Latest news with #ScottishChampions
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Celtic CONFIRM Kieran Tierney's return as Hoops hero's length of contract and first words revealed after Arsenal stint
THE worst-kept secret in Scottish football is finally out the bag: Kieran Tierney is BACK in the green and white hoops of Celtic. And he's penned a bumper FIVE -year deal with the Scottish Champions which will see him remain at Celtic until at least the summer of 2030. 5 5 5 We broke the news exclusively way back in December of how the Hoops were poised to seal their former star's stunning return. Six years had passed since the left back's record £25 million sale to Arsenal. He was allowed to leave Scotland duty early after playing in Friday's defeat to Iceland. The 28-year-old came through the Parkhead youth ranks before playing his part in the winning of FOUR Premiership titles and two Scottish Cup and League Cup wins. The Hoops acted fast to move into pole position to sign the player when it became clear that the Gunners were opting not to activate a 12-month option in their favour. Celtic were aware of potential strong competition for Tierney's signature from clubs in the Premier League and abroad - but crucially he has always had a desire to return to his boyhood heroes. Tierney said: 'Everybody's known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing,' 'I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with him before and I've always kept in touch with him. "He's one of the best so I'm so lucky and grateful that he's given me the chance to come back again. 'When you move away from home, you grow up, you learn different things. Thousands of Celtic fans takeover Trongate for title party as they climb traffic lights & set off pyro "I was in Spain for a year, learning a different language and playing in a different league, so I'm definitely a different person. 'Player-wise, it's the same as I always say – I'll try and work my hardest, I'll do my best for the club and that's all I can do. 'My ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible, retain our place at the top and continue to win trophies and do well for Celtic.' Brendan Rodgers said: 'We are delighted to welcome Kieran back to Celtic. 5 5 "He is such a talented, high-quality player and he will be a massive addition to our squad. 'Kieran has always had Celtic in his blood and he is excited to be coming back to the place he loves. 'He is someone who has given so much to Celtic already and I know he is so motivated and hungry to help the club bring more and more success to our fans. 'We are so pleased to bring such an elite player back to the club and I look forward to working with him again and the rest of the squad, as we face the many challenges ahead at home and in Europe.'
Edinburgh Reporter
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
David Gray 'frustrated' at leaving Parkhead empty handed
Hibs head coach David Gray was frustrated after his side were beaten 3-1 by Celtic at Parkhead in the William Hill Premiership yesterday. Martin Boyle opened the scoring, but two goals in four minutes at the end of the first half gave the Scottish Champions the lead. Reo Hatate then scored Celtic's third in the second half to secure the victory. When speaking to Hibs TV after the game, Gray said: 'I'm clearly frustrated because it's never nice to lose games of football. 'I thought we carried a little bit more threat today, which is important because of how we played last time we were here. 'I thought we started the game positively. The manner of the goals and the timings of the goals were the big sucker blow for the players today. 'To get in-front today was good, I thought the shape was excellent, the effort was there from the players too, but to lose the goals before half-time was a blow. We could've gone in 1-0 up, but we went in 2-1 behind and that shows you the level of opposition again because if you switch off for one second, then you'll be punished. 'Their second goal was a wee bit unfortunate because Boyley slipped just before it. We still have to defend much better in that moment, we know that. 'Second half I got a reaction from the players. We started brightly and had a couple of corners and chances, but that didn't quite fall for us. The third goal was the killer. Once it goes 3-1 it became very difficult. 'We kept pushing and trying to get back into the game, so I can't fault the effort of the players, but when you make mistakes in games, you'll be punished, and we've said that a few times this season.' Hibs will remain third going into the final two games of the William Hill Premiership season, and Gray admits it's a huge week ahead. 'It's a massive game. I just said to the players then 'this is the biggest week of your lives now because of what's at stake with two games to go'. If we win both games it doesn't matter what anyone else does, and that has to be in the players' minds, the staff, and everyone involved with the Football Club. 'When we get back on the pitch on Monday, we have to have full focus on going to Paisley. They're the only team we haven't beat and we're desperate to put that right. 'From where we were to where we are now, we have a huge opportunity still. The players need to give absolute everything so that we see this through.' Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Positive reaction from Hibs players in training ahead of Dundee United game
David Gray has seen a reaction in training from his players on Saturday as they prepare to face Dundee United in the William Hill Premiership tomorrow. Hibs were beaten by Aberdeen last weekend, a result which ended the Club's 17-game unbeaten streak in the league. With just four games left, and with everything to play for, Gray said: 'It's been positive this week. We were conscious after the game that we left that feeling of disappointment and came in on Monday making sure everyone is fully focused on bouncing back as quickly as possible. 'I've seen a reaction in training, and these are all massive games. This is the stage of the season where everyone is desperate to play and to take the team forward. 'I've been quick to remind the players why we were successful in that run we had and what it took to get us there. We need to take that into the game on Saturday.' Dundee United were beaten heavily by the Scottish Champions last weekend, but are just three points behind Hibs in the league table. Gray doesn't think their result, though, will have much bearing on the game on Saturday. 'Celtic can do that to anyone, we know that. This weekend will be a difficult game. Both teams have everything to play for and there's four cup finals left now. 'We're at home, we want a reaction, and want to bounce back. We need to be on the front foot. 'Like I said, it'll be a difficult game, you think about the games we've played against Dundee United and the fact they've been in the top six all season because they're hard to beat. They're very well coached and we expect that again. 'If we can play to the levels we can, then we give ourselves a chance to get three points.' Gray also provided a fitness update on Lewis Miller and Elie Youan. Youan has been recovering from a toe injury for a few weeks now, whilst Miller missed the Aberdeen game with a knock. The duo returned to full team training earlier this week, and the head coach discussed their availability. 'Elie joined training later on this week, as did Lewis Miller, which is great, they're getting fit at the right sort of time. 'We will have to see how they go, though, because they've not had a lot of training this week. They're back around the group, which is good news.' Like this: Like Related
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Celtic announce new flagship retail store in Glasgow
The news comes as part of the club's celebration of being crowned Scottish Champions once again. The new store will be located on Queen Street, in the former Next building, and will replace the current Argyle Street store. READ MORE: I own a shop in Glasgow's East End and this is how I am fighting against retail crime The store has been teased to open later this year. Spanning 5500 square feet over two floors, the modern retail space will more than double the size of the existing outlet, offering fans a bigger and more immersive shopping experience. The store will be launched in partnership with Adidas, Celtic's official kit supplier. The design and layout will reflect the strong relationship between the club and the global sportswear brand, with a focus on creating a premium fan retail experience. READ MORE: Popular Southside pub announces closure until 'further notice' Celtic confirmed the store will stock the full range of official products in a spacious and contemporary setting. The new flagship location is expected to open later this year, with further details on launch plans to be shared in due course. The club also reassured supporters that other Celtic stores across Scotland and Ireland will continue to operate as normal, both on match days and throughout the week.
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Fans excluded from talks about Celtic title party gatherings
Authorities are anticipating fans will take over Glasgow Cross when the club is presented with the Scottish Premiership trophy again this month. Talks between the council, officials from Celtic and Rangers and Police Scotland were held following last year's gathering. READ NEXT:New parking control zones to be rolled out across Glasgow this year The Glasgow Times has discovered there was a meeting between the council, Police Scotland and Celtic FC at Celtic Park in February this year. But there have been no official meetings with anyone representing supporters. Celtic captain Callum McGregor will lift the trophy on the final day of the league season on May 17, the fourth year in a row the club has been crowned Scottish Champions. In previous years, following the match, fans have congregated in their thousands at Glasgow Cross and Merchant City, celebrating trophy day. (Image: newsquest) Businesses have complained and residents' groups angered at anti-social behaviour from a section of the fans. The council has asked people to behave if they gather and celebrate responsibly, and a top level meeting was organised by MSP, Kaukab Stewart, in February. At the meeting were Celtic, Rangers, Police Scotland, Merchant City and Trongate Community Council and Scottish Government. There were no fans reps attending. READ NEXT: Cost of George Square revamp is revealed as new contract to be signed The Glasgow Times asked under Freedom of Information for details of any meetings between Glasgow City Council and supporters' organisations connected to Celtic Football Club in the last year. We were told: 'There have been no meetings between the Council and representatives from supporters' organisations connected with Celtic Football Club, during the period 1 May 2024 to present.' Nor has there been any attempts to meet with fans, instead the club has been looking for clubs to engage with their supporters and associations. The Glasgow Times also asked for details of meetings between the council and Police Scotland to discuss fan celebrations in the city centre. We were told: 'On 14 February 2025, Council Officers met at Celtic Park with officials from Celtic and Police Scotland to discuss fan celebrations.' An online meeting was also held between the council and Celtic FC on November 28 last year The response also stated: 'This has also been discussed on a number of occasions as part of regular operational meetings between Police Scotland and Council Officers.' Rangers fans gathered in George Square in 2021 when their team last won the league and damage was caused to benches and statues and more than 50 arrests were made. We asked the same questions for meetings between the council and Rangers fans and received the same response that no meetings had taken place. An online meeting between the council and Rangers FC took place on October 31 last year, and a meeting took place at Ibrox on February 6. A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'Glasgow is a great sporting city - and fans should have the opportunity to celebrate success. 'However, there can be absolutely no justification for celebrations that lead to the kind of disorder, vandalism and violence that has been a persistent feature of gatherings at Trongate and George Square at the conclusion of recent football seasons. 'We have heard and we share the frustrations of local businesses and people living in these neighbourhoods. 'The council has made it clear during its engagement with clubs and stakeholders that it would be in the best interests of the city, its sporting institutions and above all local communities for all parties to use whatever influence they have to encourage fans not to gather in that manner. 'We have been engaging on this subject, consistently, over recent years – and we will continue to do so right up to the end of this season. At the same time, the council has always been clear that it will support any efforts made by clubs to organise or host sustainable and safe celebrations for supporters.'
