Hearts seal European league phases in Vienna

Heart of Midlothian have advanced to the league phase of the UEFA Conference League  after defeating Rapid Vienna on penalties in Austria. Hearts travelled to Vienna level on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle, and it was the same scoreline at the Allianz Stadion as Wouter Vrancken’s side won 4-3 on penalties. Rapid Vienna went 1-0 up on the night and it could have went from bad to worse for Hearts’ fans after Tomas Magnusson was sent off. Instead, it seemed to be the catalyst that sparked change as Landry Kabore equalised on the night three minutes later. Calvin Miller had the Edinburgh side ahead in extra-time, but a 119th minute equaliser from the hosts sent the tie, and European football to penalties. New goalkeeper Beau Reus saved two penalties in the shootout to extend Thursday nights in Gorgie until December. Hearts entered European football in the Champions League QR2 thanks to their second place finish last season, but were dumped out 6-0 by fellow Austrian side Sturm Graz. Up next was no easy task in Benfica in the Europa League QR3. The tie was over after a 6-1 drubbing in Lisbon, with their 1-1 draw at Typecastle offering a mere consolation. It must’ve seemed everything was hanging in the balance prior to the penalty shoot-out as Vrancken was faced with either a triple-elimination from Europe of the treasured league phase that comes with European riches. Hearts will find out their Conference League opponents on Friday with the draw taking place from 12:00 BST.

History looms in Leith: Hibernian v KAA Gent match preview

Hibernian could seal European league phase football for the first time in their history as they host KAA Gent in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Play-offs tomorrow night.  David Gray’s side earned a 0-0 draw in Belgium last week, setting up a winner-takes-all clash in Edinburgh with European football until December on the line. Despite a draw on the road being perceived as a positive result, it could’ve been better for Hibs with Owen Elding missing a first-half penalty. Hibs could be without the Irishman as David Gray alluded to an injury, he said: “We have had a couple of niggles from the game that maybe we didn’t quite see at the time. A couple have missed a bit of training this week. Owen Elding missed a bit of training this week. We’ll just see how he goes between now and Thursday. We’ll give him every chance as you’d expect but he’s definitely picked up something in the game. We’ll just see if he comes through. Apart from that though, everybody else seems to be going in the right direction, the only definite one out is Rocky Bushiri, he’s a long-term injury.” Hibs made it to the same stage of the competition last season before crashing out in dramatic fashion to Legia Warsaw in Poland, but their position heading into the second leg is greater this time. Speaking about his side’s chances in a pre-match press conference, David Gray said: “I think a lot’s been made of it in the last week and it’s purely because we’ve given ourselves that opportunity. Because it is leg two now, because we went over there and gave such a good account of ourselves against a real good opponent, and all you can ask is for the tie to still be alive coming back to Easter Road. We’ve certainly done that. “The players have earned the right to go and have a real go and it is that cup final mentality and attitude going into the game. We need to try and use the home advantage to our advantage I think, with that. Because very rarely do you have a cup final sort of atmosphere at home, in your own stadium, so I think the players have certainly earned the right to go and do it. We should all be looking forward to it. This is one of the biggest games the club have had since I’ve been here in terms of what’s at stake for the football club, the rewards and the benefits that the players, the club and the ownership deserve off the back of what we’ve been doing for the last couple of seasons. “I think that since I’ve been at the club, I speak about it all the time, you want to play at the highest level possible. It is a big club that’s used to playing big games, and when you’re trying to bring players to the football club, it is trying to sell the ambition of going and playing in Europe. It is a genuine opportunity to go and do that. It requires a lot of work to go Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday if we’re able to do that, so you need your squad to be strong enough to go and deal with that. It should be something the players relish, testing yourself against the best teams in Europe in different styles, and different ways of playing.” Hibs failed to win any of their European home games last season, but have won both so far this time out, rescuing their 2-0 embarrassment in Kosovo with a 4-1 win over KF Malisheva before a Warren O’Hora’s 90th minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory against KF Shkendija, perfectly setting them up for a 0-0 draw in North Macedonia two weeks ago. The match takes place tomorrow night at 20:00 in front of a sold-out Easter Road.

Scots Abroad Watch week one: Ché Adams scores wonder goal for Torino

With many Scottish players, some familiar, some uncapped now plying their trade abroad, Sebastien Pocognoli may need to look further afield in the lead-up to announcing his first Scotland squad. Here’s a look into how some of these players got on as European leagues begin to kick-off and the MLS returns from the World Cup. Angus Gunn:  It’s not been the start to life Angus Gunn would have wanted Stateside. He’s played six games for San Jose so far, losing five of which. On Saturday, his side were defeated 5-1 at home to Minnesota United. San Jose currently sit 4th in the Western Conference as the MLS play-offs loom. Kieron Bowie & Josh Doig: Kieron Bowie made his league debut for Sassuolo as he and Josh Doig were defeated 2-1 by Atalanta in the league’s opener this weekend. Whilst Bowie is only on loan at Sassuolo, there is a possibility the move becomes permanent. Hibernian will be hoping that is the case next season if they are to make even more money on their already record sale. Ché Adams: The Torino forward played 20 minutes at the weekend as his side were defeated 2-1 by Ruben Amorim’s Milan side. Adams scored a fantastic volley to open his account this season, albeit a 93rd minute consolation goal. Scott McTominay: Napoli started their league campaign in pursuit of another Scudetto by defeating Genoa 2-0 away from home. Scott McTominay played the full 90 minutes as Billy Gilmour was an unused substitute. Robbie Ure: Sevilla’s new forward played his first 90 minutes at the weekend as his side defeated Athletic Club 3-1 in Bilbao. Sevilla currently sit atop La Liga.

Everything you need to know about the 2026/27 Premier League season

Arsenal regained their Premier League crown last season, but after a World Cup and a hectic summer which has saw nine new managers in the dugout this season, it’s bound to be another crazy season in England. Coventry, Hull and Ipswich have all returned to the division, two of which winning on opening day. With the first round of the Premier League in, here’s what to expect from every team this season. Arsenal:  Mikel Arteta’s side became the first Arsenal team to win the league since the 03/04 Invincibles last season, and it only felt a matter of time after multiple 2nd place finishes. The Champions League finalists look in a good position to do it again, not only due to the squad Arteta has spent years building, or how hard they are to beat, but also thanks to the masses of change around them. Like mentioned, Arteta has spent years building a squad with depth only bested by Guardiola’s Manchester City team, which means Arsenal have been able to have a quieter window. That being said, the business they have done looks to be extremely smart, you can see where every player fits in. Players in:  Bruno Guimaraes, Illian Meslier, Christos Tzolis, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie (loan made permanent). Players out: Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior (loan made permanent). What to expect: Champions Aston Villa: When Unai Emery took over at Aston Villa, they looked like they were bound for the Championship, but the Spaniard has transformed them into European regulars in a matter of years. Villa are now preparing for their second Champions League under Emery after he won his fifth Europa League last season. They’ll be without their star man Morgan Rogers after his big money move to Chelsea, Youri Tielemans could be a massive loss too. It looks like Emi Martinez will stay after all after another summer linked away. If the UEFA Super Cup against PSG is anything to go by, it looks like Villa could promote their youth this season, especially given the amount of big names that have left Villa Park this window. Players in: Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Modu Keba Cisse, Zion Suzuki, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho (loan), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (loan). Players out: Morgan Rogers, Donyell Malen, Youri Tielemans, Lewis Dobbin, Lucas Dinge, Enzo Barrenechea, Ezri Konsa, Samuel Illing-Junior (loan), Andres Garcia (loan), Joe Gauci (loan), Oliwer Zych (loan), Kosta Nedeljkovic (loan). What to expect: European places Bournemouth:  Marco Rose has replaced Andoni Iraola in the Bournemouth dugout this season as the club prepare for their first-ever season of European football. Bournemouth are always hard ones to predict, but this year even more so with a new manager, a quantity of unproven signings and balancing playing twice, especially in a squad that doesn’t look to have too much depth. Players in:  Alvaro Rodriguez, Antonio Silva, Juanalu Sanchez. Players out: Hamed Traore, Luis Sinisterra, Marcos Senesi, Enes Unal, Alex Jiminez (loan), Alex Paulsen (loan). What to expect: Bottom-half Brentford:  Brentford so narrowly missed out on European football last season following a breakout year for manager Keith Andrews. From Ollie Watkins to Ivan Toney to Bryan Mbueno and Yoanne Wissa to Igor Thiago, they always have someone who knows where the net is. They’re always a hard team to predict and always seem to exceed expectations, so watch out for Brentford again. Players in:  Mamadou Sangare, Jannik Schuster, Jaiden Anthony, Callum Wilson. Players out:  Frank Onyeka, Jordan Henderson, Ryan Trevitt (loan), Yunus Konnak (loan), Romelle Donovan (loan), Matthew Cox (loan). What to expect: Top-half Brighton:  Hearts stole the headlines last year, but Brighton have shown what Jamestown Analytics have been able to do for years. They’re in the Conference League Play-Offs this season, so could be balancing twice a week football too. It’s been a busy window for both ins and outs for the Premier League’s youngest ever permanent manager. Players in: Luka Vuskovic, Zadok Yohanna, Pascal Struijk, Costinha, Michael Svoboda, Rodrigo Rego, Promise David (loan). Players out: Jan Paul Van Hecke, Carl Rushworth, Diego Coppola, Danny Welbeck, Jeremy Sarmiento, Joel Veltman, James Milner (retired), Adam Webster, Solly March, Facundo Bounnanotte (loan), Tommy Watson (loan), James Beadle (loan), Rodrigo Rego (loan), Do Young-Yoon (loan). What to expect: European contenders Chelsea The post-Roman Abramovic era in West London can be summed up by one word, instability. Chelsea are preparing for yet another season under a new manager, but Xabi Alonso seems like one Chelsea fans can be really excited about. Of course, it didn’t work out for Alonso in Madrid, but his 2023/24 season with Leverkusen shows what the footballing legend is capable of. They’ve tried it all at Stamford Bridge, from the stability of Mauricio Pochettino to the exciting new managers such as Graham Potter, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, but something about Alonso feels different. If he hits the ground running and is given time, the good times could be coming back to Chelsea soon. Of course, it’s been a busy transfer window at Chelsea, but Morgan Rogers has been one of the Premier League’s best players in recent years and should be suited to Alonso’s system. Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson don’t jump off the page at anyone, but the experience they’ll bring to such a young squad can only be a good thing. Players in: Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palesta, Goevanny Quenda, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emeghma, Pep Chavarria, Denner, Danny Welbeck, Dastan Satpaev, Jordan Henderson. Players out: Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Trevor Chalobah, Tyrique George, Omari Kellyman, Dastan Satpaev (loan), Alejandro Garnacho (loan), Filip Jorgensen (loan), Benoit Badiashile (loan). What to expect: Champions League places Coventry City: Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years this season, and after winning the Championship last season, certainly look the pick of the bunch from the promoted sides. One of the main questions surrounding Coventry going into this season will be whether Frank Lampard can keep up tactically in the Premier League as weak points have been pointed out in his previous sides.

Dundee United leader insists luck will turn after three defeats in-a-row

Dundee United defender Bert Esselink echoed much of manager Jim Goodwin’s comments after a Dundee Derby defeat on Saturday. United were bested 2-0 at home to rivals Dundee in a match where they had most of the possession, but failed to create any real goalscoring opportunities. The defeat leaves the Tannadice side 11th after three games and without a win. Including their League Cup defeat to Celtic it’s now three defeats in-a-row for United, where they haven’t found the net once and conceded 10 goals whilst doing so. After the match, Esselink emphasised that whilst his team were disappointed to lose the game, he believes their luck will turn eventually. He said: “A very tough result, a hard day for us. We have to stick together. You can see that there are chances and the moments we get into their box and we get big opportunities. It just doesn’t fall our way and that’s what we have to change.” “I don’t believe there’s a lack of confidence, we are very well grouped together, we believe in each other. We do things properly every day in training, but training doesn’t count, we need to get goals in the games. We have to change it together, and the first opportunity is next week.” Dundee United teenager Abdoulaye Yoro was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism, not only down to giving the ball to Drey Wright prior to his opener, but also for his reaction, or lack of when attempting to win the ball back. Esselink said: “He is still a young guy. Everyone makes a mistake or gives a bad pass. It is part of the game, but it is the reaction that matters the most. He knows it. “We need to keep on top of that with everyone. You need to react yourself when you lose the ball. These are the basics I am talking about. We need to keep on top of that from the training sessions and into the games.” United next travel to bottom place Kilmarnock on Saturday as both sides are in pursuit of their first league win of the season.

Jim Goodwin certain United will eventually find their win despite disappointing derby defeat.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin tried to find the positives in a disappointing derby day defeat at home to Dundee earlier today. The result leaves United winless from their opening three league games, and winless in four. Despite an unkind fixture list which saw his side open at home to Rangers, before travelling to Tynecastle. A League Cup draw at home to Celtic was up next, before a derby day where form didn’t go out the window. Much like his post-match reaction to the Hearts game two weeks ago, Goodwin noted how the scoreline wasn’t a full reflection of the afternoon as it was another one where Dundee United just couldn’t find the net. Goodwin said: “Dundee looked dangerous on the counter attack at times, but defensively, I thought they were very rarely troubled. “The opening goal unfortunately comes from us having what looked like a very promising counter attack… The reaction after that is poor in terms of trying to get the ball back. Take nothing away from the strike, it’s a hell of a strike from 35 yards.” “I know what this game is all about at the end of the day. It’s all about winning games of football, results are what matter most. I don’t need to look at the stats from the game today to see that we’ve probably had more possession of the ball, more attempts on goal, more penalty box entries, more dangerous attacks. But, it counts for nothing if we don’t have the three points to show for it at the end of it and that’s the reality of the situation we find ourselves in. “I believe in this group of players, I believe in my staff. I believe we’re doing lots and lots of good things in the week, but ultimately, all of that hard work we’re doing Monday to Friday needs to come to fruition at the weekend and in the last three weeks unfortunately that hasn’t been the case.” He was then pushed on reasons for why his side haven’t scored for three games in a row now, Goodwin said: “Of course, we spend time working on every area of the squad, there’s different sessions for different days of the week and a lot of those sessions are based around the final third in terms of crossing and finishing exercises, no different to what any other team out there does. “It’s hard to replicate the atmosphere and the tension that’s there on a match day on the training pitch. “I don’t think the recent results are down to a lack of effort or a lack of commitment from anyone of my players. I’ve got to take responsibility on my shoulders as the manager. I’ve signed all of these players, I’ve brought them all to Dundee United, I believe in every single one of them. “If you look back on the key metrics we analyse games by, I think you’ll see we’ve probably had the better of most situations in the last couple of games in particular, but we certainly don’t have the results to show for that. Law of averages would say that if we have the better of all those metrics than the opponent, the results will change with it. That’s what my message to the players is.” Goodwin was asked about the reaction from Abdoulaye Yoro, who gave the ball away prior to Drey Wright’s goal, and whether he could have done better to win the ball back afterwards. He said: “He’s a young player, he’s coming from a different type of league and a different environment. We had that conversation at half-time and he knows what’s expected. I don’t mind the mistake, players throughout the team are going to make mistakes from time to time, you know, honest mistakes, but the reaction is important to me. I want the reaction after that to be a positive one to help the team out to make sure that we get back in and rectify that mistake.” Speaking on injury updates, especially that of Will Ferry, who it seemed like would miss the match despite playing the full 90, Goodwin said: “Well yesterday in the build up to the game, doing the press conferences, you don’t want to give the opposition every last bit of information. I don’t like lying to you guys (the press) cause you’re all a good bunch of boys, but at the end of the day, we tried to keep that one in house. It is what it is, we don’t want to give the opposition too much information, but Will trained the last couple of days, trained well and wanted to play. He’s been our best player for the last two years. “Manny (Emmanuel Agyei) just felt his hamstring tightening up yesterday. We sent him for a scan, there’s a wee bit of swelling around the area, but nothing major, there’s no tears or serious strains or anything like that. We’re pushing and hope to have him next week, because he’s a big loss for the team in terms of the performance and what he gives to the team. But I don’t think we’ve lost the game because of Agyei’s absence. ” United have little time to feel sorry for themselves as they travel to Rugby Park next week to face fellow winless side Kilmarnock.

Steven Pressley downplays his side’s performance after Dundee Derby win

Dundee boss Steven Pressley was full of praise for his side following their Dundee Derby victory away at Tannadice. Despite every team in the league outwith Dundee United having a game-in-hand on Dundee, the win leaves them joint top of the league three games into the season. Prior to the match, during the famous walk to Tannadice, Pressley was spotted with a tote bag donning a photograph titled “Blue Men of the Sahara.” The manager was full of praise for his team’s victory away to The Arabs. Pressley said: “They won on determination, they won on grit, so I couldn’t be prouder. We spoke in the week on how we find ways to win away from home and I think that was a good example of it. You don’t always need to play particularly well, but when you show that determination you’ve got a chance.” Despite an impressive win, the Dundee boss continued to modestly downplay his side performance. When asked about if there was any injury to Charlie Reilly, who went off at half-time, he said: “I just made a tactical change at half-time, I don’t think it worked! “We just wanted to stiffen up the middle of the pitch a little bit more, but it maybe brought a little bit more pressure on us at times… But like I said, it was real determination from the group.” When asked about his thoughts on the Dundee fan’s ‘Pressley ball’ sing to the tune of ‘Daddy Cool’ by BoneyM, he joked that today’s showing wasn’t an example of what ‘Pressley Ball’ is. Dundee captain Simon Murray picked up an injury against Aberdeen earlier in the season and when asked about how his players stepped up in Murray’s absence today, Pressley said: “He played his own role. He was in the dressing room before the game, half-time, after the game. He’s got a huge role to play and the players listen to him and respond to him. He’s got a big influence on the group, so although he wasn’t playing today, he was there in spirit.” When asked about any potential transfer activity as the window approaches an end, he said: “You look today, our two centre-backs who were incredible in performance, but we had no one behind that, so we definitely need to bring in a couple centre-backs and maybe another wide player. We’ll decide on that in the coming days. I’ve said it time and time again, but we’re working really hard to do those things and fingers crossed we’ll identify and get in the right players.” Dundee and Pressley will look to continue this good form on the other side of the street next week as they host Hibernian in their next match.

Dundee victorious on derby day: Dundee United 0-2 Dundee

Dundee ran out 2-0 winners at Tannadice Park in the only Premiership match of the week, leaving Jim Goodwin’s side winless three games into the league campaign. The closest derby in British football got off to an extremely slow start as both sides tried to get a foothold in the match. United had most of the possession in the opening stages but failed to create any chances of note. The home fans were in fine voice to start the afternoon. Whilst you’d expect many Dundee United players to be boo’d by the away end, for some reason, Will Ferry was the only one on the receiving end of it early on. Abdoulaye Yoro had the first half chance of the game after getting a shot off following a United free-kick, but his effort was easily collected by Owen Goodman in the Dundee goal. The visitors quickly came up the park following the set-piece and Charlie Reilly managed to get a shot off from range, but his effort was over the bar. Dundee went close after Joe Westley managed to get a shot away outside the box deep into the first half, but his effort was deflected wide for a corner. United earned a corner of their own minutes later and Goodman done brilliantly to get his hands to Vicko Sevelj’s effort to keep the match goalless. Jesse Randall was next to shoot from range, cutting in on his right foot from outside the area, but his shot flew wide of Goodman’s goal. Dundee had a penalty appeal shortly after the half-hour mark as the away side believed Reilly’s strike came off an opposition hand, but their appeals were to no avail. A quick counter attack allowed Randall to get onto his right foot once more, but his effort was deflected and easily collected by Goodman. Idjessi Mitsoko went close for United after some tidy football from United on the edge of the box, a low cross from Mehdi Merghem found MItsoko, but Ryan Astley was able to get a block in from close range. Dundee found the lead late in the first-half. They had another penalty appeal as Ethan Hamilton looked to be fouled in the box, United attempted to breakaway quickly, but Drey Wright latched onto a loose ball and carried it forward into a dangerous area before unleashing a fantastic strike into the bottom left corner, sending the away end into pandemonium. Moments before half-time, Panutche Camara entered the book for a perceived foul on Ryan Finnegan. It nearly went from bad to worse as David Dickinson was sent to the monitor for a potential red card, but after review, Camara’s booking was rescinded and passed to Finnegan for simulation. United’s best chance of the match fell early in the second half as Yoro found space in the box and challenged Goodman, who was able to get low and block the shot with his feet. Dundee’s lead was doubled before the hour mark following a scramble from a corner. Alan Forrest’s left-footed volley looked to be going wide, but it came off the foot Owen Bevan and into the bottom corner of Walton’s net. United looked to pull one back shortly after through an audacious effort from Neil Farrugia, who latched onto a wayward shot from captain Dylan Tait with an overhead kick, which looped over the bar. Dundee kept knocking on United’s door after a goalmouth scramble saw Ethan Hamilton and debutant Bradley Fink’s efforts blocked before Walton caught a third strike in a matter of moments. Zac Sapsford was next to go close for United as he was found free in the box, but a deft touch from Astley sent his strike behind for a corner. Lachlan Rose was through one-on-one moments later, but pressure from the Dundee defence forced him to shoot wide from outside the box. Fink had the Dundee fans on their feet late on after a mazy run on the counter-attack, but was clipped by Sevelj just outside the area. Westley’s subsequent free-kick sailed narrowly over the bar. Despite being two goals down late on, Dundee’s dramatic derby day comeback last season was certainly in the front of United’s minds as they kept pushing late on. Farrugia was next to go for goal with a left-footed effort outside the area, which was narrowly wide. Daniel Bennie then also shot wide just before four minutes of stoppage time were called. Sapsford then saw his close range effort blocked before Sevelj shot wide following that corner. Dundee were happy to hold the ball in the corner in the closing stages, sealing successive league wins. The victors host Hibernian next week whilst Dundee United will travel to Kilmarnock in search of their first league win of the season. Dundee United: Jack Walton, Bert Esselink, Vicko Sevelj, Mehdi Merghem (Neil Farrugia 60′), Panutche Camara, Dylan Tait, Will Ferry, Michael Forbes, Jesse Randall (Daniel Bennie 46′), Abdoulaye Yoro (Lachlan Rose 67′), Idjessi Metsoko (Zac Sapsford 60′). Dundee: Owen Goodman, Idris Odutayo, Ryan Astley, Owen Bevan (goal 57′), Drey Wright (goal, 43′), Ryan Finnegan, Alan Forrest (Bobby Wales 80′), Charlie Reilly (Fin Robertson 46′), Joe Westley (Brad Halliday 90′), Joe Bevan (Bradley Fink 67′), Ethan Hamilton.

All eyes on Tannadice this weekend: Match preview Dundee United v Dundee

Dundee United host rivals Dundee at 17:45 at Tannadice tomorrow. Due to five Scottish clubs taking part in European play-offs elsewhere, the Dundee Derby is the only Premiership fixture this weekend.   The hosts come into this match without a league win so far. However, the fixture list hasn’t been kind to them with Rangers and Hearts as their opening two. On top of that, their last match was a 4-0 loss to Celtic in the League Cup, meaning Jim Goodwin’s side have lost their last two matches 4-0. As for Dundee, they currently sit fifth in the table after an opening day defeat at Celtic Park before a fantastic 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Dens Park in matchday 2. They too were knocked out the League Cup last week as Aberdeen got their revenge, winning 3-0 at Pittodrie. Their front-line could be bolstered with Bobby Wales arriving on loan from Swansea City yesterday. The last time these two sides met, Dundee United ran out 3-0 winners at Tannadice in April, thanks to a brace from Will Ferry. United were able to get the better of their rivals last season with two wins and a draw across their four meetings. Of course, the draw was a dramatic one where Dundee scored two stoppage time goals to rescue a point at Dens Park. With Dundee’s move to Camperdown looming, this could be one of the final times they walk to Tannadice from their home of Dens Park. Tomorrow’s match is sold out and live on Premier Sports for any fans looking to catch the only Premiership fixture this weekend.

Sebastien Pocognoli announced as Scotland boss: Here’s what to expect

Scotland have finally announced Steve Clarke’s replacement with 39-year-old Belgian Sebastien Pocognoli taking the job on a two-year deal. It’s been a lengthy process with numerous names thrown around. Many fans were keen to see another Scotsman take the helm, but it felt there was no obvious candidates which has led to Pocognoli becoming only the second foreign Scotland manager after Berti Vogts. This will only be Pocognoli’s third senior role in management, but his appointment appears not only left-field, but ambitious. The Belgian’s first major coaching role was at Union Saint-Gilloise, where he guided them to their first league title in 90 years during his first season in the dugout. The Belgian Pro League operates similar to the Scottish Premiership with a ‘split’ and USG (who are also associated with Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics) won nine of their final ten games to seal the title. Pocognoli has also managed AS Monaco, where a lack of financial backing may explain the poor performances that saw him sacked. Upon becoming Scotland boss, 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. “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.” But what can Scotland fans expect from the ex-Brighton left-back? Developing the youth:  The aforementioned stress on developing younger players may lead to names such as Kieron Bowie, Robbie Ure, Josh Doig, Ben Gannon-Doak and many more being Scotland mainstays for years to come. Some older players Scotland fans are used to seeing over the years may need to make way for this resurgence of exciting youth. Style of play Like many modern managers, Pocognoli has installed a distinct brand of football he wants his teams to play. It seems Scotland will play a 3-4-1-2 formation under the Belgian with an emphasis on pressing the opposition when out of possession and fluid, attacking football when in it. Pocognoli’s USG side scored 15 goals from set plays during their league winning campaign in 2024/25. His Scotland team could go onto be dangerous from set-plays, with aerial threats such as Scott McTominay, Jack Hendry and Lawrence Shankland. If only Scotland still had Austin MacPhee. His first Scotland camp will be the first of a new, elongated international break in September and October. His side will play four games, taking on Switzerland and North Macedonia in-between home and away ties to Slovenia in the UEFA Nations League.