Billy Davies joins Morton as Technical Head Coach
Greenock Morton have made a statement of intent by appointing seasoned tactician Billy Davies as Technical Head Coach, joining forces with manager Dougie Imrie ahead of the new Scottish Championship season. Represented by Superior Sports Management, Davies arrives with an impressive CV spanning Scotland and England. He first made waves as the youngest manager in the SPL at Motherwell, steering them from the bottom of the table to a top-four finish. Billy told SNN Sports: “I’m delighted to be joining Greenock Morton and to have the opportunity to work alongside Dougie Imrie — a highly talented and ambitious young manager. It’s a role I’m genuinely excited about.” His managerial journey also includes notable stints at Preston North End, Derby County, and Nottingham Forest. Most memorably, he masterminded Derby’s promotion to the Premier League in just 11 months, leading a defence that conceded just four goals at home in 23 league matches during that campaign. With seven Championship Manager of the Month awards, Davies ranks among the division’s most successful coaches, just behind the likes of Neil Warnock and Chris Hughton. Davies will take a hands-on role in coaching and player development, aiming to build on the club’s recent progress and push Morton higher up the Scottish Championship table. The appointment fits neatly into an ambitious vision shaped by Imrie and chairman John Laird. Both Davies and Imrie, who share representation through Superior Sports Management, have built a strong working relationship in recent years — one that promises to strengthen Morton’s on-field strategy. Davies confident on the clubs vision & ambition: “After some in-depth discussions with the board — particularly with Chairman John Laird and Dougie — I’m confident in the club’s vision, and I’m proud to be part of their future plans and ambitions.” Further details on his role will be unveiled in due course, but for now, it’s clear Greenock Morton are gearing up for a serious campaign.
Falkirk FC Goalkeeper Preview – Bain and Hogarth Compete for Starting Spot
Falkirk have had a busy pre-season schedule, three matches to win the Stirlingshire Cup kicked off their preparations before a defeat to Edinburgh City and a duo of 4-2 victories over East Fife and Raith Rovers. They still have one more warm-up bout remaining against St Johnstone, with whom they swapped leagues with last year, before heading into competitive Premier Sports Cup on July 12. Key Signings Strengthen the Squad The Bairns have secured the signing of former Partick Thistle captain and joint-caretaker manager Brian Graham, as well as the loan signing of Lewis Neilson from William Hill Premiership rivals Hearts as John McGlynn keeps the faith with his back-to-back title winning team. The only other addition to the first team squad has been that of goalkeeper Scott Bain from Celtic, a rather unusual addition to the squad as McGlynn’s side possess a very good goalkeeper in former Rangers and Nottingham Forest youth Nicky Hogarth. Preseason Goalkeeper Rotation and Competition During preseason McGlynn has opted to rotate his keepers with Bain and Hogarth each playing in three matches and does not yet appear to have settled on a number one for their return to the top flight of Scottish football. While Hogarth retains the jersey, Bain arrives with a wealth of experience, having picked up 14 honours during his spell as a backup with the Hoops and three Scotland caps, while his goalkeeping rival Hogarth has played over 80 matches these past two seasons helping the Bairns rise from William Hill League 1 to the Premiership. Comparing the Keepers: Bain vs Hogarth Bain brings a calm, authoritative presence to the Falkirk goal, known for his strong command of the penalty area and shot-stopping abilities honed at the highest level of Scottish football. His experience in big-game situations and ability to organize defenders makes him a valuable asset, particularly in tight, high-pressure matches as well as his experience working with some of the nations best defenders. In contrast, Hogarth offers a more agile and reactive style, relying on quick reflexes and sharp decision-making. His ability to distribute the ball effectively with both hands and feet allows Falkirk to launch swift counterattacks, an increasingly important trait in modern football. Hogarth also has more long term benefits as a good season for the side in the top flight could see some big offers arrive for the stopper. What Lies Ahead for Falkirk Between the Sticks? The contrast between Bain’s measured composure and Hogarth’s athleticism gives McGlynn a tactical choice depending on the opposition and match situation. Bain’s veteran experience could prove crucial in cup competitions or matches requiring defensive solidity, while Hogarth’s youth and agility suit the fast-paced demands of league play, especially as Falkirk adapt to the Premiership’s rigours. As the Bairns prepare for their final warm-up against St Johnstone, McGlynn’s decision over the number one goalkeeper remains to be seen. However, with two highly capable custodians in Bain and Hogarth, Falkirk can face the upcoming season with confidence in their last line of defence. In case of emergency Falkirk also have Jamie Sneddon as a reliable third option with over a century of appearances for Partick Thistle, giving the divisions new boys one of the strongest goalkeeping departments in the league.
Bairns Battle Raith in Six-Goal Thriller
Newly promoted Falkirk produced an impressive goalscoring display to overcome Raith Rovers in a feisty six-goal friendly. The Stirlingshire side defeated the Kirkcaldy visitors 4-2 at the Falkirk Community Stadium to continue their pre-season preparations for their first Premiership season in fifteen years. Yet, the visitors struck first through Lewis Vaughn, who stretched out a boot to poke the ball beyond Scott Bain. The Rovers were physically imposing throughout the match, and the match’s physical tone was set early on when Paul McMullan clattered into Liam Henderson, leaving the Falkirk defender needing treatment. Despite the bruising challenges, John McGlynn’s side stuck to their attractive, play-from-the-back approach that served them well in their title-winning Scottish Championship campaign. However, Raith’s aggressive pressing caused new goalkeeper Bain several nervy moments—none more so than when a wayward pass deflected back to him, forcing a mazy dribble inside his box to escape pressure, much to the crowd’s delight. However, the loudest cheer of the half came when Bain decided to go long. Tempers flared just before the break when Brad Spencer and Dylan Easton squared up, with Spencer entering the referee’s book. Falkirk levelled the score minutes before halftime. Ethan Ross capitalised on poor defending, muscling past a Raith player before slotting calmly past Raith keeper Joshua Rae, who was caught in no man’s land. Falkirk turned the game on its head early in the second half. New signing Brian Graham latched onto a precise Dylan Tait through ball and confidently found the bottom corner to put the Bairns ahead. Raith hit back ten minutes later. Calvin Miller fouled Dylan Easton just outside the box, and Easton’s pinpoint delivery from the free kick was met by Jordan Doherty, whose header easily went past a wayward Bain. Falkirk weren’t to be denied, though. Captain Brad Spencer restored the lead with a lovely curling effort from inside the area. Minutes later, substitutes Alfredo Agyeman and Ross MacIver combined brilliantly—Agyeman’s driving run and low cross found MacIver unmarked to tap in Falkirk’s fourth and seal the result. There was even time for an unusual moment of refereeing intervention. With Rae holding onto the ball too long, referee Ross Hardie awarded Falkirk a corner—a rare decision that drew bemused laughs from the crowd. Could this signal stricter timekeeping enforcement in the season ahead? Falkirk now turn their attention to a trip to Premiership side St Johnstone on Tuesday, while Raith begin their competitive season with a League Cup group stage tie away to Elgin City next weekend. Managers: John McGlynn: “I thought the overall performance was very, very good actually. I thought everyone had played their part. I think it was a really, really good team performance. Four different goalscorers. We look a threat, going forward, we look a threat. We look like we’re going to score goals. The downside is that we out of not an awful lot, we know we conceded two goals so that would be the thing that we’re still looking at to get better at. But having said that, I still thought there were some really good defensive performances. I thought Connor Allan, in particular, was really good.” Barry Robson: “I thought it was a lot of good stuff in it from both sides. There was also a lot of stuff, and we looked a bit tired. I think when you see the last 20 to 30 minutes. I knew today in the game that we would be tired coming to the end with all the miles we’ve put in our legs. It’s our third game in about seven days. I knew that would come, and you’ve seen that. The most pleasing factor is we’ve come through injury-free and that was another big thing because we’ve also got a few niggles at the moment. But yeah, tactically, we were good at times.” Starting XIs: Falkirk: S. Bain, K. Adams, L. Henderson, B. Graham, B. Spencer, A. Nesbitt, C. Allan, D. Tait, E. Ross, S. Mackie, C. Miller. Substitutes: N. Hogarth, O. Hayward, L. McCann, T. Lang, R. MacIver, A. Agyeman, G. Oliver, F. McCafferty, C. McCrone Raith Rovers: J. Rae, J.T. Rowe, P. Hanlon, C. Fordyce, R. Matthews, L. Vaughan, J. Mullin, P. McMullan, S. Brown, J. Doherty, D. Easton. Substitutes: A. Glavin, R. Li Hua Chin, J. Hamilton, Trialist, S. Byrne, K. Montagu, C. Hannah, Trialist. Referee: Ross Hardie | Assistants: David Roome, Dougie Potter Attendance: 1,204
Former Celtic Hero Leigh Griffiths Continues Australian Journey
Former Celtic and Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths has found a new club this week, and has already made a scoring start. The 22-times capped Scotland international, who famously netted a pair of stunning free kicks against England at Hampden, has continued his late-career adventure in Australia by signing for National Premier Leagues Western Australia side Stirling Macedonia. A Career of Goals Griffiths, who turns 35 in August, enjoyed a fruitful career in the British Isles. He began as a youngster at Livingston before productive spells with Dundee, Wolves and Hibs, eventually joining Celtic in January 2014. During his eight years with the Hoops, he became a firm fan favourite and was the main man in attack during his first two and a half seasons at Celtic Park. Celtic Highs and Changing Roles However, the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, along with big-name signings such as Moussa Dembélé and Odsonne Édouard in 2016 and 2017 respectively, pushed him down the pecking order. Still, the Leith-born striker contributed significantly, finishing his Celtic career with an impressive 123 goals in just 261 appearances and an incredible 14 major honours, adding to a League One title with Wolves and a Scottish Challenge Cup with Livingston. The End of the Road in Scotland Following Celtic’s failed bid for 10-in-a-row under Neil Lennon in 2021, it appeared his time in green was over, as new boss Ange Postecoglou began reshaping the squad. Despite this, Postecoglou handed Griffiths a one-year contract extension early in his tenure. But after off-field issues emerged, the striker was quickly side lined in favour of new arrivals Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis. A brief pre-season appearance in a defeat to West Ham at Celtic Park was followed by a loan move back to Dundee. His second spell at Dens Park failed to match the success of his first, and by January his loan was cut short, his Celtic contract was terminated, and he dropped down to League One with Falkirk. His stint with Falkirk was also underwhelming, bringing a torrid season for the forward to a close. Without a club and seemingly without direction, Griffiths found himself in the footballing wilderness. A Fresh Chapter Down Under But in August 2022, he found a fresh start and a new lease of life, joining Australian side Mandurah City in the third tier. Although a step down in quality, the move brought a better lifestyle for him and his family, sparking an Indian summer in his career. Griffiths went on to score 27 goals in 46 appearances over three years with the Dolphins, while also beginning his coaching journey. He briefly considered a return to Scotland with Livingston, but no deal came to fruition. He also added to his trophy haul with Top Four Cup wins in 2022 and 2023. Early Impact at Stirling Macedonia With this latest move, Griffiths seems settled and content with his life Down Under. Stirling Macedonia are already in the Football West State Cup Final, where they will face rivals Olympic Kingsway. Their recent victory over Inglewood has also secured a spot in next season’s Australia Cup, giving Griffiths the chance to test himself against the nation’s top sides. Griffiths seems to have already made a scoring start, with reports showing a goal in his debut appearance for his new side. Looking Ahead with Purpose His time in Scotland was filled with goals and silverware but also marred by controversy and a difficult end. Now, however, the former Celtic hero appears to have finally found maturity, purpose, and happiness in a new chapter on the other side of the world.
From Montreal to the Rock: The Canadian Takeover of Dumbarton
Scottish League Two side Dumbarton have entered a new era following the takeover by Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe. Today at the Dumbarton Football Stadium, Lapointe met the Scottish media for the first time, offering fans and observers an insightful glimpse into his plans for the club; plans firmly rooted in community values, financial responsibility, and long-term sustainability. A Journey from Canada to Dumbarton Lapointe’s story is a far cry from the typical football club owner narrative. Raised in a working-class family in rural Canada, the son of a mechanic and a cleaner, he made his fortune through hard work and entrepreneurial grit, starting his electronics business in 1996. His path to football ownership was shaped by a deep connection to Scotland, a passion for the sport, and a desire to invest in a club with genuine heritage and community spirit. Lapointe explained: “I looked at teams in Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, and Ireland. “But what really struck me about Scotland, and Dumbarton in particular, is the passion, the community. Y “You see people here with six generations of family loyalty. That’s what I wanted to be part of.” Resilience and Community Lapointe praised Dumbarton’s resilience, noting the club’s rollercoaster history of ups and downs. But through every challenge, the community has remained its backbone. He said: “Dumbarton is not just a football club, it’s a family, a heritage, a legacy. “That’s why I kept coming back. This club has real value beyond just what happens on the pitch.” His vision focuses on preserving and enhancing that community connection while pushing the club forward in a sustainable way. Financial Matters Unlike some football investors who splash cash without long-term planning, Lapointe stressed his approach is both modest and measured. “I’m not looking to spend millions I don’t have. Before taking over, the club’s losses were around £200,000 a year.” His financial model is clear: “Cup money plus league money plus sponsors equals wages.” Without strong sponsor backing and a solid fan base, ambitions to climb the leagues won’t be realistic. He’s already impressed with the club’s strong base of around 420 season ticket holders, and he’s actively working to grow this number, launching initiatives like the ‘Pass It Along’ campaign, which has seen nearly 200 season tickets donated for youngsters by fans in Canada, the US, and even Laos. “That’s nearly 25% of season ticket holders buying extra tickets for kids,” Lapointe noted. “It’s about seeding a new generation of supporters.” More Than Just Football One of Lapointe’s key ambitions is to turn Dumbarton’s stadium into a community hub. With plans to host open mic nights, comedy, music events, weddings, and other non-football activities, the stadium will become a year-round destination. He said: “You can’t just rely on matchdays. The stadium needs to have life six or seven days a week. “That creates value for sponsors, brings in new revenue streams, and connects the club more deeply to the local community.” He also highlighted plans to install a new artificial turf pitch, which will increase the stadium’s usability and allow the club’s youth teams, women’s teams and unconnected local sides to use the ground on non-matchdays. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunity Lapointe is realistic about the challenges ahead. The club must boost attendance, currently averaging around 600, representing just 3% of Dumbarton’s population. But his message to supporters is one of hope and action. He said: “Some people will jump on the train and help drive this forward. Others will stay behind. But this club is moving, with or without the dead weight.” This is a call for everyone in the Dumbarton community to get involved, support the club, and be part of a shared story of resilience, legacy, and progress. As the man himself said the club are only competing with their selves and growing a fanbase within their own community and area: “We’re not here to compete with Celtic and Rangers. “It’s not about that. We’re trying to compete with community, If you don’t seed, don’t expect to harvest anything.” Will he be a success, or the next in a line of foreign owners to not fully understand the strange world of Scottish football, the days are early, but the words are right from the self-described “crazy French-Canadian.”
Kilmarnock Season Preview: A New Era at Rugby Park
It’s been a summer of change at Rugby Park. With Derek McInnes departing just before the final game of the 2024–25 season, the scent of change has lingered in the Ayrshire air ever since. McInnes, who brought much-needed stability and kept Kilmarnock firmly in the Premiership, left behind a strong foundation, but one that had perhaps grown stale. A disappointing bottom-six finish last season highlighted the need for a refresh, and the club has responded decisively. Stepping into the dugout is Stuart Kettlewell, the former Ross County and Motherwell boss, who was confirmed as McInnes’s successor before the end of May. A Summer Clear-Out Kilmarnock wasted little time in moving players on. Ten first-team players, including familiar names Danny Armstrong, Joe Wright, Liam Donnelly, Fraser Murray, and club captain Kyle Vassell, were released at the end of their contracts. Highly rated striker Bobby Wales was also prised away by Swansea City, with the Welsh club paying a compensation fee to secure his signature. Such a major turnover reflects the end of a chapter and the beginning of a bold new era. Who’s In? Kilmarnock’s recruitment drive has been swift and targeted, with reinforcements arriving across the pitch. In defence, Jamie Brandon has joined from Livingston, bringing Premiership experience and a tenacious edge to the backline. George Stanger, who impressed at Ayr United, crosses the Ayrshire divide on a Bosman deal and adds further depth at the back. From Queen’s Park, Jack Thomson steps up to the Premiership, expected to fill the void left by Donnelly in midfield. Out wide, Scott Tiffoney arrives from Dundee to provide experience and energy, while Greg Kiltie returns home from St Mirren for an undisclosed fee, four years after departing the club he began his career with. The most eye-catching signing, at least in stature, is Marcus Dackers, a 6-foot-7 striker signed from Salford City to offer a physical presence up front to replace Vassell. While not known for prolific scoring, his hold-up play could be the perfect foil for quicker forwards. More signings are expected and must be carefully chosen to address key gaps if Killie are to push into the top six. Where Do They Still Need Reinforcements? Goalkeeper Starting from the back, Robbie McCrorie remains the club’s only senior goalkeeper following the departures of Kieran O’Hara and young Aidan Glavin. The former Rangers man had a mixed first season, glimpses of promise undone by injuries and inconsistency. Whether Kettlewell backs him as the outright No. 1 or brings in direct competition will be telling. If a backup is the plan, Jack Newman, who served in that role for Dundee United and Livingston, could be an ideal fit. For a more competitive move, Kettlewell may turn to Ross Laidlaw, his former keeper at Ross County, who may seek a top-flight return after County’s relegation. Defence The end of the loan spells for Calvin Ramsay and Stuart Findlay has left holes in the defence. While Brandon could fill Ramsay’s right-back slot, a commanding, experienced centre-half is needed to replace Findlay, who is now reunited with McInnes at Hearts. Lewis Mayo, Robbie Deas, and Corrie Ndaba are promising, Premiership-tested centre-backs, but all are just 25 and still developing into their mid-20s. Kettlewell may want a seasoned voice to lead the back line and provide stability. Ask former boss Steve Clarke, a strong defence has historically been the bedrock of success at Rugby Park. Midfield Thomson appears a like-for-like replacement for Donnelly, but the midfield still lacks depth and flair. Murray and Kyle Magennis both had productive spells, but both departees have yet to be replaced with a proven upgrade. Rumours recently have indicated that Magennis may extend his deal after failing to agree terms with Steven Pressley’s Dundee, but there has not been any confirmation on that either way. Expect at least one more addition in the middle of the park, ideally someone with creativity and a goal threat. The good news is that one-club man Rory McKenzie has agreed a one-year extension ahead of his testimonial match against rivals Ayr, and keeping hold of David Watson, one of the club’s brightest young talents, would be a significant boost. Wide Areas Replacing Armstrong’s productivity out wide won’t be easy. Even in a frustrating final season, he remained a threat. Tiffoney and Kiltie offer versatility and decent cover, but neither can be pencilled in as a guaranteed starter if Kilmarnock is serious about challenging for Europe. If Hibs fail to agree to renew the Canadian’s contract, Junior Hoilett could be a wildcard option. Another option might be Ross McCausland, a once highly rated Rangers prospect whose time at Ibrox appears to be winding down. Either would bring a directness vital in the Scottish market. Matty Kennedy, meanwhile, will need to stay fit and consistent. His influence as a ball-carrier and creator remains vital. Attack Dackers provides the physical presence that Vassell once offered, but the big Welshman is not a natural finisher. With Wales gone, the onus falls on Bruce Anderson and Marley Watkins to provide the goals. Anderson netted a respectable nine in the league last season, while Watkins’s productivity dipped significantly from his debut campaign. Both will need to hit the ground running. Could Kilmarnock look higher up the food chain for a striker? A move for Lawrence Shankland is almost certainly unrealistic, but he’s exactly the type of player Killie need to transform their attack. More realistic, if still ambitious, is Kevin Nisbet, out of favour at Millwall and available after a Scottish Cup-winning loan spell at Aberdeen. Finances are a concern, but his proven record in the league makes him worth the conversation. However, if Aberdeen call again, the allure of European football will surely lure him back to Pittodrie. Further afield, Ronan Hale might fancy a return to the top flight after relegation with Ross County. Another intriguing name is Mackenzie Kirk, who was relegated with St Johnstone and likely available at a reduced price. The Road Ahead Kilmarnock’s business
Dundee Face Toughest Start as Fixture Difficulty Ranked Across SPFL Clubs
An analysis of the 2025/26 Premiership openers reveals contrasting fortunes for the Dundee clubs — and how each team’s early schedule could shape their season. With the fixtures published last Friday, Dundee face the most challenging opening six games of the 2025/26 Premiership season, based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season (5.33). In contrast, city rivals Dundee United have the easiest run (7.83), offering a smoother start to top-flight football. Dundee couldn’t have been handed a more challenging test as they look to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish under new manager Steven Pressley, who succeeded Tony Docherty in the summer. Their daunting schedule begins with Hibernian at Dens Park, followed by a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers. A fiery Dundee derby arrives early, also at home, and is sandwiched between a visit to Kilmarnock and a clash with Motherwell. They round off the run with an away trip to St Mirren — a real test for Pressley’s new era. On the flip side, the Tangerines kick off with a trip to fellow newly promoted side Falkirk, followed by a home double header against Hearts and Aberdeen. That leads into the eagerly anticipated derby at Dens Park, before an away day at Easter Road to face Hibs and a home tie against Kilmarnock to round out their first six fixtures. With Dundee facing the toughest start and Dundee United the easiest, our statisticians analysed all 12 SPFL clubs based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season. Unlike a recent BBC Sport article using Opta’s Power Rankings, this approach is more straightforward — but the takeaway is the same: some clubs face far tougher openings. It’s worth noting this method does not account for home or away advantage, which can also shape early-season momentum. Aberdeen share the same opening fixture difficulty rating (7.83) as Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United. Despite a testing Matchday 2 meeting with Celtic at Pittodrie, they will likely back themselves for a strong start. At the other end of the scale, St Mirren and Livingston (6.17) aren’t far behind Dundee regarding fixture difficulty. Livingston, promoted via the play-offs against Ross County and St Mirren, faces challenging opening blocks, with Celtic and Rangers among their first six opponents. As for the Glasgow giants, Celtic face a trickier start (6.5) than Rangers (7.67). In Edinburgh, Hibs hope to build on last season’s momentum with a relatively favourable opening run (7.17), while city rivals Hearts have a slightly easier stretch (7.68). Falkirk and Motherwell sit mid-table in terms of difficulty (6.5), with Kilmarnock not far behind on 6.67 — potentially benefiting from a softer start on paper. As the 2025/26 Premiership kicks off on the weekend of 2nd August, it’s contrasting emotions on either side of Tannadice Street — with Dundee bracing for impact, and United looking to hit the ground running. Across the league, early momentum could be crucial in shaping the season ahead.
From Rangers to Johnstone Burgh: Kyle Lafferty rediscovers the soul of football as club raise over £500 for charity
“I’ve never felt a connection like it to the community. If there’s any problems on or off the pitch, the community is out in full force to help the club.” Kyle Lafferty has played for some of the biggest names in Scottish football: Rangers, Hearts, and Kilmarnock, as well as respected European clubs like Sion, Linfield, and Palermo. But now, at 37, he’s experiencing football at a different level: one that’s smaller in terms of publicity or monetary value, but richer in meaning. One at a level where the connection between players and supporters feels tighter, more genuine, and more fulfilling. Eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2023 when Lafferty, alongside former Rangers teammate Graham Dorrans, signed for then-seventh-tier Scottish side Johnstone Burgh. Many dismissed it as a publicity stunt or a marketing ploy. But nothing could be further from the truth. An 89-times capped Northern Ireland international, Lafferty has found a home at Keanie Park. His influence, both on and off the pitch, is clear. At the club’s Summer Fayre last Saturday, he could be seen walking the ground, chatting with fans, and posing for photos, embodying the spirit of a club deeply rooted in its community. Fresh off scoring the winning penalty in Johnstone Burgh’s 4–2 shootout victory over Tranent in the Scottish Junior Cup final, after a 1–1 draw in regular time, Lafferty and the club have taken that victory back to where it matters most: the community. The famous old trophy has been paraded through local businesses, schools, and care homes, allowing fans of all ages to share in the joy of the club’s first Junior Cup win since 1968. Despite a typically Scottish downpour on Saturday, the day following rays of Sunshine. The Burgh’s supporters made the most of it and still turned out in numbers, raising £500 for the Renfrewshire Food Bank and RAMH, two vital organisations supporting the area’s most vulnerable. Lafferty is proud to be part of a team that gives back. “Supporting the charities that we are today is really important, all of them are important,” he said. “You’ll find that mental health has been spoken about a lot more in recent years. The club is always behind any charity that comes knocking, and the players are right behind any cause that needs a hand.” Manager Murdo MacKinnon, the first man since Peter Donald to bring the Junior Cup back to the club, was equally passionate, insisting that the club’s greatest success isn’t silverware, but its connection with supporters and its role in the community. “This is the heartbeat of the community, and we want to make it just that,” MacKinnon said. “We want to do as much as we can. That was emphasised to me the minute I came through the door: this is about the community, and about everyone in it. “Today has been a great event, it’s fantastic, really well organised, and I’m delighted to be part of it. But it’s also something we do regularly. “We engage with partner charities; we engage with the community. We know that people face real challenges nowadays, and if we, as a club, can help with those challenges and give people somewhere they can come, feel part of something, and feel at home, then that’s what we’ll do. “We’ll always strive for that. It’s a major driver for our club. The community is at the heart of everything we do, and we won’t forget that.” One man who understands that bond better than most is Chairman Brian Williams. A lifelong Burgh supporter, he was overcome with emotion when his side lifted the cup. “I listened to the stories of ’64 and ’68 when we won it before,” he said with a huge grin. “But to actually experience that and bring it back for the people of Johnstone, the community is electric at the moment. “The community stepped up today. It was chucking it down with rain at 12, and some of the vendors didn’t stay. “But the people still turned up. It’s been a successful day for everyone who’s run the fayre.” Now competing in the West of Scotland Premier Division, Scottish football’s sixth tier, Johnstone Burgh is a club on the rise, on and off the pitch. They may boast a household name in Kyle Lafferty, but there are no egos here. Just a good, honest, community-rooted football club giving back to the people who stood by them through tough times. And now that success has returned to Keanie Park, they’ve made one thing clear: they haven’t forgotten who the real heartbeat of this club is—and who backed them when the club needed it most.
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.