Scottish Premiership

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou spotted switching sports as he takes break from Tottenham rebuild with ex-prime minister

      by

      THE third Ashes test looks to be going Australia’s way. And no-one will be happier about that than former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
      Ange Postecoglou looked in thoughtful moodCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ange Postecoglou with former Deputy Prime Minister Of Australia, Michael McCormack, Former Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard and his wife Janette Howard, with Chair of Cricket Australia, Mike Baird in the Cricket Australia SuiteCredit: Getty
      The former Celtic gaffer cut an interested spectator as he mixed with former Aussie politicians and Cricket Australia high rollers in the Cricket Australia suite at Lord’s.
      It’s been a whirlwind start to life at the Tottenham Stadium for the Aussie – who has snapped up the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario already this summer.
      More arrivals are surely on their way – with Hoops stars Kyogo and Reo Hatate both mooted as possible arrivals.
      There’s also the small matter of Harry Kane’s future to be resolved, with the England talisman due back from his holiday shortly and entering the final year of his contract.

      Bayern Munich are keen to sign him now – but no agreement has been reached between the clubs with Spurs having a major dilemma on their hands if they are to stop him walking away from the club for free in 12 months’ time.
      He’s a man with plenty on his mind, then, but for now the Aussie was able to take his mind off things by concentrating on the small matter of one of sport’s biggest contests.
      Like all Aussies, Postecoglou has a major interest in the sport – as he revealed in a one-to-one interview he did with late cricket legend Shane Warne shortly after his arrival in Glasgow.
      One of the sport’s greatest-ever players passed away last March after a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
      Most read in English Premier League
      Warne said: “It’s a great honour to speak to Ange, I have admired him from afar from a long period of time.
      “All the great work he did with the Australian soccer team, and watching him in progress, whether it being Japan or Celtic, his career.”
      Postecoglou replied: “Pleasure to speak to you too mate, growing up in Melbourne, even though it might be bizarre as an ethnic boy, an immigrant, my first passion was obviously soccer but growing up in Melbourne you had Aussie rules and in the summer it was all cricket.
      “As kids that is all we did, we just played cricket the whole time.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Celtic confirm midfield ace has QUIT the club in shock decision days before Brendan Rodgers’ second spell kicks off

      by

      CELTIC have confirmed Aaron Mooy has quit the club – and the game.The Australian international has announced his retirement from football this morning.
      The Socceroos midfielder is a popular star with the fansCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Mooy was a star in the World Cup and picked up 57 capsCredit: Getty
      Rumours had swirled over the 32-year-old’s future for several weeks.
      And reports in his homeland put the shock announcement down to a ‘debilitating back injury’.
      The squad is due to meet up on Monday ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ first training session, but they will do so without the fan favourite.
      Mooy was a free transfer signing last season and took time to get up to speed – but when he did he won the Hoops fans’ hearts.

      He popped up with several key goals in the second half of the season – including a double at Easter Road – as the team marched to a second league title.
      Quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald, he said: “I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dreams of playing for Australia.
      “As a young kid, starting out in football, you watch the national team on TV and imagine yourself there one day – to have lived that is something I’m truly grateful for.
      “I’ve had the honour of playing alongside some of the best footballers that Australia has produced, creating lifelong friendships along the way.
      Most read in Football
      “I wanted to thank my teammates, coaches and the backroom staff for all their support and guidance during my time with the Socceroos, the camaraderie amongst the group is something I’ll never forget.
      “This has been a hugely difficult decision [to retire], but I feel the time is right for the next generation to be given the opportunity to experience international football.”
      His silver-laden year at Celtic was not Mooy’s first experience of Scotland – he previously played for St Mirren after a spell in England.
      He can also count City group clubs Manchester City and Melbourne on his CV and played almost 100 games in the English Premier League for Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town.
      #CelticFC midfielder & Australian internationalist Aaron Mooy today announced his intention to retire from football with immediate effect.Aaron played a crucial role in our recent record-breaking Treble & we wish him the best for the future 🍀Thank you, @AaronMooy 💚— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 30, 2023

      Celtic confirmed the news and said: “Celtic FC midfielder & Australian internationalist Aaron Mooy today announced his intention to retire from football with immediate effect.
      “Aaron played a crucial role in our recent record-breaking Treble & we wish him the best for the future.
      Incoming boss Brendan Rodgers paid tribute and said: “Clearly we are disappointed that Aaron will be retiring, however, it is something we absolutely respect.
      “He has done so much in the game for a number of clubs and for his country and he deserves to make this decision on his own terms.
      “I am delighted for Aaron that he has gone out on a real high after making such a telling contribution to Celtic last season and that, together with all his other achievements, should be a real source of pride to him.
      “Club football and the international game will miss him dearly, but on behalf of everyone at Celtic I send Aaron and his family our heartfelt best wishes for the future.”
      The news comes as another hit to the Hoops squad as Portuguese winger Jota is lined up for a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
      Reports in the country have linked the 24-year-old with Al-Ittihad in a deal worth more than £20million.
      Previous club Benfica would be due a slice of the transfer fee but the winger could fetch eye-watering wages in the region of £192,000 in Jeddah.
      Super agent Jorge Mendes is currently brokering the deal for his client and will ensure he’s not shortchanged with clubs in the country continuing to splash the cash.
      Ex-Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo and Scots coach Ian Cathro are currently in charge at the Jeddah club and boast N’golo Kante and Karim Benzema in their ranks.
      Read More On The Sun
      Crisitano Ronaldo kick-started the stream of players heading to the gulf state in January when he joined Al-Nassr.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Dundee United kit manufacturers involved in Twitter spat as fan calls them out over one crucial detail on new strip

      by

      DUNDEE UNITED’S new kit launch went down a treat with supporters.But the company who made United’s kit have managed to score a rather spectacular own goal.
      Dundee United’s new home top has been well-received by fans
      But Erreà made a critical error when promoting the shirt
      Erreà, the Italian sportswear brand, signed a deal with the Tannadice outfit to produce their strips starting from this season.
      They unveiled their first offering today, with the home kit revealed on social media (though the release date remains TBC).
      While supporters wait to find out when they can get their hands on the new threads, they’ve been looking at as many images of it as possible.
      Erreà posted some of snaps of the jersey being modelled on Twitter, but didn’t quite get the reaction they were hoping for as they got one key detail mixed up.

      They wrote: “Introducing @dundeeunitedfc’s new home kit.
      “Orange, elegant, it pays tribute to the iconic club founded in 1909.
      “The jersey features a stylish pattern of the club’s rampant lion logo, with white and black details on the collar and sleeves.”
      One particular aspect of that description left United fans with the same complaint.
      Most read in Football
      Plenty of Arabs quickly pointed out to Erreà that their club’s official colour is of course tangerine, not orange.
      One exclaimed: “Excuse me, ORANGE? No, we play in tangerine.”
      While another, offering a more positive perspective, said: “*Tangerine. Looks great!”
      But a response from Erreà to one reply stood out above all others, with the manufacturers getting on the defensive.
      A supported commented: “Should be tangerine. Not orange. At least get the colour right!
      “Plus, we didn’t start playing in tangerine till 1966. Not off to a good start with 2 important stats incorrect!”
      Erreà seemed to get the claws out for their comeback.
      The brand said: “Sorry for the two inaccuracies James, we will improve so that everything will be perfect next time thanks to your valuable advice.
      “Congratulations you are a big fan of your club. Do you even like the jersey or did we get that wrong too?”
      Talking about the kit on its own, punters seemed to be mostly in approval.
      One called it a “stunning kit” while another said it “genuinely looks class”.
      A Hearts fan even chimed in: “Furious at how nice a kit that is.”
      Others shared their excitement and the fact they couldn’t wait to get their hands on the top.
      But, many agreed that the shirt looked better without one key feature…
      The sponsor on the front.
      One said: “Not United’s fault; the same can be said for most kits and money is money, but… That looks absolutely SENSATIONAL with no sponsor.”
      Another commented: “Going to be heartbreaking watching them plaster sponsors all over this masterpiece.”
      “Looks unreal without the sponsor on it,” came a further reply, and many after it…
      United’s head of commercial and sponsorship, Elliot Shaw, said: “I am absolutely delighted how our maiden kit of the Errea era has turned out.
      “The design is stylish and contemporary, and I have no doubts that it will be a real hit with our supporters.
      “I am also thrilled to introduce Bartercard as our new front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2023/24 season.
      Read More On The Sun
      “Bartercard have been a fantastic partner to work with, and it is great to see how our initial conversations last summer around partnering with the club have developed at such a pace that they are now Principal Partners. I would like to thank Chris and the team for the magnificent support that they have given to Dundee United.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Rapist footy star David Goodwillie signs for new club in Australia – only for contract to be SCRAPPED hours later

      by

      DISGRACED striker David Goodwillie’s signing was announced by an Australian club only for the move to be axed just HOURS later.Semi-pro outfit Sorrento FC announced the controversial player – who was ruled by a civil court in 2017 to have raped a woman – had joined the club alongside a couple of other signings.
      Goodwillie played for Clyde before his switch to RaithCredit: PA
      Raith received huge backlash for signing GoodwillieCredit: SNS
      A statement on social media from the Perth-based club announced his signing, lauding his experience.
      Sorrento, who are managed by Scottish former midfielder Steven McGarry, posted on Facebook: “With David, we get a player with real quality and experience. He’s played in the top leagues in England and Scotland while also representing Scotland at international level so he’s a massive addition to the club.”
      However, within a matter of hours, that post had been DELETED and Goodwillie’s contract dramatically RESCINDED.
      Another statement appeared on Facebook, reading: “Sorrento Football Club has rescinded its contract with David Goodwillie.

      “David was scheduled to arrive in Perth within the next week to commence playing with the club for the remainder of the 2023 NPLM season.
      “The arrangement was non-commercial in nature.
      “The club has informed David of its decision and apologises to anyone in our football and broader community that may have been caused offence by this signing.”
      Sorrento announced his signing on FacebookCredit: FACEBOOK
      But the deal was cancelled just HOURS laterCredit: FACEBOOK
      Goodwillie, 34, was ruled to be a rapist in a civil court case in 2017 and was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages by a judge over the incident six years previously.
      Most read in Football
      He maintained his innocence and no criminal charges were brought against him.
      Goodwillie’s high-profile transfer to Championship club Raith Rovers in January 2022 caused a huge backlash and he eventually had his contract torn up without kicking a ball for the club.
      Clyde, with whom he’d been playing before joining Raith, re-signed him on loan but they too ended up performing a U-turn and terminated that deal too after they received severe criticism.
      Goodwillie subsequently appeared as a tralist for non-league Livingston United before moving to English club Radcliffe FC.
      However, that move too proved controversial and he was released having played just ONCE.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers Wag sizzles in skimpy pink bikini in Ibiza as influencer branded ‘an angel’ parties with pals on holiday

      by

      IT’s summer time which means it’s time for footballers to take a well-earned break before pre-season gets back underway. But it’s not just the players who are taking some much-needed time off – their partners are too.
      This Rangers Wag stunned in her latest Instagram post
      Fans wowed over her latest snap
      And one Rangers Wag has opted for a luxury trip to Ibiza with her friends this week to recharge her batteries and enjoy some sun.
      Ella Thompson, who is a social media influencer with over 10k followers, has wowed her fans with some stunning snaps while lounging at the popular resort, Wi-ki-Woo Hotel Ibiza.
      She is the partner of Rangers midfielder Ross McCausland and they’ve been together for a few years.
      McCausland, 20, joined the Ibrox club in 2019 after impressing for the Linfield youth teams.

      Contracted until next summer, the Northern Ireland U21 international was a regular in the B team’s Lowland League campaign last season, scoring eight and assisting four in 31 appearances.
      He was handed his senior Rangers debut at the end of the 2021/22 season as he came off the bench against Hearts to replace Manchester Utd loan star Amad Diallo in the second half.
      McCausland has attracted several clubs since making a name for himself in Glasgow and was linked with three English clubs last summer following an impressive trial with De Graafschap.
      The Dutch club surprisingly dropped their interest though despite him scoring in his only appearance.
      Most read in Football
      But now his girlfriend Ella is attracting interest for herself online with fans flocking to her profile to wow over her stunning snaps.
      And she sizzled in her latest Instagram post wearing a pink bikini while enjoying her time abroad.
      One fan branded her “an angel” whilst others commented their support too.
      Another comment read: “Every time😍.”
      Someone else wrote: “The best ever.”
      A fourth said: “There she is 😋.”
      And a fifth follower commented: “Pretty in pink.”
      Ross and Ella has been in a relationship for years
      She uploaded another pic on her story in a black bikini
      She enjoyed some nights out with friends during the holiday
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Brendan Rodgers GUARANTEES he’ll be Celtic manager for the next three years – on one condition

      by

      BRENDAN RODGERS has promised Celtic fans he’ll be at Parkhead for the long haul – on one condition.The boss broke Hoops’ hearts when he moved to Leicester City midway through the 2018-19 season.
      Rodgers was presented to the media to start his second spell as managerCredit: Willie Vass
      The club completed an eighth league title without him – but missed out on their pursuit of ‘the 10′.
      Rodgers referenced that ’emotional time’ as he was presented in public for the second time as boss on Friday.
      But he also pledged to stick around for the full duration of his contract – unless he is SACKED.
      The boss beamed as he fielded questions and admitted he has ‘regrets’ over how his last spell ended.

      But he is fully focused on achieving more success and seeing out his three-year deal.
      He said: “Listen I’ve signed for three years, I guarantee I’ll be here for three years unless I get emptied before that, as they say up here!
      “That will be the plan and like I say then we can look at it from there.”
      He joked he was looking forward to battling with the media as much as battling with Rangers but reflected on his previous spell in Scotland – though insisted the return was not through rose-tinted glasses.
      Most read in Football
      He said: “I’m very privileged and honoured to come back.
      “My own plan was to have a year out and to rest again, but once I spoke to the guys at the club and looked a little bit more deep into where the club was at, it was pretty straightforward.
      “The club is in a fantastic place and it made me really excited to come back.
      “It wasn’t a nostalgic move, but I had an amazing time here when I was here, but I am here to win going forward and I really look forward to hopefully achieving that.”

      He added: “I have to say Scotland brought me a lot of happiness on and off the pitch when I was here.
      “The joy of working here at Celtic was amazing and how successful we were.
      “Of course off the pitch, I have a lot of respect for the city and country as a whole. Hence when we were thinking of coming back it wasn’t just about the football aside – even at the last moments when we were here was tough and difficult off the field – it still didn’t change for us the good feeling we had when we were here at Celtic.
      “I’m delighted to be here from a professional perspective and taking on the teams and from a family perspective they’ll find a great happiness here.”
      The boss addressed the media for the first time in his second spell – but there was one noticeable omission.
      Read More On The Sun
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Brendan Rodgers opens up on Celtic ‘regrets’ over emotional exit as he sends message to fans ‘who don’t want me here’

      by

      BRENDAN RODGERS was put on the spot for the first time today since returning to Parkhead over his controversial exit from Celtic in 2019.The Northern Irishman is back at the Hoops for his second spell as manager following his trophy-laden stint at the club first time around.
      Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media today for the first time since returning as Celtic managerCredit: Willie Vass
      Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson both addressed the manager’s appointment alsoCredit: Willie Vass
      He was the clear front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou who departed for Tottenham earlier this month, but fans had mixed views on Rodgers following his shock departure four years ago.
      The 50-year-old left Celtic midway through the 2018/19 season to take over at Leicester after spending two-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
      He won all seven trophies on offer during his first spell, including an Invincible season and back-to-back Trebles.
      Rodgers was dubbed a legend at Parkhead during that time but things soon turned sour when he left in February, 2019, to join the Premier League club.

      A large section of the support felt he mislead them and betrayed their trust so they turned against the boss.
      The bad blood was settled amongst many when he was appointed as Postecoglou’s successor though with several giving him a warm welcome outside the stadium today.
      But not everyone is ready to forgive him just yet.
      Celtic ultras group, the Green Brigade, posted a picture of one of their banner protests against the manager when he left four years ago.
      Most read in Football
      They uploaded the snap just minutes after his appointment was officially confirmed, highlighting their dismay at the club’s decision to bring him back.
      The banner read: “You traded mediocrity for immortality – never a Celtic, always a fraud.”
      Now, Rodgers has spoken to the media for the first time since returning as gaffer.
      One of the big topics over his return is of course the fan fury surrounding his appointment.
      And when asked to clear the air over his shock exit last time, Rodgers said: “I understand how some supporters would feel. I also know the first time I was here we did really well and I had critics.

      “It was an emotional time, the club was going for 10-in-a-row and it was emotional. I never get too emotional with words but I’m hoping that I can have that impact that I had first time around.
      “I think the pressure will be greater due to the success I had first time around before I left but that’s what I want. I’m here to win and I want the expectation and pressure.
      “The people that I had support from and who came back, I really thank them for that and maybe those who don’t want me here, hopefully I can prove to them with the football that we play and I can shift their opinions.
      “I hope I can still have that ‘a good relationship with fans’ and it’s natural when I left that it was a sad moment.
      “I certainly don’t regret it but what I do regret is the hurt that it caused people. It’s the very reason I stand here today. I’m a Celtic supporter and I understood what it meant.
      Read More On The Sun
      “I regret that I hurt people who were Celtic supporters and it was a big part of coming back.”

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Odin Thiago Holm joins Celtic as Norwegian wonderkid completes Parkhead move

      by

      CELTIC have confirmed the signing of Norwegian wonderkid Odin Thiago Holm from Valerenga. The 20-year-old moves to the Hoops on a five-year-deal after completing his medical in London yesterday.
      Odin Thiago Holm has been announced as Celtic’s latest signingCredit: Alamy
      Odin Thiago Holm
      The 20-year-old Norwegian central-midfielder joins from Eliteserien club Valerenga and becomes Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the new campaign.
      Rodgers said: “We are delighted to bring Odin to the club and to secure his signing so early in the window.
      “He is a player who has been in the club’s scouting and recruitment system for some time.
      “I have looked at him closely and believe he is someone who can make a big impact at the club.

      “I have spent time already with Odin, he is an ambitious, exciting young player and I know he is delighted to be joining us.
      “He is a great addition to the quality squad we already have and we really look forward to working with him.”
      A Norwegian youth international, Holm arrives at Parkhead with a lot of promise having played almost 100 senior games despite his tender age.
      He was regarded as Valerenga’s “midfield jewel”, according to outlets in Norway ahead of his transfer to the Hoops and he was previously courted by Premier League big guns Man Utd and Liverpool as well as Italian giants Juventus.
      Most read in Football
      He had a trial with the Merseyside club before turning down offers from the Red Devils and the Old Lady.
      Holm was highly-sought after and even had FC Copenhagen on his tail with reports suggesting the Norwegian club rejected a £2.2million bid from the Danish side in January.
      Celtic had a bit of fun about Odin Thiago Holm’s arrival
      But with the midfielder entering the final 12 months of his deal at Valerenga, they have opted to sell their prized asset and it’s Celtic who have won the race for his signature.
      He featured in every match for the struggling Eliteserien this season before opting for the move to Scotland.
      In 2020 he was named in The Guardian’s list of 60 best young talents in world football alongside Bayern Munich prodigy Jamal Musiala, Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz and then-PSG wonderkid Xavi Simons.
      He changed his name in 2017, aged 14, to add in Thiago as his middle name in tribute to his football idol, Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
      The 20-year-old is a centre-mid who has been likened to both Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley but it’s understood that the player will be brought in to develop his game with Celtic eyeing him for the future.
      He becomes the latest Norwegian player to sign for Celtic, following in the footsteps of Kristoffer Ajer, Harald Brattbakk, Stefan Johansen, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Thomas Rogne among others.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More