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STV News
02-08-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Premiership preview: Will Rangers revolution end Celtic's title dominance?
As the new league season kicks off on Saturday afternoon, there's a sense of 'out with the old, in with the new' around the Premiership this year. Two sides have come up from the Championship, five of the 12 teams are under new management and over 90 players have been signed before the opening games. One thing that hasn't changed is that Celtic go into the new season as defending champions, but there's expected to be a fresh challenge from across the city after changes at Rangers, while a host of teams from across the country have invested in their squad and are looking upwards. It's certain to be another top-flight season packed with drama, controversy and competition, and it all gets under way this weekend. All 12 sides are optimistic and hoping for a season to remember but there will be winners and losers, with plenty of twists and turns before we know who will be vying to lift the trophy next May, and who will be in the scrap against relegation. SNS Group As title-winners for 13 of the last 14 seasons, there's no arguing that Celtic are the team to beat in the Premiership once again. Brendan Rodgers' side were 17 points clear of their nearest rivals last season and fired in 112 goals across their 38 games, underlining their goal threat. The title win was built on a fast start that saw the Parkhead side win 16 of their first 18 league games and not taste defeat until January. Ahead of the new campaign, some new faces have been added as Ross Doohan, Hayato Inamura, Shin Yamada, Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren join the club, and one familiar face returns in the shape of Scotland star Kieran Tierney. But there's been growing disquiet among the support with a lack of bigger-name signings arriving, especially with Nicolas Kuhn sold to Como, Greg Taylor joining PAOK and Jota out with a long-term injury. Any rivals rubbing their hands at that might be advised to wait though, there were similar complaints from fans in previous season and by the end of the window a squad was in place that was a level above the rest and Rodgers has said that he expects new recruits to come in. The team has a core of experienced players who have been over the course and picked up trophy after trophy in the past few years, while developing talent like Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah all have another season under their belts. Anything less than a title win would of course be a disaster, but Celtic are favourites for a reason and have shown their strength and quality time after time. SNS Group Sporting director Kevin Thelwell and new head coach Russell Martin have been rebuilding the Rangers squad. The revolution starts here? That's what the Rangers support is hoping for after an American consortium, including the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, completed their takeover at Ibrox after the end of last season. The target from new chairman Andrew Cavenagh has been clear: sustained success in winning silverware in Scotland, and progress in Europe. New head coach Russell Martin has already taken a first step on that long journey with the win over Panathinaikos that means the club is just two rounds away from a return to the Champions League. The real test for the new-look squad is going to be how they fare in domestic competitions though, with a convincing challenge for the title a must. Martin has been backed in the transfer market, and the club have acted quickly to add new recruits to suit the coach's style of play. Eight players have moved to Glasgow already this summer, with more to come and Djeidi Gassama has already caught the eye with two goals in Europe. English Premier League loanees Max Aarons and Nasser Djiga should improve the back line, while teenage Spurs attacker is an exciting addition to the attack. The last season was a miserable one for Rangers fans to endure, with struggles against teams throughout the division and the loss of Ibrox's reputation as a ground where players fear to tread. That has to change but there's been investment and action to match Cavenagh's confident talk, and Martin is now challenged with turning the signings into a cohesive unit that can outdo Celtic and lift the Premiership trophy. Whatever happens at Ibrox over the next ten months, it won't be boring. Outside the Glasgow giants there are plenty of clubs brimming with confidence that they can also have a successful season but maybe none more so than Aberdeen. Last season's against-the-odds Scottish Cup triumph delivered memorable scenes at Hampden and at an epic bus parade through the Granite City but it also provided a positive end to what was a mixed first season in Scotland for Jimmy Thelin, and gave the perfect lift to hopes for his second. When Thelin came in last year, patience was the key word around Pittodrie as the Swede was tasked with turning the team around and making them compete at the top end of the table and for silverware. Expectations went through the roof after a blistering start to the league that saw the team win ten of their first 11 games, drawing the other with Celtic. But Premiership form then took a nose dive with the Dons only taking four points from the next 42 available. Things picked up a bit from February, and culminated in the glorious celebrations at the national stadium, and there wouldn't have been any of the Red Army with any complaints at the end of May. This season though, Thelin will be looking for consistency across the season and hoping that the standards set in the successful spells can be the marker. Chairman Dave Cormack said after the cup final that the priority would be to build a stronger squad to help cope with the demands of Europe and seven players have already arrived. The return of Alfie Dorrington on loan is a boost and the club were excited to sign German youth international midfielder Emmanuel Gyamfi from Schalke. More new faces will likely arrive to arrive before the deadline, and the demands on them will be the same as for Thelin and the rest of the squad: consistent results in the league and a n improvement on last season's eventual fourth-place finish, progress in Europe, and a successful defence of the Scottish Cup would be the perfect end to the season once again. SNS Group Hibernian head coach David Gray is expected to build on a strong end to last season. Nobody improved throughout last season more than Hibs. The Easter Road side only climbed off the foot of the table at the end of November. By Christmas they had clawed their way up to eighth. From New Year the Hibbees enjoyed a 13-game unbeaten league run and when it came to the final tally in May they had risen to third place and 'best of the rest'. It was a reward for the board keeping faith with club legend David Gray after a tough start but the head coach is now tasked with delivering more of the same, likely amidst increased competition. The departure of stand-out player Nectar Triantis is a blow, with confirmation that he won't be back on another loan from Sunderland, but Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath have come in and look to have settled quickly while another three signings have come in. Chief among those is forward Thibault Klidje, who has been signed from Luzern for a club record fee, and will be expected to provide something special up front. But equally as important as the impact from signings is the continued contributions of those who impressed last year, including Nicky Cadden, Rocky Bushiri and Martin Boyle. Hibs have already suffered an early setback with the pain of a dramatic last-gasp defeat to Midtjylland in Europa League qualifying but Gray will hope to make the most of a second chance in Europe as well as having a strong Premiership campaign. And as he proved last year, it's not as important how you start the league as where you finish. SNS Group Derek McInnes is the new head coach of Heart of Midlothian. Last season was one to forget for Hearts fans. It started with optimism under Steven Naismith but the former Scotland striker was sacked in September with the team at the foot of the table. Neil Critchley was appointed as his successor and was sacked in April with Hearts in eighth place. Liam Fox had two interim spells and took the side to a final league placing of seventh. There was disappointment in Europe and no cup joy, while talismanic striker Lawrence Shankland struggled for form and, more importantly, goals. So why are hopes high going into the new season? Because it's looked like nothing but good news ever since. Tony Bloom's share acquisition has put £10m of investment into the club. The Brighton owner's data company Jamestown Analytics has identified a number of signing targets and seven signings have been made already. And a new head coach has been installed who looks like as safe a pair of hands as there is in the Premiership. Derek McInnes' move from Kilmarnock to Tynecastle may have been drawn out over the conclusion of last season but he is now in place as head coach and has made a positive start to life in Gorgie. The Premier Sports Cup group phase brought four wins from four games, with an average of four goals scored per game. Shankland scored four of them and there were nine different scorers, with new additions as well as established players getting off the mark. Expectations are high, and it would be a shock if Hearts were anywhere near the bottom six this year around, with hopes that McInnes' Premiership know-how and the global reach of Jamestown's recruitment model prove to be the perfect partnership. SNS Group Summer signing Zac Sapsford is already off the mark. Securing European football on a return to the top flight meant Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin could look back on last season with a sense of satisfaction but the challenge now is to go and do it all over again. The one thing there won't be is much continuity in terms of who is on the park. A host of players left Tannadice in the summer, with the most notable being striker Sam Dalby's return to Wrexham after a hugely successful loan spell. Glenn Middleton, Declan Gallagher, Louis Moult, David Babunski and Jack Walton were among the other departures but there was no shortage of players coming in while they headed through the exit. Ten signings have been made already, with the identity of the team already being remarked upon by pundits and fans. United made the headlines for failing to have a Scot in team for their Conference League qualifier against UNA Strassen and there are 17 different nationalities in the squad. Goodwin is happy with the recruitment policy, believing that they have found value by scouring the continent for talent. If his new-look side gels, they could build on last season and more. The team has already cleared the first hurdle to the Conference League but face an early test against Rapid Vienna even as they get to grips with the new league season. Success in Europe might stretch squad and prove to be the biggest obstacle to achieving domestic aims, or the multicultural squad could yet deliver on all demands and show the wisdom of United's approach. SNS Group St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson aims to continue the spell of success the Paisley club enjoyed. Given the resources that the clubs already mentioned can enjoy and use in the transfer market and on wages, it's maybe something of a surprise that the only side other than Celtic or Rangers to finish in the top six for the past three seasons is St Mirren. That's been down to shrewd recruitment, consistency and manager Stephen Robinson's ability to squeeze everything possible from a tight-knit squad. By his own admission, it is getting harder every year and the only chance of what would an incredible fourth consecutive top-half finish would be if someone slips up but the challenge for the Buddies is to be well-placed to take advantage of that. St Mirren will have to succeed without key players from last season after Toyosi Olusanya, Richard Taylor and Caolan Boyd-Munce moved on, but one of the strengths has been a core of players who have remained together over the past few seasons and plenty still remain. Added to the group have been promising Jamaica internationals Richard King and Jalmaro Calvin, former Livingston keeper Shamal Geoirge, wing-back Jayden Richardson and Tunmise Sobowale as well as centre-back Miguel Freckleton and winger Malik Dijksteel. Robinson is hopeful of convincing the board to let him add more but St Mirren's success or otherwise is likely to depend on the collective once again. There's unlikely to be much surprise about the style of play from the manager's well-drilled side and the Paisley faithful will be keen to see them punch above their weight once again. SNS Group Kilmarnock's Marcus Dackers has already found the net since arriving in the summer. The manager's office wasn't empty for long following Derek McInne's exit for Hearts, with Kilmarnock acting swiftly to appoint forme Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell. The job awaiting him isn't substantially different from what he left in Lanarkshire: establish a style of play, recruit well, punch above your weight in the league and hope for a cup run, while selling players on where a profit can be made. Kettlewell has already begun work on getting his own ideas across, and has brought in nine new faces to make up for the departure of key player Danny Armstrong, Corrie Ndaba and Stuart Findlay among others. The cup games so far brought three wins and a draw, enough to top the group, but the real tests will come with valuable league points at stake, starting with the visit of newly-promoted Livingston on Saturday. The aim will clearly be to avoid being dragged into a fight at the bottom, first and foremost, while an improvement on last season's ninth finish would be seen as acceptable but Kettlewell says he has 'lofty ambitions' for the team and will be aiming for a top six spot. SNS Group Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou secured his first win with comeback victory over Peterhead in the League Cup. Motherwell fans should have been looking forward to a first full season in charge under Michael Wimmer after the German got to know the club in the latter half of last season following his appointment in February. Instead, there was the surprise news that Wimmer had returned home after the final game of the season and joined a third-tier German side to be closer to his family. That left Motherwell with an unexpected search for a new manager, and they settled on former Horsens and IFK Gothenburg head coach Jens Berthel Askou. Askou's reign began with a draw at Clyde and the Dane asking for patience while the players adapted to his expansive style of play. Wins over Peterhead, Stenhousemuir and Morton followed but there will be a huge step up in quality when they take on Rangers in their Premiership opener. A huge clearout of the playing squad, and the arrival of seven new faces meant a new-look Motherwell anyway, but the new style asks for patience from fans and a long-term outlook in a league that demands instant results. Askou will also have to accept the inevitable departure of teenage star Lennon Miller as he plans for the season ahead. The Steelmen are putting their faith into a fresh start for the team and hoping that risk will bring reward and a team that thrives under the new boss. SNS Group DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – JULY 12: Dundee Head Coach Steven Pressley during a Premier Sports Cup group stage match between Dundee and Airdrieonians at Dens Park Stadium , on July 12, 2025, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group) In a summer full of exits and arrivals up and down the country, it's fair to say that few stories raised the eyebrows more than Dundee sacking Tony Docherty, and one of those was Dundee appointing Steven Pressley. Former Falkirk, Coventry, Fleetwood, Pafos and Carlisle manager Pressley had been working as head of development at Brentford and hadn't been in the dugout for six years but feels he has unfinished business in management. His arrival wasn't met with universal applause from the Dundee support and his perhaps too honest assessment of himself, the squad and the time it will take to deliver results hasn't helped build confidence. Defeats to Airdrie and Allo in his first two games appeared to pile pressure on Pressley but he will take encouragement from subsequent wins over Bonnyrigg Rose and Montrose. Those results won't define his side and though the manager has faith in the players he has brought in already, and intends to sign more, the opening Premiership games are against Hibernian and Rangers. Dundee are the bookmakers' favourites for relegation before a ball has been kicked and the challenge is there to upset those odds. The team have already made the headlines this summer but achieving league success this season would be one of the stories of the season. SNS Group Falkirk are aiming to build on last season's Championship triumph. Under John McGlynn, Falkirk have been one of Scottish football's success stories, following up promotion as invincible League 1 champions with last year's Championship trophy and a return to the top flight. Style and substance them take a firm grip of the title race in the second tier last season, and though there was a late wobble that made for a nervy finish, the team were worthy and deserved champions. McGlynn told Sky Sports this week that his side had achieved what was a five-year plan in just three seasons. That could lead to suggestions that the team might be underprepared for the challenge ahead but cup results last season, when the team knocked out Hearts and had a good go at Celtic in a 5-2 defeat at Parkhead suggest Premiership sides should be wary. The League Cup has allowed momentum to built ahead of the new campaign too, with 14 goals scored across three wins, and only a 0-0 at Cove blotting their record. McGlynn has kept the majority of his squad but made additions, with goalkeeper Scott Bain's move from Celtic the most eye-catching and Brian Graham moving from Partick Thistle adding more experience. The manager says he respects the challenge and knows his side will have to punch above their weight but has also noted that the previous two sides promoted as champions finished in the top six. Following in those footsteps might be a big ask for the Bairns but after two years on an upward trajectory, the team can set sights high. SNS Group Livingston are back after a season's absence. It's a difficult task to return to the Premiership at the first time of asking and there's a real challenge in coming through the play-offs where the odds are stacked against the Championship side. Livingston did just that last season, seeing off Ross County in the last match of a long season to win promotion. There have been changes behind the scenes, and the much maligned playing surface has been replaced, but Livi still remain disadvantaged compared to other sides in the division. Their success will rely on Martindale's coaching and his ability to make every penny count, and every player reach their maximum across 38 games. There have been plenty of summer arrivals to help the club with their aims, as Graham Carey and Stevie May joined from St Johnstone, Zak Rudden and Cammy Kerr moved from Queen's Park, and Mo Sylla made the switch from Dundee. Adam Montgomery is on loan from Celtic and others have been recruited from Austria and Netherlands among other places. A team that had a reputation for a tough style of play when last in the top flight, Livi adopted a more attractive approach in the Championship and will have built confidence from a season where they won more often than not. The former Tony Macaroni Arena is likely to remain a notoriously difficult place to visit and with Martindale's experience of confounding the critics and upsetting the odds, they will have ambitions to do more than just avoid the drop. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
£3m star joins, Kuhn leaves, 21 y/o talent signs - Celtic's dream XI if the latest transfer rumours are true
Celtic's work in the transfer market is beginning to hot up in recent weeks, with Brendan Rodgers' promise to 'freshen up' his squad beginning to come to the fore. The return of Scotland international Kieran Tierney was sealed last month, while ex-Celtic academy product Ross Doohan also arrived on a free transfer from Aberdeen. The arrival of £1.2million 'bargain' Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland saw the champions open up the cheque book for the first time this summer - though it is not expected to be the last time they dip into the pot. Youngster Callum Osmand has also arrived following the expiry of his contract at Fulham. Elsewhere, links to Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha continue to rumble on, while Celtic continue to look for strikers as they aim to add to their striking options. Cameron Carter-Vickers was linked with a £20million move to Sunderland earlier in the window, though these rumours have died down, but Nicolas Kuhn looks set to depart Parkhead this month after reports claimed Celtic had agreed a fee of £16.5million with Italian side Como. With so the rumours continuing to float around, Celtic's squad could have a completely new look when the season gets underway on August 3 against St Mirren. Here, The Scotsman consider how Celtic's dream starting XI would look if the latest rumours are true - though, that can never be guaranteed, as we know! 1 . GK: Kasper Schmeichel Had a fairly solid debut campaign at Celtic, lifting two trophies as the club dominated domestically again. The goalkeeper spot is his to lose. Will face competition from Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan next year for his role though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . RB: Alistair Johnston One of the club's most important players, the Canadian was the best performing right-back in the division last season and starts whenever he is fit. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . LB: Kieran Tierney Re-joined his boyhood club on a free transfer last month following his release from Arsenal. With Greg Taylor now having left Celtic, Tierney is clearly the number one choice at left-back for Brendan Rodgers. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers Linked to Sunderland and Leeds United this summer, speculation around the American has died down in recent weeks and Celtic will be hoping he begins the season in a green-and-white hooped jersey. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic ‘join transfer race for ex-Inter Milan wonderkid, 23, with defender available for cut-price fee of £4.3m'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC have reportedly joined the race to sign a highly-rated French defender who was previously on the books of Inter Milan. Brendan Rodgers has already signed FIVE new players since the start of the window and has recruited across the pitch - from Ross Doohan in goals to Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand in attack. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 2 He's played over 50 times in Ligue 1 Credit: Getty 2 Several clubs, including Celtic, are on his trail Credit: Getty He's already secured moves for Kieran Tierney and Hayato Inamura to improve his backline too, but his priority at this stage remains a new winger with Jota injured and Nicolas Kuhn heading for the exit door. But Rodgers, 52, is still keen to add further defensive reinforcements to his squad as well. According to L'Equipe, Celtic are now pushing to sign Le Havre ace Etienne Kinkoue in a cut-price deal of around £4.3million. It's said the 23-year-old is attracting interest from across Europe, with Celtic one of several clubs keen on working out a deal to sign him. He moved to Le Havre in January 2023 following a spell with Olympiacos after graduating from Inter Milan's academy in 2021. He spent just two years in the Italian giant's youth system after they picked up him up from French side Troyes as a youngster. The 6ft 5in centre-back has made 55 appearances in Ligue 1 for Le Havre but is now believed to be on his way out after two-and-a-half years in Normandy. He was a £10m target for West Ham among other clubs last year but Le Havre have since slashed their asking price by more than half that fee as he now enters the final 12 months of his contract. It's stated that while Celtic are interested, they face major competition for his signature as clubs such as Anderlecht and Besiktas are also keeping tabs. The Hammers along with fellow English side Burnley have also expressed interest in signing him too, it's being claimed. The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up Kinkoue made 48 appearances for Inter Milan's Under-19s team before heading to Greece four years ago. The centre-back's impressive displays at Inter saw him training with the first team, which was under ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte at he time. However, the Frenchman never managed to make a first team appearance for the Serie A giants. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scotsman
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
£3m star joins, Kuhn leaves, 21 y/o talent signs - Celtic's dream XI if the latest transfer rumours are true
Celtic's work in the transfer market is beginning to hot up in recent weeks, with Brendan Rodgers' promise to 'freshen up' his squad beginning to come to the fore. The return of Scotland international Kieran Tierney was sealed last month, while ex-Celtic academy product Ross Doohan also arrived on a free transfer from Aberdeen. The arrival of £1.2million 'bargain' Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland saw the champions open up the cheque book for the first time this summer - though it is not expected to be the last time they dip into the pot. Youngster Callum Osmand has also arrived following the expiry of his contract at Fulham. Elsewhere, limks to Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha continue to rumble on, while Celtic continue to look for strikers as they aim to add to their striking options. Cameron Carter-Vickers was linked with a £20million move to Sunderland earlier in the window, though these rumours have died down, but Nicolas Kuhn looks set to depart Parkhead this month after reports claimed Celtic had agreed a fee of £16.5million with Italian side Como. With so the rumours continuing to float around, Celtic's squad could have a completely new look when the season gets underway on August 3 against St Mirren. Here, The Scotsman consider how Celtic's dream starting XI would look if the latest rumours are true - though, that can never be guaranteed, as we know! 1 . GK: Kasper Schmeichel Had a fairly solid debut campaign at Celtic, lifting two trophies as the club dominated domestically again. The goalkeeper spot is his to lose. Will face competition from Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan next year for his role though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . RB: Alistair Johnston One of the club's most important players, the Canadian was the best performing right-back in the division last season and starts whenever he is fit. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . LB: Kieran Tierney Re-joined his boyhood club on a free transfer last month following his release from Arsenal. With Greg Taylor now having left Celtic, Tierney is clearly the number one choice at left-back for Brendan Rodgers. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers Linked to Sunderland and Leeds United this summer, speculation around the American has died down in recent weeks and Celtic will be hoping he begins the season in a green-and-white hooped jersey. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Celtic getting 'top player' at exciting age in Tierney
Manager Brendan Rodgers has reiterated that Celtic are "getting a top player back" at an exciting age in Kieran Scotland defender has returned to Parkhead six years after his big-money move to the Premier League with injury troubles and a lack of game time in recent seasons, the left-back could be set to enter his peak years having just turned says the fact Tierney and fellow returning player Ross Doohan have come through the Celtic academy is "so important" as they "understand the values" and help maintain "the culture that's created" at the Tierney specifically, Rodgers added: "I'm absolutely delighted. We're getting a top player back. Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career."But we're getting Kieran at 28 years of age. I was with him during the summer so I know first hand how excited he is to be here."
