Christie praises “Legend” Clarke in World Cup Reflection

Ryan Christie reveals the Scotland squad were “shell-shocked” after Steve Clarke called time on his managerial reign, but insists they are determined to return to the major tournaments after an underwhelming World Cup campaign. The side ended their 28-year wait to return to the World Cup after an unforgettable qualification campaign culminating in a 4-2 thriller over Denmark. Christie featured in all three group stage matches, including a start against Morocco in Boston. In a short interview with BBC Scotland, the Bournemouth man was quick to praise the travelling Tartan Army support. “Seeing all the Scotland fans over there was incredible. The atmosphere was electric.” “The first 72 hours afterwards, you feel a bit gutted because we were desperate to get out of the group and it wasn’t to be,” “But I had such a good time with that bunch of boys that have been together for so many years now. “When you finish, you’re just hungry for more. “I’m desperate now to go to more tournaments, just thinking, when’s the next one?” Scotland’s major tournament record under Clarke has been a talking point of his seven-year reign, recording just one victory and four goals in nine games. Christie believes Scotland’s next assignment must be to make further inroads on the biggest stage. “We were determined to qualify for a World Cup, and we ticked that box,” “Now we really want to go to a tournament and make an impression. It’s the next step for our nation.” With 71 caps and 10 goals, including a crucial opener against Serbia that helped secure Scotland’s place at Euro 2020, Christie has been a central figure for his country. A vital component throughout the recent World Cup qualification campaign, he recently offered insight into the squad’s reaction to Clarke’s shock resignation. “He called a meeting, which we thought was to draw a line under the tournament,” he said. “Naturally, everyone was shell-shocked and gutted. “He’s done so much for us and obviously goes down as a Scotland legend. He’ll be missed. “I’m looking forward to seeing who comes in and hopefully we can go on a good run again.”  

Gunn joins MLS outfit after World Cup exit

Scotland goalkeeper Angus has turned his American World Cup stint into a permanent move, joining the San Jose Earthquakes on a contract running through the 2030 season. Gunn, previously of Nottingham Forest, joins the Earthquakes as a free agent and spoke of the “incredible” opportunity to join the MLS outfit on the club’s website. “Coming off the World Cup, which was an unbelievable experience, I’m just really excited and grateful for the opportunity to come to San Jose and show the best version of myself. We’re in a really good position for the playoffs, so hopefully we can focus on that with the right mentality.” Gunn featured in all three group-stage matches for Scotland at the World Cup, in their first appearance since 1998. The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience to San Jose, with the bulk of his career spent in the English Championship for Norwich City. Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena spoke to the club website about their delight to attain Gunn’s services, and look forward to him blending into the club for the rest of the season and playoffs. “We’re pleased to sign a quality goalkeeper in Angus Gunn with English Premier League and international experience, most recently as a starter at the World Cup.” “We’re looking forward to integrating him into the club for the second half of the season and welcome him to San Jose.” MLS play resumes for the Earthquakes on Wednesday, July 22, with a home match against Orlando City SC. This will be followed by a high-stakes matchup on Saturday, July 25, as the team takes on the LA Galaxy in the 105th California Clasico at Stanford Stadium.

Dundee United land Champions League goalscorer Metsoko

Dundee United have confirmed the loan signings of Viktoria Plzen striker Idjessi Metsoko, holding an option to buy the Togo striker. After signing for the Czech outfit, the 24-year-old has spent 2 seasons in the Slovakian league for Spartak Trnava and Slovan Bratislava, even scoring in the Champions League against Stuttgart for Slovan. Last term he recorded 5 goals in 17 appearances for Trnava. Having scored against Guinea on his international debut for Togo, Jim Goodwin believes the striker is “ready to build” on his potential in the Scottish top flight. “He’s a powerful, explosive forward with great feet for a striker and quick across the ground.” “So he possesses all the attributes we felt we needed when looking for another forward. “He’s had a great last couple of years, scoring in the Champions League and on his international debut, and we feel he’s heading to Scotland ready to build on the groundwork he’s laid.” Metsoko contributed 4 goals and 3 assists for his time at Slovan Bratislava, and left the Slovaks with a league winners’ medal. He added, “It has always been a dream of mine to play in the UK, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge. “The opportunity to work under the manager and coaching staff in the Scottish Premiership really appealed to me, and I can’t wait to meet the lads and try to help the team have a really successful season.” Dundee United kick off their campaign against Stirling Albion in the Premier Sports Group Stages this weekend.

Motherwell End Denmark Tour in Defeat, But Johansson Finds Positives

Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson saw plenty of positives from his side despite a convincing preseason defeat to Danish side AGF Aarhus. The North Lanarkshire side were concluding their week-long trip to Denmark, and fielded a strong XI. Last season’s stalwarts Stephen O’Donnell, Tom Sparrow, Elliot Watt, and Lukas Fadinger all started the 4-0 defeat. The Steelmen’s preparations are in full swing ahead of their UEFA Conference League Qualifying tie with Havnar Bóltfelag of the Faroe Islands. Despite losing the match, Johansson remained upbeat about his side’s performance, insisting it was the conclusion of a successful camp. “From a performance perspective, it’s obviously tough.” “We knew we were going to face a good team and they were better than us. “We need this kind of intensity to get us up to speed. It’s tough on the boys after a week of double sessions, but it’s exactly what we need. “You go into these games trying to win them, but the importance of a result in a friendly game is not big. “We had a lot of 2009s and 2010s on the pitch [in the second half]. We made the most out of it. “It’s been a really good camp. All credit to the players for the week.” Motherwell host KRF Genk at Fir Park on the 17th of July, and face a trip to Easter Road to begin the Scottish Premiership season.

Killie Snag Winger from Newly Promoted Championship Side

Kilmarnock have made their sixth signing of the summer, after announcing the arrival of Swedish winger Erik Ring on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance. The winger joins from Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee and departs with a Sky Bet League 1 winners’ medal, having made 49 appearances across two seasons for The Imps. Developed in the AIK Academy, Ring has played the bulk of his career in his native Sweden. He made a significant impact during his time with AIK’s senior squad, recording 66 appearances, four goals, and seven assists, bolstered by a further 33 appearances during a loan spell with Helsingborgs IF. A versatile player, Ring has experience on both flanks as Neil McCann begins his first full season in charge of Kilmarnock. A statement on the club’s website expressed their delight at securing Erik’s services. “His development through one of Scandinavia’s strongest footballing systems has established him as an exciting attacking player capable of making an immediate impact in the Scottish Premiership.” Kilmarnock begin their domestic campaign in nine days against Raith Rovers at BBSP Rugby Park for the Premier Sports League Cup group stages.

Motherwell announce double signing as Johansson puts stamp on Steelmen

Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has made his first moves of the summer, securing defensive and attacking reinforcements with the signings of Martin Moormann and Willy Yogt. Austrian defender Moormann joins on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year, arriving from FC Blau-Weiß Linz in the Austrian top flight. He joins the Steelmen with versatility, having been regularly deployed at centre back and left back. Moormann told the Motherwell website he was “excited” to join the Steelmen. “I’ve been learning about Motherwell Football Club, and everything has been so positive. It seems like I’m joining a club that knows what it wants to be, and that’s really important to me. “The group of players achieved so much last season, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone soon. We’ve got some big games early on this season, so there’s no time to waste. I also want to say how much I’m looking forward to seeing the supporters of this club. I’ve heard so much about the increased attendances and colour and noise the fans bring. It will be special to feel the atmosphere when everyone is together.” Swiss youth international Vogt will strengthen Motherwell’s attacking options, scoring 12 goals for Swiss side AC Bellinzona in the Challenge League last year. After making his way through prestigious academies at Grasshopper and Basel, Vogts has 53 goal involvements in 161 career appearances. Having made the switch to the Scottish top flight, Vogts is raring to go at Fir Park “This is a brand new chapter for me, and I can’t wait to get started.” “Everyone I have met so far has been so helpful, and I feel I’ll settle in here easily. Personally, I had a strong season last year, and I hope I can bring that kind of impact to Motherwell. I’ve studied the way the team wants to play, and there is no doubt that this system will suit me. “I have continued working over the summer, but now things will go up a level ahead of the new season. It’s time to get to work.” Manager Alfred Johansson expressed his delight in attaining both signings. He called Vogts “an exciting player” and Moormann “exactly the type of centre back we require”.

St Mirren Standout signs for Austrian Champions

Miguel Freckleton has left St Mirren to join Austrian giants LASK, in a deal that will include “significant” add-ons for the Buddies. The 22-year-old joined from Sheffield United in July 2025, and with 47 appearances last season, was a prominent figure for both Stephen Robinson and new manager Craig McLeish. A statement on St Mirren’s website read as follows. “With a year remaining on his Saints deal, Miguel made clear his desire to take on a new challenge with the Austrian champions.” “We sincerely thank Miguel for his contributions. He departs with the best wishes of everyone at St Mirren.” The move is an exciting opportunity for the Englishman, as LASK secured their 2nd Austrian Bundesliga title last season, edging Sturm Graz by two points in the championship round. His best moments for the Paisley outfit include a key late winner against Hearts and the equaliser for a crucial win at the Falkirk Stadium. He also played all 120 minutes of their extra-time Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic.

Gray offers positive update on Hibs starlet as preseason preparations ramp up

Hibs boss David Gray shrugged off a pre-season defeat in Dublin, labelling the match an “excellent run-out” as preparations for the new season heat up. Luke O’Regan’s first-half strike gave League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers a 1-0 victory over Hibs, but the exercise allowed Gray to offer minutes to youngsters Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie, Josh McDonald, Joseph McGrath and Jacob MacIntyre. Speaking to Hibs media team at full-time, the manager saw the positives in a physical game. “We probably looked like a team that’s been working hard in the last seven days versus a team that has been playing together probably for the last three or four months and is up to speed. “There were no severe injuries but a few bumps and bruises because it was a physical game, but it was a really good test and that’s exactly what we needed at this stage of pre-season. “Of course we’re disappointed to lose the game, as there was no such thing as a friendly, and I just said that to the boys as well, and the players know that, but it is about the minutes in the legs at this stage of the season.” Gray praised the travelling support, with over 1,500 supporters making the trip to the Tallaght Stadium. “It didn’t surprise me, and it was an excellent support as always.” “I’m disappointed they never saw a goal or anything like that tonight, and that would be the one thing we would say from our point of view.” The head coach was also able to confirm positive news on the longterm absence of Rudi Molotnikov, who has slowly integrated into training sessions. “He’s trained fully with the international boys, the smaller group this morning, and came through that, which is excellent, and by the end of the week, he’ll be fully integrated into training, which is excellent for him,” Gray explained. “We probably won’t see him play this weekend [against Cliftonville]. It’s a bit soon for that, but it’s really good to have him around the group again, and he’ll benefit from a real strong pre-season now.”

“I hope he’s busy” – Motherwell star hints at exit after glistening World Cup

Elijah Just hopes his agent is “busy at the moment” after the New Zealand internationalist enjoyed a sparkling World Cup campaign in Canada. The Motherwell attacker enjoyed a double against Iran, before netting a consolation in The All Whites’ encounter with Belgium. But despite his best efforts, New Zealand finished bottom of Group G. Speaking with the NZ Herald, Just spoke of how the tournament has made him hungrier than ever, despite his side coming up short. “Well, I hope he’s busy at the moment, and I will obviously speak with him, and, in football, you never know.” “The World Cup has given me added belief and also motivation to keep pushing,” Just said. The 26-year-old joined Motherwell from Danish side Horsens in July 2025, receiving a nomination for PFA Player of the Year in the Scottish Premiership last season. An honest Just admitted that in recent years his career felt stagnated, and is thrilled to be playing back at the top of his game. “There was a point in my career, one or two years ago, where I wasn’t quite sure what level I was going to be. “I was a little bit stuck and maybe plateaued a little bit, so now you have a little bit of a new energy and new belief. “I definitely want to test myself, see how far I can go. It’s something that everybody wants to do. “Coming to the World Cup gave me a taste of playing against top, top players. So we’ll see what happens.” Former Rosenborg boss Alfred Johansson arrived after the departed Jens Berthel Askou, and Just advised he is “looking forward to seeing all my pals and meeting the new coach”, as they look to back up their credible 4th place finish last season.

The Five Defining Matches of Steve Clarke’s Scotland Tenure

Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Brazil proved to be the final act of Steve Clarke’s seven-year tenure as Scotland manager. Over a record-breaking 81 games and three major tournament appearances, his reign delivered a rollercoaster of unforgettable highs and forgettable lows. As the dust settles, we look back at the five defining matches that shaped the Clarke era. Serbia 1-1 Scotland – Euro 2020 Playoff Final On a rainy night in Belgrade, Scotland finally ended a gruelling 23-year exile from major tournament football. Ryan Christie’s 52nd-minute strike handed the Scots a priceless lead, but in typical fashion, we refused to make it easy. Luka Jovic headed home a heartbreaking equaliser with mere seconds left on the clock, forcing a torturous period of extra time before the tie moved to penalties. Just as they had in the semi-final shootout against Israel, Steve Clarke’s men held their nerve, burying all five of their spot-kicks. The defining moment fell to David Marshall, who threw himself to his left to parry Aleksandar Mitrovic’s final effort past the post. Marshall’s iconic save officially punched Scotland’s ticket to Euro 2020, banishing over two decades of tournament heartbreak. Coming at a time when the country was gripped by lockdown, the victory provided a nation under Steve Clarke with a much-needed shot of pure optimism and hope. Scotland 1-3 Ukraine – World Cup 2022 Playoff Semi-Final On a warm June evening in 2022, a raucous Hampden Park dared to dream. Scotland had roared to second place in their qualifying group, crowned by a rampant 2-0 home victory over Denmark, to secure a home playoff semi-final against Ukraine, leaving them just 180 minutes away from the World Cup. But on a deeply emotional night, the Scots froze on the big stage and were pulled apart. Artem Dovbyk’s late strike put the final gloss on a 3-1 Ukrainian victory, sealing yet another “glorious failure” for Scotland. Despite the crushing defeat, the match highlighted how far the national team had come. The sight of a packed, roaring Hampden stood in sharp contrast to the sparse crowds of Steve Clarke’s first match against Cyprus three years prior. Clarke’s side had successfully reunited the nation, leaving fans with a lingering belief that this gritty squad would take them all the way one day. Scotland 2-0 Spain – Euro 2024 Group A Qualifying Scotland’s charge to Euro 2024 was fuelled by an explosive five-match winning streak in Group A, headlined by a truly historic night at Hampden Park against Spain. Steve Clarke got his tactics absolutely spot on. His meticulously organised back five completely frustrated the visitors, laying the perfect foundation for Scotland to hit them on the counterattack at breathtaking pace. Scott McTominay emerged as the hero, striking early in each half to secure a famous 2-0 win, an evening made all the sweeter by Rodri’s post-match complaints about the length of the Hampden grass. The result put the footballing world on notice. With Spain conquered, Scotland marched on to qualify for the tournament in style, brushing aside Norway, Cyprus, and Georgia along the way. Scotland 4-2 Denmark – World Cup 2026 Group C Qualifying Perhaps the most famous night in Scottish football history, this was the moment Scotland secured their place at the 2026 World Cup as Group C winners. It was a fairytale evening, headlined by three of the greatest goals Hampden Park has ever witnessed. A towering overhead kick from Scott McTominay, a sublime curling strike from Kieran Tierney, and a spectacular effort from Kenny McLean from the halfway line sent the stadium into pure rapture. The match played out like a movie script, with a resilient, experienced Danish side twice pegging the Scots back. But Steve Clarke had forged a team defined by character and grit. Even after suffering two heavy setbacks during the match, Scotland refused to buckle and fought back to claim victory. Post-match, the players spoke passionately about an inspiring hotel speech Clarke had delivered before kickoff, proving they were a squad ready to run through brick walls for their manager. For all the inevitable frustrations of major tournament football, there is no question that Clarke’s side delivered an immortal night that will be cherished for decades to come. Haiti 0-1 Scotland – World Cup 2026 Group C In what would prove to be his final act, Steve Clarke led his team to Scotland’s first World Cup victory in over 30 years. There was a poetic symmetry to John McGinn’s deflected winner in the 28th minute, arriving exactly 28 years after the Scots had last graced the world stage at France ’98. While the overall performance across the tournament wasn’t perfect, Clarke had achieved the unthinkable just by getting them there. The Tartan Army spent a glorious week partying across America. Though Scotland ultimately failed to progress to the knockout stages, their manager had given the nation one final, unforgettable night to celebrate.