Hibs Eye Scotland Star in Shock Transfer Rumour

Former Norwich and Birmingham defender Grant Hanley could be on his way to Hibernian. The 33-year-old free agent was spotted at Easter Road tonight, watching Hibs’ Europa Qualifier against FC Midtjylland. He was accompanied by his former Scotland teammate and Hibs technical director, David Marshall. Hanley has 62 appearances for Scotland, including playing in the back-to-back Euros in 2021 and 2024. Scotland manager Steve Clarke often utilises him in a back three, a setup similar to David Gray’s Hibs team. The Leith side has already strengthened their centre-back options, securing Rocky Bushiri and Jack Iredale on long-term contracts towards the end of last season. Adding Hanley’s experience could be vital for Hibs, especially after their impressive third-place finish last season. Hibs have had a busy summer transfer window so far, bringing in Josh Mulligan from Dundee, Jamie McGrath from Aberdeen, Austrian goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, and record signing Thibault Klidje. The latter Klidje arrives from Swiss side Luzern in a deal worth over 1 million, a statement of intent from Hibernian.

Rangers Survive Onslaught to Reach Champions League 3rd Round Qualifying

Panathinaikos 1 – 1 Rangers Duricic 57’ Gassama 60’ Djeidi Gassama’s thunderous second-half strike secured Rangers’ progression to the next round of Champions League qualifying. Just like the first leg at Ibrox eight days ago, Panathinaikos started the tie extremely brightly. Early efforts from Bakasetas and Ioannidis caused unease before Jack Butland denied Facundo Pellistri in a one-on-one situation. Fotis Ioannidis’ headed attempt capped off an unsettling first 20 minutes for the Ibrox side, perhaps struggling with the searing Greek heat. Joe Rothwell was impressive in the opening leg but was unable to dictate the play quite as well in the early stages. Rangers’ were unchanged from their first leg triumph but their new possession approach nearly cost them on several occasions. A defensive lapse between Djiga and Tavernier left Facundo Pellistri with space in the box, but he blazed it high – a significant let-off for Russell Martin’s men. The away side rarely threatened but Findlay Curtis’s pace was key in relieving pressure and stretching the game. Nicolas Raskin went closest in the first period, heading over from a Rothwell corner. Ultimately, there is still plenty of work to do for Russell Martin and his staff in what was a nervy opening 45. Despite a disjointed first-half performance, the visitors miraculously maintained their two-goal lead heading into the interval. A hugely frustrating first half for Panathinaikos, who’s fans were displeased as the halftime whistle blew. Even with complete domination, no inroads were made to the two-goal deficit. Panathinaikos started the second half on the front foot and found the net within five minutes. A swinging cross from Bakasetas bypassed the entire Rangers defence, allowing Filip Djuricic to beat the offside trap and head past Jack Butland. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal was confirmed, sending the home support into raptures. After 153 minutes of relentless pressure, Panathinaikos finally had their breakthrough in the tie. However, their celebrations were short-lived. Following a rare foray into the Panathinaikos penalty area, Danilo’s deflected shot fell kindly to substitute Djeidi Gassama, who brilliantly smashed home off the post. The goal was the former Sheffield Wednesday man’s second of the tie, quickly cementing his status as a fan favourite on the blue side of Glasgow. Despite all their pressure, the home side found themselves back to square one and two goals behind. They quickly regrouped, and substitute Tete delivered a teasing left-footed cross that narrowly evaded the outstretched legs of Ioannidis. Minutes later, Tete again looked sharp, winning a free-kick in a dangerous area, though the resulting set piece failed to trouble Jack Butland. As the clock ticked towards the 90-minute mark, Panathinaikos began to lose their rhythm. With over 30 shots on goal across both legs, Rui Vitoria’s side will undoubtedly rue their missed opportunities. Cyriel Dessers even had a golden chance to seal the tie in injury time, but after being slid through one-on-one, he couldn’t convert his first goal of the season. The victory for Rangers sets up a clash with either Viktoria Plzen of Czechia or Servette of Switzerland. The first leg will be played at Ibrox on August 5th   Panathinaikos: (4-2-3-1) – Dragowski, Kotsiras (Gnezda Čerin 67’), Palmer-Brown (T. Jedvaj 77’), Touba, Kyriakopoulos, Chirivella, Maksimovic, Pellistri, Bakasetas (Tetê 67’), Djuricic (K. Świderski 77’), Ioannidis (Jeremejeff 84’) Bookings: T. Bakasetas 61’ Rangers: (4-3-3) – Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Aarons, Diomande, Raskin, Rothwell (Bajrami 82’), Dowell (Jefté 74’), Curtis (Gassama 57’) , Danilo (Dessers 82’) Bookings: Kieron Dowell (45+3) Gassama 61’  

William Hill Kicks Off Second Season as Proper Supporters of the SPFL

William Hill Kicks Off Second Season as Proper Supporters of the SPFL The countdown is over – the 2025/26 SPFL season is here, and with it, William Hill returns as the Proper Supporters of the SPFL for a second year running. Following a record-breaking first season of partnership, William Hill is back with even greater ambition and a renewed commitment to Scottish football across all four divisions. From the Premiership to League Two, the campaign kicks off this weekend with fan celebrations, flag unfurlings, and the return of one of the SPFL’s most popular shows. The Warm-Up Returns – Now in Podcast Format To mark the start of the new season, The Warm-Up – William Hill’s flagship SPFL preview show – is back and better than ever Hosted by Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd, the first episode sees Charlie Adam step in for Steven Naismith to break down the season’s biggest talking points: – Can Rangers challenge for the title under new leadership? – What will define success for Derek McInnes at Hearts? – Is this the year Aberdeen shows consistent league form under Jimmy Thelin? – What can fans expect from newly promoted sides Livingston and Falkirk? And it’s not just for YouTube this season – fans can now listen on the go, as The Warm-Up is available across all major podcast platforms. Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWarm__Up Listen wherever you get your podcasts Follow for updates: @WilliamHillSPFL Celebrating Champions Across the Divisions William Hill representatives will be present at stadiums this weekend to help unfurl championship flags in the Premiership, Championship, League One, and League Two – celebrating the success of last season’s title-winning sides and the fans who stood by them. Sandro Di Michele, Interim Director of Sportsbook at William Hill, reflected on the partnership:  “Our first season back in Scottish football was a real success story for the business, and we can’t wait to get going again. “As Proper Supporters of the SPFL, we made a determined effort to connect with all 42 clubs and their fans. We’re returning with even bigger ambitions, and fans can expect improvements in how we deliver our popular promotions. “Thank you to the SPFL, the clubs, and the supporters for your continued backing – and best of luck to all teams for the 2025/26 season!”   How to Stay Connected Whether you’re following your team’s journey or keeping tabs on league-wide storylines, The Warm-Up is your essential companion all season long. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWarm__Up Listen: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more Follow: @WilliamHillSPFL on all major platforms Scottish football is back,  and so are the Proper Supporters of the SPFL. Let’s make it a season to remember.

Stern Test for The Bairns in League Cup Last 16 Draw

The draw for the League Cup last 16 Round was completed following St Mirren’s 2-1 win over Ayr in Paisley. Holders Celtic will welcome Premiership new boys Falkirk in a repeat of last season’s quarter-final. On that occasion, Brendan Rodgers’ side came from behind twice to seal a thrilling 5-2 victory. Russell Martin’s first domestic cup match as Rangers boss will be at home to League 1 Alloa Athletic. The Wasps topped Group D impressively, securing a maximum 12 points from four wins, including a 3-2 away victory at Airdrie on Saturday afternoon. The draw also features three all-Premiership affairs: St Mirren host Hearts, Hibernian visit Livingston, and Kilmarnock meet Dundee United. A repeat of the Scottish Premiership semi-final playoff is scheduled as Scott Brown takes his Ayr United side to Firhill to face Partick Thistle. Thistle secured four wins out of four in the group stage, including a 3-1 victory over Ross County in Dingwall. Recently relegated St Johnstone will host Motherwell, while Dougie Imrie’s Morton welcome current Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen to Cappielow. All ties are due to take place across the weekend of August 16th – 17th. Full Scottish League Cup Round of 16 Draw Kilmarnock v Dundee United Livingston v Hibernian Partick Thistle v Ayr United St Mirren v Heart of Midlothian Rangers v Alloa Athletic Celtic v Falkirk Greenock Morton v Aberdeen St Johnstone v Motherwell

Hearts Triumph Against Premier League New Boys

Hearts celebrated the career of Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Premier League newcomers Sunderland. Still recovering from a shoulder injury, Gordon was substituted early in a pre-planned move. A clear indication that his recovery was ongoing after missing the final three games of last season. Sunderland’s travelling support were in fine voice as their team started brightly. Simon Adingra, a £21 million signing from Brighton, looked lively on the left. However, it was Derek McInnes’s side who took the lead in the 11th minute. A cross from the right found Claudio Braga, whose bullet header sent the home support into raptures. This marked Braga’s fourth goal in Hearts’ maroon, already establishing himself as a fan favourite in Gorgie. The majority of the first half lacked quality, with neither team carving out clear chances. Hearts were forced to make a precautionary substitution when Calem Nieuwenhof picked up a hamstring issue. Hearts started the second half well. Efforts from the impressive Oisin McEntee and Lawrence Shankland raised the volume in what had been a subdued Tynecastle atmosphere. Just after the hour mark, Shankland doubled Hearts’ lead. Spittal and Milne linked up from a Hearts corner, firing the ball out to the captain, who drilled it low into the net. The move looked to have been masterminded by Hearts’ set-piece coach, Ross Grant. Sunderland rarely threatened the Hearts’ goal, appearing several weeks behind their opponents in terms of game time, fitness, and intensity. Regis Le Bris made a remarkable eight changes in the 70th minute, including the introduction of Patrick Roberts. The Hearts faithful gave the former Celtic man a “warm” welcome. Hearts made their own substitutions, notably bringing on Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis. The wide man proved a constant threat coming in off the left side and was rewarded with a goal after a defensive mistake from the Sunderland defence. For Hearts, this was a positive way to round off their pre-season. While McInnes noted plans for a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday, this match felt like their final major preparation as they gear up for the visit of Aberdeen in nine days. TeamsHearts: Gordon, Kent, Halkett, Nieuwenhof, Shankland, Braga, Devlin, Milne, Findlay, McEntee, Forrester.Sunderland: Moore, Hume, Ballard, Seelt, Huggins, Neil, Sadiki, Le Fée, Talbi, Adingra, Mayenda.

European Draws Set for Scottish Trio

The European dreams of Rangers, Hibernian and Dundee United took a clearer shape on Wednesday, as all three Scottish clubs discovered their respective opponents in the qualifying rounds. The Champions League journey for Rangers begins in the second qualifying round, where they’ll face Greek giants Panathinaikos. All eyes will be on Russell Martin as he makes his competitive debut as head coach. The first leg is set for Ibrox on July 22nd, with the return fixture in Athens a week later. Panathinaikos mirrored Rangers’ domestic performance last season, securing a second-place finish. Their recent European adventures saw them participate in the UEFA Conference League, where they finished 13th in the group stage before a pulsating Round of 16 clash that saw them narrowly lose 5-4 on aggregate to Fiorentina. For the Ibrox faithful, this encounter with Panathinaikos may stir fond memories. Their last meeting, in the 2008 UEFA Cup, saw Nacho Novo net an 81st minute equaliser to send Rangers through on away goals. This tie was pivotal in Rangers’ memorable run to the 2008 UEFA Cup final, ultimately ending in a 2-0 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester. Hibernian’s European journey begins in the Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round, a consequence of Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup glory. They face a challenging draw against Danish club FC Midtjylland. FC Midtjylland narrowly missed out on their domestic title, finishing one point adrift of champions FC Copenhagen. Their prior visits to Scotland have yielded mixed results: a 7-3 aggregate defeat to Rangers in the Europa League qualifiers and a 3-2 aggregate victory over Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for July 24th in Denmark, with the decisive second leg taking place in Leith on July 31st. Following an impressive fourth-place finish on their return to the Scottish Premiership, Dundee United face FC UNA Strassen in the 2nd qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Tannadice will host the first leg on July 24th, marking the Arabs’ first continental outing since their memorable (albeit forgettable) 7-1 aggregate defeat to AZ Alkmaar in 2022. Manager Jim Goodwin and his squad will be determined to deliver a much more commanding performance against their visitors from Luxembourg.

Jens Berthel Askou Takes Helm at Motherwell

Motherwell has officially named Jens Berthel Askou as their new manager, concluding a 15-day search since Michael Wimmer’s departure. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Askou described it as a “proud moment” to join Motherwell. He added that after discussions with the club, “it was clear from the outset that our ideas, ambitions and morals align.” Askou, a Danish coach with a varied career, arrives at Fir Park following stints managing in Sweden and the Faroe Islands, and most recently serving as assistant manager for FC Copenhagen in his native Denmark. After Stuart Kettlewell’s exit in January and Michael Wimmer’s brief period in charge, the Motherwell faithful will undoubtedly hope Askou can usher in a period of much-needed stability at the club.

Dundee United’s Dalby Replacement?

Dundee United have secured the services of 22-year-old Australian forward Zac Sapsford from Western Sydney Wanderers on a three-year deal, awaiting final approval. Sapsford, an Australia Under-17 international, previously found the net 11 times in 43 appearances for the Wanderers. His arrival is a crucial move for the Tangerines, who needed to replace the significant goal threat left by Sam Dalby. Dalby, who was on loan from Wrexham, bagged 15 league goals last season, including a vital penalty on the final day that secured a 4th-place finish for the Terrors. He has since made a permanent move to Bolton Wanderers. Manager Jim Goodwin expressed his satisfaction with the early acquisition of Sapsford, praising him as a “dynamic forward” with a “killer instinct” in front of goal. Goodwin highlighted Sapsford’s ability to score with either foot or his head, as well as his knack for intelligently involving his teammates in play.

Point Seals European Football for Hibs Despite Saints Fightback

A thrilling encounter at the SMiSA Stadium saw St Mirren and Hibernian share the spoils in a 2-2 draw. While the point secured a coveted third-place finish and European football next season for Hibs, it leaves St Mirren needing a result away at Celtic on Saturday to keep their own European dreams alive. Hibs started the match with blistering pace. Just minutes in, a clever through ball from Junior Hoilett found Martin Boyle, who expertly slotted his shot past Zach Hemming at the near post. The Australian international, in red-hot form with his 7th goal in his last 9 league appearances, thought he had doubled his tally shortly after, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. David Gray’s side continued their dominant start, doubling their lead in the 10th minute. Once again, the influential Junior Hoilett was the architect, finding Kuharevich in the box who finished emphatically, sending the travelling Hibs support into raptures. The visitors were playing with a swagger, with the dynamic duo of Boyle and Hoilett posing a constant threat. It was a stark contrast to the Hibs side that had succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Paisley on the opening weekend of the season. St Mirren, buoyed by an impressive 2-0 victory at Tannadice in their previous outing, gradually found their footing in the game. Alex Gogic was a strong presence in midfield, and Richard Taylor provided a threat from set pieces. However, clear-cut chances were initially at a premium for the home side. A moment of madness almost brought St Mirren back into the contest. A cross from the right was met by Lewis Miller, whose mis-hit swipe at the ball agonisingly drifted just wide of the post, with home fans briefly believing it was in. The Buddies’ persistence finally paid off just before the break. Following a corner, the ball dropped kindly to Richard Taylor in the box, and he slammed it home, igniting the St Mirren faithful and giving his side a crucial lifeline heading into half-time. Stephen Robinson clearly demanded a response from his team during the interval, and he made a bold triple substitution on the hour mark in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the St Mirren attack. One of those substitutions proved to be a stroke of genius. Just moments after coming on, Colin McMenamin met a pinpoint cross from Ronald Idowu, powering his effort past Jordan Smith to level the score. The goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, but the decision ultimately stood, setting up a frantic final half-hour. The drama continued as St Mirren thought they had taken the lead minutes later. Mandron was denied of his 3rd consecutive league goal as the play was brought back for a foul in the build-up, much to the frustration of the home support. St Mirren substitute Greg Kiltie then threatened at the near post, forcing a smart low save from Smith as the game swung from end to end. St Mirren continued to press, desperately seeking the goal that would keep their European aspirations firmly within reach. With eight minutes of added time, the home fans remained optimistic. In a frantic finale, St Mirren threw bodies forward, and they were almost punished when Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis embarked on a mazy run into the box, but his impressive surge lacked a finishing touch. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. For St Mirren, it was a fitting way to conclude their home campaign, showcasing the character and fight that has secured them a remarkable three consecutive top-six finishes. For Hibs, the point was enough to seal third place and a European tour next season, ensuring they will head into their final game against Rangers at Easter Road in high spirits. The result leaves St Mirren with a daunting task at Parkhead on Saturday, where they will need to secure a positive result to keep their own European dream alive. St Mirren: Hemming Alebiosu Taylor Gogic Fraser John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce (O’Hara 61’) Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 82’) Ayunga (McMenamin 61’) Mandron Bookings: John 36’ Ayunga 56’ Robinson 70’ Hibernian: Smith Cadden (O’Hara 84’) Miller Bushiri Iredale Obita (Cadden 75’) Triantis Levitt Boyle (Gayle 84’) Hoilett (Campbell 75’) Kuharevich (Bowie 61’) Bookings: Obita 23’ Triantis 38’ Bowie 79’

“Unplayable” St Mirren Frontline Boost European Ambitions

Dundee United 0-2 St Mirren Mandron (31′) Ayunga (66′) St Mirren secured their first win at Tannadice since 2022 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Dundee United, significantly bolstering their prospects of consecutive European qualification. The Buddies established early control, confidence clearly stemming from their unbeaten post-split form. Initial forays saw Mikael Mandron and Ronald Idowu direct efforts wide of the target, much to the encouragement of their vocal travelling support. For United, their top goal scorer, Sam Dalby was a consistent presence, but he could only head over their best chance of the first half from a dangerous Glen Middleton delivery. Just after the half-hour mark, St Mirren’s early pressure paid dividends. A neat exchange with Ryan Alebiosu culminated in Mandron drilling a precise low shot past a helpless Jack Walton in the United goal. The visitors should have doubled their advantage shortly thereafter when Richard Taylor’s incisive pass split the Dundee United defence, sending Jonah Ayunga clear on goal, but his strike lacked composure and soared over the bar. This seemed to prompt a formation change for the home side, it offered a glimmer of hope when Ross Docherty’s header narrowly missed the target. Overall, Stephen Robinson would have been the considerably happier of the two managers at the interval, with Mandron’s well-taken goal marking their first against Dundee United in five encounters this season. United offered a brief resurgence at the beginning of the second half, with Dalby flashing a shot wide before his powerful header was parried away by Zach Hemming. However, it was St Mirren who consistently appeared the more likely to extend their lead. The dynamic Alebiosu surged down the right flank before unleashing a fierce strike that Walton did well to tip away. A recurring theme of the second period was the Saints’ potent counter-attacking threat, with Stephen Robinson later describing his forward pairing of Mandron and Ayunga as “unplayable.” Indeed, the likes of Mandron, Ayunga, Killian Phillips, and Idowu frequently threatened the exposed United backline. Phillips himself squandered a golden opportunity to seal the victory when the ball fell kindly to him inside the six-yard box, but mirroring Ayunga’s earlier miss, he blazed his shot over the bar. St Mirren did have the ball in the net for a third time when Mandron cleverly played in Ayunga, who cut inside and slotted a shot past Walton, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman’s raised flag. As the final minutes ticked away and sections of the United support began to drift out of Tannadice, Greg Kiltie’s powerful shot was well saved by Walton. Considering the chances created, St Mirren’s victory could arguably have been even more emphatic than their last Tannadice success, a 3-0 win. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United will seek to recover from this setback when they travel to Ibrox on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, St Mirren extend their unbeaten league run to three matches and will look forward to a crucial home fixture against Hibernian on Wednesday, a game that has the potential to significantly shape their European aspirations. Teams Dundee Utd: Walton Sevelj Gallagher Adegboyega Strain Ferry Sibbald (Campbell 83’) Docherty (Moult 70’) Middleton Trapanovski (Paton 64’) Dalby St Mirren: Hemming Taylor (Iacovitti 72′) Gogic Fraser Alebiosu John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 76’) Ayunga Mandron Attendance : 9,821