McCracken to leave Dundee ahead of 2026 Season

After retaining their place in the league, Steven Pressley’s Dundee have released their retained list for the upcoming Scottish Premiership season, including the exit of regular goalkeeper Jon McCracken. An 8th-place finish offers the Dees a platform to build from, after Steven Pressley successfully navigated his maiden year at Dens Park. The list also sees the exit of experienced options, Trevor Carson and Ethan Ingram. The full list includes: Under Contract Ryan Astley Billy Koumetio Aaron Donnelly Drey Wright Paul Digby Emile Acquah Finlay Robertson Ashley Hay Imari Samuels Kieran O’Hara Simon Murray Brad Halliday Charlie Reilly Joe Westley Luke Graham Joseph Bevan Callum Jones Harry Sharp Ethan Hamilton Loan Players Returning to Parent Club Tony Yogane Cameron Congreve Yan Dhanda Joel Cotterill Scott Wright Aldahir Valenzuela Players Departing Jon McCracken Lewis Montsma Ethan Ingram Trevor Carson In Discussions Clark Robertson Dundee open their Premier Sports Cup campaign against Airdrieonians on July 12.

Scotland announce youth call-ups for World Cup training camp

James Wilson, Liam McFarlane, Luke Graham, and Tyler Fletcher will join Scotland’s training next week, as Steve Clarke’s World Cup preparations take shape. Clarke referenced the inclusion of several youth stars when naming his 26-man squad on Tuesday. “When I announced the squad, I made reference to a few young players joining us for training at Lesser Hampden.” “It’s helpful for us, because it boosts our numbers for training – given the staggered arrivals of those who are still playing domestically – and it allows us to take a closer look at some boys who are on our radar. “It should also be a very positive experience for the players themselves, who will get an insight into what we look for in the senior squad environment, surrounded by top professionals.” Clarke’s side begins their preparations by welcoming Curacao to Hampden on May 30th, as a send-off for the squad. Seven days later, they meet Bolivia in New Jersey, before opening their campaign against Haiti. Wilson and McFarlane join from Hearts, Graham from Dundee, and Fletcher from Manchester United.  

Midfield stalwart pens extra year for Motherwell

Lukas Fadinger has penned a 12-month extension at Motherwell, keeping him at the club until 2028. The Austrian signed from SCR Altach in the summer of 2025, and quickly established himself as a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s midfield. Featuring 43 times for the Fir Park side, Fadinger scored five goals last season, manager Askou regarded Lukas Fadinger’s story as a “wonderful one” whilst speaking on Motherwell’s website “Being signed by Michael Wimmer, there might have been more questions around his role than answers when he arrived to a team led by a different manager. However, that didn’t seem to bother him, and he very quickly turned into one of the most consistent and dependable performers in the team this season. “His wonderful calm and including personality has been an equally important asset to the dressing room. It is, therefore, great news for the club that he has extended his stay with us for another year.” Fadinger expressed his own delight at penning a further year for the Steelmen and has “loved every minute” of the season. “The fans, players, staff and everyone involved with the club have been so supportive of me, and we’ve had a great season together. I’m excited to extend my contract at this fantastic club, and I think we’re all looking forward to the European journey next season. Hopefully, we can have lots more success as a team next year. “Thank you to everyone for your support.” Motherwell received plaudits from all across the country, and Saturday’s victory over Hibs secured 4th place and a European tour for the first time since 2021. Having lost the services of midfield stalwart Callum Slattery, who leaves Fir Park after five years, Well fans will be encouraged by Fadinger’s extension, who is perhaps regarded as an underrated player in the Scottish top flight.

“We’ve got to produce our best” – Clarke opens up on World Cup Selection

Steve Clarke has backed the experience of his squad, stating he “understands the responsibility” of leading the nation to their first World Cup in 28 years. Speaking at Hampden following the squad announcement, the manager expressed his excitement for the tournament but admitted the selection process had taken its toll. “You’ve got to think a lot about it, make sure you get the balance right. I feel we’ve done that. Everybody knows the way I work. “I don’t think there was any point in building experience over the squad, we’ve done that, this is the group of players who understand how to qualify for major tournaments. “Hopefully the experience of the boys who have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we’ll do something no Scottish team has done before.” Clarke’s goalkeeping trio included veteran Craig Gordon. The manager praised the 43-year-old’s “resilience” after recovering from another injury scare. “Always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. “As long as they are working to their maximum in training, you feel they can come in and play for a number of games. “We’ve had good reports back from Hearts, he’s training very well, he assures us he’s fully fit. “He’s shown a tremendous resilience. He deserves to be there. If he was to struggle, we have the option to change them. The squad includes Southampton striker Ross Stewart, who makes a return to the international fore for the first time in four years. “It’s a good story, Ross. He was in my squad a few years ago, showed he could come up to this level. “He’s had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he’s hit a rich vein of form. “He’s shown he can score big goals in big games. The Arsenal game in the cup showed he can have an impact on games of that level. “He’s a striker in form, so I decided to add him to the group. “I put a lot of importance on characters in the group. You need good relationships.” Lawrence Shankland also made the cut, despite enduring a difficult weekend for Hearts in their title showdown against Celtic. Clarke understands that the result will sting the striker, but believes he will be ready to have an “impact” this summer. I’ve got no fears about any of my players leading the line. “Lawrence and his club have had a fantastic season, obviously it ended in a bit of heartbreak at the weekend. “In my experience, footballers are very resilient. It will take him a few days and a few conversations. He needs to decompress a little bit now and be ready to have an impact on the World Cup this summer.” Behind every World Cup selection lies the heartbreak of those left behind. Clarke opened up about the five incredibly difficult conversations he had to deliver, including breaking the bad news to youngster Lennon Miller. “I had five very difficult conversations [with players who didn’t make it]. “I know how they’ll be feeling. [Lennon Miller] had been in a few squads, maybe felt he was going to be a regular. “I felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player.” Findlay Curtis backed up his March call-up by securing a place in the final squad. The Rangers youngster, who joined Kilmarnock on loan in January, clearly boosted his chances with a strong run of form. Clarke joked that he hopes the midfielder is “jumping around the living room” after learning he made the cut. “I don’t tell them, I let their clubs tell them. I just put the squad out this morning. “Findlay was hopefully jumping around the living room, or wherever he is in the world. He’s probably on holiday. “Impressions when I brought him in in March – he fitted in very well. He’s got something a little bit different to what we’ve got. “He’s shown he can score a goal, he’s finished the season in a great place and it’s nice to have a young one in the squad.” Scotland Squad for 2026 World Cup Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly. Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney. Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay. Forwards: Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart.

Arfield “grateful for experience” as interim Livi spell ends

Scott Arfield insists he still has a strong appetite to play at 37, and believes crucial changes are required if Livingston is to make an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership. Arfield led Livingston for their final three matches on an interim basis. Sunday’s thumping defeat to Kilmarnock brought the curtain down on a difficult season for the Lions. Speaking at full-time, the interim coach praised their opponents and offered a ruthless summary of the changes needed at The Home of the Set Fare Arena this summer. “Kilmarnock were really good, moving the ball with complete and utter fluidity and flexibility. We got a good goal, we were brilliant for 20 minutes, causing problems. “[The club is] in a period of large transition. The biggest thing is [the board] needs to get it right. They need to, because the Championship is a tough league to get out of. “This needs to kick on in the next two or three weeks. Get ready for pre-season and the Cup competitions, and hit the ground running to get the calibre of player through these doors to get the club back to the top division. “It’s not always in a playing capacity. It’s behind the scenes. It’s the personalities within a club that make a difference when the going gets tough. “Of course, you want to play amazing football with good football players, but the actual desire and the hunger to make a difference sometimes far exceeds the actual technicality of a football player.” Speaking on his own future, Arfield was upbeat on his experience as interim coach, and will regroup after his 20th season in professional football. “I don’t actually know. I’ve no idea. I just wanted to get to this stage in the season, to get to this today and then reassess the options in the summer. If it is here, then obviously I’ll do my best to get the club back up. If it isn’t, then I’m very grateful for the experience, both as a player and in this interim role.”

Livingston 1-4 Kilmarnock: Classy Killie Dismantle Hosts to end Season on a High

Livingston 1-4 Kilmarnock May (19′)  Hugill (24′, 58′)  Clescenco (34′) Curtis (53′) Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock delivered a dominant four-goal display, as Livingston’s dismal season ended on another low at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. The visitors, fresh from their survival securing victory over Dundee, started brightly, keen to end the season on another high. But despite dominating possession in the opening 10 minutes, Robbie Muirhead’s header came the closest to breaking the deadlock. Michael Schjonning-Larsen made space in the box on the 15-minute mark, but after dropping the shoulder, his left-footed strike veered high of Jerome Prior’s net. The hosts looked determined to give their fans one last cheer in a testing season. They found the elusive first goal courtesy of Stevie May in the 20th minute. McKay was instrumental, laying off May to fire a low strike past the rooted Max Stryjek in the penalty box. Kilmarnock probed for an immediate equaliser, responding well to the setback. Nicky Clescenco found an advanced position on Killie’s left, swinging a low cross for Joe Hugill to roll home. Both sides had little to play for, but had started the match at an entertaining pace. Clescenco doubled the lead with ten to play in the first half. After dispossessing Livi on the attack, a flowing counterattack was powered home by the winger in the six-yard box. The visitors were enjoying wave after wave of attack as the half came to a close. Neil McCann deserves a heap of credit for reenergising a broken Kilmarnock side, who looked well on their way to capturing a fourth straight league victory. Killie continued with confidence in the second half, looking to add gloss to the scoreline. A last gasp Cammy Kerr challenge denied the visiting attack after a strong run from Hugill down the Livi right. Scotland starlet Findlay Curtis added a third minutes later. Clescenco evaded the Livingston defence with brilliant skill before releasing Dom Thompson into space. His low cross was sidefooted home by Curtis, putting clear daylight between the sides. Hugill rolled home his second goal on the hour mark after a simple through ball; the visitors were really starting to enjoy themselves. The hosts continued to show fight off the bench, Sam Culbert’s effort sailed narrowly over Max Stryjek’s goal with 15 to play. The Polish goalkeeper then pulled off almost identical saves to deny May and Culbert as the clock crept closer to 90. The full-time whistle brought down the curtain on a difficult season for the hosts, but for Kilmarnock, it was the perfect way to close out an impressive post-split run. Livingston: Prior 6 Kerr 6 Kabongolo 6 Wilson 6 Smith 5 Montano 5 Tait 5 Danso 5 May 6 Muirhead 5 McKay 5 Substitutes: Nouble 5 Denholm 5 Zimmerman 5 Culbert 5 Fati 4 Kilmarnock: Stryjek 8 Thompson 7 Deas 7 Stanger 7 Schjonning-Larsen 7 Tshibola 8 Lowery 7 Kiltie 9 Clescenco 9 Hugill 9 Curtis 9 Substitutes: Lyons 6 Thomson 5 Brown 5 Watson 5 Bowie 4 Attendance: 3038

Hearts Foundation call for “highest” refereeing standard as title showdown awaits

Gerry Mallon, chairman of the Foundation of Hearts, has voiced concerns over recent refereeing decisions and hopes Saturday’s title race finale with Celtic is decided by the players rather than officiating. The chair released a statement following a dramatic round of fixtures on Wednesday, with Celtic awarded a last-gasp penalty to prevail at Fir Park with three precious points. The foundation hailed the incredible work that Derek McInnes and his side have achieved this season, collating a club record 80 points with one game remaining. “All of us at the Foundation of Hearts congratulate our magnificent team and manager, Derek McInnes, on their outstanding achievements in this momentous season, and urge all Heart of Midlothian supporters to get right behind them for Saturday’s final game of the campaign.” Kelechi Iheanacho’s ice-cool penalty immediately sparked debates all across world football. Many fans are split over the handball call on Sam Nicholson, a decision which could prove costly in Hearts’ title challenge. “We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others. “That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing. We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions. “At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained.” A jaw-dropping title race reaches its climax Saturday afternoon at Celtic Park. The prospect is tantalising, but the foundation hope that this remarkable Scottish Premiership season will be decided by the players on the pitch, not the officials in the spotlight. “We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.”  

“Biggest test” await Motherwell as Celtic roll into Fir Park

Jens Berthel Askou trusts his team will show their “best side”  as they stand on the brink of European football for the first time since 2021. Speaking ahead of their final match at Fir Park against Celtic, the Dane anticipates a tough task against the Scottish Champions. “It’s obviously a team that is in a good place, the best place they’ve been for a long time. But also a team that suddenly has a lot to lose, which can maybe also affect the mental state of the game. “There will be momentum shifts in the game from start to finish, and we need to deal with that emotional state of the game as well.” Motherwell have regularly taken points off the top three sides this season, most recently, disrupting Hearts’ title challenge with a 1-1 draw on Saturday. “It’s something that has helped us, especially at Ibrox last time, also against Hearts the other day.” “I am confident it will also give us an advantage that we have practised that again, and again, and again when we played the big teams, to really try to be ourselves all the way through. “I trust the players that they will be able to show their best side, not only technically and physically but also mentally. “Obviously, it’s a combination of the mental part and then the tactical approach that they have to suit each other and enhance each other. “If we tell them not to take risks or show fear from the leadership perspective and don’t trust them or react very emotionally and frustrated when we don’t succeed, and still tell them to do it, then they’re going to be in a place where they get confused and insecure. “Obviously, when the big mistakes have been there – and they have been there – then it’s about considering them and addressing them as mistakes for growth. “That has been extremely important to keep looking at how to develop and how to use that going forward into making either better decisions or just improving the situations, the execution. “Time will tell over the last couple of games how far we’ve come, and especially [on Wednesday], which is probably the biggest test so far of them all.”

Junior Dee’s Take Over at Dens Park

Saturday, 9 th May 2026, was a day to remember at Dens Park as Dundee FC Community Trust hosted a Junior Dee’s Takeover during Dundee FC’s home match against Livingston. Nine Junior Dees were given a unique behind‑the‑scenes opportunity to take over key match-day roles, experiencing first‑hand what it takes to make a Dundee FC match day happen. From pitch preparation and dressing room duties to media interviews, boardroom welcomes, photography, announcing and even stepping into the famous Snappy Dee role, the Junior Dees ran the show with enthusiasm, confidence and big smiles. Each Junior Dee was paired with a club or Community Trust ‘buddy’, shadowing them before the match while being encouraged to lead tasks themselves. The aim was simple: to put young supporters at the heart of the match-day experience, and they delivered brilliantly! Junior Dee’s roles included: Junior Kit Coordinator, Junior Groundsman, Junior Announcer, Junior Media Officer, Junior Photographer, Junior Boardroom Assistant, Junior Operations Assistant and Junior Snappy Dee. The day began with preparations inside the stadium, from laying out kits and setting up the pitch to welcoming guests and conducting player and manager interviews. The Junior Media Officers interviewed Luke Graham and Steven Pressley, while the Junior Announcer entertained hospitality lounges and announced the team lines ahead of kick‑off. A highlight for many supporters was seeing Junior Snappy Dee meeting fans and helping get the crowd ready, after receiving some playful but “very serious” guidance from Snappy Dee themselves. Alongside the takeover, dozens more Junior Dee’s took part in a drawing competition, with their artwork proudly featured in the official matchday programme and shared across Dundee FC social media channels. The drawings added colour and personality to the occasion, showcasing the creativity and passion of the club’s youngest supporters. A spokesperson for Dundee FC said: “The Junior Dee’s Takeover is all about giving young supporters the chance to feel truly part of Dundee FC. The confidence, excitement and pride they showed was incredible to see. We’re also delighted so many children took part through the drawing competition, their artwork brought a real sense of fun and community to the day.” Parents, guardians, club staff and supporters alike praised the Junior Dee’s for their confidence and energy, making the takeover a shining example of how football can inspire and engage young people. Dundee FC and Dundee FC Community Trust would like to thank all participating Junior Dee’s, their families, volunteers, club staff and supporters for helping make the event such a success.

Halkett thankful for footballing return after “tough couple years”

Craig Halkett admits he has found it easy to switch off amidst a hectic Scottish Premiership title race, as Hearts target a third straight split win against Motherwell. Speaking with the media before the Fir Park visit, Halkett singled out his family life as the key to helping him shut off from footballing pressures. “I’m actually expecting a baby in four or five weeks’ time so that’s been a good distraction for me.” “I’ve got my girlfriend and two dogs back at home so as soon as I go home, it’s quite easy to switch off. “I think it’s important that you’ve still got it in the back of your mind and you’re not just going home and doing what you want. Obviously, with life as a footballer, you’re 100% all-in on your work. “You don’t switch off completely, but to go home with a great family, it’s quite easy for me to switch off. “Obviously, football is going really well at the moment and life at home is going really well, so it could be a special summer.” Halkett has enjoyed one of his best seasons in maroon, featuring on 34 occasions with 6 goals. Alongside centre back partner Stuart Findlay, Hearts have boosted the best defensive record in the Premiership. The defender acknowledged that his side has engineered itself into a remarkable position, but refuses to look any further than Motherwell, who will pose another test. “From my personal point of view, the pressure is still the same as it’s been all season,” “It’s hard to ignore the position we’re in, but everyone’s got their feet on the ground. Everyone knows how difficult it’s going to be and how far away it can still be, so the full focus is just on Saturday. “I think we’re all just buzzing. The confidence is really high in the changing room. “We don’t have any past experiences, good or bad, of being in this position, so everything’s new and we’re all just going with it. We’re all in good spirits.” Halkett’s strong individual form may warrant a Scotland call-up, but even with the World Cup on the horizon, Craig insists his full focus is on Hearts. “It’s not something that’s at the front of my mind, if I’m being honest.” “My full focus this season has been on Hearts and myself, and playing as many games as I could. “If that put me in a position to be called up, then great. If it didn’t, I wasn’t going to be too disappointed about it. It’s been a tough couple of years for me so coming back and playing as many games for Hearts as I could was my main focus. Thankfully, I’m doing that.” Motherwell v Heart of Midlothian Saturday 9th May 8pm