Hearts

A COMPLETE preview of the 2026/27 William Hill Premiership

Millions of eyes from all around the world were fixed on the Scottish Premiership last season as Hearts bid to end the Glasgow-centric dominance that has reigned over Scotland since the 80s. Celtic got the title over the line at the last minute, which many will find disappointing, but the global attention on Scottish football can only be a good thing. Hearts’ weren’t the only underdog story of last season with Motherwell and Falkirk providing excellent stories in their own right. Whilst the 2026/27 season certainly has a hard act to follow in terms of entertainment factor, here’s everything you need to know about the league heading into the next season. Aberdeen: It’s a first full season in charge for Stephen Robinson who replaced Jimmy Thelin in March. It’s always hard to predict how Aberdeen will fair as life post Derrick McInnes can best be described as a rollercoaster. Aberdeen have flirted with relegation the past few years before proving to be too big to go down. But of course, there is the third place season of 2022/23 and the Scottish Cup win in 2025 to counter. It’s been a busy summer in the North East with 10 signings thus far. Stephen Robinson has re-united with Connor Ronan from their time at St. Mirren. They’ll hope the force is with them after signing Obi Wan Kenobi’s great-grandson in Nesta Guinness-Walker, Tony Yogane’s positive loan at Dundee has rewarded him with a move to Aberdeen. They’ve also added household Premiership names in Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons to name a few. Incomings: Connor Ronan, Alexander Briedl, Lewis Mayo, Brad Lyons, Toyosi Olusanya, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Dan Happe, Ayoub Mouloua, Marius Müller, Tony Yogane. Outgoings: Topi Keskinen, Alexander Jensen, Graeme Shinnie, Ryan Duncan, Marko Lazetic, Tom Mcintrye, Per Kristian Bratviet, Elvis Bwomono, Vicente Besuijen, Alfie Stewart (loan), Alfie Bavidge (loan). What to expect: Mid-table finish. Celtic: Celtic are now five-in-a-row champions, but it somehow feels like a dark cloud is hanging over the club. Despite the drama from the end of last season, it’s fair to say that last season’s Celtic side are probably the worst title winners in recent memory. Although, that speaks to just high the bar is for Celtic. Martin O’Neill will lead Celtic out for another season after signing a further one-year deal, somewhat delaying another managerial appointment. Despite criticisms surrounding their performances or style of play, O’Neill’s Celtic have shown that they can really turn it up when it matters, You can look ash their second half dismantlement of St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final, or snatching the title from Hearts with just minutes remaining, or their comeback against Rangers in the split and much, much more. Unfortunately for Celtic, the fall-out between the fans and the board continues after a lack of signings, with Celtic fans standing firmly behind the ‘not another penny’ campaign until they see change. Failures to secure new deals for Marcelo Sarrachi and Kelechi Iheanacho only add fuel to the fire too. It truly feels like a lot of discontent hangs over the club at the minute. Incomings: Camilo Duran Outgoings: Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Kelechi Iheanacho, Stephen Welsh, Hayato Inamura, Josh Clarke, Shin Yamada (loan), Kasper Schmeichel (retired) What to expect: Title contenders Dundee: When Stephen Pressely was appointed as Dundee boss last season, many eyebrows were raised from Dundee fans and neutrals alike, many even tipped them to go down, but Pressely kept them up at a canter. They’ll be without last season’s star man in Luke Graham after the defender departed for Stoke in a club record deal. Losses of Trevor Carson and Jon McCracken in the goalkeeping department may force the club to look for a replacement between the posts. Incomings: Idris Odutayo, Zan Besir, Alan Forrest, Ryan Finnigan, Owen Bevan Outgoings: Luke Graham, Jon McCracken, Ethan Ingram, Clark Robertson, Paul Digby, Billy Koumetio, Emile Acquah, Lewis Montsma, Trevor Carson (retired) What to expect: Bottom-half/ relegation candidates Dundee United: Much like his former club Aberdeen, Jim Goodwin’s recent career is another rollercoaster. When he took the Tannadice helm in 2023 the club was as good as relegated. Goodwin led them back to the Premiership at the first time of asking, before securing European football upon their Premiership return, even going toe-to-toe with Rapid Vienna in the conference league. They seemed to revert to the mode with a bottom six finish last year. It’s been a busy window on the other side of Dens Road so far. Jack Walton has returned to the club, there’s also been promising signings from Australia whilst Dylan Tait is an impressive signing from their competitors in Falkirk. Incomings: Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, Joshua Rawlins, Dylan Tait, Michael Forbes, Jordan Amissah, Jack Walton, Medhi Merghem, Idjessi Metsoko (loan) Outgoings: Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ashely Maynard-Brewer, Johnny Russell, Kristijan Trapanovski, Dave Richards, Lewis O’Connell, Owen Stiron (loan), Ruairidh Adams (loan) What to expect: Mid-table finish Falkirk: Falkirk returned to the Premiership after 16 years last season, marking a double-promotion with a top-six finish. A side who built on solid home performances last season and nearly secured European football in the process. Falkirk are on the up at the moment and they can build on this success. Or, whatever goes up can come straight back down. They’ve lost star men from last season in Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, Filip Lissah hasn’t returned to the club following an impressive loan spell. It could well get worse with John McGlynn being one of the leading contenders to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland boss. Incomings: Lewis Nielson, Jack McMillan, Deniss Melniks, Craig Sibbald, Scott Tanser, Jay Hogarth, Ethan Laidlaw, Paul McGovern Outgoings: Barney Stewart, Calvin Miller, Dylan Tait, Jamie Sneddon, Gary Oliver, Brian Graham, Rhys Walker, Sean Mackie What to expect: Bottom-half finish Heart Of Midlothian: Hearts were mere minutes away from becoming the first non Old-Firm cub to win the league in over 40-years. Derrick McInnes has since departed for Rangers and its a completely new look Hearts side for the Wouter Vrancken era. Numerous new signings

Read More »

Who will your Scottish team face next in Europe?

Rangers, Hearts, Hibernian, and Motherwell will discover their next European opponents this Monday, as the draw takes place for the third qualifying rounds of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Hearts face Sturm Graz in the 2nd Round of Champions League Qualifying. Victory over the Austrians could leave matchups against Olympiacos (GRE), Lyon (FRA), Bodo/Glimt (NOR) or Fenerbahce (TUR)/Gornik Zabrze (POL). A defeat will see them drop into the Europa League bracket, to face either St Gallen (SWI)/Benfica (POR), Twente (NED)/Ferencvaros (HUN) or Qarabag (AZE)/CSKA Sofia (BUL). Derek McInnes will lead his Rangers side into the 3rd Round of Europa League Qualification as a seeded team. They will meet either Hammarby (SWE)/Anderlecht (BEL), Hajduk Split (CRO)/Pafos (CYP), Tromso (NOR)/Hradec Kralove (CZE) or Jagellonia Bialystok (POL). Motherwell and Hibs begin Conference League qualifying this Thursday. Motherwell face Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands; victory will see them progress to face LNZ Cherkasy (UKR)/Gent (BEL), Besiktas (TUR)/FC Midtjylland (DEN), HJK Helsinki (FIN)/Coleraine (NIR), Twente (NED)/Ferencvaros (HUN) or RFS (Lat)/Vestri (ISL). David Gray’s team are back in Europe again, backing up their 3rd place finish with 4th place last season. FK Malisheva await in the 2nd Round; a victory over the Kosovo side could see matchups with NK Bravo (SVN)/KF Shkendija (MKD), FC Santa Coloma (AND)/SK Rapid (AUT), Rakow (POL)/Valetta (MLT), NK Rijeka (CRO)/Derry City (IRL) or FC Polissya (UKR)/FC Copenhagen (DEN). The draw commences on Monday 20th July.

Read More »

Beau Reus Joins Hearts to Strengthen Goalkeeping Options

Heart of Midlothian have completed the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Beau Reus, adding a promising young talent to their squad ahead of the new season. The 24 year old arrives in Edinburgh after developing his career in the Netherlands, where he earned a reputation as a reliable and composed goalkeeper. Standing at over six feet tall, Reus combines strong shot-stopping ability with confidence in possession, qualities that are increasingly important in the modern game. Reus began his football journey in the Dutch youth system before progressing into senior football. His performances demonstrated consistent improvement, earning praise for his command of the penalty area, and ability to remain calm under pressure. The club’s recruitment team has focused on identifying players capable of adapting to Scottish football while fitting the tactical approach of the coaching staff. Reus appears to meet that profile. Comfortable playing from the back and capable of organising his defence. Hearts supporters will be eager to see how the goalkeeper settles into his new surroundings. The club has built a strong reputation for developing players and providing opportunities for emerging talent, creating an environment where new signings can establish themselves. As preparations continue for the campaign ahead, Reus will focus on integrating with his new teammates and adapting to the demands of Scottish football.

Read More »

Cormac Daly Joins Arbroath on Loan from Hearts

Arbroath have strengthened their squad with the signing of exciting young winger Cormac Daly on a season-long loan from Hearts. The 19-year-old only joined the Edinburgh club earlier this summer after leaving Nottingham Forest, where he spent three years developing in the Premier League club’s academy. During his time in England, Daly also gained valuable senior experience on loan with Lincoln United and Hereford. Now, the Scotland Under-19 international will continue his development at Gayfield, with regular first-team football expected to play a key role in his progress. Known for his pace and attacking flair, Daly is capable of playing on either wing and enjoys taking on defenders. His performances during previous loan spells showed his ability to create chances and make an impact in the final third. The move gives Arbroath another exciting attacking option ahead of the new campaign, while Hearts will be hoping Daly can build on his senior experience before returning to Tynecastle. Speaking when he signed for Hearts earlier this summer, Daly described himself as a direct and quick attacking player and said gaining senior football through loan moves had been vital to his development. For Arbroath, the signing represents another investment in young talent, with the club continuing its recent approach of bringing in promising players eager to prove themselves at Championship level.

Read More »

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

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

Read More »

Hearts continue Champions League Preparations on Tynecastle return

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

Read More »

Craig Gordon Hangs Up the Gloves After Legendary Career

Craig Gordon has announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Scottish football. Across 25 years, the goalkeeper established himself as one of the finest players ever to wear the Scotland jersey, while earning admiration for his resilience as much as his ability. Gordon hangs up his gloves after making 682 senior club appearances for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland and Celtic. He also represented Scotland 84 times, cementing his place among the country’s most-capped players. His professional journey began at Hearts, where he progressed through the club’s academy before gaining valuable experience during a loan spell with Cowdenbeath. His performances helped Hearts win the Scottish Cup in 2006, ending a 50 year wait for the trophy. Gordon’s displays attracted widespread attention, and Sunderland secured his signature in 2007 for around £9 million. The transfer made him Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper at the time. However, Gordon’s time in the Premier League was interrupted by persistent knee injuries. The setbacks became so severe that he was released by Sunderland in 2012 and spent the next two years without a club. Many believed his playing days were over. Instead, Gordon completed one of Scottish football’s greatest comeback stories. Celtic signed him in the summer of 2014, and he immediately proved he had lost none of his quality. His return surprised many, but Gordon quickly established himself as the club’s first choice goalkeeper and became an integral part of a hugely successful period. During six seasons at Celtic Park, he won five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups. He was also part of several domestic treble winning campaigns as Celtic dominated Scottish football. His return to top-level football also reignited his Scotland career. Gordon reclaimed the number one jersey and remained a reliable presence for the national team well into his forties. More than 20 years after making his international debut, Gordon was still competing at the highest level and helping Scotland on the international stage. In 2020, he returned to Hearts, bringing his career full circle. While many players begin winding down at that stage, Gordon continued to produce performances that demonstrated why he remained one of the country’s best goalkeepers. His leadership helped Hearts win the Scottish Championship and secure an immediate return to the Premiership. Another cruel twist came in December 2022 when Gordon suffered a devastating double leg break. The injury left many fearing that his career had finally reached its conclusion. Once again, Gordon refused to let adversity have the final say. After months of rehabilitation, he completed yet another comeback and returned to competitive football. It was another example of the determination and mental strength that defined his career just as much as his ability between the posts. Away from team honours, Gordon also earned significant individual recognition. He won the SFWA Footballer of the Year award three times and was named SPFL Premiership Player of the Year in 2021-22. Gordon inspired supporters through his refusal to give up, repeatedly proving that hard work and determination could overcome the toughest setbacks. Craig Gordon’s career will be remembered for spectacular saves and unforgettable performances. Above all though, it will be remembered as the story of a player who never stopped believing he could come back stronger. His resilience turned an already exceptional career into one of the most inspiring Scottish football has ever seen.

Read More »

Cammy Devlin joins Rangers following Hearts departure

Following the expiration of his Hearts contract, Cammy Devlin has joined Rangers on a two-year deal. A fan-favourite at Tynecastle, Devlin made 176 appearances for Hearts over a five-year spell after joining from Newcastle Jets in 2021. The 28-year-old has been capped five times at senior level for Australia, making his debut in 2022. The midfielder was included in the 2022 & 2026 Socceroos World Cup squads, but did not play at either tournament. Hearts announced yesterday that Devlin was given a deadline to commit his future to the club, but would depart a free agent after that deadline was not met. He now becomes the third man to swap Hearts for Rangers this summer after Lawrence Shankland also departed on a free, with Derrick Iciness taking over at his boyhood club. Offering his first comments as a Rangers player, Devlin said: “It feels amazing. I am obviously so happy to get it over the line; with the gaffer coming here and a lot of change happening at the club, it feels like a great time to be coming here. “It is just an absolute honour and privilege; I am so aware, being in Scotland for a while now, the size of the club and everything that comes with playing at such a massive football club. “To call myself a Rangers player now feels pretty special and I just cannot wait to get started.” Derrick McIness was delighted to welcome Devlin to Glasgow, he said: “Cammy is obviously a player I know, and I am well aware what he will offer to Rangers. “His levels of consistency for me were superb, and he is the type of player that every manager wants in his team. “He is someone who knows the Scottish league, and nothing will surprise him with what lies ahead. I am looking forward to welcoming Cammy to Rangers and working with him again after he returns from his holiday.” Devlin is now Rangers’ sixth summer signing following the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Ivor Pandur and Ben Godfrey.

Read More »

Mato believes Hearts can challenge for Premiership title again

Hearts winger Rogers Mato believes last season’s title challenge proved the club can compete with Scotland’s traditional powers and says the squad is determined to go one step further this season. The Jambos came within touching distance of ending their long wait for a league title before narrowly missing out on the final day of the campaign. While the disappointment still lingers, Mato says the experience has only strengthened the belief within the dressing room. “We can do it,” the Uganda international said during Hearts’ pre-season training camp in Spain. “The fans gave us hope and now we have to give that hope back. We have to keep pushing ourselves because last season is over. Now we have to focus on the future.” Hearts begin the new campaign under head coach Wouter Vrancken following a summer of significant change at Tynecastle. The departures of several key figures have been balanced by new arrivals, with Mato confident the squad can build on last season’s success. “The manager is happy, the players are happy and everyone is working hard,” he said. “There are new players and everyone wants to impress. We have to work hard every day because places in the team have to be earned.” Mato admitted missing out on the Premiership title was painful for both players and supporters, but insists the experience should serve as motivation rather than a setback. “We gave the fans hope, so we can’t let them down,” he said. “Last season they gave us everything. This season we have to give even more. Football moves quickly. You can be disappointed, but you have to recover because another challenge is always coming.” The 22-year-old also reflected on a frustrating first six months following his move to Hearts. Opportunities were limited under the previous management team, but he says he understood the reasons behind the decisions. “The manager explained why I wasn’t playing and I respected that,” Mato said. “I always trained as hard as I could. It was a different style of football and I needed time to adapt. “The team was doing well, so although I wanted to play more, I was happy to see the club competing at the top.” Attention now turns to European football, with Hearts preparing to face Austrian side Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. Mato, who impressed in European competition before moving to Scotland, says the opportunity to play in the Champions League is one he has dreamed about throughout his career. “It would be incredible to reach the group stage with Hearts,” he said. “We don’t have much time to prepare, but everyone is working hard. The manager and his staff are doing everything they can to get us ready. “I feel refreshed going into this season. It’s a fresh start with new energy, a new manager and new coaching staff. I can’t wait for the new campaign to begin.” After proving they could challenge for honours last season, Hearts now believe their title bid was no one-off, with Mato insisting the club has both the ambition and belief to compete again at the top of Scottish football.

Read More »

Braga focused on Hearts despite reports of Lyon interest

Claudio Braga says he remains fully committed to Hearts despite growing speculation linking him with a move to French side Lyon. The Portuguese striker, who was named Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign, has reportedly attracted interest from the Ligue 1 club following a season in which he scored 17 goals and helped Hearts mount an unexpected title challenge. Reports have suggested Lyon are considering an offer worth around £8.6 million, a deal that would represent one of the biggest transfer fees in Hearts’ history. However, Braga insists his attention remains firmly on the season ahead at Tynecastle. Speaking to Portuguese publication A Bola, the 26-year-old said: “I have two years left on my contract and I really like where I am. Anything regarding interest is handled by my agents. I stay out of it.” Braga joined Hearts last summer for a fee reported to be around £400,000 after spells in Norwegian football with Moss FK and Aalesunds FK. His impact in Edinburgh was immediate, becoming a key figure in the club’s attack and earning widespread praise for his performances throughout the campaign. Hearts are preparing for a UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie against Sturm Graz, and Braga says the opportunity to compete in Europe’s premier club competition is one he has dreamed about. “I’m about to fulfil one of my biggest dreams,” he said. “Just knowing it’s possible to play in the Champions League is incredible, even if it’s only a qualifier. “We’re facing a very strong team in Sturm Graz, but at Tynecastle we’re very strong as well. We proved that last season. “We’ve lost some players, but we’re strengthening the squad. At home, anything can happen. Away from home we’ll give everything. Above all, we want to enjoy the opportunity and try to take this club into the league phase.” Despite Hearts’ impressive domestic campaign, their hopes of a historic league title ended on the final day of the season. Braga admitted the disappointment still lingers after coming so close to delivering the club’s first top-flight championship in decades. “Almost everything about the season was perfect,” he said. “Every time we lost or drew, we responded by winning the next match. “But after coming so close to lifting the trophy and then seeing everything change at the end, it was heartbreaking. The season stopped feeling historic because we missed the most important part.” The forward also explained why he began the decisive final-day fixture on the substitutes’ bench. “It was partly because of my fitness and partly tactical,” Braga said. “I’d been carrying some pain and the manager felt another striker would be better to start before bringing me on later. “It was the biggest game of my life and, of course, I wanted to play from the start. But I respected the manager’s decision.” Following the final whistle, Hearts players left the stadium quickly after supporters entered the pitch. The squad returned to Tynecastle, where thousands of fans gathered to welcome them home despite the disappointment. “We went straight to the dressing room, then onto the bus,” Braga recalled. “When we arrived back at Tynecastle, thousands of people were waiting for us. “That’s when it really hit us. We all started crying because we felt we’d let people down, even though nobody expected us to get that close. “Seeing so many supporters smiling, singing and welcoming us back like that gave me goosebumps. It wasn’t the ending we wanted, but we made a lot of people proud.” While speculation over Braga’s future is likely to continue during the transfer window, the striker’s focus remains on helping Hearts build on last season’s success as they prepare for another campaign in domestic and European competition.

Read More »