensive substitutions, and highlighted issues with ball possession compared with nations like Spain and Argentina. Despite criticism, Tuchel received support from the Football Association and reaffirmed his commitment to leading England into upcoming competitions, saying he believes the team still has untapped potential.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend makes 14 changes for the Nations Championship match against Fiji, focusing on building squad depth and giving opportunities to touring players. Gregor Brown is the only retained starter, and Stafford McDowall will captain a side featuring first international starts for Gregor Hiddleston and Freddy Douglas. Experienced wingers Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe return after missing earlier matches. Townsend highlights player development, fitness, and readiness as key motivations behind his selections.

Argentina overturned England’s lead with two late goals inspired by Lionel Messi to win the World Cup semi-final 2–1 in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon had put England ahead, but Enzo Fernandez equalised with a long-range strike before Lautaro Martinez headed the stoppage-time winner. England came under heavy pressure as Argentina grew stronger, while defensive substitutions failed to halt the momentum shift. Argentina advanced to face Spain in the final, leaving England’s hopes of a first World Cup since 1966 dashed.

Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia will meet for the WBC welterweight title on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with promoter Dana White confirming the signed deal. Garcia enters the bout as champion after defeating Mario Barrios, while Benn secured mandatory challenger status following consecutive wins, including a rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr and a decision over Regis Prograis. The matchup follows extended public exchanges between the fighters.

Motherwell signed Australian Under-23 defender Jake Girdwood-Reich from St Louis City for an undisclosed fee as midfielder Elliot Watt appears close to a move to Turkish club Samsunspor after weeks of negotiations. Girdwood-Reich arrives with experience in MLS, the A-League and earlier development in Scotland, with Motherwell’s manager praising his blend of maturity and potential. He expressed enthusiasm about joining and integrating with the squad while reports from Turkey suggest Watt has agreed personal terms and a transfer is nearing completion.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn said his team lacked urgency and desire in a 1–0 League Cup loss to Ayr, decided by a Kevin Holt header and compounded by a missed penalty from Ross MacIver. He acknowledged shortcomings in set pieces and overall competitiveness, leaving Falkirk needing wins in their remaining group matches and hoping for other results to progress.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin called the loss to Montrose in the Premier Sports Cup unacceptable but attributed early struggles to a new squad still building cohesion. Montrose capitalized on a defensive error to secure the win, leaving United needing victories in their remaining group matches and reliant on other results. Goodwin stressed there would be no excuses going forward and expressed confidence in securing necessary wins at home.

Nathan Lowe aims to become the top scorer in the William Hill Premiership after joining Hibernian on loan from Stoke City, citing his belief in setting high targets and his natural striker instincts. He describes the SPFL as an exciting new challenge, while head coach David Gray highlights Lowe’s energy, physical presence and proven scoring ability despite his young age.

A gang conflict across Scotland’s central belt has declined after groups resolved internal disputes and police carried out coordinated enforcement operations under Operation Portaledge. Police reported more than 80 incidents last year, additional cases earlier this year, and multiple arrests. Several individuals involved in fire‑raising attacks and attempted murders have since been jailed following High Court cases in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Manchester United completed the signing of midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea on a five‑year contract, marking their first addition of the summer. The club continues efforts to strengthen midfield options following departures and injuries, including ongoing talks to sign Belgium’s Youri Tielemans. Santos arrives after loan spells at multiple clubs and limited opportunities at Chelsea, while Tielemans remains sidelined with a recent injury. The article also notes recent transfer targets pursued unsuccessfully by United and highlights key background on the players involved.

Police investigating the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe reviewed CCTV footage showing a man placing a wooden stick in a red car outside a property linked to the suspect before driving away. A 28‑year‑old man was arrested in Rotherham, where police carried out extensive searches and seized a vehicle. Authorities stated they are not seeking additional suspects and have found no evidence of terrorism or political motivation. Senior officers urged the public to avoid speculation while politicians and officials paid respects near Widdecombe’s Devon home as the investigation continued at pace.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu expresses measured confidence ahead of facing South Africa in the Nations Championship, noting the team’s progress over the past year while avoiding bold predictions. He highlights recent strong performances, including a win against Argentina, but stresses the importance of quiet confidence when playing the world champions in Pretoria. Tuipulotu reflects on the significance of the occasion and his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team during a pivotal stage of his career.

Paddy Pimblett aims to re-enter lightweight title contention as he prepares to face Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, while expressing interest in fighting Conor McGregor later in the year. Pimblett reflects on his loss to Justin Gaethje and acknowledges several contenders ahead of him in the rankings. McGregor, returning after injury and an 18‑month doping ban, first must face Max Holloway. Pimblett says any future matchup depends on winning his upcoming fight.

Rory Darge anticipates a major challenge as Scotland face South Africa in Pretoria in their second Nations Championship match. Having previously struggled against the Springboks, he expects intense physical pressure but believes both teams have evolved since their last meetings. Darge draws confidence from past experience playing in South Africa and highlights Scotland’s improvement following difficult defeats last autumn. The team has won four of its last five Tests, returning to the world’s top five, though he stresses there is still progress to be made.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn confirmed several key players will miss the start of the season, including Keelan Adams, Scott Bain and possibly Jack McMillan, due to injuries, with Finn Yeats also struggling. Bain faces weeks in a protective boot after a foot fracture, while Adams is out until September following surgery. McGlynn expressed frustration with injury setbacks and delays in new signings as the competitive campaign approaches.

Argentina overturned a 2–0 deficit against Egypt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, with late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and a stoppage‑time winner from Enzo Fernandez completing the comeback in Atlanta. Egypt had led through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a Messi penalty and made several key stops. Argentina’s surge in the final minutes preserved their title defence and ended Egypt’s hopes after a strong tournament run.

Danny Murphy expanded on his viral World Cup commentary story about his missing cat Bob, explaining that the cat was returned home after disappearing in a Royal Mail van but became aggressive toward his sister, Mary. His family ultimately relocated Bob to friends in Preston, where he later died. Murphy shared the additional details during Portugal’s last‑16 match against Spain.

Nottingham Forest appointed Oliver Glasner as head coach following Vitor Pereira’s unexpected dismissal. Glasner arrives after recent trophy-winning success with Crystal Palace and past European achievements with Eintracht Frankfurt. His hiring follows previous links to AC Milan and the Germany national team. The move is notable due to tension stemming from Palace’s demotion to a lower European competition, which benefited Forest and led to an unsuccessful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis emphasized shared ambition and a commitment to building a competitive team capable of winning major honours.