“12 months that changed my career” – Watt lauds Motherwell after Turkish switch

Motherwell have confirmed the permanent exit of Elliot Watt to Turkish outfit Samsunspor, and the midfielder was quick to thank the side for the life-changing move to Fir Park. The 26-year-old joined from Burton Albion last summer. With 42 appearances for the Steelmen, Watt was a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s side, helping them impressively finish 4th in the Scottish Premiership last year. Speaking to the Motherwell website, Watt praised the support The Steelmen offered him and his family. “I would like to take this chance to thank everyone connected to the club for the last 12 months – 12 months that have changed my career and life. “The support and positivity I felt from the first minute I arrived gave me the confidence to learn, improve and perform. “I hope I was able to put a smile on the fans’ faces. My family and I will be forever grateful and will always be watching; we will hopefully be back soon – I don’t think I will be able to keep my boys away from Fir Park for too long.” Motherwell added, “We wish Elliot and his family the very best for the future and thank him sincerely for his efforts.”

Braga “completely focused” on Hearts ahead of Champions League Dream

Claudio Braga is focused solely on Hearts’ Champions League Qualifier with Sturm Graz, describing the match as one of the club’s most significant in recent years. The 26-year-old has drawn interest from top-flight clubs in France and England following a standout debut season in Gorgie, where he tallied 17 goals and 5 assists. Having secured multiple Player of the Year awards, the Portuguese star has firmly established himself as a target for some of Europe’s elite leagues. “I’m here, and I’m completely focused on that. Of course, it’s interest, but at the same time, I can’t focus about that while I’m here. I’m here, I’m a Hearts player and that’s all you guys need to know, and that’s all I need to feel. I’m a Hearts player and I’m here 100 per cent. “I’m trying to be as professional as I can and not care about that, because I leave that to my agents. We had talks in the beginning but I told him exactly the same as I told you guys. I’m here 100 per cent. I’m a Hearts player. I’m really happy. Of course, there may be interest or not, but that’s something that I can’t control or can’t focus on while I’m here. That would just be bad for me and for the club. I’m just focusing on Sturm Graz now.” Hearts face Sturm Graz in the 2nd Qualification Round of the Champions League. In a footballing journey that has taken him from Portugal to Norway to Scotland, Braga is excited to achieve a lifelong dream. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was three or four! Every time I saw football, of course, you play football and you like to watch these kinds of games more than anything. To watch Champions League and for it to be possible to be a part of it is something really big. Of course, it’s different leagues that we came from, but at the same time, once you get here, because there are so many new guys, you just need to adapt fast, and you can do it because there are a lot of new guys. The summer arrival of new head coach Wouter Vrancken could see Claudio’s role change. Having been regularly deployed in a front two for Derek McInnes, Vrancken’s 4-2-3-1 will mix up his game, playing in a lone role or deeper number 10 position. “I think I have two options in this case,” Braga added. “Play as a false nine like I was playing in the first half or as a lone striker with a 10 behind me. It just depends on the position; it’s different of course. When I’m playing as a striker, I need to hold up a little bit more, and just try to stretch the team a little bit more instead of coming as much. As a 10, it’s more a little bit about freedom and just try to link up and be that extra man in the midfield and then just also go to the box. “I’m also a striker, so if I’m playing 10, then I can link up and still go to the box, which is good and I like it. But if I’m playing as a striker, that’s the position that I play all my life, so I really like it. I think it’s kind of a striker role. There’s not that much difference on what he tells me, but I think we have a good communication about that, and of course some details here and there. But whatever he tells me, I try to follow up to the max. Braga looked ahead confidently to the Sturm Graz tie, and believes that Friday’s friendly win over Europa Conference League Finalists Rayo Vallecano shows they can compete against Europe’s elite. “I feel like we have a good team. We proved it last year, a lot of new players, but we proved it on Friday also that we can play against international teams and we can still do a good job. I think we need to be confident. We’re not going to Sturm Graz to lose or to draw. We’re going there to win and make the best result possible and then even better, hopefully, at Tynecastle. I feel we are confident in the locker room.” Sturm Graz v Heart of Midlothian Champions League Qualifying Round 2 First Leg Tuesday 21st July 7:30 PM Stadion Graz Liebenau

Hearts continue Champions League Preparations on Tynecastle return

Hearts’ preparations for their crunch Champions League Qualifier continued after a 2-1 friendly win against Rayo Vallecano at Tynecastle. Amadou Ba-Sy’s first-half double guided his side past the Europa Conference League finalists. The French forward opened the scoring with a glanced header from Josh McPake’s 18th-minute cross, then added a second from a Christian Borchgrevink delivery just after the half-hour mark. Sergio Camello’s deflected strike halved Rayo Vallecano’s deficit in the second half. New signings MJ Kamson-Kamara, Josh McPake and Thomas Renaud started the friendly, with substitute appearances for Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Sabri Guendouz, Rogers Mato and Calvin Miller. The Jambos also took the opportunity to thank the retiring Craig Gordon, who announced on Thursday he would hang up his gloves after a stellar 25-year career. The 43-year-old made 333 career appearances for the Jambos, winning the Scottish Cup and Scottish Championship, as well as over 100 clean sheets for the Gorgie side. Hearts kick off their competitive campaign against Sturm Graz in the 2nd Round of Champions League Qualification on Tuesday evening. Hearts 2-1 Rayo Vallecano Ba-Sy 18′, 33′ Camello 60′ Heart of Midlothian: Schwolow (Fulton, 62’), Borchgrevink (Altena, 62’), Kingsley (Milne, 62’), McEntee (Magnusson, 46’), Braga (Kabore, 62’), Renaud (Dhanda, 46’ – Spittal, 78’), McPake (Guendouz, 46’), Findlay (McCart, 62’), Kamson-Kamara (Fagan-Walcott, 62’), Kerjota (Miller, 62’), Ba-Sy (Mato, 46’ – Kyziridis, 79’)

Tait ready to “continue journey” after penning St Johnstone deal

Macauley Tait has described St Johnstone as a “positive place to be” after signing a two-year deal with the Perth club following his departure from Heart of Midlothian. The 20-year-old, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Livingston, is now committed to the Saints until the summer of 2028. Tait believes this move is the ideal next step in his career, a decision solidified after consulting with former St Johnstone players Josh McPake and Adam Forrester. “I’m really excited to get started and to meet all of the boys properly. How much the club and the gaffer wanted me was a great start to all of this. “I watched the team play a lot of the Friday night games last season and know a couple of players – Josh McPake and Adam Forrester – who have been here in the past. They spoke so highly of the place. “I felt it was the right place to continue my journey. The club has momentum coming into the top-flight, and it seems a really positive place to be. The boys play good football and I’ll just be looking to come in and add to that.” Tait spent much of his early years in the Hearts academy, even featuring on the European stage for The Jambos He added: “I have been at Hearts for a while and came through the academy, playing 16 times for the first team. That was nice for myself and my family. “I took the step on loan to Livingston for the past 18 months and I can’t thank them enough for progressing my career. Now I’m looking to make a real impact at Saints. “I’ll be hard-working and run for this team as much as I can. Hopefully I can bring quality on the ball and give the attacking players the service to do their stuff. I’m happy to do the dirty work.” Tait becomes Simo Valakari’s 8th signing, and will wear number 25.

Motherwell Announce Fourth Summer Signing After MLS Swoop

Motherwell have confirmed the signing of centre-back Jake Girdwood-Reich on a three-year deal from MLS outfit St Louis City. Girdwood-Reich made the switch the Major League Soccer in 2024, achieving 23 appearances for the team, but spent last season in Australia on loan at Auckland FC. The 22-year-old was keen to get the deal across the line and is looking forward to the next step of his career. Girdwood-Reich joined St Louis in 2024 and has made 23 senior appearances for the club but spent last season back in Australia on loan with Auckland FC. “It feels so good to be here,” he told the Motherwell website. “Talks have been ongoing, and I’ve been keen to get things finalised so I could get to work. “The manager was impressive in the way he explained how he wanted the team to play, and that is something that is important to me. I know what he expects from me, and I know what I can expect from him. “I know a couple of the boys and have played against a few too, so settling in won’t be an issue. It’s an exciting few weeks, and I’m glad I can be a part of the journey here at Motherwell.” Alfred Johansson is delighted to confirm Jake’s services, he added, “Jake has a perfect blend of experience and young, raw talent. “At 22, he is young, enthusiastic and energetic. With lots of development still possible, he has enough experience to slot in comfortably in this environment. Defensively, he is a strong and intelligent player whose traits match our style.”

Hibs add “natural goalscorer” ahead of European Qualifiers

Hibernian have made their fourth signing of the summer transfer window, adding 20-year-old striker Nathan Lowe from Stoke City on loan. Having progressed through the Stoke City Academy, Lowe has made 142 career appearances, including stints at Stockport, Walsall, and, most recently, Wycombe Wanderers last season, where he managed 11 goals. A promising young player, his career highlights include a senior debut for the Potters in 2023 and being awarded League 2 Young Player of the Season for Walsall, scoring 18 goals in 30 appearances. Manager David Gray was delighted to finalise the deal. Speaking with the Hibernian website, Gray believes Lowe has an abundance of positive attributes for his side. “I’m really pleased to add Nathan to the group as we continue to build for next season. “We have been looking to add a player with his attributes to the squad, and he brings a great energy and enthusiasm about his play, as well as a physical presence. “He is a natural goalscorer, and he has proven that he can score a range of different types of goals. “He has good experience too, having already played a substantial amount of games at a competitive level despite his young age. “I am looking forward to working with him, and we’re delighted to bring him into the building ahead of our first competitive game of the season later this month.” The signing of Lowe brings Hibernian’s transfer total to four, having already acquired defender Jason Kerr and midfielders Callum Wright and Azeem Abdulai.

“Well-liked” Kilmarnock Star Confirmed as Club Captain

Kilmarnock has named 29-year-old Greg Kiltie as club captain for the new season, a decision Neil McCann called a “natural choice.” Having regularly led by example on the pitch and within training, the Kilmarnock boss was thrilled to confirm Kiltie’s new role. “There were many who could have put themselves forward for the captaincy.” “But I just feel Kilts is a well-liked guy in the dressing room. It’s an armband and a recognition of his importance to the club, but I’m looking for everyone to step up this year.” Kiltie was recognised as Killie’s Player of the Season last campaign, after moving back to BSSP Rugby Park following a three-year stint for St Mirren. He achieved 39 appearances, 4 goals and 7 assists in all competitions last year, adding to 134 involvements from his first Kilmarnock stint. They kick off their Premier Sports Cup campaign at home to Raith Rovers on Tuesday, after successfully navigating the bottom six split last season.

“We have to keep building” – St Mirren begin League Cup Defence with Victory

St Mirren manager Craig McLeish was overjoyed with his side’s 4-0 victory against Dumbarton to open their Premier Sports Cup campaign, singling out the debut performances of Samuel Ramos and Chris Mochrie. Ramos, who spent last season in Slovakia’s top flight, provided a double, with further goals from ex-Airdrie midfielder Mochrie and youngster Thomas Falconer to secure the win. McLeish believes victory is a positive first step for the Buddies, as they begin their League Cup defence. “I’m delighted for them both,” McLeish said. “That’s why they were brought in, to add creativity, to add assists and goals to it. Ultimately, that’s what players at the top end of the pitch will get judged on, so it’s a good start from the two of them. St Mirren successfully navigated the Premiership playoffs against Partick Thistle, maintaining their stay in the top flight of Scottish Football. Despite the gap to yesterday’s opponents Dumbarton, McLeish was delighted with the professionalism of his side’s victory. “It was just a really professional performance,” McLeish added. “Delighted to get off to a winning start. “We spoke about this not being an extension of pre-season for us; this is our season start and we’re the holders in this competition. “I said to the players that we have to get off to a good start. We have to make sure we get through the group first and foremost. We have to just keep building from here.”

McGlynn Breaks Silence on Scotland Job after Five Star Falkirk THRASH City

John McGlynn’s only focus remains on Falkirk amidst links to the Scotland National Team job, after his side put five past Edinburgh City to open their Premier Sports Cup campaign. Scotland have been without a manager since Steve Clarke called time on his 7-year stint 3 weeks ago, and was touted for the job by former colleague Craig Levein. But speaking after a five-star victory at Meadowbank, McGlynn’s only concern remains with Falkirk. “He has a great standing in the game. I’ve worked with Craig, and he’s been an influence on my career as well, without a doubt. “I’ve got to concentrate on the job here, and I’m just delighted that we’ve got three points on the board.” McGlynn’s side impressed on their return to domestic action, following their top six finish last season. Doubles by Ross MacIver and Ben Parkinson, as well as a curling strike from Connor Allan, moved The Bairns to top spot in Group G of the Premier Sports Cup. They return to the Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday evening to face former Championship rivals Ayr United. Edinburgh City 0-5 Falkirk R. MacIver (5′, 88′) B. Parkinson (20′, 26′) C. Allan (35′)

“Buzzing” Fraser takes St Mirren captaincy

Marcus Fraser admits he “jumped at the chance” to take the St Mirren captaincy role, ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign. The 32-year-old takes over the position from the departing Mark O’Hara, who left the Buddies to join Kilmarnock. The former Celtic youngster hopes he can reward the faith shown by manager Craig McLeish. “I had a chat during the week with the manager and the coaching staff, and they asked me if I’d like to take the role on – and of course, I jumped at the chance.” “I thanked them, and I appreciate it. Since they’ve been in from the end of the season to now, they’ve really backed me and shown faith in me, so I’m just happy, and hopefully I can reward them with performances on the pitch and gelling all the new guys together as well. “Since the start of pre-season, the manager’s asked me a few questions here and there about different things to ask my opinion about stuff. “That’s been good from the players’ point of view, and it’s good to get that connection with the manager and coaching staff early.” Fraser has 264 appearances for St Mirren since his 2020 move from Ross County, opening the scoring in last season’s League Cup Final win over Celtic. But perhaps even more crucial was his volley against Partick Thistle to help maintain the Buddies’ Premiership status. St Mirren also confirmed Alex Gogic as vice-captain for the new season. Manager McLeish knows that he will be able to rely on both players, as well as other experienced players in the groupp “When you’re in the building, you see how Marcus runs the changing room and sets standards, day in, day out, on and off the training pitch,” said McLeish. “Gogic is similar. Even beyond that, we’ve got an experienced group of players with Declan John, with Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus and Liam Donnelly. “We’ve got a really good core of experienced players that I can lean on at times. But having Marcus lead the group on and off the pitch, I’m delighted with that.” St Mirren kick off their League Cup defence against Dumbarton on Saturday afternoon.