Rangers learn appeal date for McInnes touchline ban ahead of Old Firm clash
Derek McInnes might be forced to watch his maiden Old Firm fixture as Rangers manager from the stands after an August 31 hearing date was scheduled for his appeal against a four-match touchline ban, which includes one suspended game. The penalty stems from his time managing Hearts last season, specifically when he criticised a late decision to award Celtic a penalty against Motherwell in May, calling the call “disgusting.” That crucial stoppage-time penalty was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho to secure a 3-2 win for Celtic on May 13, keeping them just one point adrift of Hearts prior to overtaking them for the title on the final day. Rangers argued the comments were “directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials” when announcing their intention to contest the ban. McInnes also added, “I don’t agree with it and the club don’t agree with it. I’m glad that we’re going to appeal against that. “I’ve been a manager for 19 years, and you know you’re going to be asked about contentious decisions and all the rest of it. “I’ve never wanted to make it personal. For me, the decision was wrong. I feel as though I made my points at the hearing. “Broadcasters pay a lot of money to hear managers’ reactions. We’ve got to be careful that we don’t have managers and players who have to be really sure of themselves and check themselves before answering a question. “At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation. The situation was already being discussed before I did my Press. It was quite a big moment in the season and there was a lot of emotion, but I felt as though what I said was controlled.” The delayed hearing date means McInnes could miss league fixtures against Falkirk and Motherwell, as well as the visit of Celtic to Ibrox in the League Cup Quarter Finals.
Man Utd must “find the answers” after opening day slump
Manchester United’s pre-season optimism took a bruising reality check on opening weekend, falling 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City. The defeat zapped the club’s momentum and marked a historic low, with the Red Devils losing to a promoted team on the opening day for the first time in their history. While the visitors racked up 21 total attempts, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes all forcing saves, clear-cut openings were at a premium, as Michael Carrick reflected post-match. “I thought we had moments and then two set plays caught us today.” “That decided the game in the end. We’ve conceded two goals today from set plays. We’ll look at it and improve it for sure.” Marcus Rashford was introduced at half-time for his first appearance for his boyhood club since December 2024, following his loan spell at Barcelona. While he showed occasional flashes, Carrick admitted the team leaned too heavily on the returning forward. Captain Bruno Fernandes echoed his manager’s frustrations, pointing directly to the physical battle and defensive lapses that cost them the match while acknowledging the supporters’ anxieties. “We know in the Premier League these types of away grounds are difficult to play against,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. “You need to match their intensity and aggression. The two set pieces ended up costing us the game today.” Addressing the travelling support’s visible frustration, the skipper issued a defiant rallying cry. “We understand the frustration. Every season, at the start, we want to compete and win every game, but we need the fans on our side and to believe in ourselves.” For Carrick, the immediate challenge is figuring out if this defeat was just a one-off fluke or a sign of deeper problems. “It’s constant, it’s evolving all the time,” Carrick insisted. “Just because we haven’t got any points today, it won’t change what we do next week. We look forward and be excited with the season that is still ahead of us.”
Naderi Sees Signs of Progress After Jablonec Victory
Ryan Naderi believes Rangers are heading in the “right direction” after securing a 1-0 advantage over FK Jablonec on Thursday evening in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League Play-off. The striker bundled home the only goal of the game five minutes into the second half. While he admitted Rangers were not at their best before the break, Naderi believes there were still plenty of positives to take from the performance. “We’re here to qualify for European competition, so obviously the opponent is tough,” Naderi said. “I agree that the first half wasn’t amazing, but I’m happy we kept a clean sheet. That was really important. “We had opportunities to score one or two more goals, but in the end it’s about maintaining confidence. It’s our second win in a row, so we just need to keep going, stay focused, and I think that’s important. “Not everything was horrible in the games before. It’s just that we’re managing to win games now. “But we’re still progressing, and we still have to improve. I think we’re moving in the right direction.” Naderi’s goal came early in the second half and, although he admitted it was not “the most spectacular” strike, he was delighted to make the difference. “I’m just happy that I somehow put it over the line,” he said. “That’s what a striker has to do, and I’m happy to help the team. “With Youssef [Chermiti] injured, we miss a unique type of player, but as a team we have to try to fill that gap. Obviously, someone has to score the goals. “I’m fortunate to be the one getting on the end of things at the moment, but it’s up to the whole team to fill that gap.” Rangers now have the weekend free from league action before travelling to the Liberec region next Thursday for the return leg.
Pocognoli Appointment “Exciting for the nation” – John Spencer
John Spencer has hailed the appointment of Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland manager as a “refreshing” shift in direction, believing the Belgian can build upon the strong foundations left by Steve Clarke. Speaking on the SNN Sports Football Voices Podcast, the former Chelsea striker pointed to Pocognoli’s impressive track record at Union Saint-Gilloise, where he guided the club to their first league title in 90 years. “I think they won the first league title under him, got them qualification to the Champions League for the first time in their history. I think it’s a good, refreshing appointment,” Spencer said. However, Spencer acknowledged the sudden and dramatic nature of the transition following Clarke’s departure after the World Cup. “You’ve got to look at it two ways. It’s a massive change of direction from Steve Clarke. Only six or eight weeks ago, they handed a new four-year contract to Stevie, who has been very successful with a more pragmatic style of play and got us to major tournaments, and then he resigns just after the World Cup exit. “All of a sudden, they were using AI, and now we’re moving to this fast, open, free-flowing type of coach. It’s almost like somebody’s just ripped up the script, written a new playbook, and this is the direction they’re going in. But listen, it could be quite exciting. Hopefully, for the nation, it is.” The Tartan Army won’t have to wait long to see the new-look side in action. Pocognoli will take charge for a crucial four-match block of UEFA Nations League fixtures across September and October against North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Listen to John Spencer and Scott Bradley’s full discussion on Pocognoli’s intriguing appointment on the SNN Sports Football Voices Podcast
Motherwell Boost Attacking options with “Perfect Addition”
Motherwell have confirmed the signing of striker Seb Palmer-Houlden from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract, with the Steelmen holding the option of an additional year. Keen Scottish Premiership fans will remember Palmer-Houlden from his loan spell at Dundee in 2024-25, scoring nine goals in 39 appearances for Tony Docherty’s side. He announced himself to the Dark Blues with a Derby Day equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Tannadice. Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson hopes to have the attacker available for Thursday’s crunch European tie with Freiburg. “We’ve been looking to strengthen in the forward areas and Seb is a perfect addition,” manager Alfred Johansson said. “With experience here in Scotland, Seb has been playing and scoring at his previous clubs and offers pace, strength and versatility in the forward line.” Palmer-Houlden added that he was delighted to be back in the Scottish top flight. “I’m so happy to be back in Scotland and, most importantly, at Motherwell,” he said. “It’s no secret how well this club is doing right now. Speaking to the manager, he’s made it clear what he wants me to do and that clarity is so important. “I think every footballer would want to play in a team like this, so I feel really privileged to be given this opportunity.”
Fadinger Believes “Everything is Possible” Ahead of Freiburg Showdown
Lukas Fadinger is relishing Thursday’s European showdown against last year’s Europa League finalists, Freiburg, and wants Motherwell to “stick to our principles” despite the massive challenge ahead. Having already overcome HB Torshavn and HJK Helsinki to reach the UEFA Conference League playoffs, Motherwell are hoping for another electric atmosphere under the lights at Fir Park. “You see it in one game. If you’re fighting, if you give everything in the duels, there’s always a chance to win those games,” Fadinger said. “We know if we have a good day, we can compete against a lot of teams in Europe, and that gives us a push. Even though it’s a very tough opponent on Thursday, we think we have a chance if we stick to our principles.” The Austrian midfielder is thoroughly enjoying his first taste of European football and believes that, when at their best, the Steelmen are a match for any side, emphasising: “In football, everything is possible.” Although Motherwell suffered a shock defeat to Stenhousemuir in the second round of the League Cup, Fadinger is backing his side to respond and build upon their otherwise strong start to the campaign. “They fully deserved to win,” Fadinger said. “We need to take it. It’s a hard blow, but we go again on Thursday. Of course, it’s a big loss, but we keep looking forward. I think we have still had a good start so far, and we just keep on going.”
“Proud” Pocognoli raring to go for Scotland
The SFA have confirmed Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland’s new national head coach, with the Belgian looking forward to the challenge of “developing the future” of Scottish football. The appointment is the culmination of a data-driven global search led by the SFA hierarchy. Detailing the process behind finding the right candidate, Craig Mulholland, Chief Football Officer at the SFA, explained the mindset driving the SFA’s ambitions. “Sebastien had a massive passion for us becoming a high-performing nation,” Mulholland said. “We know what our ambitions are. Before you go on the coach search, you have to understand what successful nations do to continually get to where we want to be.” “We did a lot of data and from that, we created a set of metrics that led us to a bunch of coaches,” Mulholland continued. “Ian and I went on our travels – so many coaches had a passion for Scotland. We looked at metrics around playing style – and Sebastien met all of that – but beyond the data what’s important is the person. We had to look the person in the eye and know they would add to what we already have.” Pocognoli expressed enthusiasm for his new role, and the unique cultural fabric of Scottish football. “I’m very proud to be here,” Pocognoli said. “It’s a very strong challenge, with a project to develop the future of Scottish football. There are the metrics, but the human aspect was also very important. I never go to a challenge where I can’t feel the connection.” Pocognoli inherits a squad built on solid foundations following years of major tournament contention under Steve Clarke. The new manager intends to build upon that legacy while introducing his own tactical identity and doubling down on youth development. “Scotland is a passionate country and I think also, regarding the strong foundation that Steve Clarke and his staff laid, that I can use this heritage to put the next accent on the style of play while also developing players for the future. That’s why I’m here.” The Tartan Army won’t have long to see their new man’s side in action, as Scotland return to the Nations League next month against Slovenia
Hearts 6-2 Inverness: Hearts into quarters after second half goalfest
Heart of Midlothian 6-2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle C. Borchgrevink (16′) R. Mato (59′) C. Miller (82′ pen, 90’+4) J. Wilson (84′)Cláudio Braga (90’+1) R. Duncan (54′) A. Bavidge (56′) Calvin Miller scored a second half double as Hearts hit Inverness for six to progress to the Scottish League Cup Quarter Final in an entertaining Tynecastle tussle. Inverness looked to have made the perfect start when Alfie Bavidge turned home Alfie Stewart’s cutback from a corner kick. But unfortunately for the visitors, VAR ruled the attacker offside, keeping the scores level. Despite the disallowed goal, Caley had settled well in the opening 15 minutes, keen to carry on their League Cup momentum after topping group F. The Jambos were fresh from their confidence-boosting 1-1 draw against European giants Benfica, and eventually steadied the ship to take the lead. Amadou Ba-Sy seemed to draw contact in the box, and referee Calum Scott pointed to the spot, only for VAR to correctly intervene and award a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area. Hearts moved ahead from the resultant set piece in the 16th minute. Sabah Kerjota’s deflected effort dropped into the path of Christian Borchgrevink, whose looping header sailed over the stranded Ross Munro and into the net. It was a gut punch for the visitors, but a lift for the hosts, who started to enjoy the better chances in an uneventful first period Hearts scored 23 goals from set piece situations last season, and a flowing routine saw a ball fizzed to the unmarked Calvin Miller on the edge of the box. The former Falkirk winger was unable to make a strong connection, and the opportunity petered out in the 25th minute. Sabah Kerjota found space in the box to meet Amadou By-Sy’s low cross on the half-hour mark, but the Albanian crashed his effort off the crossbar when it looked easier to score from 10 yards. Adam MacKinnon did flash over from the edge of the box as the halftime whistle approached for the visitors, but Beau Reus was yet to be fully troubled between the sticks Scott Kellacher’s 80% unbeaten record as Inverness manager was on course to take a hit, but with only a slender deficit, Caley were right in the game at the break. The hosts started strongly in the second half, keen to put the tie beyond the Championship side. Tom Renaud’s 25-yard strike whistled into the side netting, before a left-footed Kerjota effort whistled over. But with a narrow advantage, Thistle only needed to click one time, and they delivered in the 54th minute. A simple long ball from Danny Devine dropped for Ryan Duncan, who had acres of space to control and finish high past Reus with his left foot. Inverness took a stunning lead three minutes after. Stewart broke from a Hearts attack, and slipped a through ball behind Stuart Findlay for Bavidge to chase. The youngster rounded Reus to slot home and send the away allocation into a frenzy. After an extraordinary turnaround, the home support demanded better from their team, who had let their advantage slip in the blink of an eye. Rogers Mato rounded off a bonkers six-minute spell with a close-range header from Kerjota’s right-hand cross. Wrancken turned to his bench on the hour mark, introducing Claudio Braga and Josh McPake in an attempt to find a crucial third goal. The pair linked up moments later, with McPake cutting on his right foot and forcing a goalmouth scramble from the Caley defence. Hearts rounded off the comeback with nine minutes to play in the second half. Noa Butin brought down Kerjota in the box after a clever link-up with Blair Spittal. Calvin Miller held his nerve from the resultant spot kick, drilling high into the top left corner past Munro. James Wilson, Braga, and Miller added gloss to the victory in the final five minutes as Hearts hit the visitors for six. Tynecastle exhaled a collective sigh of relief, and the hosts return to action in Conference League qualifying against Rapid Vienna on Thursday. Hearts: Reus 7 Borchgrevink 8 McCart 7 Findlay 7 Miller 9 Renaud 8 Magnusson 7 Mato 7 Guendouz 7 Kerjota 9 Ba-Sy 5 Substitutes: Spittal 8 Braga 8 Wilson 8 McPake 7 Dhanda 5 Inverness: Munro 5 MacLeod 6 Boutin 5 Devine 5 Savage 4 MacKinnon 5 Shinnie 6 Duncan 6 Bavidge 7 Allan 6 Stewart 7 Substitutes: Sole 5 Bates 5 Longstaff 5 Kargbo 5 MacGregor 4
“Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it” – Ayrshire Derby Manager Reaction
Neil McCann praised his side’s “character” after emerging victorious in a five-goal thriller against local rivals Ayr, becoming the first side to progress to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Nicky Clesenco’s 89th-minute winner sparked wild scenes in the packed-out BBSP Rugby Park, but Killie were made to work for their win after The Honest Men had twice led through Owen Stirton and Ross Taylor. McCann was delighted the hosts could stand up to the pressure. “Congratulations to Ayr United for their quality and their endeavour. It’s always difficult when you’re the side that’s having to make the game. “We showed a lot of character tonight. There’s a lot of pressure on this game, let’s not kid ourselves. The fans that turned out were magnificent, and I’m so happy our boys showed the quality to put us in the quarter-finals. “Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it. We were the team in control of the match, they had a bit of quality on the counter attack. Tonight, we can celebrate. I’ve told them to go and enjoy it. “We showed a lot of guts and I’m so happy.” In contrast to the delight of the home boss, Ayr United’s Gary Naysmith admitted the defeat “one of the sickest” he has faced in his career thus far. It was a night that could have been so different for The Honest Men, who started the first and second half in lightning-quick fashion. “Apart from winning the game, they couldn’t have given me any more. We stuck to the game plan, always looked a threat on the break. “We started the first half and the second half the better team. Towards the middle and end of both halves, Kilmarnock came into it and asked us questions. Big games have big moments, and Harry Stone’s collision with Kevin Holt allowed Clesenco the opportunity to chip into the net. “In the main, we defended really well. We were just lacking numbers. It caught up with us a wee bit. “We just leave Harry be, it’s just a mistake. He was tremendous again tonight, came for everything, made some big saves. It’s a horrible way to lose a game. “That’s up there with one of the sickest feelings I’ve had at the end of a game.” Kilmarnock are next in action on August 29th against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United, still waiting for their first victory in the Scottish Premiership. Ayr United will look to add to their unbeaten Championship start against Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy.
Hibs have “earned” European Shootout – Gray
Hibs boss David Gray hailed his side’s achievement in overcoming KF Shkëndija in European qualifying, moving them a step closer to potentially securing group-stage European football for the first time in the club’s history. Thursday’s 0-0 draw was far from a classic, but a crucial 2-1 victory at Easter Road in the first leg, sealed by Warren O’Hora’s dramatic 90th-minute winner, proved enough to set up a play-off tie against Belgian side Gent. Speaking at full time, Gray was quick to praise his team’s resilience. “Don’t underestimate how big an achievement that is against a really good side. “It wasn’t a brilliant game, but bodies on the line and our players stepped up. A really positive win, especially off the back of Sunday. “We found a way to get through and I’m delighted for the players. They thoroughly deserve it. “In the first half there wasn’t much in it. It was a flat game. Our shape was good and we restricted them to very little. “Over the course of the two legs, I don’t think anyone could say we don’t deserve to go through. “The players have earned the right to have another go at the play-offs. “You see the strength of the squad with the players coming off the bench. We’ve had a brilliant start to the season. “The important thing now is to recover the players, cool them down, and they can be proud of what they’ve achieved.” Hibs host Partick Thistle in the second round of the League Cup before welcoming Gent to Easter Road for the first leg of their play-off tie next Thursday.