Chris Mochrie returns to the Premiership, joining St Mirren

Former Dundee United man, Chris Mochrie has today signed a two-year-deal with the possibility of a further extra year, joining St Mirren. The midfielder started his career, coming through the ranks at Tannadice with a few first team appearances before a loan spell at Montrose which saw him get given some big opportunities in the senior squad at Tannadice. The Scotland U19 International would then have a loan spell with Dunfermline in the Championship, making 36 appearances for the Pars’ with two goals and two assists for his side before having a good campaign in the Championship with United. As United went up, Mochrie’s time at Tannadice was up, joining Airdrieonians, spending two seasons with the diamonds. Chris went on to become a first team regular being one of the better players, making just over 85 appearances for Airdrie in the Championship as well as netting 17 goals with 7 assists to his name. With Airdrie falling short in the play-offs, which saw the Diamonds, Mochrie departed to chase a new chapter, with St Mirren coming calling in an offer which is too good to turn down. The 23-year-old can play up top as well as behind the striker in the attacking role in which will most likely to play as an impact sub. Speaking to his new club, Chris said: “I’m buzzing, really excited to get going. “I met with the manager and everything he was saying was aligned with the way I think. It was a pretty easy decision from there on in and I’m delighted that’s happened. “The last couple of years have been massive for me. Going to Airdrie and getting a lot of games has really helped me and hopefully I can bring that experience here and show what I can do.” Manager Craig McLeish added: “Chris is someone that I’ve known since he was really young, coming through the performance schools and the youth national team squads. “He was always a player that I really enjoyed watching, loved how he moved with the ball so effortlessly. I really liked watching him play as he was coming through the system, then he broke into Dundee United quite early. “He handles the ball really well and he gives us a threat at the top end of the pitch. He’s a really honest boy that works hard and just needs a platform now to then go and try to get to the next level again. “He’s one that we feel can go and play at an even higher level and hopefully we can give him the platform to do that.”

Wouter Vrancken Appointed as Hearts Head Coach

Heart of Midlothian have confirmed the appointment of Belgian coach Wouter Vrancken as the club’s new head coach. The 47-year-old has signed a two-year contract and takes charge ahead of the new season following Derek McInnes’ departure to Rangers. Vrancken arrives in Edinburgh with a strong reputation in Belgian football and a track record of improving teams. Hearts have turned to a coach with experience of promotion campaigns and European qualification as the club looks to continue its recent development on and off the pitch. The Belgian began his coaching career in the lower divisions with DK Gravelo and Overpelt VV before moving into top-flight football as an assistant coach at Kortrijk. His first major managerial role came with Mechelen in 2018 and he quickly made an impact. At Mechelen, Vrancken guided the club back to the Belgian Pro League by winning the second division title. He also led the team to victory in the Belgian Cup, a significant achievement as Mechelen became only the second club from outside the top flight to win the competition. The success established him as one of Belgium’s most promising coaches. His work at Mechelen earned him a move to Genk, where he continued to build his reputation. Under his management, Genk played an attacking style of football and challenged for major honours. The club came close to winning the Belgian league title and Vrancken was recognised with Manager of the Year awards for his performances on the touchline. After leaving Genk, Vrancken took charge of Sint-Truiden and again demonstrated his ability to improve a side. He inherited a team that had been struggling and transformed its fortunes in a short period of time. Sint-Truiden climbed the table and secured European qualification, achieving one of the club’s best seasons in decades. Hearts believe those qualities can help the club move forward. The Edinburgh side has increasingly used data and long-term planning in its recruitment and football strategy, and Vrancken’s appointment is viewed as a coach who fits that approach. Expectations at Tynecastle remain high, with supporters hoping the club can compete strongly in domestic competitions and continue to push for European football. For Hearts, the appointment represents a fresh start under a coach who has built a reputation for improving teams and delivering results. For Vrancken, it is his first managerial role outside Belgium and an opportunity to test himself in a new league and environment. The club will now look to provide their new head coach with the support and squad depth required to make an immediate impact. While the long term success of the appointment will be judged on results, Hearts have secured a manager with extensive experience and a record of guiding clubs to significant progress.

Rangers announce return of Ross McCrorie

Rangers have announced the first signing of the Derek McInnes era by confirming the return of Ross McCrorie. The right-back arrives from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee signing a three-year deal in Glasgow. A product of the Rangers academy, McCrorie left to the club for Aberdeen in 2020, initially on loan, but the deal was made permanent in 2021. He’d then leave for Bristol City in 2023 but is now re-united with the manager who brought him to Aberdeen. McCrorie has been twice capped by Scotland, most recently in March’s defeat to Côte d’Ivoire. Whilst he was called up the EURO 2024 squad in Germany, he did not feature. Speaking on his return to Rangers, McCrorie said: “It is a dream come true to come back up the road to the team I support. “I am not that little kid who was at Rangers back in the day. I have changed a lot character-wise, and player-wise, I feel I have changed massively. “I feel like I am ready now, and I want to come back here and win trophies.” These comments were echoed by McInnes, he said: “Ross is someone I signed for Aberdeen from Rangers, and at that time he wanted to go out and prove himself, which I think says a lot for him. “He has developed and improved as a player, he has got that added experience, he is a full international now, and he knows the club inside out. “In the conversations I have had with him, a lot of things I am saying are things he wants from the club as well, so he’s a determined and competitive boy on the pitch, and he is determined to bring good times back to the club.” McCrorie marks Rangers second signing of the season, following Lawrence Shankland’s arrival from Hearts on a free transfer. Rumours also suggest the club are readying a bid for Dundee defender Luke Graham as Derek McInnes aims to rebuild Rangers from last season’s disappointing third place finish, behind McIness’ Hearts side and Martin O’Neill’s Celtic.

Sabri Guendouz Signs for Hearts

Heart of Midlothian have completed the signing of French winger Sabri Guendouz from Belgian side Beerschot, adding another exciting player to their squad ahead of the new season. The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract at Tynecastle for an undisclosed fee, becoming the latest addition as Hearts continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. Guendouz arrives in Edinburgh after an impressive spell in Belgium. During his time with Beerschot, he established himself as one of the club’s most dangerous attacking players thanks to his pace and creativity. Primarily a left winger, Guendouz is capable of playing anywhere across the front line. His versatility will give Hearts plenty of options in attack, while his direct style of play is expected to add extra energy and creativity to the team. The Frenchman has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years. Just over two years ago, he was playing in the lower levels of French football and was still trying to establish himself in the professional game. His performances attracted interest from several clubs, but Hearts moved quickly to secure his signature. Speaking after signing for the club, Guendouz said he was delighted to join Hearts and is looking forward to playing in front of the supporters at Tynecastle. He also spoke of his ambition to help the club achieve success and compete at the highest level possible. The Jambos have been active in the transfer market this summer as they continue to reshape the squad and build a team capable of competing at the top end of the Scottish Premiership. As Hearts continue their summer rebuild, the arrival of Sabri Guendouz gives supporters another reason to be optimistic. If he can reproduce the form he showed in Belgium, the French winger could prove to be one of the club’s most exciting signings of the summer.

Tom Renaud Completes Hearts Move

Heart of Midlothian have signed French midfielder Tom Renaud on a five-year contract, with the move subject to international clearance and Scottish Football Association approval. Renaud came through the academy at Lorient before gaining senior experience in the French lower leagues. He later joined Versailles, where he became a regular first-team player and made more than 50 appearances for the club. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Renaud is also capable of playing in central defence. His versatility and work rate have been key features of his game and are likely to have influenced Hearts’ decision to bring him to Scotland. The signing continues Hearts’ summer rebuilding plans as the club look to strengthen several areas of the squad. Recent recruitment has focused on identifying players from different markets, and Renaud’s arrival is another example of that approach. For the player, the move represents a new challenge. It is the first time he has played outside France and gives him the opportunity to test himself in Scottish football. Hearts will hope Renaud can settle quickly and provide added competition in midfield. His ability to play in more than one position could also give the coaching staff greater flexibility during the campaign. With a long-term contract agreed, both club and player will now look forward to the next stage of their journey. In announcing the move, Hearts said Renaud arrives “just in time for the start of pre-season” as the club prepare for their Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz.

Scotland Face Nervous World Cup Wait After Brazil Defeat Leaves Qualification Hopes Hanging

Scotland Face Anxious World Cup Wait After Brazil Defeat Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages are hanging in the balance after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final Group C match. Steve Clarke’s side must now rely on results elsewhere as they look to secure one of the eight places available to the tournament’s best third-placed teams. With qualification no longer in their own hands, Scotland could be forced to wait until Sunday before discovering whether they have done enough to reach the last 32. How Can Scotland Still Qualify? Finishing third in the group does not automatically end Scotland’s World Cup campaign. Under the tournament format, the eight highest-ranked third-placed teams from the 12 groups will progress to the knockout stages. Teams are ranked first by points, with goal difference used as the next tiebreaker when sides are level. Scotland completed the group stage with three points and a goal difference of -3 after their defeat to Brazil. To qualify, Scotland need at least four third-placed teams to finish below them in the overall standings. As things stand, five third-placed sides are currently below Scotland, while another five teams are level on points. Four of those teams still have a group game remaining. Statistics provider Opta estimates that teams finishing on three points with a goal difference of -3 have a 42% chance of reaching the knockout rounds. That rises to 63% for teams with a goal difference of -2 and 84% for those on -1. Scotland’s position became more difficult after South Africa’s surprise victory over South Korea, leaving the Koreans in third place on three points with a superior goal difference. The Results Scotland Need Nine groups still have matches to be completed, meaning Scotland’s fate will be decided by results across the remainder of the group stage. The Scots need at least four of the following scenarios to go in their favour. Thursday Group E Ecuador must fail to beat Germany. Curacao must fail to beat Ivory Coast. Alternatively: Curacao can win, but only by four goals or more, provided Ecuador do not win. Group F Sweden must lose to Japan by four goals or more. Group D Paraguay and Australia both sit on three points and meet in their final group match. A draw would see both teams qualify. Scotland need: Paraguay to lose by at least two goals, or Australia to lose by four goals or more. Friday Group F Senegal and Iraq to draw. Alternatively: Iraq can beat Senegal, but only by two goals or fewer. Group H Uruguay to lose to Spain. Group G Iran to lose to Egypt. Saturday Group L Croatia to lose to Ghana by at least three goals. Group K DR Congo and Uzbekistan to draw. Alternatively: Uzbekistan can win, but only by three goals or fewer. Group J Austria and Algeria both head into their final group game on three points, with a draw enough to send both teams through. Scotland need: Algeria to lose by at least two goals, or Austria to lose by four goals or more. Waiting Game Begins Scotland’s World Cup future now rests on results elsewhere. Qualification remains possible, but a goal difference of -3 leaves little margin for error. With several groups still to conclude, Clarke’s side will need a number of favourable outcomes over the coming days if they are to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

Scotland Face World Cup Wait After Vinicius Double Sinks Clarke’s Side

Scotland’s World Cup fate hangs in the balance after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brazil left their hopes of reaching the knockout stages out of their own hands. Steve Clarke’s side knew that avoiding defeat would almost certainly secure a place in the last 32, but a clinical Brazil performance in Miami saw Scotland finish third in Group C. With three points and a goal difference of minus three, Scotland must now wait for the remaining group matches to be completed before discovering whether they have done enough to claim one of the eight places available to the best third-placed teams. According to Opta’s post-match projections, Scotland’s chances of progressing stand at 42 per cent. However, there was little optimism among the squad after a night in which three costly defensive errors were ruthlessly punished. Brazil took the lead after Scott McKenna was dispossessed deep in his own half by Bournemouth forward Rayan, allowing Vinicius Jr to race through and round Angus Gunn before finishing into an empty net. The South Americans doubled their advantage before the break when Bruno Guimaraes delivered a cross that both Gunn and Nathan Patterson failed to deal with, leaving Vinicius Jr to head home his second goal of the evening. Any hopes of a Scotland comeback were effectively ended after half-time when Manchester United striker Mateus Cunha added a third, capping a frustrating night for Clarke’s side, who struggled to match Brazil’s quality despite their efforts. Midfielder John McGinn admitted the squad were devastated by the result and acknowledged qualification now looks a difficult prospect. “We conceded poor goals at poor moments against a team with the quality to punish you,” McGinn said. “We created a few opportunities ourselves, but now all we can do is wait. “The lads are gutted. We came up short in terms of quality, but nobody could question the effort. Everyone has given everything and we’re running on empty. “It looks unlikely, but we’ll see what happens. It’s still very raw after the game, but we’re grateful for the support we’ve had. Hopefully our journey isn’t over yet and, if we get another chance, we’ll be ready.” Head coach Steve Clarke was equally frustrated by the manner of the defeat, believing Scotland handed Brazil exactly the type of game they wanted. “We made things difficult for ourselves,” Clarke said. “We gave away the goals and we allowed them to play the game on their terms. That’s the disappointing part.” The Scotland boss praised his players for their work rate in challenging conditions but admitted mistakes at this level are often punished severely. “The effort from the players was outstanding, especially those who played the full 90 minutes in those conditions,” he added. “But if we want to compete against the best teams, we have to perform better. “We started reasonably well, moved the ball nicely in the opening minutes, and then made a mistake. Against opponents of this quality, that immediately puts you under pressure and makes it a very long evening. “If I’m being honest, I think we’re heading home. “Only Scotland could get what looked like a winnable opening match and then end up facing the fifth and sixth-ranked teams in the world.”