Record Walking Football Scotland event draws over 900 players
“I’ve often said, see the guy who came up with the idea of walking football, he deserves a knighthood.” Whilst David Beckham’s incoming honours might be grabbing the headlines, for players of the 92 teams travelling from as far as Tain (over 200 miles away from Glasgow), it is the sport’s creator who has had a far more significant impact on their lives. Not just a record breaking event which saw over 900 players involved, Walking Football Scotland’s annual Scottish Cup and Festival represented a coming together of people whose lives have been positively impacted by the sport. Whilst the seven trophies for various competitive categories are no doubt significant, it really is the taking part that counts for those involved. “Three years ago, next week, I had a massive heart attack,” says George Mullen of the Drumchapel United. “I worked with children in care, so I had to retire. And once I retired I was watching ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’, my mental health was going down like a tonne of bricks.” Then, a friend suggested he try walking football. “I met a guy, he said to me, ‘Monday morning George, Donald Dewar’ (sports facility in Drumchapel), and I’ve not looked back,” says Mullen, who now plays up to three times a week. “So on a Monday morning I’ll be the Donald Dewar, Tuesday at Scotstoun and a Thursday at Scotstoun.” The impact of socialising cannot be understated , studies show the importance of spending time with other people and the impacts of loneliness. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that older adults experiencing chronic loneliness had a 56% higher risk of stroke during a 10-12 year period than those who did not. President of Walking Football Scotland Kenny McLean is also keen to extol the virtues of the social side, rather than the results themselves. “This is bringing people out of the house, getting a bit of activity, but also increasing their social circle, because that’s what most people will speak about”, says McLean. “They’ll speak about the fact that yeah it’s good I’m getting a kick about the ball, but they’re actually involved now with others that they don’t normally get involved with, they’ve never met them before and here they are kicking a ball about at a time when they probably thought they would never be able to kick a ball.” For Bridges, the camaraderie has taken him as far as Albufeira, Portugal, as Drumchapel represented Scotland in the European Cup. “You see the social side of it is great. We have a night at Christmas and the boys all meet up every now and again. After the games we all go for tea and coffee and we sit and the banter, as you can imagine, is very good.” Walking football Scotland established in when, but the event’s popularity is emblematic of the growth of the game, accelerating at a pace that belies its name. “We are so lucky that we’ve got this facility for a start, that we can bring all these people together,” says McLean. “But this isn’t just one thing, we have roughly around 6,000 people playing walking football recreationally throughout Scotland. We have a league structure throughout the year, so we have 1,500 people registered for that.” So popular was the single day event however, that there is a waiting list for teams trying to join. Increased numbers has also meant more inclusive events. The Parkinson’s Scottish Cup made its debut at the weekend, with the title claimed by the Glasgow Life team. The tournament itself is mixed but there is a women only category as well as non-competitive, which allows disability teams such as Ardler from Dundee to enjoy “the huge benefits out of it” according to volunteer coach Neil Whitton. “Our club’s for the people that are mentally and physically disabled, so it’s more of a social thing than a football thing.” “The guys that come along to our group, some of them, they don’t get out and about a lot where there’s mass socialising and that,” Whittmore said. “That’s what we tend to focus on more than anything else, more than the competitive side of it.” That’s not the say the sport is a mere walk in the park, Maree Todd doubling as both a player and an MSP. “I’ve only played once and I could hardly walk the next day,” says Todd, “I can give all the health messages in the world but people play sports because it’s fun!” “Come along and give it a try, you don’t have to have any skills. I’ve just proved that today out there today.” Speaking to women who might feel some reluctance to get involved in the sport, Todd says: “Just come along, have a try. What you’ll meet is an amazing bunch of women and men who are just eager to have fun and re-discover a passion for sport.” Far from closed circles, clubs are more than happy to bring new players onboard according to Mullen. “I thought at first when I walked into Drumchapel, me knowing I might have been a wee bit cliquish. Come in, come in, they welcomed me with open arms, brilliant!” “It’s unbelievable, beyond my wildest dreams after what I’ve been through.” For those interested in finding out more, visit https://www.walkingfootballscotland.org/ .
Rangers Women announce departures
Rangers have confirmed that five listed players will not be at the club next season. Chelsea Cornet, Victoria Esson and Tessel Middag depart after reaching the end of their contracts. They join Jane Ross, who announced her retirement during the double cup winning campaign and Charlie Devlin, who will be returning to Birmingham City following her loan spell.
Hibs sign Austrian keeper Raphael Sallinger
Hibernian have announced the signing of 29 year old keeper Raphael Sallinger from Austrian Bundesliga side TSV Hartberg on a three year deal. The keeper will challenge Jordan Smith for the starting berth after Josef Bursik returned to Club Brugge following his loan spell. Speaking about the signing, David Gray said: “We’re really pleased to bring Raphael to the Football Club. “He’s a talented goalkeeper that has a number of positive attributes, and he performed excellently in the Austrian Bundesliga last season. “He will provide healthy competition in the goalkeeping department, which will benefit him and Jordan Smith.”
Academy graduate Beth Rennie among four leaving Hearts Women
Heart of Midlothian have announced that Naomi Powell, Beth Rennie, Lisa Robertson and Ashleigh Williams will not be at the club next season. After spending the season on loan at Dundee United, academy product Rennie will continue to build on her progress away from the Jambos. Powell and Robertson leave the club after just one season, having joined from Hibernian and Celtic respectively with Williams arriving as recently as February from the Texas Tech Raiders. They follow keeper Charlotte Parker-Smith and defenders Emma Brownlie and Addie Handley in leaving the club, after the trio’s departure in May.
‘This was the one I really wanted’: Russell Martin unveiled as the new head coach of Rangers
After weeks of speculation and negotiations, Russell Martin was appointed as the new head coach of Rangers on a three-year deal. The 39-year-old was unveiled at Ibrox and was the club’s ‘stand out choice’ after a lengthy interviewing process. The former Southampton boss had a short six-month spell as a player at the Light Blues in 2018 and now he’s returned in a different capacity. Martin was sacked by Southampton last season and once the opportunity came up to manage the Govan club he knew instantly ‘this was the one I really wanted.’ The Norwich City legend understands the expectations for success from the Rangers faithful and that’s what he’s aiming to deliver: “I’ve managed three clubs, all with the same concept of the game – to be the aggressor with the ball and without it. “They all played different shapes and different people making up different positions. “We are here to win, and we will do that in the best way we possibly can. “That is what Rangers fans expect, to be really aggressive, really intense, really passionate, really hard-working first and foremost. “I know the expectation here is to win. We want to do that in a way that’s aligned with how we want to feel about the team and how Rangers fans want to feel about their team.” There has been much negativity surrounding Martin’s appointment, but he is aiming to prove the doubters wrong and bring success back to Ibrox: “My job is to give them a team they identify with, and they are proud of. A team that wins. “A team that’s going to give everything. One thing that’s always overlooked with our teams is they always run the most out of possession, because they have to if they want to dominate the ball and be aggressive. “It’s not a given, it’s an attribute – you need to work hard, not everyone has that. We want people like that to come to the club. “To the fans, I have to win. I don’t think I’ve been the number one choice at any club I’ve been at. By the time we’ve left every team I’ve been at, we’ve formed a real connection with the supporters. I hope this will be the same. “My whole playing career was based on hard work and resilience. It was not done on talent. “I have a lot to prove. My whole career has been based on proving people wrong. I got to the Premier League as a player, played international football. It’s the same as a manager. “I feel after five-and-a-half years of being a coach and a leader, I love doing it. I will be all-in here with my energy and my love for it. Hopefully it will reflect on the pitch.” Martin knows he will have to hit the ground running as it’s well documented that managers don’t get any sympathy or time whilst managing one half of the Old Firm. The former Scotland international has the opportunity to become a Rangers legend as the club embark on a new era to bring the glory days back to Ibrox.
Russell Martin set to be confirmed as Rangers boss
Former Southampton manager Russell Martin looks set to be become the next Rangers manager after a drawn out process, pipping front-runner Davide Ancelotti to the role. Martin, 39, has been out of work since his sacking in December 2024 as Southampton sat bottom of the Premier League before their eventual relegation. However, it is understood that the manager’s playing style, which emphasises possession and pressing, has been an important factor in the decision. The news comes just four days after a U.S. consortium led by the owners of the San Francisco 49ers, completed its takeover of the Glasgow club. Having had a loan spell at Rangers in 2018 during a playing career which saw the midfielder earn 29 caps for Scotland, Martin experienced a rapid rise in the dugout moving from MK Dons to Swansea before winning the Championship play-offs with Southampton in 2024. Supporters will be hoping that the appointment can bridge the gap with league runaways Celtic as well as provide some continuity, with none of the four permanent managers since Steven Gerrard reaching two years in the job.
Ross County Announce Management Shake-Up Following Relegation
Ross County have confirmed a significant restructuring of their football management team following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership, vowing to make an immediate return to top-flight football their top priority. The Dingwall club, who dropped to the Championship after a disappointing play-off defeat to Livingston last week, released a statement acknowledging the frustration and disappointment felt across the club and its fanbase. “Last week’s result against Livingston – resulting in us playing in the Championship next season – has left everyone at the club, personally and collectively, hugely disappointed. We know how much playing Premiership football matters to our community, and we share their deep frustration at how the season concluded. As you might imagine, we have done a lot of soul searching at the club over the last week, and following that, have decided to restructure our football management team under Don Cowie as we make gaining immediate promotion our sole focus. We believe strongly that we have a dedicated and talented manager in Don and that he is the right man to lead us for the season ahead. To support Don, we have appointed the experienced John Robertson as assistant manager with immediate effect. Carl Tremarco and Paul Cowie will leave the club, and we thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future. John has more than 400 games under his belt as a manager, knows the challenge of recruiting from our base in the Highlands, has experience of the Scottish Championship, and has worked with Don in the past. He already knows the club well and has spent much of last season watching from the sidelines in his role as a BBC pundit. “Everyone at the club is determined to put us in the best position possible to gain promotion back into the Premiership – and to do so within a season. Bringing John in to support Don, will allow us to reshape the playing squad and turn things around as quickly as possible” said Chief Executive Officer Steven Ferguson.”
Livi seal immediate return to Premiership as County go down
Ross County (3) 2 – 4 (5) Livingston Livingston produced a remarkable turnaround to seal promotion to the top flight as Ross County failed to survive the play-offs in their third consecutive finals. Tete Yengi’s stoppage time goal sparked jubilation as David Martindale joined the away end in storming the pitch as County were left to rue their drop. Livingston had it all to do, going down after just seven minutes. Having produced the equaliser in the first-leg, Ronan Hale was at hand to tee up Josh Nisbet for the opener. Hale would be in again, this time slotting past Jérôme Prior after Livingston fluffed an opportunity to clear the ball outside the penalty area. Martindale’s side were able to pull one back just a few minutes before the break as Lewis Smith did well to escape County’s attention and produce a culture finish. Drawing the side level was Scotland international Danny Wilson, who was quickest to the punch after Jordan Amissah saved Robbie Muirhead’s free-kick. It was then Muirhead’s brilliant finish which sealed the side’s comeback from two goals down, the forward making the most of a difficult angle to curl his effort past Jordan Amissah. Line-ups: Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Wright, Nightingale (Phillips 81), Efete (Samuel 67), Randall, Kenneh, Nisbet, Harmon (Ashworth 54), Hale, White Unused subs: Ross, Tomkinson, Ashworth, Smith, Robesten, Williamson, Coyle. Booked: Nightingale Goals: Nisbet (7), Hale (24) Livingston: Prior, Brandon, McGowan, Wilson, Fraser, Kelly (Tait 85), Finlayson, Pittman, Smith (Nottingham 85), Muirhead (May 77), Montano (Yengi 72) Unused subs: Hamilton, Donnellan, McAlear, Shinnie, Lawal. Booked: McGowan, Finlayson Goals: Smith (39), Wilson (57), Muirhead (61), Yengi (96)
Late penalty drama sees County snatch draw in Livingston
Livingston 1 – 1 Ross County A Ronan Hale penalty at the death saw Ross County earn a crucial draw in the play-off final first-leg which saw a member of the away staff spat at by a home fan following full time. Making no mistake from the spot, Hale dispatched the equaliser in the 96th minute after VAR had spotted Danny Wilson pulling on Jordan White’s shirt in the box. Prior to his late mistake, the defender had steadied the ship at the back before his opener rocked the County boat with just a minute to go before the break. Blasting home Smith’s corner after it had pin-balled in the six yard area. In control of possession in the first half, County would also have the opening chance of the evening as Will Nightingale’s low header from Ronan Hale fizzing corner was excellently saved by Jerome Prior. However it was Livingston who would have the lion’s share of the opportunities, Robbie Muirhead letting the fruits of his side’s counter-attacking work spoil despite finding himself free at the back post. With the end of the half fast approaching, Cristian Montaño would similarly spurn a good opportunity as the Colombian could not get his head over the ball before sending it above the bar. Finding themselves in need of a leveller, County struggled to get themselves off the back-foot, Hale attempting an overhead kick to no avail as Prior watched it sail above his head. Looking to provide a cushion before a testing trip to Dingwall, Lewis Smith attempted to earn his side a penalty but was rewarded instead with a yellow card for simulation with Livingston able to see the game out regardless. There would be far greater drama as a Livingston fan approached the County dugout, spitting on a member of Don Cowie’s backroom staff following the full-time whistle. Line-ups: Livingston: Prior, Fraser, Wilson, McGowan, Brandon (c), Kelly, Tait (Finlayson 61), Pittman, Montaño (Yengi 82), Muirhead (May 74), Smith Unused subs: Lawal, Hamilton, McAlear, Nottingham, Shinnie, Sole Goals: Wilson (46) Booked: Smith, Wilson Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Nightingale, Wright, Ashworth (Harmon 70), Randall (c), Kenneh, Efete (Smith 70), Nisbet, Hale, Samuel (White 60) Unused subs: Coyle, Phillips, Robesten, Ross, Tomkinson, Williamson Goals: Hale (96) Booked: Samuel, Kenneh Attendance: 2,653
Spoils shared at Easter Road as Hibs hold Rangers
Hibernian 2-2 Rangers Barry Ferguson’s possible last game in charge of Rangers fell flat as Hibernian levelled twice to cap off a remarkable second half of the season. A Cyriel Dessers opening just two minutes in had stunned an Easter Road crowd in the mood to celebrate. Jordan Smith’s careless pass allowing Nico Raskin to feed the league top scorer who lifted the ball over his header before drilling in his 17th for the season. Lethal on the counter, Hibernian punished the visitors’ profligacy in front of goal, racing from one end to the other with Martin Boyle’s drilled low ball across the box finding Kieron Bowie who was able to slip away for the leveller. Having failed to learn from an early Raskin header from a corner, David Gray’s side were punished after the break as the Belgian’s deft flick-on gave Rangers the lead. In almost as much time as it taken them to respond to the opener, Hibs fired back for a second time as Nicky Cadden’s long range cross found Martin Boyle in an incredulous amount of space to head the ball past a helpless Jack Butland. There will no doubt be frustration for Barry Ferguson, who watched his side fumble two golden opportunities, the first from Vaclav Černy, who botched his attempt one on one with Smith. The worst was yet to come, this time Raskin contriving to beat Smith yet fail to put the ball past Rocky Bushiri, who found himself bundled over inside the goal, with Dessers unable to do better on the rebound. Smith was not short of things to do on the day, brilliantly denying James Tavernier’s free-kick heading straight for the top corner. Ferguson’s audition ends but problems deeper For all the use of platitudes and rousing speeches, the numbers never lie and what they tell us is fairly damning for Ferguson’s job prospects. Having failed to win a game in which they were dominant, part of the blame lies with the players who were unable to convert numerous chances in front of goal. As Raskin said in his conference after the game, the performance summed up the season as a whole, flashes but unable to get over the line. The pantomime of names associated with the club will run wild in the coming weeks with Fergus not out of the mix by any means, but the issues at the club run far deeper than who is in the dugout. Fitting Gayle tribute cherry on cake If ever there was a way to round off a career, Dwight Gayle might have struggled to conjure one as special as being surrounded by family and teammates, being serenaded by ‘Sunshine on Leith’. Despite the glorious weather, Hibs by no means had their minds on sunny beaches. Instead, they continued to hound Rangers after falling behind. A season that looked destined for the doldrums was turned on its head with that Aberdeen draw and where once a relegation battle was on the cards, the club can now dangle the carrot of European football in front of potential signings. Indeed their transfer window might be one of the most interesting of the summer (second to Rangers it is fair to say) as they look to strengthen to play on multiple fronts without falling to the spiralling impact that their Edinburgh rivals suffered. Line-ups: Hibernian: Smith, Iredale (Obita 93), Bushiri, O’Hora, Cadden, Manneh (Moriah-Welsh 57), Triantis (Levitt 79), Cadden, Hoilett (Campbell 57), Bowie (Gayle 57), Boyle (c) Unused subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Kuharevich, Levitt, Youan Goals: Bowie (16) Booked: Bowie, Moriah-Welsh, Boyle Rangers: Butland, Kasanwirjo, Balogun (Pröpper), Souttar, Tavernier (c), Raskin (Cortés 81), Barron, Diomandé (Lawrence 54), Danilo, Dessers, Černy (Rice 81) Unused subs: Kelly, Curtis, McCallion, McCausland, Nsiala, Rice Goals: Dessers (2) Booked: Diomandé, Kasanwirjo Attendance: 18,793
