European Draws Set for Scottish Trio
The European dreams of Rangers, Hibernian and Dundee United took a clearer shape on Wednesday, as all three Scottish clubs discovered their respective opponents in the qualifying rounds. The Champions League journey for Rangers begins in the second qualifying round, where they’ll face Greek giants Panathinaikos. All eyes will be on Russell Martin as he makes his competitive debut as head coach. The first leg is set for Ibrox on July 22nd, with the return fixture in Athens a week later. Panathinaikos mirrored Rangers’ domestic performance last season, securing a second-place finish. Their recent European adventures saw them participate in the UEFA Conference League, where they finished 13th in the group stage before a pulsating Round of 16 clash that saw them narrowly lose 5-4 on aggregate to Fiorentina. For the Ibrox faithful, this encounter with Panathinaikos may stir fond memories. Their last meeting, in the 2008 UEFA Cup, saw Nacho Novo net an 81st minute equaliser to send Rangers through on away goals. This tie was pivotal in Rangers’ memorable run to the 2008 UEFA Cup final, ultimately ending in a 2-0 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester. Hibernian’s European journey begins in the Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round, a consequence of Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup glory. They face a challenging draw against Danish club FC Midtjylland. FC Midtjylland narrowly missed out on their domestic title, finishing one point adrift of champions FC Copenhagen. Their prior visits to Scotland have yielded mixed results: a 7-3 aggregate defeat to Rangers in the Europa League qualifiers and a 3-2 aggregate victory over Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for July 24th in Denmark, with the decisive second leg taking place in Leith on July 31st. Following an impressive fourth-place finish on their return to the Scottish Premiership, Dundee United face FC UNA Strassen in the 2nd qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Tannadice will host the first leg on July 24th, marking the Arabs’ first continental outing since their memorable (albeit forgettable) 7-1 aggregate defeat to AZ Alkmaar in 2022. Manager Jim Goodwin and his squad will be determined to deliver a much more commanding performance against their visitors from Luxembourg.
Bulloch and Hay confirm departure from Thistle WFC
Midfielder Amy Bulloch and winger Kodie Hay have confirmed that they have left Partick Thistle WFC. Bulloch, who joined the club in 2020 after spells with Motherwell and Hamilton, formed a key part of Brian Graham’s side. Hay meanwhile arrived in 2023, making over 50 appearances for the club, having played for Glasgow City, Celtic and Motherwell previously. They depart alongside Clare Docherty who announced her retirement at the end of the season with manager Brian Graham and assistant Ross Stormonth also leaving. David Elliot will take charge, after spending time coaching the side towards the end of the season.
Hearts announce Stuart Findlay loan signing
Heart of Midlothian have confirmed the signing of Oxford United defender Stuart Findlay on a season long loan. Findlay, 29, will be reunited with boss Derek McInnes, under whom he spent last season at Kilmarnock. Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, McInnes said: “Stuart is obviously someone I know very well from the years we’ve previously spent working together. “I know his attributes and every aspect of his game. He’s a domineering defender, strong and athletic, and he is a real leader on and off the pitch. “I’m delighted to have him here at Hearts.” The defender, who earned his solitary Scotland cap in the 6-0 win over San Marino in 2019 during which he scored a goal, joins a plethora of new signings with Christian Borchgrevink, Alexandros Kyziridis, Elton Kabangu, Oisin McEntee and Claudio Braga having all arrived at the club on a permanent basis.