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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

“We have to keep building” – St Mirren begin League Cup Defence with Victory

St Mirren manager Craig McLeish was overjoyed with his side’s 4-0 victory against Dumbarton to open their Premier Sports Cup campaign, singling out the debut performances of Samuel Ramos and Chris Mochrie. Ramos, who spent last season in Slovakia’s top flight, provided a double, with further goals from ex-Airdrie midfielder Mochrie and youngster Thomas Falconer to secure the win. McLeish believes victory is a positive first step for the Buddies, as they begin their League Cup defence. “I’m delighted for them both,” McLeish said. “That’s why they were brought in, to add creativity, to add assists and goals to it. Ultimately, that’s what players at the top end of the pitch will get judged on, so it’s a good start from the two of them. St Mirren successfully navigated the Premiership playoffs against Partick Thistle, maintaining their stay in the top flight of Scottish Football. Despite the gap to yesterday’s opponents Dumbarton, McLeish was delighted with the professionalism of his side’s victory. “It was just a really professional performance,” McLeish added. “Delighted to get off to a winning start. “We spoke about this not being an extension of pre-season for us; this is our season start and we’re the holders in this competition. “I said to the players that we have to get off to a good start. We have to make sure we get through the group first and foremost. We have to just keep building from here.”

July 12, 2026

“Buzzing” Fraser takes St Mirren captaincy

Marcus Fraser admits he “jumped at the chance” to take the St Mirren captaincy role, ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign. The 32-year-old takes over the position from the departing Mark O’Hara, who left the Buddies to join Kilmarnock. The former Celtic youngster hopes he can reward the faith shown by manager Craig McLeish. “I had a chat during the week with the manager and the coaching staff, and they asked me if I’d like to take the role on – and of course, I jumped at the chance.” “I thanked them, and I appreciate it. Since they’ve been in from the end of the season to now, they’ve really backed me and shown faith in me, so I’m just happy, and hopefully I can reward them with performances on the pitch and gelling all the new guys together as well. “Since the start of pre-season, the manager’s asked me a few questions here and there about different things to ask my opinion about stuff. “That’s been good from the players’ point of view, and it’s good to get that connection with the manager and coaching staff early.” Fraser has 264 appearances for St Mirren since his 2020 move from Ross County, opening the scoring in last season’s League Cup Final win over Celtic. But perhaps even more crucial was his volley against Partick Thistle to help maintain the Buddies’ Premiership status. St Mirren also confirmed Alex Gogic as vice-captain for the new season. Manager McLeish knows that he will be able to rely on both players, as well as other experienced players in the groupp “When you’re in the building, you see how Marcus runs the changing room and sets standards, day in, day out, on and off the training pitch,” said McLeish. “Gogic is similar. Even beyond that, we’ve got an experienced group of players with Declan John, with Jonah Ayunga, Keanu Baccus and Liam Donnelly. “We’ve got a really good core of experienced players that I can lean on at times. But having Marcus lead the group on and off the pitch, I’m delighted with that.” St Mirren kick off their League Cup defence against Dumbarton on Saturday afternoon.

July 11, 2026

St Mirren Standout signs for Austrian Champions

Miguel Freckleton has left St Mirren to join Austrian giants LASK, in a deal that will include “significant” add-ons for the Buddies. The 22-year-old joined from Sheffield United in July 2025, and with 47 appearances last season, was a prominent figure for both Stephen Robinson and new manager Craig McLeish. A statement on St Mirren’s website read as follows. “With a year remaining on his Saints deal, Miguel made clear his desire to take on a new challenge with the Austrian champions.” “We sincerely thank Miguel for his contributions. He departs with the best wishes of everyone at St Mirren.” The move is an exciting opportunity for the Englishman, as LASK secured their 2nd Austrian Bundesliga title last season, edging Sturm Graz by two points in the championship round. His best moments for the Paisley outfit include a key late winner against Hearts and the equaliser for a crucial win at the Falkirk Stadium. He also played all 120 minutes of their extra-time Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic.

July 2, 2026

Chris Mochrie returns to the Premiership, joining St Mirren

Former Dundee United man, Chris Mochrie has today signed a two-year-deal with the possibility of a further extra year, joining St Mirren. The midfielder started his career, coming through the ranks at Tannadice with a few first team appearances before a loan spell at Montrose which saw him get given some big opportunities in the senior squad at Tannadice. The Scotland U19 International would then have a loan spell with Dunfermline in the Championship, making 36 appearances for the Pars’ with two goals and two assists for his side before having a good campaign in the Championship with United. As United went up, Mochrie’s time at Tannadice was up, joining Airdrieonians, spending two seasons with the diamonds. Chris went on to become a first team regular being one of the better players, making just over 85 appearances for Airdrie in the Championship as well as netting 17 goals with 7 assists to his name. With Airdrie falling short in the play-offs, which saw the Diamonds, Mochrie departed to chase a new chapter, with St Mirren coming calling in an offer which is too good to turn down. The 23-year-old can play up top as well as behind the striker in the attacking role in which will most likely to play as an impact sub. Speaking to his new club, Chris said: “I’m buzzing, really excited to get going. “I met with the manager and everything he was saying was aligned with the way I think. It was a pretty easy decision from there on in and I’m delighted that’s happened. “The last couple of years have been massive for me. Going to Airdrie and getting a lot of games has really helped me and hopefully I can bring that experience here and show what I can do.” Manager Craig McLeish added: “Chris is someone that I’ve known since he was really young, coming through the performance schools and the youth national team squads. “He was always a player that I really enjoyed watching, loved how he moved with the ball so effortlessly. I really liked watching him play as he was coming through the system, then he broke into Dundee United quite early. “He handles the ball really well and he gives us a threat at the top end of the pitch. He’s a really honest boy that works hard and just needs a platform now to then go and try to get to the next level again. “He’s one that we feel can go and play at an even higher level and hopefully we can give him the platform to do that.”

June 25, 2026

“I Thought I Was a Bit of a Roy Keane, But Now I’m Turning Into Robbie!” – Phillips on Forward Deployment

St. Mirren’s Killian Phillips is embracing being deployed as a striker after scoring his side’s only goal in a 1-1 draw away to Partick Thistle in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership relegation playoff. The Irish international, who normally plays in centre midfield, has scored two in his last two appearances, which has seen him used as an attacker in both. And the 24-year-old joked that he has began transitioning from one Irish Keane to another. “It’s the business end of the season where anything goes, and look if it’s going to help the team I’ll play anywhere” Phillips said on the decision to play him up front. “It’s probably something that he [Craig McLeish] noticed in training. I don’t mind, I grew up playing football on the roads, so I think I can play anywhere on the pitch, and I think I’ve shown that. “I thought I was a bit of a Roy Keane, but now I’m turning into Robbie a little bit! My celebration isn’t as good!” Phillips scored the opener in the first half with a composed outside of the boot finish, but it would be cancelled out by an Aidan Fitzpatrick tap-in on the hour mark. The former Crystal Palace man however did not underestimate the challenge of the side in the division below. “They’re a very good side, they’re unbeaten at home, so we know how much of a fortress this is for them. “It’s level again, coming into our gaff, and I’m sure they’ll [St. Mirren fans] will be bouncing. “I think both sets of fans were unbelievable, it was rocking. They have a great set of fans here and it was bouncing, and I’m sure the SMISA will be bouncing next week. “I think we need to start well, I think that’s very important. We need to probably control the game a little bit more at times as well. “They’ll have spells where they’re on top and I think we need to nullify that. Tonight we probably didn’t do that as well as we’ve done through the season.” St. Mirren host Partick Thistle in the return leg this Monday night as Partick Thistle aim to redeem their playoff heartache of 2023.

May 22, 2026

Partick Thistle 1-1 St. Mirren: Playoff Remains in Balance After First Leg Spoils Shared

Partick Thistle came from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw against St. Mirren in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership promotion/relegation playoff at Firhill. It was the Paisley Saints first time in this playoff since they defeated Dundee United on penalties in 2019, and Thistle’s first time getting this far since the infamous trip to Dingwall in 2023 when they fell short to a Ross County comeback in the final 20 minutes of the tie. It leaves the tie with everything to play for going into Monday night’s fixture at the Smisa Stadium, which will be as raucous at the capacity crowd at the Wire Stadium this evening. Aidan Fitzpatrick attempted to capitalise on the electric home atmosphere inside the first ten minutes, cutting on to his right foot and causing the St. Mirren defender to slip. His curled effort though, just wide. Scotland international Allan Campbell seen his name in the back of the paper moments later when a Killian Phillips’, who had been deployed as a striker, chested ball fell to him at the edge of the box, but the midfielder sliced the volley as Josh Clarke watched it sail over his crossbar. Irishman Phillips had a big chance of his own on 21 minutes when he received the ball in space after a well-worked St. Mirren move, but his effort was deflected wide. And just three minutes later, Thistle fashioned a big chance of their own. Alex Samuel pounced on a slack header from Richard King and was just about to stab an effort towards goal. However, it was saved by Ross Sinclair and ricocheted back off of the Welsh forward, trickling wide. The deadlock would be broken six minutes before half time through for the visitors by makeshift forward Phillips. The 24-year-old received the ball from strike partner Mikael Mandron, and put it beyond Clarke with the outside of his right boot to give the Premiership side the 1-0 lead. The hosts had a glaring opportunity from a Fitzpatrick corner to pull level just before the interval as his in swinging ball landed to an unmarked Lee Ashcroft. The Thistle captain was unable to steer his header on target from six yards out, letting the Paisley opposition away with one. The second period certainly began more nervy than the first, with on loan St. Mirren goalkeeper almost gifting Fitzpatrick a goal had the 25-year-old been able to control his poor kick out inside the opening minute of the half. And seven minutes later, Clarke of the Jags’ net inexplicably lost the ball in a shoulder-to-shoulder with physical forward Mandron in his own penalty box. With the angle tight, the Frenchman found Campbell, but the former Motherwell man’s chip attempt came nowhere near scoring. Fitzpatrick would make reprieve himself a moment after the hour mark when he tapped the ball into an empty net thanks to Tony Watt’s hard-work to get the ball in from the right hand side. It is the sixth time the Scot has found the back of the net this season, bringing his side level to 1-1 at a point when tensions were beginning to rise amongst the Jackie Husband and John Lambie stands. And the Thistle academy graduate should really have been made provider with 12 minutes of play remaining, when his tantalising ball zipped passed everyone across the six-yard box, needing just a mere touch from anyone to put the Maryhill team ahead but there was nobody home. Partick hit the post in the final minute of injury time to give their guests a scare, but the linesman’s flag was up for offside. The Championship side have their biggest chance to earn promotion since their capitulation in Dingwall three years ago, this time only facing a short journey down the M8 for a return trip to the promised land. As for St. Mirren, they will be doing everything to ensure the do not tarnish their League Cup winning season with the blemish of relegation and maintain their Premiership status for a ninth consecutive season. PARTICK THISTLE: Clarke 5, Reading 6, Ashcroft 5, Samuel 7, Chalmers 3 (Lets’osa 46’ 3), Crawford 6, McBeth 4 (Turner 80’ 1), Fitzpatrick 9 (Mackay-Steven 88’ 1), Loughrey 5 , McPherson 4 (Logan 59’ 2), Watt 7 SAINT MIRREN: Sinclair 5, Tanser 5, King 3 (Richardson 70’ 1), O’Hara 4 (Douglas 64’ 2), Devaney 6, Mandron 6, Gogic 7, Campbell 7, Freckleton 6, Fraser 5, Phillips 8 (Idowu 77’ 2)

May 21, 2026

Dundee 1-0 St Mirren – Dundee edge past St Mirren to steer away from relegation

A first-half Westly strike earned Dundee a huge three points as they look to steady the ship and avoid the drop and remain in the top-flight. Dhanda had the first real big chance after ten minutes as he fired a tame effort from the edge of the box which was easily gathered by Ross Sinclair in goals. Dundee shortly fired ahead after a slack pass at the back allowed Dundee to attack with Congreve twisting-and-turning on the right flank, he then whipped a ball into the box where Joe Westley struck it home to steer Pressley’s men away from the relegation fight. The hosts nearly had a second as Dhanda struck the ball goal bound but was deflected onto the bar by a St Mirren body to deny Dundee a second. Congreve again whipped a low ball in, it found Westley once again but his effort went just wide of the target. St Mirren were denied a penalty just before the break after a pretty dreadful half by the Buddies’ but after a lengthy VAR check, the penalty was denied. Into the second half, Richardson took on a shot from distance which ended up being palmed away by the Dundee number one to deny an equaliser for the Paisley outfit. St Mirren had another big chance which saw Campbell deliver a ball into the box and Mandron met with it but his strike fired just wide. Not much drama in the second period going into the 70 minute mark as St Mirren struggle to pull one back despite a slightly better half than their first half showing. St Mirren again came close as Idowu made a darting run towards goal and took on a strike from a very tight angle which rattled the side netting as St Mirren keep pushing for an equaliser. Congreve had a chance to see off the game with a right-footed strike inside the box but too many touches allowed St Mirren bodies to come back and block his effort. Dundee had a massive late chance with a ball across goal mouth but the Dundee forward unable to tap the ball into the net to go two clear. Dundee see out a vital win at Dens as they continue their relegation fight as their Premiership status for next season looks very likely and for the visitors, well they drop into 11th as they go into the fight with Kilmarnock – which they will meet next Saturday in Paisley. Dundee: McCracken (6), Astley (7), Wright (7), Murray (6), Halliday (7), Yogane (8), Westley (8), Congreve (7), Dhanda (9), Hamilton (7), Graham (7). Substitutes: O’Hara (7), Robertson (7), Hay (6), Samuels (6), Koumetio (6). St Mirren: Sinclair (6), Richardson (6), Tanser (5), King (6), O’Hara (6), Idowu (6), Devaney (6), Mandron (5), Campbell (6), Freckleton (6), Phillips (5). Substitutes: McMenemin (6), Fraser (6), Young (6).

May 2, 2026

St Mirren’s fan-owned structure: How influential has it been to the club?

Five years ago, St Mirren executed their long wait into becoming a fan-owned club. The St Mirren Independent Supporter’s Association (SMiSA) purchased the leftover shares to turn the club into an official fan-owned system, gaining 51% stake. Partners Kibble own 27.5% and then the rest has been shared amongst various shareholders at the club. And ever since the purchase, the club has progressed monumentally. With a Scottish League cup to their name, European football and achieved three consecutive top-flight finishes. Their three consecutive top-flight finishes were accomplished with the second lowest budget in the league, which is a remarkable accomplishment. When SMiSA became the majority shareholder of the club, they had a total of 1200 members. Now their aim is to expand that number to 3,000 members by October 2027, which is also the 150th anniversary of St Mirren. St Mirren’s SMiSA also holds a minimum of four seats on the board, which contributes massively to allowing fans opinions and ideas to be heard. And most importantly, give help towards both the team and club itself. Also launched in June 2022, was the “Help a Buddie campaign”, which is a chance for people to give to those who are less fortunate, in aid to bring more support to the team. Ultimately St Mirren’s fan-owned structure has made a significant impact to the club’s progress over the last few years. Their structure may be an idea which other clubs take into consideration over the coming seasons.

April 22, 2026

St Mirren applaud “brilliant” Tamosevicius debut in Hampden cauldron

A 6-2 pummelling could drain the confidence of any side, but St Mirren’s defeat to Celtic at Hampden offered several positives, including the introduction of 17-year-old debutant Grant Tamosevicius. Ryan Mullen’s early injury handed the academy goalkeeper the opportunity of a lifetime, striding onto the National Stadium’s turf to face the Scottish Champions in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Grant’s teammates, including defensive stalwart Alex Gogic, hailed the youngster’s maturity in handling the occasion. “For Grant it was a special moment,” Gogic stated. “I just told him when he comes in, just enjoy every second, because you never know if you will ever come back. “I just told him, if you have nerves, just relax, enjoy every second, it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, just enjoy every second of it, because you never know. “I’m 32 and you don’t come here often, so I said enjoy it, take it in and enjoy every moment. “It’s special, the boys were over at him and especially the fans, and he did brilliantly, some good saves.” Craig McLeish’s objective is simple – keep St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Clawing back a two-goal deficit to Celtic, thanks to a Mikael Mandron double, should offer further confidence to the side, who have already picked up crucial victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk. After three straight top-six finishes, the Paisley faithful have endured a testing campaign in the latest campaign. But having already lifted the Scottish League Cup trophy in December, surviving this intriguing relegation battle would cap off another memorable season.

April 22, 2026