Celtic have made their first move of the summer transfer window following the signing of Colombian forward Camilo Duran, on a five-year deal from Qarabag, subject to international clearance.

The Scottish champions have been tracking attacking reinforcements following last season’s domestic success and renewed ambitions in Europe, and the 24-year-old arrives with a growing reputation after an impressive campaign in Azerbaijan. He scored 15 goals across all competitions last term, including five in the UEFA Champions League, while also contributing 10 assists.

Duran has already linked up with Martin O’Neill’s squad at their pre-season training camp in Portugal, where Celtic are laying the groundwork for another title defence and looking to qualify for the Champions League proper after failing to qualify last season. His arrival offers versatility across the front line, with the Colombian capable of operating centrally or drifting into wider channels.

For Celtic, the move represents a calculated step into a broader recruitment market. While the club has traditionally leaned on European and domestic scouting networks, Duran’s emergence from South American pathways into European competition has clearly caught attention, particularly given his composure in Champions League fixtures.

Speaking after completing the move, Duran framed the transfer as a defining moment in his career. He described joining Celtic as “a dream come true” and expressed a clear desire to make an immediate impact, both domestically and in Europe. His comments also reflected a player acutely aware of the platform Glasgow offers, not only in terms of silverware but visibility on the international stage.

“It’s a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic,” he said. “When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind. I’m just excited to get going and score lots of goals.”

Duran’s Champions League experience is likely to be central to Celtic’s thinking. His five goals in last season’s competition came in a Qarabag side often cast as underdogs, yet his ability to influence games at that level suggests a player comfortable under pressure, something Celtic have sought to address in recent European campaigns.

There is also a historical dimension to the move. Duran becomes the first Colombian to represent the club, a milestone he acknowledged with pride, while also linking his performances at Celtic to broader international ambitions.

“I give it my all in every game, with a lot of effort and dedication, and hopefully the goals will come,” he said. “It’s an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic… and I hope that being here and working well, then one day playing for my country will become true.”

Celtic supporters will hope Duran’s blend of work rate, technical ability and European experience can translate quickly to the demands of Scottish football. With pre-season under way and expectations already building, his integration into O’Neill’s system may prove one of the more intriguing subplots of the early campaign.

Scotland’s 2026 World Cup campaign wasn’t so much a failure as it was a vanishing act. No noise. No fight. No identity. Just a slow, familiar fade into irrelevance while the rest of the footballing world got on with the business of actually competing.

And if you want a painful, unavoidable comparison, you don’t need to look far. Cape Verde, a nation with a population smaller than Glasgow, didn’t just qualify for their first-ever World Cup. They arrived. They played. They left with their heads held high.

Scotland, meanwhile, slunk away like a team that was already beaten before a ball was kicked. That contrast should shame everyone involved from Steve Clarke, to the Scottish FA, to the wider culture that continues to reward caution over courage.

Because this wasn’t bad luck. This wasn’t a tough group. This was mentality. This was design. This was Scotland choosing fear. Clarke’s Scotland of Safe, Slow, Spineless.

Let’s stop pretending this is about tactics in isolation. It’s not about whether you play a back five or a back four. It’s about what those choices say about your intent. And Steve Clarke’s intent had been painfully clear for years - don’t lose. That might get you through the qualifiers. It might earn you plaudits for organisation and discipline. But at a World Cup? It gets you nowhere.

Scotland didn’t go out swinging. They didn’t go out taking risks. They didn’t even go out trying to impose themselves on games. They went out trying to manage them. Managing the clock. Managing territory. Managing expectations. Managing, above all else, fear.

There was no bravery in possession. No urgency in transition. No sense that Scotland believed they belonged on that stage. Every decision felt reactive, cautious, second-guessing. It’s the footballing equivalent of turning up to a fight hoping the other guy doesn’t throw a punch. And when you play like that, you don’t just risk losing, you guarantee irrelevance.

Now look at Cape Verde. A nation making their debut at the World Cup. No history at this level. No expectation. No safety net. And yet they managed something Scotland didn’t do, they played without fear.

A 0-0 draw with Spain. Not by parking the bus and praying, but by competing. By believing they had a right to be on the pitch. A 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Again, not survival football, actual ambition. Another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia to secure qualification to the last 32 - something that Scotland has never achieved in its history.

That alone would have been a fairytale. But they didn’t stop there. They took the reigning world champions, Lionel Messi and all, to extra time. They pushed them. They stretched them. They made them work for every inch. And when they finally went down 3-2, they walked off having gained something Scotland have spent decades chasing - respect. Not sympathy. Not “plucky underdog” nonsense. No glorious failure tags. Genuine respect. Because they showed up.

They didn’t hide behind structure. They didn’t shrink within themselves. They didn’t treat qualifying for the World Cup as the goal. They treated it like an opportunity. Scotland treated it like a risk.

But this is bigger than Steve Clarke, even if he embodied it during his 7 years in charge. There’s a deeply ingrained caution in Scottish football, a fear of being embarrassed that outweighs any desire to be great. It shows up in team selection. In substitutions. In in-game management. In the language used by pundits and Scottish FA alike.

Stay in the game. Be hard to beat. Keep it tight. All of it sounds sensible. All of it sounds pragmatic. All of it is ultimately limiting. Because at elite level, survival isn’t success. Participation isn’t progress. And Scotland have become far too comfortable confusing the two.

The Scottish FA deserve just as much scrutiny here. For years, they’ve backed a model that prioritises stability over evolution. A system that values control over creativity. A structure that rewards managers who minimise risk rather than maximise potential. There’s no bold vision. No sense of identity beyond organised and difficult. And in 2026, that’s simply not enough.

The global game has moved on. Teams like Cape Verde aren’t waiting for permission to compete, they’re taking it. Scotland are still asking.

At some point, we have to call this what it is. A bottle merchant mentality. Not in the cheap, shouty sense, but in the consistent, systemic refusal to take the kind of risks that define successful teams. Because this isn’t one bad tournament. This is a pattern.

Moments where Scotland could push on and don’t. Games where they could take initiative and won’t. Situations where they could show belief and retreat instead. And that mentality starts at the top.

The Scottish FA’s leadership has cultivated an environment where caution is safe, and ambition is dangerous. Where avoiding criticism matters more than chasing excellence. Steve Clarke didn’t invent that culture. He just helped to reinforce it.

Every conservative setup. Every negative substitution. Every post-match justification about “fine margins” and “staying in games” feeds into the same narrative - We’re just happy to be here.

Cape Verde weren’t happy to be there. They wanted more. That’s the difference. Scotland should be embarrassed. Not because Scotland lost and failed to qualify for the knockout stages, but because of how they approached the opportunity. There should have been hard questions asked of Clarke’s management - but he jumped ship before he was questioned and ultimately held accountable.

There should be scrutiny of the SFA’s long-term direction. Of whether they actually have one. And there should be a serious conversation about identity. What does Scotland want to be? A team that occasionally qualifies and quietly exits? Or a team that actually competes when it gets there?

Because right now, the answer is painfully clear. And it’s not good enough.

Here’s the reality for the Tartan Army, you cannot play fear-based football on the biggest stage and expect anything other than failure. You cannot build a system around avoiding mistakes and expect to create moments. You cannot preach belief while setting up like you don’t belong. Cape Verde didn’t have better players than Scotland. They don’t have players in the top five leagues in the world unlike Scotland.

Yet they had a better mindset and in modern football, that counts for everything. Until Scotland understand that, truly understands it, this cycle will rinse and repeat. Qualification will be celebrated. The tournament will arrive and Scotland will disappear.

Again. And again. And again. That’s not bad luck. That’s a choice.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to remain at Celtic for the 2026-27 season, with Teamtalk reporting that the former England international has agreed a new one year deal with the Scottish champions, despite attracting interest from across Europe and the United States.

The 32-year-old midfielder joined Celtic shortly after the January transfer window closed, signing a short-term deal following his departure from Besiktas. Initially brought in to strengthen Martin O’Neill’s midfield options, he adapted quickly to a deeper role and made 12 appearances, scoring twice.

His return to form is understood to have prompted enquiries from Premier League sides, as well as clubs in Italy and Spain, while several MLS teams also explored a potential move. Yet the midfielder has opted to remain at Celtic Park, with O’Neill playing a significant role in the decision, viewing Oxlade-Chamberlain as a key figure within the squad, valuing his experience and versatility.

Following discussions between the club and the player’s representatives, an agreement has now been reached for him to stay on for another season. The decision provides Celtic with continuity as they prepare for another domestic title challenge and a return to Champions League competition.

Ange Postecoglou has been appointed as the new head coach of Al-Nassr, taking charge of the Saudi Pro League champions as the competition’s rapid expansion continues to draw high-profile figures from European football.

The 60-year-old Australian, who has been out of management since his brief and ill-fated spell at Nottingham Forest ended last October, has signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club. He succeeds Jorge Jesus, who departed at the end of last season after guiding Al-Nassr to the Saudi title.

Al-Nassr’s decision to appoint Postecoglou underlines both their ambition to consolidate domestic dominance and their desire to impose a more clearly defined football philosophy. His reputation for progressive, attacking football will be tested within a squad already laden with established international talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, João Félix and Kingsley Coman.

Ronaldo, who scored 30 league goals in the title-winning campaign, remains the focal point of the side, and Postecoglou’s ability to balance his principles with the demands of managing the Portuguese legend will be closely watched.

While details of Postecoglou’s contract have not been disclosed, his predecessor was reportedly earning in excess of £10m per year, reflecting the league’s continued willingness to invest heavily in elite coaching and playing talent as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader sporting strategy.

Postecoglou had been linked with several roles in recent months, including speculation surrounding the Scotland national team position following Steve Clarke’s departure and a possible return to Celtic. However, his preference for a new challenge abroad appears to have guided his decision.

He now joins a growing list of managers with British and European pedigrees operating in Saudi Arabia, including Brendan Rodgers, who took charge of Al-Qadsiah last year. Their prospective rivalry adds another narrative layer to a league increasingly positioned as a destination rather than a stepping stone.

For Postecoglou, the appointment represents both a reset and an opportunity: a chance to reassert his credentials at the highest level while navigating the distinct pressures and expectations of one of football’s fastest-evolving competitions.

Luke Graham has completed a club-record move from Dundee to Stoke City, signing a four-year contract with the Potters after a breakthrough season at Dens Park.

Dundee’s academy product arrives at the bet365 Stadium for an undisclosed fee after a campaign in which he made 40 appearances and collected the club’s Young Player and Players’ Player of the Year awards. The 22-year-old centre-back, who came through the academy at Dundee, before going out on loan to Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk before establishing himself in the first team - has also become a regular for Scotland’s Under-21s and was included in the pre-camp training squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Stoke’s sporting director Jonathan Walters welcomed Graham as “one of the brightest young defenders available this summer” and said there had been “significant interest in him from a number of clubs.”

Graham, Stoke’s fifth summer signing, said he felt “very privileged to be a Stoke City player.” Explaining that he had known of the interest for some time and that completing the move was “amazing.”

Describing his reasons for choosing the Potters, he said: “I felt like this was the perfect place for the next step in my career and, having seen a few big signings arrive already, I just want to add to that. It feels like a club back on the up, one that wants to get to the Premier League, where it belongs.”

On the coaching set-up, Graham added: “I have spoken to Ryan [Shawcross] already and I can’t wait to work with him. It was a big part in me coming here knowing the coaches are perfect to take my game to the next level. It’s ideal to be in early in pre-season to give myself the best chance to hit the ground running and every opportunity to play as many games as I can this season. I’m fit, ready to go and can’t wait to get started.”

Dundee paid tribute to Graham’s progress and expressed gratitude for his contribution as he departs for a club-record fee. The club recalled his journey from the academy, through several loan spells, to his first-team debut in July 2024 against Annan Athletic and his first league start weeks later in the 2-2 draw at Tannadice.

Reflecting on his time at Dens Park, Graham said: “Dundee has been massive for me. I wouldn’t be sat here if it wasn’t for Dundee taking a chance on me as a young kid coming through the academy. I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone around the club, all the supporters, all the teammates and everyone I’ve worked with. I’ve made a lot of really good friends along the way that I’ll stay in touch with. Pulling on a Dundee shirt was a really proud feeling for me, and I’ll be supporting the club wherever I go next.”

Reo Hatate has signalled his intention to leave Celtic this summer, admitting he is ready to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The 28-year-old midfielder endured a frustrating end to last season, slipping down the pecking order under Martin O’Neill and finding himself largely confined to the bench during the run-in.

Hatate managed just 34 minutes across Celtic’s final five Premiership fixtures and was left out entirely for both the title-clinching clash with Hearts and the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

Despite still having two years remaining on his deal at Parkhead, the Japan international has now made his feelings clear, revealing he is targeting a move to a higher level this summer.

“I would like to challenge myself in one of the top five leagues,” Hatate said in an interview with Japanese outlet FERGUS.

“I’ve had opportunities to play in the Champions League and at a high level, but I haven’t been able to do it consistently over a full season.

“I still have that desire. If possible, I want to play in a top league and compete in the Europa League or Champions League. That’s my goal.”

Hatate arrived in Glasgow during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure and quickly established himself as a key figure, playing a major role in Celtic’s domestic dominance and collecting a full set of major honours in Scotland. But his situation now reflects a wider potential reshaping of O’Neill’s squad.

Fellow Japan international Daizen Maeda is also expected to attract strong interest, with the Celtic boss admitting at the end of last season, he would not stand in the winger’s way if a Premier League opportunity emerged.

“There will be a queue of clubs wanting him,” O’Neill said. “He deserves that chance.”

Elsewhere, Celtic could face further departures, with record signing Arne Engels drawing attention from England and across Europe, while Benjamin Nygren is another name linked with a move.

Several fringe players are also expected to move on as the Hoops prepare for another title defence and a renewed push in the Champions League.

Premier League new boys Hull City have wasted no time dipping into the Scottish market, snapping up Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland as their first signing of the summer.

The 33-year-old moves to the MKM Stadium for a reported £3 million fee, penning a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months, as boss Sergej Jakirovic begins reshaping his squad ahead of the Tigers’ long-awaited top-flight comeback.

Butland departs Ibrox after three seasons as a near ever-present, clocking up 157 appearances and playing every single minute of Rangers’ 2025–26 Premiership campaign as they finished third. The former England international was a standout figure during his time in Glasgow, lifting the League Cup in his debut season and sweeping up both the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.

Prior to his move to Ibrox, Butland spent seven years at Stoke City, making 77 Premier League appearances, and also had a spell with Crystal Palace. He famously became England’s youngest-ever goalkeeper when he debuted at just 19 back in 2012, going on to earn nine caps.

Speaking after sealing the move, Butland said: “I’m delighted it’s all sorted now and I’m really excited to be here. The Premier League is the best league in the world and it’s a great opportunity to be back on that stage. I believe it’s the level I’m capable of playing at.”

Hull sealed promotion with a narrow 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May, ending a nine-year absence from the top flight.

The move also comes amid significant goalkeeper traffic between the two clubs, with Hull offloading Ivor Pandur to Rangers as part of a wider effort to stay compliant with the EPL’s profit and sustainability rules.

Butland’s arrival is expected to be just the first of several additions as Hull gear up for Premier League football.

Rangers have completed the £6 million signing of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City, with the Croatian international putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at Ibrox.

The 26-year-old arrives in Glasgow fresh from a standout season in the Championship, where he played all but one league match and played a key role in Hull’s promotion push, keeping clean sheets in both play-off semi-finals and the final.

Pandur is currently away on international duty with Croatia at the World Cup, but has already outlined his ambition after sealing the move.

Speaking to the official Rangers website, he said: “I am honoured and privileged to sign for such a big club with so much history. This club knows how to win and that’s exactly why I am joining Rangers.

“I can’t wait to hear the noise of Ibrox for the first time and I hope we will be successful together.”

Manager Derek McInnes welcomed the addition, highlighting both the goalkeeper’s presence and potential impact.

He said: “We are delighted to bring Ivor to Rangers. He is a goalkeeper with excellent presence and a strong character.

“He has shown his quality, he is at a good stage of his career, and we believe he can be a commanding figure for the club.

“I am looking forward to welcoming Ivor into the team when he returns from the World Cup.”

The move will trigger a goalkeeping reshuffle, with Jack Butland closing in on a £3m switch to Hull City.

Butland has made more than 150 appearances since arriving at Rangers in 2023 and has been a consistent presence between the posts during his time in Glasgow.

While his departure is yet to be formally confirmed, the 32-year-old has effectively said his goodbyes to supporters in an emotional social media post.

He wrote: “Three years ago I made a decision to join this great football club, with no hesitation and I’m so glad that I did.

“While it’s been a rollercoaster, I’ve always tried to represent the club in the best way I can, both on and off the pitch and I leave with great pride knowing that I truly gave the fans, the club and my team-mates my all.

“To the fans that followed us everywhere, you are what makes this club so great. We created memories and atmospheres all over Europe and the sound of Ibrox in full voice will stay with me forever.

“This is only goodbye for now. You’ve created a family of lifelong Rangers fans. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger - me and my family will always be that.”

Pandur is expected to take over as first choice ahead of the new campaign, with Scotland international Liam Kelly as back-up keeper.

Miguel Freckleton has completed a move from St Mirren to Austrian champions LASK for an undisclosed fee, with the Paisley club confirming the deal includes “significant future add-ons” and a sell-on clause.

The 22-year-old English defender departs after just one season in Paisley, having made 47 appearances and netted four goals for the Buddies. Freckleton quickly established himself as a key figure under Stephen Robinson, attracting interest after a consistent and composed campaign in the Scottish Premiership.

Prior to his move to Scotland, Freckleton came through the ranks at Sheffield United, gaining experience through a series of loan spells across the English lower leagues before making the switch to the Paisley side last summer.

He now joins a LASK side who secured their first Austrian Bundesliga title in 61 years, alongside lifting the Austrian Cup to complete a memorable double, mirroring their 1964–65 triumph.

Managed by Dietmar Kuhbauer, the Austrian champions will begin their title defence later this month and are set to enter the Champions League at the play-off stage in August, the same route Celtic will take.

St Mirren paid tribute to the departing defender, stating: “We sincerely thank Miguel for his contributions and wish him every success for the future.”

Angus Gunn is closing in on a move to Major League Soccer, with San Jose Earthquakes leading the race to sign the Scotland international on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper is currently without a club after leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract this summer, and looks set to secure a fresh start in the United States.

Gunn was Scotland’s first-choice stopper during their recent World Cup campaign, starting all three group matches under Steve Clarke. Despite a promising 1-0 win over Haiti that ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup victory, defeats to Morocco and Brazil saw Scotland exit at the group stage.

A move to the MLS would offer Gunn the regular first-team football he lacked since he moved to Forest in last season. He made just one appearance for Forest last season lasting 45 minutes, spending much of the campaign on the sidelines.

Recent reports had linked Gunn with a shock move to Manchester United and also to Celtic, but it now appears he is heading stateside.

With 25 international caps, consistent game time will be crucial if Gunn is to retain the Scotland No1 jersey under Steve Clarke’s successor. The goalkeeping position remains a concern for the national team, with limited minutes across all three current options - including Craig Gordon, and Liam Kelly

Gunn began his career at Manchester City and has since had spells with Norwich City, Southampton and Stoke City, before his most recent stint at Nottingham Forest.

A move to San Jose could provide the platform he needs to re-establish himself as Scotland’s undisputed first choice.

Rangers have completed the signing of midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year deal, beating off competition from Southampton to land the free agent.

The 24-year-old arrives at Ibrox after leaving Sunderland at the end of his contract this summer, despite strong interest from the Southampton, who had been pushing to bring him to St Mary’s.

Neil, a former England youth international, spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town but built his reputation at Sunderland, where he made over 200 senior appearances after coming through the club’s academy.

He also captained the Black Cats to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in the 2024/25 season, underlining both his leadership qualities and experience at a relatively young age.

Speaking after completing the move, Neil admitted the scale and expectation at Rangers was a major factor in his decision.

He said: “It is a new chapter for myself, and I am really excited to be signing for Rangers. I’m really looking forward to what the next few years can bring. I have played for Sunderland for a number of years and the weight and expectation of the fans to win every week is something that drives me.

“I’ve spoken to people who have been here and they said it’s a very similar feeling. That demand to deliver every week is something I thrive on.”

Manager Derek McInnes believes Neil will add quality and energy to his midfield options ahead of the new season.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Dan to the club. He will be an excellent addition to our squad. He is a technically gifted midfielder, strong in possession, capable of contributing goals and he brings tremendous energy to the team.

“At 24, he is hungry and ambitious but already has significant experience and leadership qualities, having captained Sunderland to promotion.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him throughout pre-season as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”

Neil becomes the latest addition in a busy summer at Ibrox, following the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur as Rangers continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Rangers youngster Bailey Rice has joined Kilmarnock on a season-long loan as he looks to kick-start his senior career with regular first-team football.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who recently committed his future to the Ibrox club with a new deal, will spend the upcoming campaign at Rugby Park under Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.

Rice endured a frustrating season last term, with injuries limiting his opportunities and restricting him to just one senior appearance, in the Premier Sports Cup.

Now, the highly-rated prospect will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis, who impressed during his spell at Killie last season and earned a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad.

Rice admitted the chance to link up again with McCann played a major role in his decision to make the switch.

He said: “It’s a big club, and we’ve got a good team. I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I’ve got a good relationship with them. I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back, and that’s what I like.

“I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that onto the pitch, and take games by the scruff of the neck.”

Kilmarnock boss McCann believes the move presents a major opportunity for the teenager to realise his potential.

McCann said: “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, even in his younger days. When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao, and he came on against Dundee as well.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to continue that progress under the new management team. He’s somebody that I’ve always kept an eye on and he’s got so much to offer us.

“The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That’s a challenge I think he’s going to embrace.

“He’s got so much potential, but sooner or later, potential needs to be realised, and he’s got a chance here with us.”

With game time the priority, the loan move offers Rice a crucial platform to prove himself at Premiership level and push his way back into Rangers’ long-term plans.

Rangers have completed the loan signing of former Everton and England international Ben Godfrey from Atalanta, as Derek McInnes continues his summer rebuild at Ibrox.

The 28-year-old centre-back becomes the Ibrox side’s third signing of the window, following the capture of Lawrence Shankland and the return of Ross McCrorie.

Godfrey arrives on a season-long deal from the Serie A side, with Rangers securing an option to buy if the defender impresses in Glasgow.

Once one of England’s most promising defenders, Godfrey rose through the ranks at York City before earning a move to Norwich in 2016. He played a key role in the Canaries’ promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and quickly established himself in the top flight.

That form earned him a £25million switch to Everton in 2020, where he impressed during his early seasons and broke into the England setup, winning two caps under Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2020.

However, injuries have stalled his progress in recent years. Since joining Atalanta in a £10m transfer in 2024, Godfrey has struggled for game time, making just one appearance for the Italian club and spending time out on loan at Ipswich, Sheffield United and Brondby.

Now, he arrives at Ibrox looking to reignite his career under McInnes.

Speaking after the move was confirmed, Godfrey said: “I am buzzing, I am really happy to be here. I know the size of the club so it is a massive honour to be wearing the shirt this season, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I am looking forward to meeting the boys and hopefully helping this club achieve what it deserves, which is silverware and exciting times.”

Manager McInnes believes the defender’s experience at the top level can prove vital as Rangers look to reclaim domestic dominance.

He said: “Ben is a player who has competed at a very high level throughout his career. He’s played in the Premier League, been involved with England, and brings a lot of experience with him.

“He’s a strong, athletic defender with good qualities both on and off the ball, and we believe he can add a lot to the squad. We’re pleased to get him in, and I’m looking forward to working with him in the season ahead.”

With defensive reinforcements now arriving, Rangers’ summer overhaul shows no sign of slowing as McInnes reshapes the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Celtic have announced the signing of Hearts coach Ross Grant as part of Martin O’Neill’s backroom team ahead of the new season.

The Premiership champions confirmed the appointment as they continue to fine-tune their coaching setup following last month’s title win, edging out Grant’s former side in the process.

Grant makes the switch from Tynecastle to Parkhead after playing a key role in Hearts’ impressive campaign, but now finds himself with the League champions following a summer of upheaval in Edinburgh.

The move comes after the departure of Gavin Strachan, with O’Neill wasting little time in bringing in a specialist operator to bolster his staff, particularly in the increasingly crucial area of set-piece coaching.

In an official statement, Celtic said: “The club has been working on developing its football backroom team in recent weeks and we are now also pleased to confirm that Ross Grant will be joining Martin O’Neill’s coaching staff, with Ross having particular focus on set piece analysis and coaching.

“Ross joins the Premiership champions from Heart of Midlothian, where he was a hugely important part of their coaching team last season.

“Holding a UEFA ‘A’ Licence, he also previously worked with Dundee United for four years and has spent the last year with Hearts.

“A lifelong Celtic supporter, Ross has valuable experience in set piece analysis, coaching and player development.”

O’Neill himself welcomed the addition, saying: “I am really pleased to welcome Ross to our backroom staff, I know he is a highly rated coach and look forward to working with him.”

Grant’s exit is the latest blow for Hearts, who have seen their core dismantled in dramatic fashion since the end of the season. Manager Derek McInnes has already jumped ship to Rangers, while captain Lawrence Shankland also made the move to Ibrox.

For Celtic, though, it’s another calculated raid on a direct rival and a clear signal that O’Neill is leaving nothing to chance as he looks to retain the title.

The shape of the debate

The names being floated tell their own story: Alex Neil, David Moyes, John McGlynn, Neil McCann, Scot Gemmill, Steven Naismith, Barry Ferguson and Steven Pressley have all been mentioned in the conversation, but not all candidates carry the same weight. Some are serious options, some are convenient media filler, and some feel like they are there because Scotland’s coaching debate often recycles familiar surnames rather than fresh ideas.

David Moyes and Ange Postecoglou should be the top two on any real shortlist. Moyes offers experience, authority and a proven ability to organise a team, while Postecoglou offers a bolder footballing reset, knowledge of the Scottish game, and international experience from his time with Australia.

Why Ange first?

If Scotland are serious about ripping up the script, Ange Postecoglou is the most compelling candidate. He knows the Scottish and English football landscapes, he has already managed at the elite level in Britain, and he has worked in international football with Australia, which matters because the national-team job is not a club job with extra downtime - it is a short-cycle, high-pressure role where clarity matters more than endless complexity.

His recent spell at Nottingham Forest may have been a horror show, but one mistake does not erase the bigger picture especially given the Europa League success he had at Tottenham - despite their Premier League record. The key point is that he is available now, he has a clear footballing identity, and Scotland need a manager who can arrive quickly and impose an idea rather than spend six months explaining why the transition period is still a transition.

Moyes as the safety net

David Moyes is the obvious conservative pick, and there is nothing wrong with that if the Scottish FA wants stability with a hard edge. With around a year left on his Everton contract, he sits in the category of a realistic elite-level operator who could come in, restore standards and make Scotland harder to beat almost immediately.

He would not be the thrilling appointment, but he might be the sensible one. Scotland have spent enough years being told to be patient while waiting for the stars to align, and Moyes at least gives the feeling of a manager who would demand order, work ethic and accountability from day one.

The wildcard

Kieran McKenna is the curveball, and he is worth serious consideration even if he is not the headline-grabber. His profile fits the modern international job in a way that some bigger names do not, because he offers structure, control and tactical discipline without the all-or-nothing volatility that can sink a national team.

There is, however, a practical issue, if he is appointed within 12 months of leaving Ipswich, compensation may still be involved. That does not make him impossible, but it does mean Scotland would need to weigh the footballing upside against the financial and contractual reality of pulling him in early.

The noise candidates

The rest of the field feels much shakier. Neil McCann, Steven Naismith, Barry Ferguson and Steven Pressley are the kind of names that often travel well in column inches and betting chatter, but they do not automatically become convincing simply because they are familiar to Scottish audiences.

John McGlynn and Alex Neil deserve more respect than some of the louder social-media takes allow, but they are still different sorts of appointments from the Postecoglou-Moyes-McKenna tier. They may be capable coaches, yet the scale of this reset means Scotland should be looking for a figure who changes the mood, the structure and the standard all at once.

Time to clear space

Whoever comes in has to rip up the script and make room for a new generation. That means paying due tribute to the old guard, but also accepting that Scotland cannot keep leaning on the same names, the same habits and the same comfort zones if they want different results.

It also means the whole coaching structure needs a shake-up, not just the senior dugout. The next men’s manager should be working more closely and more coherently with the Under-21 setup, rather than inheriting a system that exists in parallel with the national team instead of feeding it properly.

Gemmill question

Scot Gemmill is the most obvious structural talking point, because the Under-21s have not delivered enough to justify indefinite continuity. The case for change is not really about personalities; it is about outputs, and when a youth pathway is not producing meaningful progress, the country is entitled to ask why the same setup remains in place after a decade.

If Scotland want a genuine reset, then the senior appointment and the Under-21 structure should be discussed together. A new boss should not just be parachuted in to inherit the old architecture; he should help redesign it so that the pathway actually feeds the national team instead of functioning as a protected island.

The verdict

If the question is who should be top of the list, in my opinion, it should be Ange Postecoglou, with David Moyes just behind him and Kieran McKenna lurking as the intriguing modern alternative. Postecoglou gives Scotland the biggest tactical and cultural shock to the system, Moyes gives them authority and control, and McKenna gives them a progressive long-term football brain despite the compensation complication.

Scotland do not need another managerial compromise dressed up as consensus. They need a fresh start, a sharper structure and a coach brave enough to change the atmosphere before he even changes the team, and help guide us to major tournaments where we don’t hide behind fear and past failures.

Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland head coach just hours after the national side’s World Cup campaign came to a bitter end.

Scotland’s elimination was confirmed on Saturday night following Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia, a result that ended any slim hopes of progression as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Within an hour of that outcome, Clarke’s departure was officially announced, bringing an immediate close to his seven-year tenure.

The 62-year-old leaves as a legacy as the first men’s head coach to guide the national team to three major tournaments. His reign restored Scotland’s presence on the international stage, culminating in qualification for their first World Cup since 1998.

That achievement had been rewarded with a new four-year contract signed just last month, making the timing of his exit all the more striking.

Ultimately, however, Scotland’s long-standing inability to progress beyond the group stage proved decisive. A narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti, their first World Cup win in 36 years, kicked off the campaign, but it was followed by a controversial 1-0 defeat to Morocco and a damaging 3-0 loss to Brazil that shattered their goal difference and left qualification hanging by a thread.

Clarke’s side were then forced into a long anxious wait as other group results unfolded, but their fate was sealed once Croatia defeated Ghana, confirming Scotland could not finish among the top eight third-placed teams.

In an open letter to supporters, Clarke reflected on his tenure with a sense of pride rather than regret.

He recalled being warned the job was a “poisoned chalice” when he first took charge in 2019, but said he could not turn down the opportunity to lead his country. His primary objective to qualify for major tournaments was achieved, and he highlighted the renewed bond between the team and supporters as his greatest success.

Clarke pointed to memorable nights such as the victory over Spain at Hampden and the dramatic win over Denmark that secured World Cup qualification, as well as the travelling Tartan Army’s impact across the United States this summer.

Despite those highs, tournament performances remained a persistent frustration. Across three major finals, Scotland managed just one win - the recent success against Haiti - and once again fell short of reaching the knockout stages.

Clarke paid tribute to his players, from captain Andy Robertson to emerging talents, praising their commitment and role in what he described as a period of sustained progress.

His departure now leaves the Scottish FA facing a pivotal decision as they look to build on the foundations Clarke established while finally addressing the team’s long-standing struggles on the biggest stage.

Scottish football does not need another review, another working group, or another round of warm words from the same suits fronting our governing bodies. It needs a hard reset, because the real problem is no longer just what happens on the pitch, but a governance culture that keeps producing consultations, promises and pilot schemes while the gap between Scotland and better-run football nations keeps widening.

The latest humiliation at a major tournament has only sharpened that truth. Scotland can sell the atmosphere, the travelling support and the romance of belonging to something bigger, but it cannot keep hiding from the more brutal question - how long before its governing bodies admit that the structure is broken and that the answer is not another cheap patch job?

The McLeish Warning

The Henry McLeish review in 2010 was supposed to be the blueprint for a modern Scottish game. It contained more than 100 recommendations aimed at overhauling grassroots football, academy structures, league organisation and governance, and it was framed as a chance to drag the sport into a more coherent future.

Instead, the grand vision stalled because the Scottish FA wanted to pick and choose what they wanted to implement. The money never materialised at the scale required, the powerful interests in the game protected their own territory, and the regional academy network that was meant to transform development never truly arrived. That failure matters because Scotland has spent years repeating the same cycle - identify the problem, commission a review, then hesitate when the fixes become politically awkward.

McLeish’s central point from his report still lands today. Scotland has long been under-funded, under-coordinated and too willing to confuse talking about reform with actually delivering it. That is not a development model. It is a ritual of self-deception.

The Youth Crisis

The Scottish FA’s latest youth-development review is stark about the scale of the problem. It says Scotland has qualified for only one of 39 possible UEFA Under-19 and Under-21 European Championships since 2000, that fewer Scottish players are getting minutes in the top five European leagues than 25 years ago, and that the share of young players reaching senior football in the Scottish Premiership has reached crisis point.

That should have ended the argument. If the system is producing that kind of record, then the issue is not whether Scottish football needs a bit more patience or a new slogan. The issue is that the current pathway is not working to justify leaving it untouched.

What makes the report so important is that it does not just describe failure; it implies the need for a different model. Scotland cannot rely on a narrow elite pipeline and hope that enough talent somehow bubbles through. It needs earlier development, better retention and a much clearer structure for turning prospects into professionals.

Why homegrown rules matter

That is why I believe Scottish football should impose a homegrown player rule similar to other European nations - that goes beyond the three Under-21 players rule we had before it was mothballed when the SPFL was created in 2013. A domestic quota would not be a cosmetic change. It would be a structural safeguard that forces all clubs to plan around development instead of treating young players as an optional extra when the budget is tight.

UEFA already requires clubs in its competitions to register locally trained players, so some Scottish clubs are already living within this logic whenever they reach Europe. The contradiction is obvious though, that a club may build one kind of squad for domestic football and then discover it must reshape everything for European competition. That creates rushed recruitment, awkward squad management, and the kind of short-term thinking that always damages youth development at clubs.

A homegrown rule would bring the domestic game into line with the reality clubs already face on the continent. It would also tell every club that youth development is not a hobby for good times, but part of the business of running a modern football side.

The emotional reality

This debate is not just technical, it is emotional. Scotland’s support is genuine, loud and deeply committed, but it is also too often used as a shield for the mediocrity of their national team. The Tartan Army can be magnificent, yet no amount of atmosphere can disguise the fact that the football itself has too often fallen short when the pressure rises.

That is why the latest failure at the 2026 World Cup hurts so much. Scotland keeps behaving as if passion alone should count for something, when what really counts is whether the country has built a system capable of producing enough players who can compete at the highest level and belongs on the world stage. It is not enough to be beloved for it’s support. At some point, everyone has to sit back and realise that Scotland has to be respected for the football more.

The uncomfortable comparison is with smaller nations that have less wealth, less tradition and sometimes less visibility, but clearer structures. Scotland is not short on ambition. It is short on decisive systems that turn ambition into results.

The club argument

From the club perspective, a homegrown rule is not anti-competition. It is pro-sustainability. Scottish Premiership clubs are not mainly failing because they cannot identify talent. They are failing because the system gives them too few incentives, too little time and too much pressure to choose short-term fixes over long-term value.

That pressure is real. Managers are judged on points, boards are judged on immediate stability, and young players are judged harshly for every mistake they make and they will make mistakes. If a teenager does not play, clubs say he is not ready. If he is not ready, they say he needs game time. And if he needs game time, they often do not give it to him. It is a loop that sustains itself.

A homegrown quota changes that conversation. It does not guarantee that every academy player will become a star. But it does guarantee that clubs cannot endlessly defer the question of youth development. They would have to plan, invest and make space for talent before a crisis forces their hand.

The financial logic

The economic argument is just as strong. Homegrown talent is cheaper to develop, cheaper to retain and more likely to create transfer profit than a model built around foreign signings and the constant churn.

Imported players often come with upfront fees, agent costs, wage inflation, and the hidden cost of recruitment mistakes. Academy graduates, by contrast, are already inside the system. Promoting them is usually less expensive than going back into the market to solve every problem with a new signing. That matters in a league where budgets are tight and one poor recruitment window can ripple through several seasons.

The bigger prize is resale value. A club that develops a player owns an asset. A club that repeatedly buys in short-term fixes mostly recycles money. Scotland cannot outspend richer leagues, so it has to outthink them. The way to do that is by turning development into value, not treating youth investment as a sentimental side issue.

What other leagues show

Successful homegrown models in Europe are not sentimental exercises. They are strategic systems. Spain is the clearest example of how that can work when development is embedded into the culture of the league. LaLiga’s own figures say homegrown players have the highest market value in Europe, and that Spanish clubs give youth players a significant share of minutes while also generating a larger share of transfer income from academy-trained players.

The lesson is not that every league should copy Spain in exact detail. The lesson is that development becomes more powerful when it is treated as a commercial and sporting asset at the same time. That is how clubs create value rather than merely spending it.

Germany offers a different lesson. Its model leans more heavily toward infrastructure, coaching environments and long-term system-building. The point there is that not every successful football nation relies on a simple play more kids slogan. Some countries build the conditions for better players to emerge, even if the route to first-team football is less direct.

France, meanwhile, shows how a strong academy culture can support both domestic competition and the transfer market. The French model has long been associated with producing players who can succeed at home and abroad, which is exactly why it remains economically relevant. The common thread across these examples is that local talent is protected by structure.

Why Scotland needs structure

Scotland’s problem is that it has spent too long relying on goodwill, individual philosophy and the occasional burst of optimism. The latest youth review shows that the transition between academy football and senior football is still weak, especially in the 16 to 21 age bracket. That is the part of the system where good intentions go to die.

A domestic homegrown rule would help because it would turn development from a choice into an obligation. That matters in a small market, because without an obligation the biggest clubs will always feel pressure to chase immediate solutions, while the smaller clubs will continue to struggle to convert youth work into long-term gain.

This is where the old arguments collapse. A homegrown rule is not a guarantee of success, but nor is the current system. What the current system guarantees is drift. It guarantees that another generation will be told the talent is there, the pathway is being reviewed, and the fixes will come later. They never do.

The case for courage

There is a wider cultural point here too. Scottish football has become too comfortable with describing its problems as if they are unavoidable. They are not unavoidable. They are consequences of choices, priorities and the unwillingness to make some clubs and administrators uncomfortable in the short term for the sake of the game’s future.

That is why a phased quota would make sense. Clubs would need time to adapt, but the direction of travel would be clear. Start with a lower threshold, move toward a stronger homegrown requirement, and make it impossible for the game to pretend that youth development is optional.

A rule like that would not solve coaching standards, pitch quality, governance failures or every funding issue. But it would force the entire system to move in the same direction. That alone would be a major step forward.

Will words turn to action?

How long will it take before Scotland’s football authorities admit that another review is not enough? How many more failed tournaments will it take before someone accepts that the problem is not a lack of passion, but a lack of structure?

Scottish football does not need to burn everything to the ground to start again, but it does need to stop protecting a model that has repeatedly failed to deliver. The McLeish review, the latest youth-development review and the continued struggle to turn promising players into senior professionals all point to the same conclusion - the system is exhausted, it is passed its sell by date, and the next reform must be real.

A homegrown player rule would not be a magic fix. It would be something more useful than that, a demand that Scottish football start acting like a country serious about developing its own talent. That is the challenge now. And the longer it waits, the more permanent the damage becomes.

Celtic have confirmed that defender Hayato Inamura has joined FC Tokyo on a permanent transfer, less than a year after arriving at the club.

The Japanese player signed a four-year deal with Celtic last summer but made just one Scottish Premiership appearance during his time in Glasgow. He moved to FC Tokyo on loan in January in search of regular first-team football.

Following that loan spell, the J-League side have now completed a permanent deal to bring Inamura back to Japan.

Celtic have confirmed the appointment of Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff, several weeks after the Northern Irishman was unveiled as the club’s permanent manager.

Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and former captain Stephen McManus will all continue in their roles, working alongside O’Neill and the wider coaching team ahead of the new season.

The trio each played a key role in Celtic’s 2025/26 campaign, which saw the club secure a league and cup double, with both trophies sealed across the final two weekends of the season.

Their confirmation comes after a delay of more than two weeks following O’Neill’s appointment, during which reports had suggested that agreements with Maloney and Fotheringham had stalled due to financial considerations. The club has now formalised the coaching structure as preparations continue for the new campaign.

The announcement also follows the recent departure of first-team coach Gavin Strachan, who has left Celtic to take up a role at West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking after his backroom team was confirmed, Martin O’Neill said: “Everybody at the club played their part in our achievements last season and we now look ahead as again we strive together to bring our supporters more success.”

Rangers have announced the signing of Ross McCrorie on a three-year contract, with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance.

The 28-year-old defender rejoins the Ibrox side from English Championship club Bristol City for an undisclosed fee, having spent the past three seasons as a key figure at Ashton Gate.

A product of the Rangers academy, McCrorie made his first-team debut in September 2017 and went on to make more than 50 appearances before leaving on a permanent basis in 2021, when he was signed by Derek McInnes for Aberdeen.

Speaking to RangersTV after completing the move, McCrorie said: “It is a dream come true to come back up the road to the team I support. I am not that little kid who was at Rangers back in the day. I have changed a lot character-wise, and player-wise, I feel I have changed massively. I feel like I am ready now, and I want to come back here and win trophies.”

Manager Derek McInnes added: “Ross is someone I signed for Aberdeen from Rangers, and at that time he wanted to go out and prove himself, which I think says a lot for him.

“He has developed and improved as a player, he has got that added experience, he is a full international now, and he knows the club inside out.

“In the conversations I have had with him, a lot of things I am saying are things he wants from the club as well, so he’s a determined and competitive boy on the pitch, and he is determined to bring good times back to the club.”

McCrorie becomes Derek McInnes’ first signing as Rangers manager and is set to link up with Scotland international team mate Lawrence Shankland, who is expected to join the squad following his involvement at the World Cup, after he signed from Hearts at the start of the transfer window.