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East Kilbride win marred by racism incident

East Kilbride’s 3-1 home win over Stranraer was marred by alleged racist incident involving EK’s Joao Balde. The Portuguese midfielder had scored Kilby’s third goal to make sure of the League Two points when something was reportedly said which led to a Stranraer fan being identified and ejected from K Park. The club posted a short statement on social media, which said: “East Kilbride Football Club are disappointed by an alleged incident of racial abuse directed towards one of our players at today’s match. “We will be passing on footage to the relevant authorities. The Club will be making no further comment on the issue at this time.” East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy showed support to this player, posting “Twice in two years he (Balde) has been on the end of racism. “You couldn’t meet a more humble, hard working, honest talented player. We are so fortunate to have him at our club and in our lives.” Stranraer also made a short statement, stating they will work with East Kilbride in investigating what has gone on. They said: “Stranraer Football Club takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of racist and discriminatory behaviour. The club has been made aware of an allegation during today’s game at K Park. We treat any such reports with the utmost seriousness and will work with East Kilbride FC and the relevant authorities to ensure the incident is investigated thoroughly.”

August 17, 2025

SPFL Weekly – Matchday 2: Five Talking Points

Hearts served up a pulsating finale at Tannadice, while Rangers faltered with an unchanged side at home to Dundee. Elsewhere, concerns mounted for the goalless Aberdeen and St Mirren, Livingston claimed promotion bragging rights, and Kilmarnock fought back to frustrate Hibs. While BBC Sportscene marked its 50th birthday with a special edition on Saturday — and a welcome return for presenter Dougie Donnelly — they brought the weekend’s action to the small screen. But while they show it, here’s our take on the big talking points from Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 SPFL season. Set-Piece Heaven: Findlay and Grant Lead the Way Stuart Findlay. Take a bow. Fresh from scoring the second against Aberdeen last week, he delivered again. This time, in dramatic fashion, heading a last-minute winner at Tannadice to keep Hearts top. Not to mention his part in the other goals, he won the penalty for Lawrence Shankland and nodded in the equaliser too. His heroics also spared Zander Clark’s blushes after mistakes in both Dundee United goals, prompting the ‘keeper to sprint the length of the pitch at full-time to celebrate with his saviour. Cheers, Stu. The Jambos began with Alan Forrest at right wing-back but struggled to make inroads down that side — a sharp contrast to the hosts’ stand-in wing-back, Ivan Dolček, who struck twice. Most of Hearts’ threat came down the left, where Harry Milne thrived in the final third, linking superbly with the attack. James Penrice, who? It will concern Dundee United that all three goals they conceded came from set pieces, with former staff member Ross Grant — now Hearts’ set-piece coach — returning to haunt them. Squad depth at wing-back is also an issue, mirroring Hearts’ problems in that area, though Dolček impressed in his stint on the right. Derek McInnes again showed his tactical acumen, reshaping his side at half-time to address their problems on the right. Moving Michael Steinwinder to right-back and Alexandros Kyziridis to right midfield helped nullify the threat of Dolček. However, a move for a new right-back and a goalkeeper after Clark’s recent woes could also be on the cards. United is still in the early stages of rebuilding after a busy summer. Still, signs of promise are already there with Dolček and marquee signing Amar Fateh returning from injury. Their immediate focus is on Europe, with a credible away result against Rapid Vienna setting up a big night at Tannadice. Victory would move them closer to the group stage and the potential £5m windfall it brings. With momentum building over the past two years, Jim Goodwin is now discussing a new contract. Rejoice! As for Hearts, Tony Bloom’s bold prediction of a title challenge within the next decade might be closer than many think… Dee-Light at Ibrox as Dundee Rattle Rangers For the first time in 36 years, Rangers have opened a league season without a win in either of their first two games, and Russell Martin is still waiting for his first Premiership victory as head coach. Russell Martin admitted last week his side didn’t deserve a point — and, arguably, they didn’t here either, despite James Tavernier’s late penalty salvaging one. Dundee might have been cruelly denied had Cyriel Dessers’ stoppage-time strike stood, but the offside flag spared them. The Glasgow side fielded an unchanged eleven from their resounding 3-0 win midweek against Viktoria Plzeň. With hindsight, Martin should have made changes, as his team lacked intensity. Rangers are a work in progress, with new owners, a new boss, new signings, and a few out. Yet, in Glasgow, patience is in short supply, and the fans are already restless. This was evident with the booing throughout the match, particularly of second-half substitutions Nico Raskin and Kieran Dowell. Despite Rangers’ lethargy, Dundee deserves full credit for exploiting it. Energetic and brave, they were unrecognisable from their limp League Cup displays. Steven Pressley geed up his team for this tie, particularly Luke Graham’s standout defensive performance. And special mention goes to Ryan Astley, whose terrific second-half header gave Dundee the lead and had them on the brink of a marquee win for Pressley, if not for Captain Tav’s intervention from the penalty spot. Nasser Djiga’s afternoon also ended on a sour note, the defender seeing red for bringing down Fin Robertson as the last man just minutes after Astley’s opener. No appealing that one. Dons & Buddies Draw Blanks Aberdeen and St Mirren have failed to score in their opening two games of the season, though each has a different take on their final-third troubles. The Saints remain confident the goals will come and are only likely to enter the market if the price is right (think free transfers and loans). Context matters, having already travelled to Celtic Park and faced a rejuvenated Motherwell. They looked threatening in spells but perhaps missing pace in attack, a Toyosi Olusanya-type figure since his move to the USA in April. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have also endured a tough start, opening away to ‘title-chasing’ Hearts and last season’s champions Celtic. But they have looked worryingly toothless, with their only real threat to Kasper Schmeichel a long-range strike from Adil Aouchiche and a miscommunication between Shin Yamada and the veteran keeper. Their summer signing, Yusini Yengi, has endured a difficult start. He squandered a gilt-edged chance at Tynecastle and was underwhelming against the Hoops’ defence. At times on Sunday, he looked an isolated figure before being hooked on 55 minutes. Both captain Nicky Devlin and manager Jimmy Thelin have backed the Australian to come good, insisting he needs time and more attacking support from those around him. Yengi’s woes haven’t stopped the Pittodrie side from entering the market. They have been linked with Swedish winger Kenan Bilalovic for a six-figure fee and young AC Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer, albeit with a hefty sell-on clause attached. With Europa League qualifiers looming and Friday’s European signing deadline fast approaching, Aberdeen’s need for firepower is urgent. Lions Roar Again

August 12, 2025

Who should be Rangers’ starting right-back?

Max Aarons was Russell Martin’s first summer signing, and with James Tavernier turning 34-years-old this year, who should be Rangers’ starting right-back? Aarons joined the Light Blues from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, and the Englishman has played a total of 14 games in the past year. The 25-year-old has started every game under Martin, and played left-back for the first three games and right-back in the last two. It’s early days for the former Valencia loanee but he has struggled to settle in at Ibrox, as he looked uncomfortable playing on the left-hand side, and made numerous misplaced passes in the 1-1 draw against Dundee and didn’t offer a great deal going forward. Tavernier was brought on for Aarons at the the 64th minute against the Dees and helped salvage a point slotting his penalty away in stoppage time, making it two goals in two league games for Britain’s highest scoring defender. The Bradford-born right-back has had a fine start to the season and looks like he’s back to his best, as he’s had a full pre season behind him – something he never had last season due to injury. Tavernier contributes more in the attack and the 141 goals and 146 assists prove that he’s more effective in that aspect compared to Aarons. It was a bold call from the Rangers boss to drop Tavernier for Aarons in the last two games, but after Aarons’ disappointing display against Steven Pressley’s men – many of the Ibrox faithful are calling for Tavernier to be starting ahead of him. Aarons needs time to settle in and get his confidence up and has showed in the past that he is more than a capable footballer. Tavernier has been a main stay for the Ibrox club over the past ten years and age does catch up with everyone, where he can’t be playing 50 plus games a season, but one thing is for sure he is still a crucial part of Martin’s team. Competition is healthy and every team needs it – and Aarons’ arrival has certainly made Tavernier up his game. Tavernier is in the final year of his contract and is set for his testimonial, and if it’s his last season at the Govan club, he’ll want to make sure he goes out on a high. Martin’s men have a huge August ahead with big games coming up against Celtic and a potential Champions League play-off, where they could return to the group stages for the first time in three years. The Rangers manager needs to go with experience and start Tavernier for these crucial fixtures, which could set the tone for the season.

August 12, 2025

Sportscene at 50: A nostalgia fest in a modern age

Sometimes we just want to see the football and less of the chat. On Saturday’s 50th birthday edition of Sportscene, the sight of Dougie Donnelly return to hosting duties was essential viewing. Scotland’s premier football highlights took fans of a certain vintage back in time to mark the show’s half century as some of the game’s legendary broadcasters were behind the mic one more time to be part of the celebrations. As well as Dougie, ever the smooth anchorman we’ve come to know and love, Archie McPherson and Jock Brown returned to commentary to lend their recognisable voices to the day’s Premiership action. And we loved it all. The show started with a skit as current presenter Steven Thompson appeared to be practicing his links in the new studio, located in the middle of the BBC Scotland Pacific Quay HQ while a man in a brown coat and bunnet, brandishing a brush (playing a sweeper role you might say) worked within earshot. Fancying a shot at delivering the link himself, the coat and bunnet came off and of course, it’s Mr Donnelly, who, without missing a beat delivers a fabulous intro to camera: “Hello! Good to have you with us. Welcome to Sportscene at 50.” Cue music and titles. The next hour was a brilliant mix of old voices, memories and the current day’s action as the generations intertwined, specifically Thompson reduced to a punditry role for the night alongside Gordon Smith, a man who graced the old Sportscene couch for years. The first game of the day belonged to Archie McPherson, who was sent to the SMISA Stadium for St Mirren’s clash with Motherwell. This is a man who commentated on Archie Gemmill’s famous goal against the Netherlands in 1978 (even cheerfully recalling having the record the commentary again for the movie ‘Trainspotting’ where it soundtracked a sex scene he later found out), a voice of numerous cup finals and very much, the voice of many massive Scottish football moments through the years. Sadly, this was also the man who had to sit through a goalless draw as Stephen Robinson’s side and the Steelmen shared the points. Such a shame the occasion wasn’t befitting of the man covering it. Then it was off to Livingston where Jock Brown, setting aside the internal strife at Hamilton Accies where he is currently chairman, took the mic for their game against fellow former Championship dwellers, Falkirk. A much better affair and hearing Brown call the action and the way his voice rises at the goals took us all back to the 80’s and 90’s when he covered the action for Scotsport as well as Sportscene. He would certainly have enjoyed Lewis Smith’s cracker of a goal that put Livi 2-0, with more analysis following. Then it was Rob McLean’s turn, a former Sportscene presenter and commentator and still works for the Corporation on a freelance basis as he covered Rangers’ surprise 1-1 draw with Dundee at Ibrox. Once the business of the day was complete, there was a special message from Hazel Irvine, dubbed “The First Lady of Sportscene” – a title that’s hard to argue with. Archie was in the studio afterwards after the trauma of his goalless fest in Paisley to recall what being part of the show meant to him and his memories of a long and storied career. The show finished with a monologue by Dougie, who thanked everyone associated with the programme through the years. That same twinkle in the eye was still there, that flawless delivery and suddenly it was all over. You can tell they all enjoyed being back on a programme that’s meant so much to them and afterwards, a call for Dougie to return to the gig permanently was put out by numerous people online. That’s how good he was. He left the BBC in 2010 and works on golf’s Asian Tour these days, but people like Thompson, in the most respectful way possible, would have taken a lot from watching a master at work. We certainly enjoyed seeing them and hearing them again. Happy birthday, Sportscene!

August 11, 2025

‘He needs time’: Michael Beale defends Russell Martin following poor start

Michael Beale has leapt to the defence of Russell Martin following the Ibrox club’s poor start in the league. The Light Blues have failed to win their first two league games after drawing to Motherwell and Dundee 1-1 and Martin has come under criticism from the Rangers faithful. Someone who knows the pressures and demands of managing the Govan club is former manager Beale, who managed in Glasgow for 11 months before being sacked in October 2023. The former Sunderland boss appeared on Sky Sports News defending Martin and said the supporters need to give their new boss time: “I dont think we have seen everything from Russell Martin’s team yet, one or two of his key new signings have not been available. “They played very well or did play very well against Viktoria Plzen last week, so it looks like they are going to make a play-off game against Salzburg or Club Brugge, which will be huge for the club. “I think in the summer the club has had a complete reset, and with that it’s going to take time for the new owners to really instil the culture behind the scenes, and for Russell as well. “I wish him well, it’s a huge job but I know he’s super confident, and we exchanged text messages, and I wished him well.” Beale was apart of the coaching staff when the Teddy Bears won their historic 55th league title back in 2021. The Englishman’s last role in football was a brief spell as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Al-Ettifaq.

August 11, 2025

SPFL Weekly – Matchday 1: Five Talking Points

Russell Martin blows his top after a lacklustre showing, Luke McCowan spares blunt Celtic with late heroics, and Derek McInnes’ Jambos breezed into pole position for title challenge. Kieron Bowie was the Starman at Den’s Park, and it was a level start on opening day for promoted sides. We’re back! Here’s our round-up of the big talking points from Matchday 1 in the 2025/26 SPFL season. Martin Fires Warning Shot The post-match talk to the press is rarely more explosive than the game. Yet the new man in the dugout, Russell Martin, let rip in his Sky Sports interview after their opening SPFL game at Fir Park, criticising the mentality of his squad. He accused some of his Teddy Bears of ‘reverting to type’ and needing to ‘drop their egos’. An impressive second-half performance from Motherwell saw Emmanuel Longelo’s powerful strike cancel out James Tavernier’s first-half header in the 1-1 draw. The Lanarkshire side could have won, too, with Jack Butland denying Tom Sparrow, who scored their winner at Ibrox in March, in the game’s dying moments. Martin admitted that his ex-Norwich teammate’s side, Jens Berthel Askou, who joined Motherwell in the summer as Head Coach, was ‘braver’ and more ‘aggressive’ than his side and was lucky to get a point. Their supporters booed off the Glasgow side at full-time, echoing déjà vu from last season. The Brighton man, who played for Rangers on loan in 2018, delivered similar criticism in context to Barry Ferguson’s comments last season. Although Martin said it was ‘not an attack on anyone personally’ ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox, he will need to be careful not to alienate his squad. They overcame Panathinaikos over two legs in the previous round of European qualifiers. However, the less-than-convincing performances and players playing out of position have baffled supporters. He said some players must ‘drop their ego’, but perhaps he should be the one to compromise on his tactics and do so willingly if he wants to succeed in Glasgow. He told Sky Sports: “We need to work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t.” Martin has been busy in the transfer window, with the recent arrival of Finnish international Oliver Antman, who arrives from Go Ahead Eagles in a £4m deal, pushing the total to nine signings. The gaffer will hope Antman doesn’t shrink under pressure but grows into a giant in attack. Loyal servant and club captain James Tavernier, who has been at the club for ten years, has been an ever-present in this so-called egotistical environment. Still, question marks remain about his ability to instil a positive culture. Maybe Martin, Tavernier, fresh faces, and player exits can finally push the club in a new direction. Rodgers Needs Firepower After McCowan Bailout Luke McCowan saved Celtic’s blushes with a deflected strike in the last ten minutes of the game against a stubborn St Mirren side at Celtic Park. It was hard to say what was less surprising: Stephen Robinson’s men, unbeaten in last season’s top-six split and fresh off a third consecutive top-half finish, proving they are no pushovers, or McCowan coming off the bench and positively changing the game for the Hoops. The Bhoys started with a party. A rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out, Kris Boyd pleading for Scott Brown to keep talking on Sky Sports so he doesn’t have to hear it. Lisbon Lion John Clark, who passed away in the summer, had a tifo unveiled in his memory. And the club welcomed back 90s legend Paul McStay before he unfurled the league champions’ flag at Celtic Park. Unfortunately, that’s where the shindig faded. The home side struck the woodwork four times and saw a Callum McGregor second-half strike correctly ruled out for handball. It wasn’t until McCowan’s 12-minute cameo that the game came to life. The 27-year-old brought energy and the decisive flourish that Benjamin Nygren and the front three of Yang, Adam Idah, and Daezen Maeda lacked. He had a similar role last year, coming on as a substitute 17 times for Celtic in the league, scoring six goals and assisting seven times for his boyhood club. The narrow 1–0 win means the reigning champions have now won their opening league fixture in 17 of the last 18 seasons. It has been a successful period for the club, but Brendan Rodgers will only continue at Celtic beyond his contract, which expires at the end of the season, if the club continues to develop on and off the park. Rodgers wants attacking reinforcements, but Yang is less than convincing. James Forrest is ageing, and the injured Jota is not expected to return until the new year. Adam Idah continues to blow cold, and Jonjoe Kenny and new signing Shin Yamada are both untested in the league. On BBC’s Sportscene, ex-Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew says the club needs two wingers and a striker, which is a fair assessment based on the manager’s recent comments. Hearts Weather the Wind and Bloom into Title Contenders The Jambos were back in league action after cruising in their League Cup campaign the past few weeks. Even Storm Floris caused chaos across Edinburgh, with Fringe shows cancelled, train services halted, and even the Military Tattoo called off. Still, it couldn’t disrupt Derek McInnes’ men with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. They had no sympathy for the 650 Aberdeen fans attempting the journey south, or for Dons’ captain Graeme Shinnie, who put the ball into the back of his net in the early stages of the game from a Harry Milne cross. Jambos’ summer signing Stuart Findlay finished the scoring with a brave header past an onrushing Dimitar Mitov. Lawrence Shankland thought he had doubled their advantage in the first half with a wonder strike, which was disallowed for offside in the build-up. Managing his first league game for Hearts against a former club, Derek McInnes told Sky Sports afterwards that “we gave everything.” They will

August 5, 2025

Aberdeen Freeze in Tynecastle Cauldron as Hearts Top Table With Victory

There were chants of ‘we shall not be moved’ at Tynecastle Park as hosts Hearts moved up to first place in the table, as the Jambos faithful created a raucous atmosphere as they watched their side defeat Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen 2-0. Both sides were able to round off the first week of Premiership action, amid fears of a potential postponement due to an amber level weather warning of severe wind. Hearts came into this one the sharpest of the two sides, having played four Premier Sports Cup matches prior to this, winning all four, and scoring four in each. Not to mention defeating Premier League opposition in Sunderland 3-0 also, in a testimonial for club legend Craig Gordon. Aberdeen were away from in the opening Monday night fixture for the second consecutive season after they beat St Johnstone 2-1 this time last year, but the side from the North East were unable to replicate the same kind of result which kickstarted their memorable unbeaten run at the start of last season. Hearts would take the lead in the 11th minute, courtesy of Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, who had been receiving the pantomime villain treatment from the home support up until this point. A Harry Milne cross hit off the Dons’ skipper last before hitting the net, which all started from Claudio Braga driving down the right hand side to make it all happen, and when his cross led to a Cammy Devlin strike deflecting out to Milne, he zipped a ball across to help put the Maroon side ahead. Milne almost doubled the lead three minutes later, when his strike surprised all of Tynecastle when it hit the bar. Aberdeen would hit the woodwork themselves just a minute later, when Nicolas Milanovic’s cross hit off the leg of Kusini Yengi and tumbled onto the post left of Zander Clark. Hearts thought they had doubled their lead just on the stroke of half time, this time through their captain, Lawrence Shankland, who found the top left corner with a fantastic curling strike outside the box. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build up, giving the Gorgie side a one goal advantage to defend going into the second period. There was a clear momentum shift to be seen from the beginning of the second half, which seen Aberdeen create many opportunities and enjoy large spells of possession in the Hearts half. No opportunity came better than Kusini Yengi’s five minutes after the restart, with the Australian getting onto the end of a deep curling Leighton Clarkson free kick from around six yards out. His effort, however, bounced wide of the goal on what was the striker’s competitive debut for the Dons. Hearts weathered a red coloured storm for the first two thirds of the second half, before coming alive again and doubling their advantage. Harry Milne lifts a free kick in from a narrow position which was failed to be cleared by Aberdeen’s Mats Knoester, allowing Scotland international Stuart Findlay to capitalise and beat Mitov in the Aberdeen net in the air to give Hearts a two goal cushion and net his second of the season already. There was another worryingly long VAR check for a potential offside put hearts in mouths around Tynecastle, but groans quickly turned into cheers of delight when referee Nick Walsh pointed to the centre circle. This result continues Derek McInnes’ 100% record as Hearts manager following his appointment at the end of last season, as his side look to make it ten competitive victories in a row when they travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United this Sunday afternoon. For Jimmy Thelin and his men, they face the easy task of hosting the champions Celtic at Pittodrie in the Sunday lunchtime fixture, with Brendan Rodgers’ side looking to avenge their Scottish Cup Final loss and make it two wins out of two for the campaign. Hearts: Clark, Kent (Steinweinder, 70′), Hackett, Shankland (Magnusson, 90′), Braga (Wilson, 71′), Borchgrevnik (Forrest, 70′), Devlin, Spittal (Kyziridis, 70′) , Milne, Findlay (Goal, 73′), McEntee Bookings: Kent (19′), Hackett (54′), Devlin (61′) Aberdeen: Mitov, Shinnie (OG, 11′, Devlin 81′), Knoester, Nilsen (Morris, 69′), Aouchiche, Yengi (Boyd, 62′) Clarkson, Milanovic (Sokler, 81′) , Milne, Jensen, Keskinen (Polvara, 62′) Bookings: Aouchiche (60′), Milanovic (78′)

August 5, 2025

Our Writers Predict the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership

The William Hill Premiership is looming, with the opening weekend starting with Killie hosting the newly promoted side of Livingston on Saturday and concluding with the blockbuster clash on Monday when Aberdeen visit Hearts. Fresh optimism, big questions and plenty of intrigue await. Will Celtic continue their domestic dominance? Can Hearts, Hibs, or Aberdeen close the Old Firm gap? And who’s facing a scrap at the bottom? The transfer window is still open, and predictions may hinge on late window shenanigans. However, our team of journalists has examined all 12 clubs and offered their early predictions for this season. Aberdeen Callum Hart – 4th I’m tipping them to finish 4th. Cameron Caldwell – 7th Guaranteed European football until January will be a double-edged sword for Jimmy Thelin’s squad. Balancing these demands with the busy domestic calendar will be a struggle. Jack Cranmer – 5th Jimmy Thelin pulled off a shock by guiding Aberdeen to Scottish Cup glory and European group stage qualification. However, that European run could become a burden. The squad is decent, but its depth is questionable. Thursday-Sunday football has hurt clubs like Hearts, and Aberdeen may suffer similarly. Recruitment has been shrewd, but whether it’s enough to maintain a top-four challenge remains to be seen. Mack Kelly – 5th They have had a lot of activity in the transfer window this season, and Thelin is now properly putting his stamp on the squad. I think European football this season will act as a derailer for the Dons and hold them back in the table. That said, I can see the Reds going on a run in the Conference League. Michael Shuel – 5th The Dons have been busy in the transfer market, but losing Jamie McGrath on a free is a blow. Hopefully, their recruits can prove effective. The extension of Alfie Dorrington’s loan is a good move, as he will continue to develop into a top defender. They hope to continue last season’s success, which saw them pick up silverware. Ryan Niven – 5th Inconsistent last season, and with the addition of European football, I feel the Pittodrie club will struggle. Scott Bradley – 5th Despite the historic Scottish Cup win against Celtic last season, we can’t forget the Dons had a poor second half of the season, only managing to win five of their last 26 league games. The Dandies played in Europe under former boss Barry Robson, and they struggled to cope with that Thursday-to-Sunday schedule; the same could happen this season. Celtic Callum Hart – 1st Celtic still seems to be the better team between them and the Rangers; however, I think the gap will be closer this year than last. Cameron Caldwell – 1st While there’s still work to do in the transfer market, Celtic’s established core should be consistent enough to secure their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title. Jack Cranmer – 2nd Celtic remain favourites, but a storm may be brewing. Brendan Rodgers’ recent comments hint at dissatisfaction with the club’s backing during the summer window. Nicolas Kühn’s departure is a blow, and while Benjamin Nygren appears a capable replacement, it’s hard to argue he’s an upgrade on an in-form Kühn. If he stays fit, Kieran Tierney will be an improvement on Greg Taylor, but that’s a big ‘if’ across a 50+ game season. Up front, serious concerns remain: Jota won’t be fully fit until late in the campaign, Adam Idah is still unconvincing, Kyogo Furuhashi still hasn’t been truly replaced, and the new options lack the quality Celtic have had in recent years. Rodgers has a track record of third-season stagnation, and if he’s not backed, he could walk. If that happens, chaos could open the door to a Rangers resurgence. Mack Kelly – 1st It will be much tighter at the top end of the table this season, but I think the squad’s quality and experience will deliver the Celtics’ fifth consecutive title by no more than six points. Michael Shuel – 1st With the Rangers experiencing a tactical revolution (or mess, as some could call it) and the mastermind Russell Martin joining, the Celtics should be scared. Not really. It will take time for Rangers to gel, and the Hoops have too much quality in all areas of their squad. Could they do with more wingers now? Sure. But that’ll come. Are there question marks around Adam Idah? Look, he will still get 15-20 goals this season. If that’s what you call a flop (even at a staggering £9m), then so be it. Ryan Niven – 1st With the Rangers being rebuilt, Celtic will bring home another title. However, their lack of transfer business so far makes me believe it’ll be a closer title race than last season. Scott Bradley – 2nd Despite winning a double last season, Brendan Rodgers’ men have dropped in form and standards over the last few months. There doesn’t seem to be a real buzz and excitement surrounding the Scottish champions at this moment in time, and the lack of transfer business is a concern, especially amongst the Celtic faithful. I believe this will be Rodgers’ last season, and if he loses the first Old Firm game at Ibrox, the alarm bells will start ringing. Dundee Callum Hart – 12th After Dundee’s poor start to the campaign, I think it’ll continue into the league season. Cameron Caldwell – 12th Steven Pressley hasn’t been a manager since 2019. This lack of recent experience could prove problematic for a Dundee team that only narrowly avoided relegation last year. Jack Cranmer – 12th I don’t want to be too harsh on Steven Pressley; he’s done his homework at Brentford, but alarm bells are already ringing. Losses to Airdrieonians and Alloa in the League Cup, plus a narrow win over Lowland League Bonnyrigg Rose, don’t inspire confidence. Their recruitment, mainly from English lower leagues and loans from Brentford youth, looks risky. Pressley’s man-management has also been questioned, and losing Josh Mulligan and Lyall Cameron won’t help. If results don’t pick up soon, the

August 2, 2025

Points Shared at Gayfield for Scottish Championship Opener

Arbroath 1-1 Ayr United N. Todorov 89′ , J. Murphy 5′ Arbroath and Ayr opened the championship season with a competitive 1-1 draw at Gayfield. Despite the pre-match flag-raising celebrations for Arbroath, it was Ayr United who started the brighter of the two sides. Just five minutes in, Jamie Murphy opened the scoring with a fierce right-footed shot from the edge of the box. Arbroath started slowly, but eventually sparked into life on the half-hour mark. Craig Watson’s attempt sailed over David Mitchell’s goal, and moments later, Scott Stewart couldn’t convert a close-range header from a Ryan Dow corner. Reilly also tested the Ayr net, but his shot lacked power. A notable theme throughout the game was the intense physicality, with both teams engaging in numerous crunching tackles. Ayr United’s George Oakley was a constant presence and perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after an apparent forearm strike to the back of Craig Watson’s neck. Ryan Dow had a golden opportunity to equalise but failed to direct a teasing ball from Harry Cochrane on goal. Further good play saw Scott Stewart pick out Marshall, whose reverse pass to the onrushing Wilkie could only find the side netting. Despite Ayr’s early dominance, Scott Brown’s side had plenty of work left to do. Scott Brown made a tactical change at halftime, introducing Celtic loanee Kyle Ure for Dom Thomas. Another Ayr loanee, Jude Bonnar, had the first chance of the second half but couldn’t direct Curtis Main’s cross. Arbroath quickly responded with an opportunity of their own, as David Mitchell well saved Reilly’s close-range strike. The second half mirrored the end of the first, with Arbroath on top and Ayr struggling to regain control. Around the 65-minute mark, Brown again adjusted his tactics, bringing on defensive signing Shaun Want for Curtis Main, who, despite scoring twice against Arbroath in the League Cup, couldn’t add to his tally in this match. Arbroath’s persistence paid off in the 88th minute when super-sub Nikolay Todorov powered home a teasing cross from Craig Watson, sending the Gayfield faithful into raptures and levelling the score. With five minutes of added time, the home support urged their team on for a winner. While they couldn’t find a second goal, Arbroath’s joint managers David Gold and Craig Hamilton can take significant encouragement from their side’s competitive performance against one of last season’s top Championship teams. Scott Brown’s Ayr United started brightly but will undoubtedly be disappointed with their inability to add to their lead. Teams Arbroath: McAdams Wilkie O’Brien Muirhead Flynn Reilly (Pettifer 90+3’) Dow Stewart Watson Marshall (Callachan 72’) Cochrane (Todorov 85’) Bookings: Muirhead 42’ Stewart 60’ Ayr United: Mitchell McAllister Dick Oakley Main Thomas (Ure 46’) Murphy (Rus 70’) Bonnar (Walker 60’) McKenzie Watret (Hastie 70’) McMann Bookings: Bonnar 44’ Oakley (45+3’)

August 1, 2025

SFA Approves Tier 5 Restructure from 2026/27

The Scottish FA membership has officially approved a resolution to restructure the fifth tier of Scottish football. This move will see the current Lowland League replaced by two new regional divisions: the Lowland League East and Lowland League West. These changes will take effect from the beginning of the 2026/27 season and mark a significant overhaul of the national football pyramid. The revamped Tier 5 structure will feature the two new Lowland Leagues operating alongside the existing Highland League, creating a three-league fifth tier. Each Lowland League will comprise 16 teams, with promotion and relegation systems linked to the surrounding non-league structures. While the restructure will not come into force until the 2026/27 campaign, the upcoming 2025/26 season will act as a transition year, particularly for clubs in the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL). A minimum of eight WoSFL clubs could be promoted to the new Lowland League West at the end of the campaign, with no teams relegated from any WoSFL division, as confirmed at the league’s AGM before the end of last season. Promotion eligibility is also contingent on Scottish FA licensing, with only clubs holding an SFA Membership Licence able to be promoted to Tier 5. From 2026/27 onwards, the new Tier 5 setup will see each Lowland League operate with promotion and relegation to and from their respective regional leagues, such as the WoSFL and East of Scotland League. The three champions of the Highland League, Lowland League East, and Lowland League West will enter a round-robin play-off. The winner of that mini-league will then face the bottom club in SPFL League 2 in a two-legged tie for a place in the professional leagues. At the other end, one team will be relegated from each Lowland League annually, with the corresponding regional champion replacing them, again, subject to licensing.

July 31, 2025

SPFL