Tony Docherty and Steven Naismith Take Charge of Scotland U21s

Scotland U21s have announced today their management team of Tony Docherty as Head Coach and Steven Naismith as assistant manager. They come in as the replacement for Scot Gemmill, who departed his role in July after thirteen years. Docherty haș been out of worked since December of last year, when he left Ross County following a mixed spell at Dundee. Naismith left his role as First Team Assistant Manager alongside Steve Clarke and was heavily rumoured to be in position to take over from 62-year-old, but it is unclear if this was ever a possibility before the SFA went for Sebastien Pocognoli. The new U21s Head Coach told the official SFA website: “I have had the privilege of coaching within the Scotland A squad set-up before, and more recently within the Coach Education team. “You are always proud to represent your country, in whatever capacity. It doesn’t get any better than that. “I am looking forward to getting straight to work, and I’m delighted I’ll be joined by Steven, who I have so much respect for as a coach, as a player, and as an individual. “I had several lengthy conversations with Craig Mulholland and then met Sébastien Pocognoli as part of the process. Everyone is aligned on creating a clear national team and player identity, and about doing everything we can to improve every aspect of the national game. “I’m equally enthused by the challenge of supporting our clubs, in a unique new initiative, ensuring we all work together creating real growth. “It’s up to us to make sure the national team experience is the best that it can be, while pushing young Scottish players to be the best they can be.” And Naismith also added: “Representing Scotland, in various capacities now, has meant so much to me. “I’ve learned a lot along the way and it’s great to have the opportunity, alongside Tony and the rest of the staff, to pass those experiences on to those hoping to carve out international careers. “I was fortunate to be part of the staff that took Scotland back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and there is a burning desire within the Scottish FA to ensure there is no repeat of that wait. “There are strong foundations to build on, but there is an obvious drive, energy and focus to enhance every aspect further and see how far it can take us. “I am delighted to, of course, be coaching a Scotland team with Tony, but I am most excited by the mentorship programme I will lead, sharing my experiences as a player, manager and coach with some of our brightest young players.”

Rangers Sign Kosta Nedeljković on Loan With Obligation to Buy From Aston Villa

Rangers have signed Aston Villa right back Kosta Nedeljković on loan for the season, with a reported obligation to buy worth £4million if he meets a minimum threshold of games. The 20-year-old joined Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade in his native Serbia, before being shipped on loan to RB Leipzig in an injury hampered campaign last season. And now at Ibrox as Derek McInnes’ eleventh signing, the Serbian international spoke on his delight to join Rangers. He told the club’s official media channels: “I am very excited. Rangers is such a big club, a big family, and I am excited to join and help the team have success together. “For me, it was an easy decision after meeting with the coach; I only wanted Rangers. It is a big opportunity and a big responsibility. “I always try to be positive and work hard so I am ready to help the team.” There had been calls from fans and former players in the media to bring back former club captain James Tavernier, who left Glasgow’s Southside after ten years at the end of last season following a fallout with then manager Danny Rohl. But with Nedeljković joining as the second right-back this window after Ross McCrorie, it seems unlikely Derek McInnes will make a move for the 34-year-old now. McInnes said: “Kosta is a talented young player who we are really pleased to bring to the club. “He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally. “Kosta is an athletic and energetic full-back who is keen to get forward, but he also has a real desire to defend and compete, and he will further strengthen a key area for us. “I look forward to welcoming Kosta to Rangers, and working with him moving forward.” McInnes confirmed in another press conference that fellow loan recruit James Penrice has been registered for Rangers’ UEFA Europa Conference League squad, and the intention is for Nedeljković to be the second of the Blues permitted changes. This means Nedeljković could be in line for a home debut tomorrow against Czech side FK Jablonec after training with his teammates today. Rangers, like all Scottish clubs in Europe, opted to postpone their fixture this weekend for rest between their pivotal European playoff ties, so Nedeljković first possible taste of domestic affairs won’t come until at least August 30th when the Ibrox side travel to Aberdeen.

Celtic Confirm Signing of Haissem Hassan From Real Oviedo

Celtic have completed the signing of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan on a four-year deal, with the option of an extra year. Hassan impressed at this summer’s World Cup with Egypt after declaring his allegiance to the African nation earlier this year, having been born in France, and becomes the first Egyptian player to ever sign for Celtic. The 24-year-old has been heavily tracked all window by the Premiership champions, and express his delight at joining the Parkhead club. Hassan told Celtic’s official website: “It is a great moment and a real honour for me to join Celtic, a phenomenal club with such a brilliant history and wonderful supporters. ‘When I heard about Celtic being interested in me, I had to get here and be part of the club.’ “I am really looking forward to getting to know all my team-mates and facing the challenges we have ahead of us. I want to play my part in bringing success to our fans “I’m really grateful to be here and really happy. “Celtic is a massive club. When I was growing up, the club was always in the Champions League and had big players. Hassan is Celtic’s third signing of the window after Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, and manager Martin O’Neill believes the former Villarreal wide midfielder will be key for the Hoops this season. “We are delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic and I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him. “He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football. “I know he is excited about being with us and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking intent which Haissem will bring to matches. I hope he will become a very important member of our squad going forward.” Hassan could make his debut this Saturday at Tannadice as Celtic face Dundee United in the Premier Sports Cup, and has signed in time to be registered for their squad ahead of the Champions League playoff with LASK Linz.

Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil Complete Swap Move Between Everton and Crystal Palace

Premier League sides Everton and Crystal Palace have completed a rare player swap deal between wide midfielders Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil. Johnson leaves Selhurst Park for Merseyside after only signing this calendar year, whilst McNeil finally joins the Conference League holders after seeing a loan-to-buy move fall through in the dying hours of the same transfer window. McNeil joined Everton under Frank Lampard from Burnley in 2022, and scored 15 times in 128 games. Welsh international Johnson joined Crystal Palace as the club’s record signing just seven months ago, and won the UEFA Europa Conference League a year with them, one year after scoring the winner in the Europa League final for Tottenham Hotspur. He becomes David Moyes’ fifth signing of the summer, after Merlin Roll, Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Christian Norgaard. Whilst McNeil is new Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage’s third signing, after Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the South London club yet to sign a player for a fee this window. Both sides start their Premier League campaigns against each other at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22nd with both players in line to make their debuts.

Paulo Bernardo Joins Polish Side Górnik Zabrze on Loan

Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has joined Ekstraklasa side Górnik Zabrze on a season-long loan, with an option to be made permanent at the end of the campaign. The Portuguese player has fallen by the wayside at Parkhead ever since Brendan Rodgers left ten months ago, starting only seven games last season after amassing 77 appearances in his first two years under the Northern Irishman. The 24-year-old now bids to kickstart his career in Poland with the side who finished runners-up in the top-tier and now aim to qualify for this season’s Europa League. Bernardo signed permanently in 2024 from Benfica after a successful audition on loan for a fee believed to be around £3.5m. If the option-to-buy is taken up by Górnik Zabrze, the former Portugal U-21 captain will sign a four-year contract and become the second player in as many years to leave Celtic for Poland, after Luis Palma made his loan move to Lech Poznan permanent this summer. Górnik Zabrze arę in action tonight away to Ferencvaros in the third round of Europa League qualifying.

‘Naivety cost us’ – Gray reacts to Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to Motherwell

David Gray says he feels frustrated and disappointed after Hibs were defeated 2-1 by Motherwell on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign. Austrian midfielder Lukas Fadinger gave Motherwell the lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute before Martin Boyle levelled for Hibs in the 56th minute, converting from the same penalty spot. Despite plenty of pressure from Hibs as they tried to find a winner, it was Alfred Johansson’s side who took all three points after a quick counter-attack was finished by Ibrahim Said in the 85th minute, sending the 2,000 away supporters into a frenzy. After a frustrating end to the game, Gray spoke to Hibs TV after the match. “I think the immediate feeling is real disappointment and frustration because of the manner in which we ended up losing the game. I believe, especially with the way the second half went, we should have come away with three points. If not three points, then at least a point. “The goal we conceded sums it up. It was real naivety, and that’s what cost us the game. “Even in the first half, giving away the penalty was poor. Looking at the balance of play, I thought we had the better moments in the first half without creating any real clear-cut chances. “I thought we restricted Motherwell well, and apart from the penalty, they offered very little. The penalty came from poor decision-making, which can happen in games. “I thought we were much better in the second half in terms of the intensity to get after Motherwell. I certainly got that reaction at half-time, and I thought we were miles better. “We got back to 1-1, and I thought there was only one team that was going to go on and win the game. “I can’t fault the players for their effort, intensity or intent to go and win the game. “I thought the substitutions helped us attack and showed we were trying to do that, especially at home when it went to 1-1. We wanted to make sure we were the team in the ascendancy, and I think the stats will show that as well. “The only stat that really matters is the one at the end. We lost the game 2-1 through, I’m going to use the word again, naivety.” The Hibs boss refused to blame individuals who had contributed to losing the ball in the lead-up to Motherwell’s second goal, before insisting that his side were the better team throughout the 90 minutes and deserved to win the game. “That’s not just aimed at any individual who gave the ball away. Yes, losing it in that area was poor, but it’s also about the opportunities and decision-making after that to make sure the ball doesn’t end up in your goal. “That could be making sure the game stops immediately or delaying the attack for as long as possible. I thought our defending in that situation cost us the game today. “It’s really tough to take because we wanted to start the season on the front foot and positively. “I thought we were the better side across the piece and deserved to win the game. Unfortunately, we’re standing here with zero points and that’s what makes it really tough to take.” Gray is hoping his players can bounce back from their opening-day defeat at the earliest opportunity, while underlining the importance of Thursday night’s European match at Easter Road. “The positive is that we’ve got a good chance to go again on Thursday. “It’s my job to pick the players up because they’ve put a lot into that performance. As I said, they deserved to win the game, or at least get a point from it. “There are a lot of positives to take and a lot for me to analyse, but we need to pick ourselves up because it’s another huge game here on Thursday night. “It’s different playing the first leg at home rather than away. We’ve picked up a few bumps and bruises, so we need to make sure the players recover quickly. “The games come around very quickly – we know what’s coming, and we need to make sure we bounce back as quickly as we can.” Hibs face North Macedonian side KF Shkëndija in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round on Thursday evening.

Chris Cadden Completes Move To Aberdeen From Hibs

Chris Cadden has signed for Aberdeen on a two-year-contract from fellow Premiership side Hibernian. The 29-year-old made his final appearance for Hibs last night from the bench, as they completed a second-leg Conference League qualifier turnaround against Kosovan side Malisheva, winning 4-1 after suffering a humiliating 2-0 defeat away last week. He now links-up again with Stephen Robinson, with the pair having worked with one another at Motherwell, and Robinson hailed his new recruit after 166 games for the Edinburgh side. Robinson told club channels: “Chris is a brilliant addition to our group, not just because of what he’ll bring on the pitch but because of the character and professionalism he’ll add to the dressing room. “He has a great engine, always shows a willingness to get forward and support the attack, but he’s also matured into a really dependable full-back defensively. “He was incredibly keen to make this move happen and that tells you a lot about his hunger and his desire to be part of what we’re building here.” Cadden admitted regular minutes was a key factor in his decision, as well as reuniting with Robinson, going on to say: “Having worked with the manager before, I know the scale of his ambition and what he is looking to achieve. His passion and vision for the team were clear. “It’s a fresh challenge for me.” Aberdeen kick-off their league season on Saturday evening at home to last season’s runners-up Hearts, in a fixture where the away side has not won at either team’s ground since 2017.

West Ham Interest Swirls Around Celtic’s Arne Engels

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is subject to interest from English Championship side West Ham United. The Hammers were relegated on the final day of the Premier League season, and will need to pay a fee similar to what Celtic rejected from Nottingham Forest in January, believed to be around £25million. Belgium international Engels has entered the last two years of his deal at Parkhead, and manager Martin O’Neill confirmed this week that the club had rejected a bid some way off of their valuation for the player. The 22-year-old joined Celtic in 2024 from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg for a then club record fee, and has since found the net 17 times in 98 games, including the equaliser in Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 title winning clash against Hearts in May. The Hoops this week broke the existing club record fee set for Engels when they acquired long-term target Kasper Høgh from Bodo/Glimt, and have been linked with a move for SC Paderborn central midfielder Mika Baur amid the rumoured departures of Engels and Reo Hatate.

“It’s Where I Want To Be” – Celtic Captain McGregor Has No Intention to Leave

Celtic captain Callum McGregor insists that Parkhead is ‘where he wants to be’ amid rumours linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. The 33-year-old has spent his whole career in Glasgow besides a season on loan at Notts County, but had been linked with a reunion with former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers at Al-Qasidah. The former Scotland international said he would only stay at Celtic if the club matched his ambition, but today confirmed that he wants to continue at the Premiership holders. He told Sky Sports: “Absolutely, this is a football club that has been part of my whole life since I was eight or nine years old. “It’s where I want to be, it’s where I want to play football. “Ultimately, I want to keep driving everything that I possibly can to make sure this club is successful. “Eventually, the day that you do leave it, you want to leave it in a really good place. Celtic confirmed the club-record signing of Kasper Høgh from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, who becomes the second signing of the summer after Camilo Duran, which McGregor admitted is an encouraging step forward. “We’ve signed two strikers, two really good players. “It’s good signs, it’s positive steps, and that is to add to what is a really good group already. “I don’t really think there is a group of players or staff who could get us through that difficult moment as much as these boys did.” Celtic’s defence of the title kicks off on Monday evening at Celtic Park, where they will face Steven Pressley’s Dundee.

Daizen Maeda Completes Switch to Ipswich Town

Daizen Maeda has completed a move from Premiership Champions Celtic to Premier League side Ipswich Town. The Japanese forward leaves Glasgow after joining on New Years’ Eve in 2021, playing 212 times and scoring 79 goals. He now joins newly-promoted Premier League outfit Ipswich Town in a deal reported to earn Celtic around £10m, with the 28-year-old having one year left on his contract at Parkhead, and becomes the Tractor Boys first ever Japanese player. Maeda said on his socials: “To the Celtic family, the last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life. “It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world. “Thank you for standing by me through every high and low. Your incredible support gave me strength every single day, and I will always be grateful. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Glasgow who welcomed and supported my family. “Because of your kindness and generosity, my family was able to enjoy an unforgettable time here. Glasgow will always hold a very special place in our hearts and will forever be our second home. “My son loves Celtic so much that he already says he wants to wear the Celtic shirt and play at Celtic Park one day. I truly hope that dream comes true, and I hope our family will be back here again someday.” Maeda will now play at Portman Road until at least 2029 and could be in line for a Premier League debut there against Sunderland on August 22nd.