Scottish Football

A surprise appointment, a promise of front-foot football and only weeks to make it work. Is Scotland's new era arriving at exactly the right time?Can a 39-year-old with just 107 games in management bring front-foot, high-intensity football to the national team? Should he stick with the core built by Steve Clarke, or give younger players their chance? And with Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia ahead, how quickly can the new era take shape?

What should we make of Sebsatien Pocognoli's appointment as the new Scotland manager? What sort of task faces him as we target Euro 2028? Will we see a new identity on the park under the Belgian?And the League Cup draw throws up a quarter-final Old Firm as Rangers are drawn at home to Celtic along with Stenhousemuir v Heart of Midlothian, Ross County v Hibernian, Kilmarnock v Aberdeen.With Charlotte Cohen, Rory Loy, and Ryan McGowan.

Sebastien Pocognoli is confirmed as Scotland men's new head coach, plus reaction to Sunday's Scottish League Cup ties, and the quarter-final draw which includes an Old Firm derby.

The Sportsound team review all of Saturday's League Cup action with wins for Aberdeen, Celtic and Ross County

David Currie, Rory Loy and Ian McCall review Kilmarnock 3-2 Ayr United in the League Cup

Charlotte Cohen is joined by former striker Conor Sammon and football writer Stephen McGowan to preview a fascinating League Cup weekend. Can unbeaten Ayr United heap more pressure on Kilmarnock in the Ayrshire Derby? Will Dundee repeat last weekend's impressive win over Aberdeen, or can the Dons respond?How do Dundee United contain a Celtic side boosted by a raft of new signings? And after another damaging European setback, just how important is Rangers' clash with holders St Mirren for Derek McInnes?Plus, the panel make their quick-fire predictions, identify the weekend's coupon buster and reveal who they expect to be making the headlines by Sunday night

Reaction to a big night in Europe as Rangers boss Derek McInnes admits his side may not yet be ready for it. Plus joy for Hibs and Motherwell in the Conference League

Another massive night in Europe for Scotland's clubs. Can Rangers overturn their first-leg deficit and give Derek McInnes a much-needed boost? Is there any chance of a Tynecastle miracle against Benfica, or is Hearts' focus already shifting to the next challenge?And can Hibs handle the North Macedonian heat and protect their slender advantage, can Motherwell continue their impressive start to the season and book a place in the next round?David Currie is joined by Andy Halliday and Cammy Bell to assess the chances of all four sides and predict who will still be standing when the final whistles blow

As John McGinn prepares to captain Aston Villa on one of European football's biggest stages, the Scottish Football Podcast pays tribute to one of Scotland's modern greats.How did a youngster from St Mirren become a Europa League winner, Premier League captain and Scotland talisman? What makes him such a unique teammate, opponent and leader? Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan shares first-hand insight into playing alongside McGinn, while Michael Grant reflects on his extraordinary Scotland career, and his infectious personality.How big a mistake did Celtic make when they didn't sign him from Hibs?Do Scotland fans take John McGinn for Granted? And will he one day become Scotland captain too?

Elvis most definitely lives. A year after facing intense criticism, Steven Pressley has Dundee playing with confidence and belief. What's behind their impressive start and can they handle rising expectations?At Rangers, the board has publicly backed Derek McInnes after another frustrating result, but is patience really possible when they're already chasing Celtic?And at Hearts, the sale of Alex Kyziridis puts the Jamestown model under the microscope... can the club keep replacing key players while remaining competitive at the top end of the SPFL? Charlotte Cohen is joined by Moira Gordon and Ryan Flynn to debate the biggest talking points in Scottish football.

Kasper Hogh kickstarts his Celtic career as they trounce Kilmarnock on Rugby Park's newly laid park. How impressive was he alongside fellow summer signing Camilo Duran?Just a couple of hours later Rangers fell behind to Hibs, found an equaliser, and were then undone by a late winner for the visitors as Derek McInnes continues the search for his first win in his dream jobs. Is there now real cause for concern at Ibrox? Should they have cashed in on Youssef Chermiti?Wouter Vrancken's Hearts put four unaswnered goals past Dundee United to bounce back from their Benfica drubbing. Is this the version of Hearts we're more likely to see this season as their new squad continues to gel?Does Scottish football need a quota system to help young Scottish players get opportunities for top-flight first teams? What recommendations should be made at the upcoming SFA summit?

A huge afternoon in the Premiership saw wins for Celtic against Kilmarnock, Hearts against Dundee Utd and Hibernian against Rangers, with a draw between Motherwell and Falkirk.

The Sportsound pundits debate what changes need to be made for the betterment of Scottish football. Plus post-match reaction to wins for Dundee and St Mirren.

Charlotte Cohen is joined by Scott Allan and Cammy Kerr to look ahead to a huge weekend of Scottish football.After another busy night in Europe, can Rangers bounce back from a disappointing display and respond against Hibs? Are Hearts already under pressure as Dundee United head to Tynecastle?Who will come out on top in a potentially crucial Battle of the Saints between St Mirren and St Johnstone? The team also assess Aberdeen's encouraging start, Celtic's new-look attack, Motherwell's momentum and Falkirk's early-season challenges.Plus, Cammy Kerr with his take on Livingston's ambitions ahead of a blockbuster Championship clash with Partick Thistle

We look back on a night of mixed results for Scottish teams in European action with losses for Rangers and Hearts, a draw for Motherwell and victory for Hibernian.

It's a huge night in Europe for Scottish football. Can Rangers bounce back from a frustrating league opener and take a positive result from Poland against Jagiellonia Białystok? How important could Nico Raskin be if he stays, and what does Rangers' transfer business still need before the window closes?Just how difficult is Hearts' trip to Benfica? Are concerns over their start to the season justified, or do the fixtures need proper context? Jonathan Sutherland is joined by Andy Halliday and Cammy Bell as the team look ahead to a massive European test for Scottish clubs.

Motherwell and Hibs are back in Conference League qualifying action, but who is best placed to reach the next round?The team assess Motherwell's trip to face HJK Helsinki and ask whether Alfred Johansson's side can continue their impressive start to the season. Are the Steelmen now playing with a belief and authority rarely seen from Scottish clubs in Europe?Meanwhile, Hibs welcome Shkendija to Easter Road after an up and down start to their campaign. Have David Gray's side learned from their early European scare? And can they find the consistency needed to balance domestic and continental ambitions?Ryan Flynn, John Walker and Stevie Miller preview two huge matches for Scottish football.

Matchday one is in the books, but what did we really learn from the SPFL's opening weekend? David CurrIE is joined by Rory Loy and Stephen McGowan to assess Celtic's win over Dundee and ask whether Martin O'Neill's side are truly ready for a crucial Champions League play-off.Did Dundee show enough to suggest Steven Pressley should be more ambitious this season? Why are Celtic fans still frustrated by the pace of transfer business?Plus, we look ahead to the European qualifiers facing Rangers, Hearts, Hibs and Motherwell, and ask which Scottish club has the toughest route to group-stage football.

Kenny Macintyre, Tom English, Scott Brown and Rory Loy review Celtic 1-0 Dundee in the Scottish Premiership

The Scottish Premiership is back and the opening weekend delivered drama from start to finish. Craig Telfer is joined by Kevin Thomson and Cillian Sheridan to break down all the biggest talking points. Aberdeen snatch victory against Hearts with two late goals, Kevin Nisbet's remarkable scoring run continues, and Dundee United impress as they hold Rangers on Derek McInnes' league debut. The panel assess encouraging performances from St Johnstone and Motherwell, examine whether Falkirk and Kilmarnock should be concerned after opening-day defeats, and preview Celtic's first league outing as new record signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh prepare for their Parkhead bows. With goals, controversy and plenty of early-season storylines, the Premiership is back with a bang.

The opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership continued on Sunday with St Johnstone beating Kilmarnock in a seven-goal thriller and Motherwell winning at Easter Road.

Ryan Stevenson, Andy Halliday,Willie Miller and Michael Stewart assess Saturday's action on the opening weekend of the Premiership as Aberdeen stun Hearts .

Steven Thompson and Andy Halliday asses both Rangers and Dundee Utd following their draw at Tannadice in Derek McInnes' first competitive match as Rangers manager.

Full Premiership full preview - kicking off with tonight's game between new look Rangers and Dundee Utd. Who has been the signing of the transfer window, so far? Are Hearts fans hurting at the moment and Ray asks Conor and Kris - just how big is the step up from the top of the Championship to the Premiership? And have champions Celtic done enough to prepare for the season ahead?

All the reaction after Motherwell and Hibernian both progress in the Uefa Conference League qualifiers. With David Currie, Tom English, Scott Allan and Rory Loy.

It's a huge night in Europe for Hibernian and Motherwell. Charlotte Cohen is joined by Hibs Women's head coach Joelle Murray and Herald football writer Stephen McGowan to preview two pivotal Conference League qualifiers. Hibs return to Easter Road needing to overturn a two-goal deficit after a disappointing first leg against Malisheva, with questions growing around David Gray's side and their European record. Meanwhile, Motherwell head to the Faroe Islands carrying a valuable 2-0 advantage and looking to continue an encouraging start under new manager Alfred Johansson. The discussion also explores the challenge facing Scottish clubs in early-season European ties, the importance of developing young Scottish talent, and Celtic's latest transfer business after the arrival of highly-rated striker Kasper Høgh. With more movement expected at Parkhead and crucial matches on the horizon, there's plenty for Scottish football fans to get stuck into.

What will Scottish Premiership football look like this season? David Currie is joined by coach and analyst John Walker and former midfielder Scott Allan for a tactical deep dive into the campaigns ahead. From Hearts' ambitious "organised chaos" under Wouter Vrancken to Celtic's attempts to replace Daizen Maeda's relentless pressing, the panel examine the biggest strategic shifts across the league. There's analysis of Derek McInnes' Rangers rebuild, Hibernian's continued commitment to a back three, Motherwell's efforts to maintain their identity after a summer of change and why Falkirk remain one of the most fascinating teams to watch. The discussion also covers Dundee United's evolution under Jim Goodwin, Neil McCann's influence at Kilmarnock, St Mirren's new direction under Craig McLeish and concerns over St Johnstone's prospects. If you want to understand not just who might win, but how Scottish clubs plan to do it, this is the episode for you.

Ryan Stevenson and Tom English discuss Hearts' prospects with Wouter Vrancken's side dropping into the Europa League 3rd qualifying round after their 6-0 aggregate defeat.

Hearts return to Tynecastle facing a huge challenge after last week's 4-0 defeat away to Sturm Graz. With their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, can Wouter Vrancken's side produce a famous European comeback or at least restore confidence ahead of the Premiership campaign? Andrew Petrie is joined by Hearts Standard editor Joel Sked to analyse exactly where things went wrong in Austria, from a disastrous nine-minute spell, defensive mistakes and missed opportunities. The discussion also looks at Vrancken's tactical options, the importance of building momentum, the impact of key departures and whether more transfer business is still needed before the window closes. Plus, what would count as success on the night, and how significant is European football to Hearts' wider ambitions this season?

The League Cup group stage is complete and the knockout ties are set, but not without plenty of drama along the way. Charlotte Cohen is joined by former Dundee and Ross County manager Tony Docherty and Arbroath midfielder Ryan Flynn to analyse Dunfermline's impressive progress under Neil Lennon, St Johnstone's shock exit after defeat to East Fife and what it means for the newly-promoted side heading into the Premiership season. The panel also discuss a mouth-watering last-16 draw, including Dundee United's home tie against Celtic and an Ayrshire derby between Kilmarnock and Ayr United. Elsewhere, there's debate over Celtic's transfer business, Aberdeen's encouraging start under Stephen Robinson, Rangers' ongoing rebuild and why young players like Finlay Curtis and Alex Lowry could have important roles to play in the months ahead.

Ian McCall and Steven Thompson debate some interesting ties in the Scottish Cup last 16, plus reaction as Dunfermline defeat holders St Mirren to reach the knockout stage.

Reaction to Saturday's Scottish League Cup matches plus we get the fans involved as the new SPFL season looms, with David Curie, Scott Brown, Andy Halliday and Tom English.

Motherwell made it look comfortable in Europe with a professional 2-0 win over HB Tórshavn – but how much credit does new boss Alfred Johansson deserve for keeping the momentum going?Hibs suffered a frustrating defeat in Kosovo, but is it too early to judge David Gray's side before the return leg at Easter Road?David Currie joined by Craig Telfer and Cillian Sheridan look ahead to a decisive weekend in the League Cup group stage, with Falkirk, St Mirren, Dunfermline, Livingston and Stenhousemuir all battling for places in the knockout rounds.And with the Premiership season fast approaching, why is the lack of transfer activity causing growing concern among Celtic supporters?

James McFadden and Tom English assess Motherwell's encouraging start to the season following their 2-0 win over HB in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier.

European nights are back - but will they bring a winning start for Hibs and Motherwell? David Currie is joined by Joelle Murray and Andy Halliday to preview two intriguing Conference League qualifiers.Can Hibs cope without key absentees in Kosovo? Will Alfred Johansson's new-look Motherwell side hit the ground running against HB from the Faroes? The team also assess summer recruitment, the challenge of balancing Europe with domestic ambitions, and whether Hibs and Motherwell can build on promising campaigns.Plus, was Derek McInnes' four-match touchline ban justified, or has the punishment gone too far?

A disastrous Champions League night leaves Hearts facing a mountain to climb after a 4-0 defeat in Graz. What went wrong defensively, and is the tie already beyond them? Scott Allan and Cammy Bell join David Currie to assess Wouter Vrancken's difficult start and where Hearts go from here.Plus, could Daizen Maeda be on his way to Ipswich, and how big a loss would he be for Celtic? Are recruitment concerns growing again at Parkhead? And with Rangers adding more new faces, is Derek McInnes building a squad capable of challenging straight away?We also round up the latest League Cup drama, including East Kilbride's heartbreaking defeat to St Mirren.

Alasdair Lamont, Tom English and Ryan Stevenson review Sturm Graz 4-0 Hearts in Champions League qualifying, a result that all but ends their Champions League hopes

Hearts are the first Scottish club back in competitive European action this season as they travel to Austria to face Sturm Graz in a crucial Champions League qualifier.How ready are Wouter Vrancken's new-look side after a summer of major change? Can they cope with the loss of key figures and keep their European ambitions on track?Andy Burke is joined by Ryan McGowan and Mark Atkinson as they focus on the challenge facing the Jambos, discuss the impact of Tony Bloom's long-term vision and run the rule over Hearts' summer recruitment. Plus, a look ahead to tonight's League Cup fixtures across Scotland.

Spain are world champions - but beyond the trophy lift, what lasting changes could this World Cup mean for the SPFL?Have hydration breaks become football's version of a tactical timeout? And should Scottish football be looking closely at how referees and VAR have been used on the biggest stage?Back at home, which Premiership sides have made the strongest early statement in the League Cup? Are Dundee United already putting an early scare behind them? Should Aberdeen fans be encouraged by the signs from their rebuilt squad? And after another nervy afternoon, is there any reason for Kilmarnock supporters to be concerned?Plus are Celtic supporters right to be frustrated by the lack of transfer activity? Could a summer of inactivity end up becoming the biggest story of the Scottish football season before a ball has even been kicked in the Premiership?

Richard Gordon, Scott Allan and Callum Davidson review the League Cup action, preview the upcoming European fixtures and are joined by Hibs head coach David Gray

Martin O'Neill's former captain Paul Lambert believes the current squad isn't good enough and that the club need to invest significantly in recruitment infrastructure.

A Scotland legend has called time on a remarkable career - but where does Craig Gordon rank among the country's greatest-ever goalkeepers, and who is ready to step into his gloves for the years ahead?With shock results already appearing in the League Cup, how seriously should Premiership clubs be taking these early-season fixtures - and what does a defeat at this stage really tell us about a team's prospects?And as Spain prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup final, will individual brilliance prevail, or will the best team win the biggest prize in football? David Currie, Rory Loy and Cammy Kerr have the answers