Latest news with #StuartFindlay
Scotsman
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts run riot again, one top-flight club in big trouble, free-scorers hit eight goals
Latest from Premier Sports Cup as clubs bid to join Celtic, Rangers, Hibs, Dundee Utd and Aberdeen in last 16 Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Hearts scored four goals for the third successive Premier Sports Group E match as they all but secured their place in the last 16 of the competition. Hot on the heels of beating Dunfermline Athletic 4-1 and Hamilton Accies 4-0, Derek McInnes' Jambos were in good form as they easily swatted aside League 2 opponents Stirling Albion 4-0 at Forthbank Stadium. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hearts are six points clear at the top of the pool ahead of their final group match at home to Dumbarton on Wednesday and can only be overhauled if they lose to the Sons and there is an improbable goal-difference swing. Stuart Findlay scores Hearts' fourth goal at Forthbank. | SNS Group Defender Craig Halkett headed Hearts into a 13th-minute lead from an Alexandros Kyziridis cross and then Claudio Braga added a second goal with a diving header ten minutes later. Kyziridis, making his Hearts debut, netted himself seven minutes before the break to put the Jambos on easy street, and while the second half was largely underwhelming, centre-half Stuart Findlay scored his second goal in as many games on 80 minutes. 'We did some good stuff, but I'd like us to be better,' said McInnes afterwards. 'I wanted us at half time to set a marker, but I didn't enjoy as much I wanted, but we didn't have any scares. But we've scored 12 goals and are top of the group, so there are a lot of encouraging things.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Chastening day for Dundee Earlier in the day, Steven Pressley suffered a second defeat as Dundee manager as Alloa left their visitors' hopes of Premier Sports Cup progression in ruins. Dundee were on the end of another 1-0 defeat at the Indodrill Stadium after losing their opening game against Airdrie. The decisive moment came midway through the second half when Luke Graham could only turn Steven Buchanan's shot into his own net as he tried to clear in the goalmouth. The result moved Alloa on to nine points at the top of Group C, three ahead of Airdrie with a game more played. It was not a good day for Steven Pressley and Dundee. | SNS Group 'We weren't good enough,' said Pressley afterwards. 'I've talked a lot about how we need reinforcements, but the reality about today is that with the personnel we had on the pitch, we could do much, much better. And that's my responsibility, I take ownership of that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I felt we lacked intensity. I think the fitness of certain players needs to improve. And just our decision-making ... on too many occasions we didn't get that right. We have to improve on that, we must move forward.' Mikael Mandron hit a hat-trick as St Mirren started and finished strongly in an 8-2 home win over Annan. St Mirren find their shooting boots Mandron put Saints three up inside nine minutes following Killian Phillips' double but trialist Myles Gaffney pulled two goals back for the visitors before Richard King converted a penalty on the hour mark. Stephen Robinson's side went goal crazy in the final 10 minutes with Mandron completing his treble and Jayden Richardson and Roland Idowu also on target. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ayr are a point behind Saints with a game in hand in Group D after Curtis Main hit a double in a 4-0 home win over Arbroath. Uche Ikpeazu scored the winner for St Johnstone. | SNS Group Falkirk could not follow up their seven-goal thrashing of Brechin as they were held to a goalless draw by Cove in another trip to the North East. The Bairns gained a penalty shoot-out bonus point but Spartans moved top of Group A with a 2-0 win at Glebe Park. Stephen O'Donnell hit the only goal as Motherwell moved top of Group G with victory over Stenhousemuir at Ochilview. O'Donnell had earlier had a goal disallowed and Callum Slattery hit the bar from a free-kick before the defender converted from a back-post corner four minutes before the break. Livingston bounced back from defeat by Kilmarnock in Group H with a 2-0 home win over Brora Rangers. Danny Wilson opened the scoring with an overhead kick just after the half-hour mark and Zak Rudden headed the second with six minutes left. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad County win in Dumfries Ross County cut the gap on Group B leaders Partick Thistle to two points after Jay Henderson's second-half winner in a 1-0 victory over Queen of the South at Palmerston. East Kilbride moved top of Group F as they followed up their shock triumph over Raith Rovers with a 4-1 win at Elgin with the help of Jack Leitch's first-half double. St Johnstone joined the SPFL newcomers on six points after Uche Ikpeazu's 90th-minute goal – his first for the club – earned a 1-0 win at Inverness.
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Stuart Findlay reveals why he rejected a Hearts transfer & names SPFL's third force after Celtic & Rangers
Scottish and international ambitions for the on-loan EFL player Sign up to our Hearts 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... This could all have been happening years ago, you know. Hearts in the League Cup group phase with Stuart Findlay scoring goals in maroon. It would have gone smoothly but for those pesky Americans at Philadelphia Union. After rejecting a move to Tynecastle Park in 2021 in favour of the United States, Findlay is keen to seize this opportunity under Derek McInnes. Former Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson made the defender a primary signing target after guiding the Edinburgh club back to the Premiership four years ago. With Covid 19 slowly beginning to subside, the desperation to resume normality was evident across the country. For Hearts, normality is top-flight football with physically commanding centre-backs, hence Neilson's offer to sign Findlay as he left Kilmarnock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The player chose The Union over The Gorgie, seeking different football and lifestyle experiences. He got one but not the other. When McInnes moved to Tynecastle in May this year he wanted his former Kilmarnock loanee with him, and Findlay wasn't prepared to let a second chance slip. He quickly agreed another loan from Oxford United and marked his Hearts debut with a goal in Tuesday's 4-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Hamilton Academical. He explained in an exclusive Edinburgh News interview why he refused Hearts' advances at a pivotal time in his career four years ago. 'Yes, it was a sliding doors moment for me when I could have joined Hearts,' said the 29-year-old. 'I think the opportunity that I had to go abroad is something that I might never have had the opportunity to do again. Football-wise, it maybe wasn't the best move for me, but for the life experience, it's something that I'm glad that I've done. 'There was always that little bit at the back of my head asking: 'Did I make the right decision?' To get a second bite of the cherry, when I think I'm probably an older and more experienced head now, I think it can only be a good thing. I'm really happy the chance has come back round, and it's up to me to make sure I make the most of it.' McInnes' influence cannot be underestimated. The manager helped Findlay improve as a player at Rugby Park, readying him for a step up. 'Yeah, it's no secret that, after the relationship I had with him at Kilmarnock, I was desperate to come and play for him again,' said Findlay. 'I think what he's done for me in the last two years to bring me on has been really important in my career. When I got the chance to work with him again at such a massive club, it was a really good opportunity for me. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Coming to Hearts, you're probably going to be expected to be on the front foot, win games a lot more. I thought I'd try to show that when I'm stepping in with the ball, try to show that I've got that side to my game as well, which maybe people don't know from me as much. I don't think in the first game I could have written it to go any better. To get a 4-0 win, a clean sheet and get a goal, it was a really good debut for me.' A back-post header from a corner-kick was the perfect opening gambit for Findlay, who missed Saturday's win over Dunfermline through suspension. 'I didn't score a goal in the last season, and it's something that probably annoyed me,' he admitted. 'I want to add goals to my game, so to get one five minutes into the debut is always a nice feeling. It's something we've been working on in set-pieces, obviously, with Ross [Grant, set-piece coach]. 'It's something that we're trying to make the most of, and to get a goal from it was really pleasing. I think you always know you're going to be in for a difficult game because Hamilton aren't a bad side at all. To get an early goal from a set-piece, it really sets you on your way and I thought, after that, it was a really professional performance.' Anyone expecting regular net-rippling from this loanee might be advised to exercise caution, though. He doesn't tend to score too often and is concerned he might have given new team-mates the wrong impression. 'After that, they are probably going to think I'm a goal threat,' laughed Findlay. 'I don't know if I'm going to add many to it, but it's a good thing to have. You can add goals to your game from a centre-back. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's something that, if I'm right in saying, I don't think Hearts scored enough from set-plays last year? To get one this early, hopefully that can set us off on the right foot and it's something we can add to the game. You know how good Craig [Halkett] can be on the headers, you know how good big Frankie [Kent] can be commanding in between us. I think we need to try and get as many goals as we can, and add to what we're going to get at the top end of the field.' EFL loan player eyes more Scotland caps playing in SPFL Add in Michael Steinwender and Jamie McCart, and Findlay faces stern competition for a regular place. He knows form must be consistently strong to justify his place. 'Definitely. All four who played on Tuesday night are starting-calibre centre-backs for any Premiership side in my opinion, maybe outwith the Old Firm,' he remarked. 'It's definitely going to be hard competition but I think it's a really good, healthy relationship we've got between us all. 'I got a nice taste of playing with three of the centre-backs on Tuesday, and I think all four of us bring different qualities. I think it's important that there are options, strength in depth. Don't forget Jamie as well, who is obviously injured at the moment. I think competition like that can only bring success. We can only bring out the best in each other. When you do get the nod to get a start, you need to make sure you try and hold down your position. I think that'll be not just at centre-back, but all throughout the pitch. We've got such a big squad. I think everybody will be fighting for a position that can only keep standards high. 'You don't realise how big a club Hearts are until you've signed for Hearts. In my opinion, outwith Celtic and Rangers, they are the biggest team in the country. You know the expectation is going to be high, you know the demand is going to be high, but that's something I like to put upon myself as a challenge. I want to repay the manager and I want to impress the fans. Ultimately, I want Hearts to have a successful season and that starts with getting through this cup. Then we look forward to the Aberdeen game to start the league.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Focus is clear, nothing outrageous, deal with the here and now. It's a sensible approach from a player sufficiently experienced to know the pitfalls of Scottish football and the dangers of getting ahead of yourself. Findlay does harbour ambitions beyond his current level, however. Chances of adding to his solitary Scotland cap could increase with consistent Hearts performances. He played once for his country and, ironically, scored in a 6-0 European Championship qualifying win against San Marino at Hampden Park back in 2019. Another shot at international level is something he hopes playing at Tynecastle might help him achieve. 'I think every footballer in the world still dreams of playing international football up until they retire. I'm 29. It's probably my last chance at it before I get a bit too old, but you never know what happens,' said Findlay. 'The most important thing for me is Derek McInnes has brought me to Hearts to do a job for him. As long as I repay him, impress the fans, do it for Hearts and do it for myself, then anything that comes off the back of that will be a bonus. The main thing for me is to make sure Hearts are successful, and I'm a successful player within that.'
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
40 free agents Hearts, Hibs and SPFL clubs could sign as PFA squad assembled
The summer transfer window often comes with a hunt for bargains and Hearts plus Hibs have been busy in this market. Stars like Claudio Braga and Stuart Findlay are already off the mark at Tynecastle with Derek McInnes' side navigating their Premier Sports Cup campaign. Hibs meanwhile have busy their transfer record to sign Thibault Klidje ahead of Europa League qualification action vs FC Midtjylland. Bargains will also be sought and some could be found in the PFA pre season squad, with 40 unattached players involved in the ensemble this week. They have faced off against Port Vale in a friendly, as players are offered regular training as they seek a new club, and look to impress. Dwight Gayle completed a full pre-season with the PFA last summer and landed at Hibs off the back of it, where he made himself a cult hero with a winner at Hearts and providing key experience en route to a third place Premiership finish. So could Hibs go back into that realm for more recruits, or could the likes of Hearts plus others in Scotland take a look at what's on offer? Including a range of players from former Premiership men to a Scotland international, here are the 40 players currently. 1 . Hakeeb Adelakun Position: Winger Last club: Salford City Photo: Carl Recine Photo Sales 3 . Patrick Bauer Position: Centre-back Last club: Preston North End |Photo Sales 4 . Jamal Blackman Position: Goalkeeper Last club: Shrewsbury Town |Photo:Photo Sales Related topics: SPFLPremiershipPFA
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Findlay delighted to mark Hearts debut with goal
Stuart Findlay was delighted to get on the scoresheet on his Hearts debut as the Jambos made it back-to-back League Cup wins with a comfortable 4-0 win over Hamilton at centre-back was brought to Tynecastle from Oxford by head coach Derek McInnes, who had him on loan at Kilmarnock, and he showed why with an early goal from a were further strikes from Elton Kabangu, James Wilson and Claudio Braga, with the Portuguese attacker also getting goal his first for the Gorgie told Hearts' official X account: "I went the full season last year without getting one, so to open my account after five minutes was a nice touch."We put a good bit of work into set-plays this week, I knew my job was to try to get around that back area and when we've got Blair Spittal on the park, he's going to deliver the ball, he's going to give you that service."I was just lucky enough that it landed on my head and was able to put it away."
STV News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Stuart Findlay delighted with debut goal as Hearts score four again
Stuart Findlay was delighted to get on the scoresheet on his Hearts debut as the Jambos made it six Premier Sports Cup points from six with a comfortable 4-0 win over Hamilton at Broadwood. The centre-back was brought to Tynecastle from Oxford by new Jambos boss Derek McInnes, who had him on loan at Kilmarnock, and he showed why with an early goal from a corner. There were further strikes from Elton Kabangu, James Wilson and Claudio Braga, with Portuguese attacker also getting goal his first for the Gorgie side. Findlay told Hearts' official X account: 'I went the full season last year without getting one, so to open my account after five minutes was a nice touch. 'We put a good bit of work into set-plays this week, I knew my job was to try to get around that back area and when we've got Blair Spittal on the park, he's going to deliver the ball, he going to give you that service. 'I was just lucky enough that it landed on my head and was able to put it away. 'So absolutely delighted and it's good to see the work paid off because in games like this, it's going to be tight at the start, it's going to be tough to break them down, so to get a goal from a set-piece to get us on our way is a good thing.' Noting that Hearts beat Dunfermline 4-1 at home in their Group E opener on Saturday, he said: 'We knew Hamilton would pose us a different sort of threat than Dunfermline did and we had to make sure we navigated that. 'I thought the first half they tried to break a few times, they looked OK on the break, but on the whole we kept quite good control of the game and another four goals to add to the four at the weekend is a really good start to the cup campaign.' 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
