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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

July 20, 2026

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.

July 20, 2026

Hibernian bolster defensive options with arrival from Millwall

Millwall wing-back Adam Mayor has become Hibernian’s fifth signing of the summer, joining on an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Cambridge United in League One, making 35 appearances, scoring on three occasions and assisting on four. The Englishman is expected to provide competition to Nicky Cadden and Jordan Obita at left wing-back in David Gray’s favoured back three. Speaking on his arrival, Gray said: “We’re delighted to bring another exciting young player into the building and welcome Adam to Hibernian FC. “He is a promising young player to add to the group, and he has already made successful strides in his career so far. “There’s no doubt Adam will bring real athleticism to the squad. He’s a wing-back who really loves attacking and putting crosses into the box and can contribute at both ends of the pitch. “We’re all looking forward to him joining the group and working with him going forward.” In Mayor’s first interview as a Hibs player, he said: “I’ve known [of the interest] for a few weeks now, and as soon as I heard about it, I was really interested, so I’m just happy to finally get it over the line. “I think it’s just the different opportunities [that attracted me here]. “You’re playing in front of big crowds here at home, and you get the chance to push to play in Europe every season, so I think it’s just a different challenge and a lot of bigger opportunities as well. “My aim is to just go and create and score as many goals as I can, and obviously as a team we want to go and do well in Europe and finish as high as we can in the league. “Personally, I want to create and score as many goals as I can. As a team we want to do well in Europe and win a few derbies! Mayor joins fellow youngster Nathan Lowe as Hibernian’s second signing of the day and the fifth incoming so far this season. All of Hibs’ signings plied their trade in League One last season.

July 14, 2026

Hibs add “natural goalscorer” ahead of European Qualifiers

Hibernian have made their fourth signing of the summer transfer window, adding 20-year-old striker Nathan Lowe from Stoke City on loan. Having progressed through the Stoke City Academy, Lowe has made 142 career appearances, including stints at Stockport, Walsall, and, most recently, Wycombe Wanderers last season, where he managed 11 goals. A promising young player, his career highlights include a senior debut for the Potters in 2023 and being awarded League 2 Young Player of the Season for Walsall, scoring 18 goals in 30 appearances. Manager David Gray was delighted to finalise the deal. Speaking with the Hibernian website, Gray believes Lowe has an abundance of positive attributes for his side. “I’m really pleased to add Nathan to the group as we continue to build for next season. “We have been looking to add a player with his attributes to the squad, and he brings a great energy and enthusiasm about his play, as well as a physical presence. “He is a natural goalscorer, and he has proven that he can score a range of different types of goals. “He has good experience too, having already played a substantial amount of games at a competitive level despite his young age. “I am looking forward to working with him, and we’re delighted to bring him into the building ahead of our first competitive game of the season later this month.” The signing of Lowe brings Hibernian’s transfer total to four, having already acquired defender Jason Kerr and midfielders Callum Wright and Azeem Abdulai.

July 14, 2026

Hibernian announce third summer signing

Hibernian have announced Leyton Orient midfielder Azeem Abdulai as their third signing of the window. He joins Jason Kerr and Callum Wright who both arrived from Wigan Athletic. Abdulai arrives on a three-year deal signing for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old, who came through the Celtic academy before moving down south has primarily played as a box-to-box midfielder, but has also filled in out wide or in central defence on occasion. The midfielder has also been capped on six occasions for Scotland at under-21 level. Head coach David Gray commented on the signing: “Azeem is exactly the profile we wanted – he’s athletic, aggressive, technically secure on the ball and will play box-to-box. “He gives us more options in the midfield area and that creates a healthy competition for places. We are excited to have him on board, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.” In his first interview with the club, Abdulai mentioned how easy the decision to sign for Hibs was and how excited he is to return to Scotland. He said: “I’m buzzing to be here. It’s a massive club and, as soon as I heard there was interest, I wanted to get the move done straight away. Coming back home is a big thing for me and, like I said, Hibs is a massive club. “I can’t wait. I’ve seen plenty of videos and I’ve been to the stadium before – I think it was actually the first stadium I ever visited. I know the fans have incredible support for the team and I can’t wait to get out there and make them proud. “Everything they said was really positive, so it made the decision easy. Coming back to Scotland was important to me and, being Scottish, I know how big Hibs is. The direction the club is going in and the project they’ve got made it a no-brainer.” Abdulai has already joined up with the Hibs squad for their pre-season training camp in Ireland as the club defeated Norther Irish side Cliftonville 5-1 earlier today.

July 4, 2026

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

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

July 1, 2026

Hibs set record breaking price tag on Midfielder

Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has been subject to extensive interest lately. Rumours in January suggested that Celtic and Fiorentina would battle it out for the Zambian’s signature, but no such move materialised. It seems Celtic’s interest in Chaiwa has not gone away as Martin O’Neill takes charge of the club for one more season. Early reports indicate that Hibs have no intent on selling Chaiwa and have already turned down two bids for the 22-year-old. Chaiwa arrived at Hibs in 2025 from BSC Young Boys for a rumoured fee of £700,000. A year on, Hibs are set to value him at ten times that amount. If he was to leave for such a price, it would see Hibernian’s record sale broken for the second time in six months following Kieron Bowie’s January move to Hellas Verona for an estimated £6 million. The previous record was held by Scott Brown for 19 years when he joined Celtic for £4.4 million in 2007.

June 24, 2026

Key dates for Hibernian next season

The fixtures for the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season have now released and many Hibernian fans will look to the schedule to see when the biggest games or toughest fixture run takes place. The openers: The entirety of the Scottish opening weekend will be live on Sky Sports as David Gray’s side will kick off the campaign at home for the first time since 2023. They face a Motherwell side who will look to continue their good form from last season despite the departure of manager Jens Berthel Askou. The match will kick off at 4:30pm on Sunday 2nd August. Hibs’ first away day of this season will be a repeat of their final one from last season as they travel to Ibrox for Derek McInnes’ first home league match as Rangers boss. The match kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 9th August. The derbies: The first Edinburgh of the season will take place under the lights of Easter Road at 7:45pm on Wednesday 2nd September. Hibs then travel to Tynecastle on Boxing Day before hosting Hearts once more in the final pre-split fixture on Saturday 10th April. Festive football: Hibs’ final match before Christmas will take place at home on Saturday 19th December, as mentioned they travel to Tynecastle on Boxing Day before closing out the year at home to St. Mirren on Wednesday 30th December at 7:45pm. They start the new year by travelling to Falkirk on the 2nd January. Other interesting fixtures for Hibs include facing Rangers and Celtic back-to-back in December alongside successive two trips to Dundee in five days and the final pre-split away fixture taking place at Ibrox on the 3rd April. Hibs’ next fixture takes place on the 30th June as they travel to Dublin to take on Shamrock Rovers in a preseason friendly. Their first competitive fixture of the season takes place on Thursday 23rd July as they travel to either FK Vllaznia of Albania or FC Malisheva of Kosovo in the 2nd round of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.

June 18, 2026

Falkirk 1-3 Hibernian: Hibees tighten their grip on fifth place with an efficient first half display.

Hibees widen the gap between them and Falkirk to five points with an impressive first-half outing. With a potential European spot up for grabs today, David Gray’s Hibees bounced back after losing three on the bounce with a 3-1 victory over Falkirk, who were looking to leapfrog Hibs today. That was not meant to be for John McGlynn’s men, as their hopes of finishing fifth are all but over. Josh Campbell opened the scoring for the Hibees in just the third minute of play as he rose highest to Jordan Obita’s corner. Campbell’s header gave Hogarth in the net no chance. The Bairns reacted well after conceding, creating a few half-chances. Lisah notably delivered an enticing ball across the face of the box, but the outstretched leg of Barney Stewart just missed the vital touch. Against the run of play, Hibs doubled their lead, Captain Martin Boyle with some excellent wing play, skinning his defender and whipping a wonderful ball into the box, once again Josh Campbell got on the end of it, heading the ball in to give Hibs a 2-0 lead, and securing a brace for himself. On the stroke of half-time, Jordan Obita made it 3-0 to the away side. Just moments before, Obita beautifully struck the ball on the half volley, forcing Hogarth to pull off a good save. However, on this occasion, his effort from the edge of the box rifled into the back of the net. Hibs went into the half with a commanding 3-0 lead. The hosts started the second half of play on the front foot, and an early corner gave the fans some hope, but it ultimately led to nothing. Moments later, Finn Yeats whipped a lovely ball into the box, but it was just inches too high for the league’s leading assists man, Calvin Miller. Hibs captain Martin Boyle nearly made it four goals to nothing midway through the second half, once again cleverly beating his man and getting his shot off, which Nicky Hogarth saved well; the resulting corner amounted to nothing, but the visitors were in control of the game. Aston Villa loanee Ben Broggio pulled one back for the hosts. A fine effort from just outside the box gave the hosts hope of a potential comeback as they continued to put pressure on Hibs with just twenty minutes of play left. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Bairns. Falkirk had some half-chances in the dying embers of the game, most notably Calvin Miller’s header, which was just inches wide of the post. Hibs would comfortably see the game out to be 3-1 victors. For the visitors, three points for David Gray all but secures fifth place for his side, which may become a European spot if Celtic defeat Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final. Hibs are now just three points behind Motherwell, who host league leaders Hearts later on tonight in what should be a thriller. With an away trip to Ibrox midweek, Hibs will then host Motherwell on the final day of the season, which may well decide fourth spot. As for Falkirk and John McGlynn, the loss today massively dampens their hopes of finishing fifth. A top-six finish is a very impressive finish for a newly promoted side, but no doubt manager John McGlynn will be disappointed with today’s performance. The Bairns still have a slim chance of finishing fifth; they travel to Tynecastle to face Hearts on Wednesday night, and then will host Rangers on the final day. Falkirk: N.Hogarth 5, L.McCann 5 (L. Henderson 37’ 5), C.Allan 5, L.Neilson 5, F.Lissah 6 (E.Ross 70’ 6), D.Tait 6 (H.Cartwright 70’ 5), B.Spencer 7, C.Miller 6, F. Yeats 6 (B.Broggio 59’ 7), K.Wilson 6 (B.Parkinson 59’ 6), B. Stewart 6 Hibernian: R.Sallinger 6, J.Iredale 7, G.Hanley 7, W.O’Hora 7, J.Obita 8, D.Barlaser 7, M.Chaiwa 7 (K. Andrews 75’ 6), F.Passlack 8, J.Campbell 9 (J. Newell 64’ 6), O.Elding 6, M. Boyle 7 (A.Suto 75’ 6)

May 9, 2026

Who knows the rules anymore? – Newell admits VAR confusion in Celtic Defeat

Hibs captain Joe Newell admitted he wasn’t sure if his equalising goal against Celtic on Sunday would stand, following another lengthy VAR check in his side’s 2-1 defeat. The midfielder drew his team level on the stroke of half-time after a scramble in the six-yard box. The goal was ultimately awarded, despite Newell’s arm seemingly brushing the ball in the build-up. Speaking after the final whistle, he confessed that he had feared the goal would be disallowed. “I haven’t seen any replay, that’s the truth. So I don’t know. But just from what I remember, I felt like it was kind of between my hip bone and my arm. “And I don’t know if it hit it or not. But I didn’t have that elation because I kind of thought, hmm, who knows now. “And then when it was getting checked and it was an offside check and a handball check, you’re kind of thinking, oh, it’s not going to go your way. I’ve not seen any replays or anything. “So I don’t actually know. But yeah, who knows anymore? I don’t know. You know the rule. I don’t know the rule. Who knows?”. Jamie McGrath’s early dismissal gave David Gray’s men a mountain to climb, as they suffered their fourth red card in three matches. Newell felt his side defended admirably, but would rue conceding from a set piece. “There’s a lot to be done with 10 men again,” he said. “The boys dug in as expected. As I would expect, as everyone kind of expects of that group. “But we fell short. It’s a bit of a killer that comes from a set-piece. You kind of always feel like that can be avoided. So on the whole, I thought we defended really well again. “I feel like we just were not giving ourselves enough of a chance – nowhere near enough of a chance – to get a foothold in any game.” While some Hibs supporters might have been willing to accept the defeat to Celtic if it prevented their rivals, Hearts, from winning the league, the midfielder admitted he quickly noticed the reduced attendance at the fixture. “Going out for the warm-up, you can see the crowd. I don’t know the exact numbers, but you can see it was a bit lower than usual,” he added. “One thing I would say, I completely get it. I’ve got plenty of mates who are Hibs fans, and they’ve all been speaking to me. So I completely understand the situation. “But you play for Hibernian Football Club. This is a massive, massive club – a massive privilege. “So every time you go out there, you’re expected to play for the fans, for the people who turn up, for the club, the manager, yourself and the team. And that’s the way it was.”

May 6, 2026