Hibernian announce first signing of the window.
Hibernian have announced the signing of Owen Elding from Sligo Rovers. Elding joins on an four-and-a-half year deal with Hibs paying an undisclosed fee. David Gray’s side have longed for a striker to fill a tall, physical profile to compete with the highly sought after Kieron Bowie. Hibs missed out on Lyndon Dykes on deadline day during the last window, with the Scotland striker since moving to Charlton. Elding is now expected to fill this profile standing at 6ft 2. He has also played part of his career on the right wing, cutting onto his left foot, extremely similar to Kieron Bowie when he first moved to Edinburgh. Elding is an extremely highly rated youngster back in Ireland, with the 19-year-old also being linked with European clubs such as Club Brugge, Sturm Graz and even Juventus. In his first interview with the club, Elding said: “I’m buzzing to be here. Got here this morning, did the medical, met a few of the lads, and I’m just buzzing to get going now. “It’s been hectic. I came in this morning, met everyone and all the staff. Done the medical; there was a lot of testing to be done. “I came over and visited, and I stayed over last week and watched a few games. It was just the ambition of the Club [that made me want to come here] from when I came round and looked at all the facilities. “Everything’s top drawer and I’m just buzzing to get going.” In the 2025 League of Ireland season, Elding found the net on 12 occasions whilst also bagging the Young Player of the Year award. When talking about what he wants to achieve at Hibs, Elding said: “I’m hoping to come in and make a big impact straight away; come in, score a few goals and help the team. “But, in the long run, hopefully we can get the team into Europe. This club should be competing in European competitions and winning trophies. “I’m a good, honest worker “I know where the net is. I’ll give everything for the team and hopefully we can win some football matches.” This marks Hibs’ first signing of a quiet window, which has frustrated many fans. The club are still linked with German fullback Felix Passlack, but his move is thought to be held up by VfL Bochum anticipating a replacement before allowing the move to go through. Rumours have also started circulating that David Gray’s side will add ex-Motherwell midfielder Kai Andrews to the ranks, whilst a club-record sale of Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona seems to be a formality at this stage. Owen Edling could make his Hibs debut as early as Sunday at home to Rangers.
Is there cause for concern at Hibs?
The January transfer window is never an easy one, but at the time of writing, Hibernian are the only side in the Scottish Premiership yet to make a signing this window, even with key positions such as right- wing back and striker noticeably needing improved. David Gray may also need to strengthen at centre back with on-loan Zach Mitchell being recalled by Charlton as Nathan Jones deemed he wasn’t receiving enough game time for his development. This leaves Hibs with only four recognised centre backs to fill their favoured back three. Hibs fans have largely been devoid of transfer rumours in this window too. They’ve been linked to Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri, but the talks surrounding the Jamaican international have largely gone quiet. German fullback Felix Passlack has also been linked with a move to the capital. Many reports suggest that Passlack will become a Hibs player this window, although the deal is yet to materialise. In a pre-match press conference, Gray was asked about Hibs transfer activity- or lack of. He said: “We’ve still got ten days or so, so I expect there to be movement. I expect there are still things to happen. “In terms of our recruitment strategy and what we want to do, we’re working hard to try to do things, and if it can improve the group and it can be done, we certainly would like to do that. “In an ideal world, you want that done on day one. Every manager and coach around the country, all over the world, would say the same thing – the earlier you can get players in, the better. “It doesn’t always work like that, especially in the January window as well. Sometimes you need to be a little bit reactive. It is a case of when you get to the end of the window, making sure your squad is stronger than when you started. That is the key.” Hibernian will now look towards a hectic end to the window before the February 2nd deadline. Fans will be hoping for more transfer talk than just Cadamarteri and Passlack, who have been the only credible rumours thus far this window.
From Montreal to the Rock: The Canadian Takeover of Dumbarton
Scottish League Two side Dumbarton have entered a new era following the takeover by Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe. Today at the Dumbarton Football Stadium, Lapointe met the Scottish media for the first time, offering fans and observers an insightful glimpse into his plans for the club; plans firmly rooted in community values, financial responsibility, and long-term sustainability. A Journey from Canada to Dumbarton Lapointe’s story is a far cry from the typical football club owner narrative. Raised in a working-class family in rural Canada, the son of a mechanic and a cleaner, he made his fortune through hard work and entrepreneurial grit, starting his electronics business in 1996. His path to football ownership was shaped by a deep connection to Scotland, a passion for the sport, and a desire to invest in a club with genuine heritage and community spirit. Lapointe explained: “I looked at teams in Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, and Ireland. “But what really struck me about Scotland, and Dumbarton in particular, is the passion, the community. Y “You see people here with six generations of family loyalty. That’s what I wanted to be part of.” Resilience and Community Lapointe praised Dumbarton’s resilience, noting the club’s rollercoaster history of ups and downs. But through every challenge, the community has remained its backbone. He said: “Dumbarton is not just a football club, it’s a family, a heritage, a legacy. “That’s why I kept coming back. This club has real value beyond just what happens on the pitch.” His vision focuses on preserving and enhancing that community connection while pushing the club forward in a sustainable way. Financial Matters Unlike some football investors who splash cash without long-term planning, Lapointe stressed his approach is both modest and measured. “I’m not looking to spend millions I don’t have. Before taking over, the club’s losses were around £200,000 a year.” His financial model is clear: “Cup money plus league money plus sponsors equals wages.” Without strong sponsor backing and a solid fan base, ambitions to climb the leagues won’t be realistic. He’s already impressed with the club’s strong base of around 420 season ticket holders, and he’s actively working to grow this number, launching initiatives like the ‘Pass It Along’ campaign, which has seen nearly 200 season tickets donated for youngsters by fans in Canada, the US, and even Laos. “That’s nearly 25% of season ticket holders buying extra tickets for kids,” Lapointe noted. “It’s about seeding a new generation of supporters.” More Than Just Football One of Lapointe’s key ambitions is to turn Dumbarton’s stadium into a community hub. With plans to host open mic nights, comedy, music events, weddings, and other non-football activities, the stadium will become a year-round destination. He said: “You can’t just rely on matchdays. The stadium needs to have life six or seven days a week. “That creates value for sponsors, brings in new revenue streams, and connects the club more deeply to the local community.” He also highlighted plans to install a new artificial turf pitch, which will increase the stadium’s usability and allow the club’s youth teams, women’s teams and unconnected local sides to use the ground on non-matchdays. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunity Lapointe is realistic about the challenges ahead. The club must boost attendance, currently averaging around 600, representing just 3% of Dumbarton’s population. But his message to supporters is one of hope and action. He said: “Some people will jump on the train and help drive this forward. Others will stay behind. But this club is moving, with or without the dead weight.” This is a call for everyone in the Dumbarton community to get involved, support the club, and be part of a shared story of resilience, legacy, and progress. As the man himself said the club are only competing with their selves and growing a fanbase within their own community and area: “We’re not here to compete with Celtic and Rangers. “It’s not about that. We’re trying to compete with community, If you don’t seed, don’t expect to harvest anything.” Will he be a success, or the next in a line of foreign owners to not fully understand the strange world of Scottish football, the days are early, but the words are right from the self-described “crazy French-Canadian.”
Kilmarnock Season Preview: A New Era at Rugby Park
It’s been a summer of change at Rugby Park. With Derek McInnes departing just before the final game of the 2024–25 season, the scent of change has lingered in the Ayrshire air ever since. McInnes, who brought much-needed stability and kept Kilmarnock firmly in the Premiership, left behind a strong foundation, but one that had perhaps grown stale. A disappointing bottom-six finish last season highlighted the need for a refresh, and the club has responded decisively. Stepping into the dugout is Stuart Kettlewell, the former Ross County and Motherwell boss, who was confirmed as McInnes’s successor before the end of May. A Summer Clear-Out Kilmarnock wasted little time in moving players on. Ten first-team players, including familiar names Danny Armstrong, Joe Wright, Liam Donnelly, Fraser Murray, and club captain Kyle Vassell, were released at the end of their contracts. Highly rated striker Bobby Wales was also prised away by Swansea City, with the Welsh club paying a compensation fee to secure his signature. Such a major turnover reflects the end of a chapter and the beginning of a bold new era. Who’s In? Kilmarnock’s recruitment drive has been swift and targeted, with reinforcements arriving across the pitch. In defence, Jamie Brandon has joined from Livingston, bringing Premiership experience and a tenacious edge to the backline. George Stanger, who impressed at Ayr United, crosses the Ayrshire divide on a Bosman deal and adds further depth at the back. From Queen’s Park, Jack Thomson steps up to the Premiership, expected to fill the void left by Donnelly in midfield. Out wide, Scott Tiffoney arrives from Dundee to provide experience and energy, while Greg Kiltie returns home from St Mirren for an undisclosed fee, four years after departing the club he began his career with. The most eye-catching signing, at least in stature, is Marcus Dackers, a 6-foot-7 striker signed from Salford City to offer a physical presence up front to replace Vassell. While not known for prolific scoring, his hold-up play could be the perfect foil for quicker forwards. More signings are expected and must be carefully chosen to address key gaps if Killie are to push into the top six. Where Do They Still Need Reinforcements? Goalkeeper Starting from the back, Robbie McCrorie remains the club’s only senior goalkeeper following the departures of Kieran O’Hara and young Aidan Glavin. The former Rangers man had a mixed first season, glimpses of promise undone by injuries and inconsistency. Whether Kettlewell backs him as the outright No. 1 or brings in direct competition will be telling. If a backup is the plan, Jack Newman, who served in that role for Dundee United and Livingston, could be an ideal fit. For a more competitive move, Kettlewell may turn to Ross Laidlaw, his former keeper at Ross County, who may seek a top-flight return after County’s relegation. Defence The end of the loan spells for Calvin Ramsay and Stuart Findlay has left holes in the defence. While Brandon could fill Ramsay’s right-back slot, a commanding, experienced centre-half is needed to replace Findlay, who is now reunited with McInnes at Hearts. Lewis Mayo, Robbie Deas, and Corrie Ndaba are promising, Premiership-tested centre-backs, but all are just 25 and still developing into their mid-20s. Kettlewell may want a seasoned voice to lead the back line and provide stability. Ask former boss Steve Clarke, a strong defence has historically been the bedrock of success at Rugby Park. Midfield Thomson appears a like-for-like replacement for Donnelly, but the midfield still lacks depth and flair. Murray and Kyle Magennis both had productive spells, but both departees have yet to be replaced with a proven upgrade. Rumours recently have indicated that Magennis may extend his deal after failing to agree terms with Steven Pressley’s Dundee, but there has not been any confirmation on that either way. Expect at least one more addition in the middle of the park, ideally someone with creativity and a goal threat. The good news is that one-club man Rory McKenzie has agreed a one-year extension ahead of his testimonial match against rivals Ayr, and keeping hold of David Watson, one of the club’s brightest young talents, would be a significant boost. Wide Areas Replacing Armstrong’s productivity out wide won’t be easy. Even in a frustrating final season, he remained a threat. Tiffoney and Kiltie offer versatility and decent cover, but neither can be pencilled in as a guaranteed starter if Kilmarnock is serious about challenging for Europe. If Hibs fail to agree to renew the Canadian’s contract, Junior Hoilett could be a wildcard option. Another option might be Ross McCausland, a once highly rated Rangers prospect whose time at Ibrox appears to be winding down. Either would bring a directness vital in the Scottish market. Matty Kennedy, meanwhile, will need to stay fit and consistent. His influence as a ball-carrier and creator remains vital. Attack Dackers provides the physical presence that Vassell once offered, but the big Welshman is not a natural finisher. With Wales gone, the onus falls on Bruce Anderson and Marley Watkins to provide the goals. Anderson netted a respectable nine in the league last season, while Watkins’s productivity dipped significantly from his debut campaign. Both will need to hit the ground running. Could Kilmarnock look higher up the food chain for a striker? A move for Lawrence Shankland is almost certainly unrealistic, but he’s exactly the type of player Killie need to transform their attack. More realistic, if still ambitious, is Kevin Nisbet, out of favour at Millwall and available after a Scottish Cup-winning loan spell at Aberdeen. Finances are a concern, but his proven record in the league makes him worth the conversation. However, if Aberdeen call again, the allure of European football will surely lure him back to Pittodrie. Further afield, Ronan Hale might fancy a return to the top flight after relegation with Ross County. Another intriguing name is Mackenzie Kirk, who was relegated with St Johnstone and likely available at a reduced price. The Road Ahead Kilmarnock’s business
