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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic cult hero Efe Ambrose sparks chaos on shock Scottish football return in NINTH tier as he turns up LATE for debut
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC cult hero Efe Ambrose is officially BACK in Scottish football. But he sparked a bit of chaos on his debut - after arriving LATE. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 5 Efe Ambrose took on Lionel Messi as a Celtic player Credit: Getty 5 He enjoyed plenty of silverware success at Parkhead Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow 5 Ambrose has played for several Scottish clubs including Queen of the South Credit: Kenny Ramsay Ambrose, 36, was with Celtic for five years between 2012 and 2017. He quickly established himself as a regular and won four league titles as a Hoops player, also winning both domestic cups once each. The former Nigeria international, capped 51 times for his country, was also part of the Celtic side that famously beat Barcelona in the Champions League in November 2012. Ambrose was somewhat an enigma during his time at Parkhead. Then Celtic manager Neil Lennon hit out at the defender after he ended up missing the team bus to training before a crunch Champions League clash with Juventus in 2013. Ambrose slept in and ended up having to get a taxi in Turin to make it for the session. While he was capable of a superb performance, Ambrose's showings were at times met with criticism too. He was ultimately frozen out of first team affairs when Brendan Rodgers replaced Ronny Deila as manager in 2016. Moves to Standard Liege and Blackburn fell through before he headed for Hibs on loan in February 2017. He would subsequently join the Easter Road club permanently before exercising an option in his contract to leave in January 2019, joining Derby. Rodgers' message to Celtic board, striker woes & huge Champions League risk After eight months without a club, Ambrose was back in Scotland again in February 2020 with Livingston. Becoming a bit of a journeyman, he then turned out for St Johnstone, Dunfermline, Morton and Queen of the South during a rather busy three-year spell. Ambrose went to England once again with Bury and spent the last year with Workington. But now, he's back in Scottish football again. This time, he's headed for the NINTH tier. Ambrose has joined West of Scotland League Third Division club Glasgow United for the upcoming season. The club have posted a picture of the defender holding his new kit. Ambrose has, in fact, already made his debut for his new team - and it was a bit chaotic. The West of Scotland League kicked-off on Saturday and Glasgow United headed for Ayrshire to take on Ardeer Thistle in their season opener. 5 Glasgow United confirmed Ambrose's arrival Credit: X/@GLASGOWUTDFC 5 Ardeer Thistle revealed the debut didn't quite go to plan! And a post on X from the home team revealed that Glasgow United endured a rather bizarre start to the game. That's because Ambrose showed up LATE - with his team starting with a man less! In the 12th minute of the game, Ardeer posted: "Not much to report other than Glasgow United starting the match with 10 men. "Efe Ambrose has now turned up and takes his place in the back line." Ten minutes later, Glasgow United had a man sent off and were once again back down to ten men. Ardeer won the match 3-0. After Ambrose's shock appearance, the club confirmed after the game that they'd signed the ex-Celtic man. On Facebook, they said: "He is here. Efe Ambrose put the pen to paper and made his debut but there is still more to come." Fans were stunned to see Ambrose back in the Scottish game. One fan said: "Efe Ambrose in Shettleston wasn't on my 2025 Bingo card." While another said: "Efe Ambrose, the gift that keeps on giving." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Tony Watt impressed with Mark Wilson's tactical vision
Talk is all well and good, but it is Wilson's actions that have left Watt convinced he made the right call. The centre-forward had other offers, but Wilson's vision and attention to detail won him over very quickly. And once he signed on the dotted line in Maryhill, he knew he had made the right choice. 'It took quite a while, but there was an opportunity to maybe go abroad, or here, and the abroad one was crazy,' Watt explained. 'It took me about a week or ten days just to explore it, and then after that I spoke with the manager, and I was sold straight away. 'When we actually sat down and spoke, I gave him a word after the coffee and said I'll sign. It just took a week and that was it done. 'The thing that struck me was… I'm quite a good judge of character. I know him obviously through training together because we've played together and he had a great career. But when I spoke to him he was just talking about the small culture changes. 'I've heard the word 'culture' getting bandied about in football: 'Culture, we need to do this, blah, blah, blah', but nobody really doing anything. But he was showing me good examples of the small things that he's doing to improve the club. Just stupid things that people wouldn't understand if they don't know how to run a football club; he was doing small things and I was thinking, 'He's legit, he's serious'. 'And then after two training sessions I was straight in. I've said it to him - I'm impressed. I've said it to the boys. The video analysis, the way details stuff, the way we train, everything. It's good.' One of the biggest tactical tweaks Wilson has implemented during pre-season has been an aggressive high press. It worked a treat during the first half of Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Queen of the South, and Watt says it's the kind of set-up he enjoys playing in. 'I prefer it,' he said. 'I've always preferred it in my career because, contrary to popular belief, my game's probably running – running in behind, pressing people, getting joy, annoying defenders. 'It's good. The way we were set up the other night was brilliant. Straight from the first minute we were on them and it helps you with your jobs, it means you don't really need to think. He's taken the thinking away in my pressing. I don't want this just to be about me praising the manager and trying to get myself on the team! But he's really good, him and Alec Rae.' As the only fit senior striker available for today's trip to Dingwall for the fourth and final Premier Sports Cup group stage fixture, Watt's place in the starting XI seems assured. Having scored on his debut in the 2-0 win over Stranraer, he then failed to add to his tally on Tuesday night, largely due to some goalkeeping heroics from Ross Stewart. One double save – where the keeper twice denied Watt from point-blank range – was particularly impressive. 'The keeper's done me with the second save,' Watt admitted. 'The first one's an unbelievable save, and the second one he smothers is unbelievable. Obviously I'm disappointed it never went in, but to be honest, there's not much more I can do. I'm stretching for the first one and I'm going for the rebound in the second one, so the keeper done well. 'We could have been 3, 4, 5-0 up. The keeper was excellent and I'm just glad that Fitzy got the breakthrough. He's a game-changer and he changed the game for us.' Thistle travel to Dingwall this afternoon in a straight shoot-out for top spot in Group B. A point is enough for Wilson's men to do just that, and Watt says he and his team-mates will be looking to looking to replicate their free-flowing first-half display against Queens against Ross County. 'We'll do our analysis on them and we'll see where they lie and we'll see how we can do it,' he said. 'We just need to go into every game with the same attitude and application we did on Tuesday and give the supporters something to be proud of. 'I think the manager has done that so far and I think the players have done that so far. I can't take credit for the first two results [in the group stage ] because I didn't start and I came in a bit late. But the work they've done before I came in, it must have been good because every game there's been a kind of disciplined, rigid, front-footed attacking performance. And I think if you marry all that together you've got a good recipe [for success].'
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Malky Mackay provides Hibs transfer exit verdict as player leaves club
The Hibs sporting director has sent a parting message to the player as he leaves Easter Road. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Malky Mackay has praised one departing Hibs talent as he prepares for life up north after ending time at Easter Road. Oscar MacIntyre is a product of the club's youth academy and has had loan spells with Annan Athletic plus Queen of the South in time at Hibs. The left back has built up plenty of senior experience with 60 games at League One level and with chances of edging either Nicky Cadden or Jordan Obita out of senior contention unlikely, he is going back to the third tier permanently. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Inverness CT have made their move on a one year deal. Sporting director Mackay had high praise for the departing 20-year-old who is now being challenged to forge a senior career for himself elsewhere. Malky Mackay verdict on departing Hibs player He said: 'First of all, I would like to wish Oscar all the best in his future career. He is a great kid, with an excellent attitude and is a credit to his family. This move will give Oscar the chance to kick-on with the rest of his career and to challenge himself at a competitive level with a good club. Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes Oscar all the best.' A Hibs statement reads: 'We can confirm that Oscar MacIntyre has joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a permanent transfer. The Academy graduate made his senior First Team debut in May 2022 against St Johnstone as a second half substitute. MacIntyre also played every minute of Hibs Under-19s' 2022/23 UEFA Youth League campaign, performing against Molde FK, FC Nantes and Borussia Dortmund, while playing two more times for the First Team that same season. He went on to spend the 2023/24 season out on loan with Queen of the South and Annan Athletic, before rejoining the former on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.' Hibs transfer exit confirmed An Inverness statement adds: 'Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are delighted to announce the permanent transfer of defender Oscar MacIntyre from Hibernian FC, on an initial 1-year deal subject to SFA clearance. Oscar, 20 years-old, predominately a left back but can also play right back. He signed for the Hibernian Academy in 2019 from fellow Edinburgh side The Spartans. He signed his first professional contract with the Hibees in 2021 and he made his first team debut in May 2022. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'While at Hibs, Oscar had two loan spells with League One side Queen of the South both last season and previously for the first half of season 2023-24. He spent the second half of 2023-24 on loan at Annan Athletic. The club would like to place on record our thanks to Hibernian FC for their assistance with this transfer. Welcome to Inverness, Oscar!'
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Football fan injured after 'incident' at Glasgow match
Partick Thistle Football Club said they were 'appalled' after a Queen of the South supporter was left injured following an altercation at the end of their League Cup clash. STV News reported the incident happened on Tuesday, July 22, after the Jags' victory over the League One side at Firhill Stadium in Maryhill, Glasgow. READ MORE: New speed camera to be switched on in busy Glasgow area next week It is understood that an away supporter was left with a suspected broken nose as their drum was pinched at the end of the match. Police said they were alerted to the incident shortly before 10pm on Tuesday. The force received a report of a person having been injured in the area. Officers said the person received treatment at the scene. An investigation is underway. A statement from Partick Thistle read: 'Players and officials of Partick Thistle were appalled at the incident that occurred after the final whistle in last night's game with Queen of the South at the Wyre Stadium at Firhill. 'We thank the group of home and away fans that came to the assistance of the young visiting supporter in the aftermath, and also thank our first team medical staff who applied treatment in the club's physio department. 'Queen of the South have provided an update this morning, and we are pleased to hear that the young person involved is doing well and echo their wishes for a speedy recovery. 'The matter is now in the hands of Police Scotland.' A spokesperson for Queen of the South added: 'The club are disappointed with the incident that took place after our cup tie against Partick Thistle. 'We are delighted to hear that those involved are ok and wish them a speedy recovery. 'Supporters should be allowed to follow their team safely, and we are pleased that the matter is now being handled by Police Scotland. 'Thank you to all the Partick and Queens fans who helped in the aftermath and to Partick Thistle FC for their assistance.' A Police Scotland spokesperson added: 'Around 9.45pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, officers received a report of a person having been injured in the Firhill Road area of Glasgow. 'He received treatment at the scene. 'Enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Lets'osa wasting no time in making big impression at Partick Thistle
Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Queen of the South would be the acid test. The fans had already taken to Lets'osa's personable nature, but it is his performances on the park that will ultimately define his time in Maryhill. The Lesotho-born player was pitched into the starting XI for his debut as fans got to see the club's latest recruit in a competitive game for the first time. He had the entire stadium rooting for him within minutes. Somehow, his efforts on the pitch were even more enthusiastic than his responses in that interview. He was seemingly everywhere; marauding around the park, taking his man on, charging forward to join the attack at every opportunity. He would get his reward around half an hour into his debut. Moments after Aidan Fitzpatrick had slammed Thistle ahead with a free-kick, the same player found himself bearing down on goal with no one to stop him making it 2-0. The winger drove at goal, spotting a lung-busting run from Lets'osa before squaring it to his team-mate for the simplest of finishes. It capped off a fine debut for Lets'osa – known as 'T' among his team-mates – and the man himself could not have been more pleased. Although, one suspects that he would still have been remarkably chipper had Thistle lost the game. He doesn't just play with a smile on his face; he appears to live with a huge grin permanently etched across it. 'Of course I'm happy,' Lets'osa said after the 2-0 win, which could have easily been six or seven. 'All glory to the Lord Jesus. He gave me the strength and peace on the pitch. I was able to play my happiest game. 'I think everybody was able to see that in the stands, from the staff, from the team-mates who encouraged me on the pitch. So I'm really happy. 'To be honest, I think after the interview I already won the fans' hearts! I think I had more pressure to be able to deliver on the pitch, but I did my best. I hope they enjoyed it. Not just myself, but the team performance. We're here to play for the team. 'Hopefully I can play more than 60 [minutes going forward]! I need to keep my legs strong, keep my self ticking over. I'm really happy to even just play, to be honest. I'm so happy, so blessed. I'm really happy everything's going so well so far.' Lets'osa certainly put in the hard yards for his debut goal. He sprinted more than half the pitch's length in order to provide an option for his team-mate – although he admits he wasn't sure if Fitzpatrick would simply go it alone, rather than slipping him in. Ts'oanelo Lets'osa scores on his Partick Thistle debut (Image: Partick Thistle) 'To be honest, when I started sprinting all the way through the pitch, I was like, 'You have to now!' after me running,' Lets'osa laughs. 'No, I'm joking. I didn't know he was going to pass it, but it just shows the team bond, how we are close and we're becoming close on the pitch as well. I was really happy just for him to pass the ball to me like that. 'It does look far on the pitch, but the coach has been training us very well. Us as a team, we're all fit. I believe the fans saw that [against Queens]. Our pressing – Craw [Robbie Crawford], Logan [Chalmers], Fitzy, Tony [Watt] - we all did our work and it gave our defence such an easy job at the back, to be honest. 'It gave us confidence being able to show how good we are in the press and how organised we were. I think we're just disciplined. If we keep that going for the next couple of games, I think they'll be more prosperous games.' Both head coach Mark Wilson and assistant Alex Rae were highly vocal throughout Tuesday's Premier Sports Cup fixture as they issued tactical instructions from the sidelines. Lets'osa is particularly grateful for Rae's expertise, given the fine playing career the former Falkirk, Sunderland and Wolves midfielder enjoyed. 'Definitely,' said Lets'osa. 'I always like to ask questions, just to be able to learn. It's always good to have someone you can learn from. Someone who's been at that level, who's more experienced than you. Just to take tips and just to guide you. 'His wisdom can help me on the pitch. He also helped me on the pitch [against Queens], scanning, keeping the game simple. It's an easy game, but sometimes it can be difficult to play the easy game. He's teaching me a lot, so I'm really happy to have him, and Mark as well. It's been amazing.' You'll be hard pressed to find a happier man in Glasgow – heck, in Scotland – than Thistle's latest recruit. His infectious positivity is plainly apparent, and he says the warm welcome he has received has helped him to settle in quickly. 'I would just say the peace that I feel being at the club, being with the team-mates, the coaching staff - I don't think I can ever go away from that,' Lets'osa replied when asked if anything stood out from his first week in Maryhill. 'Every time, from the first moment I came in, the training, the coach speaking with me, the boys just encouraging me, just being good lads at the end of the day. Also, then seeing the fans on the open day [last Sunday] and now seeing them together on the pitch. So I think that's the one thing I can say that's really remarkable, if that's the right word to say.' It's difficult to think of a more suitable word to sum up Lets'osa's first week with Thistle.
