Gunn joins MLS outfit after World Cup exit
Scotland goalkeeper Angus has turned his American World Cup stint into a permanent move, joining the San Jose Earthquakes on a contract running through the 2030 season. Gunn, previously of Nottingham Forest, joins the Earthquakes as a free agent and spoke of the “incredible” opportunity to join the MLS outfit on the club’s website. “Coming off the World Cup, which was an unbelievable experience, I’m just really excited and grateful for the opportunity to come to San Jose and show the best version of myself. We’re in a really good position for the playoffs, so hopefully we can focus on that with the right mentality.” Gunn featured in all three group-stage matches for Scotland at the World Cup, in their first appearance since 1998. The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience to San Jose, with the bulk of his career spent in the English Championship for Norwich City. Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena spoke to the club website about their delight to attain Gunn’s services, and look forward to him blending into the club for the rest of the season and playoffs. “We’re pleased to sign a quality goalkeeper in Angus Gunn with English Premier League and international experience, most recently as a starter at the World Cup.” “We’re looking forward to integrating him into the club for the second half of the season and welcome him to San Jose.” MLS play resumes for the Earthquakes on Wednesday, July 22, with a home match against Orlando City SC. This will be followed by a high-stakes matchup on Saturday, July 25, as the team takes on the LA Galaxy in the 105th California Clasico at Stanford Stadium.
Allan McGregor returns to Rangers
Rangers have officially announced the arrival of Allan McGregor as the club’s new goalkeeping coach. McGregor returns to the club, in which he spent two spells as a player at, winning four league titles in the progress. He was also a part of Barry Ferguson’s interim staff at the tail end of the 2024/25 season but now joins the club on a fulltime basis as new manager Derek McInnes adds to his backroom staff. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history and was awarded Hall of Fame status in 2023 alongside recently departed James Tavernier. The former Scotland international replaces Sal Bibbo, who was brought to the club by Russell Martin last year. Bibbo left his post to join newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City under Frank Lampard. Rangers confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City last week, with Jack Butland going the other way. Liam Kelly also signed a contract extension until 2028 last month. McGregor said: “Everyone knows what this club means to me, so to have the opportunity to return and help the club in the present and future is a real privilege. “Rangers is a club that demands the very highest standards, and I’m looking forward to getting started, working with the players and staff, and seeing what we can achieve together in this next chapter.” “Allan is a fantastic addition to our coaching staff and brings with him a wealth of experience,” McInnes said. “He knows exactly what it takes to be successful at Rangers and understands the standards that are required every day. “His knowledge, expertise and winning mentality will be a huge asset to the group, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as we continue our preparations for the season ahead.”
John McGlynn faces a new challenge heading into the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership as key players depart Falkirk
A summer of change is underway at Falkirk, as the Bairns look to replace key figures who made last season so successful. Falkirk returned to the top flight of Scottish football for the 2025/26 campaign after a fifteen-year hiatus; not many people expected the Bairns to be successful as they were. John McGlynn guided his side to a top-six finish, and they were in contention for a European spot before dropping off right at the end of the season. The Bairns also made it to the Scottish Cup semi-final, where they were disappointingly beaten by championship side Dunfermline Athletic. A hugely impressive campaign for a newly promoted side, however, that success has now come at a cost, with several important players departing the club so far this summer window. Star players departing A trio of Barney Stewart, Calvin Miller and Dylan Tait are the most notable names to be leaving Falkirk, all of whom impressed throughout last season. 22-year-old striker Barney Stewart has joined English Championship side West Brom for a rumoured seven-figure fee, whereas Calvin Miller, who had a standout season for the Bairns, has joined runners-up Hearts, and lastly Dylan Tait, who featured in all 38 league matches last season for Falkirk, has joined league opponents Dundee United on a free. The Bairns were back in action last night as they defeated Airdrieonians 2-1 in their opening pre-season match. Manager John McGlynn had this to say post-match regarding incomings. “We know that we’ve got a lot of work to do, we know that, and we have been working very hard, and we thought we had one or two over the line and then there’s been just something that’s delayed it, and it’s left us a little bit of not having as many as we would have liked to have had in by now.” “We continuously work on it, honestly, we are working all the time, so yeah, we understand that it’s a little bit frustrating. It’s frustrating for everyone. We would have anticipated having more players in by now.” “Like last season, it took towards the end of the window before we managed to get some of them in, and I would like to think we can do it quicker than that.” As of now, six new players have put pen to paper for the Bairns: midfielders Jack McMillan from Exeter City, Scott Tanser from Saint Mirren, and Craig Sibbald from Dundee United. Three new additions to bolster the backline, starting with Latvian international Deniss Melniks, Lewis Neilson, formerly of Hearts, both signing permanently and last but hopefully not least for John McGlynn is Ethan Laidlaw, who arrives on loan from Premier League outfit Brentford. With the start of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership fast approaching, John McGlynn knows his side needs more reinforcements across the park and will be eager to get several over the line before their opening game against Saint Mirren on the 1st of August.
From Relegation with Northampton to Aberdeen
Aberdeen have signed left-back Nesta Guinness-Walker on a two-year-deal after departing EFL side, Northampton Town. The 26-year-old came through the youth rank with both Chelsea and Tottenham playing as an attacking minded full-back. The left-back has a handful of spells at other English clubs such as AFC Wimbledon, Reading, Stevenage, Metropolitan Police and of course most recently Northampton Town. There has been a lot of talk surrounding their left sided defenders with Gyamfi picking up once again, another setback with Mitchell Frame being linked with moves to either Sweden or Poland after gaining valuable game time last campaign since signing from Celtic B. Jensen who can also play at left-back departed Pittodrie this week, joining Jimmy Thelin’s former side, Elfsborg. “I’m buzzing to be here,” said Nesta. “As soon as Aberdeen showed interest, I was keen to get the deal done. “I’m here to continue my development and, of course, help the team win games. “The Club has a rich history, the fans look amazing, and after speaking to the manager, the ambition here was clear. It is something I’m eager to be part of.” Nesta becomes signing number nine for Stephen Robinson as the Dons boss has full faith that his new signing has the right attributes for the upcoming campaign. He said: “Nesta brings real pace and energy down the side, and his experience will also help Emmanuel and Mitchel with their continued development. “He has played extensively in the English Championship and League One and was named Northampton’s Player of the Year last season. “He will need a few weeks to get up to speed, as his season finished earlier, but our team behind the scenes will create a tailored programme to help him integrate and be ready for action as quickly as possible.” Nesta will be in the squad ahead of Saturday’s final pre-season fixture away in Linfield ahead of their League Cup clashing away to Brora Rangers next Tuesday.