Latest news with #Ex-Scotland
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Scotland striker named first-ever manager of Afghan women's refugee team
They previously played Celtic, Hibs and Kilmarnock - and once coached at Rangers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Scotland striker has been appointed head coach of the newly-formed Afghan women's refugee football team. Afghan women have been banned from playing sport in the country since the Taliban came to power in 2021. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Girls of the Afghan National Development Squad - all of whom are refugees Credit: The Times 2 Pauline Hamill during her days as a Scotland international Credit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow Back in May, Fifa gave the green light to set up a new team for female players of Afghan nationality who had obtained refugee status abroad, allowing them to play in official matches. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been leading the process, which will now see players gather for three "talent identification camps" in order to populate a squad. These training camps will not only decide who makes the team but they will offer players psychological care, safeguarding and better access to nutrition and physical preparation. Ex-Scotland, Hibs and Celtic striker Pauline Hamill has been chosen by Fifa to be the first-ever manager of the team. Hamill, 53, earned 141 caps for the Scotland women's national team and scored 29 goals during an illustrious international career. She played for Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Doncaster Rovers ad Celtic among others at club level before retiring in 2011. An experienced coach, she worked with the Scotland women's under-17s between 2010 and 2017 before moving up to the under-19s for six years. In 2023 she was named head coach of the Saudi Arabia women's under-20s (a first for the country). Hamill holds a Uefa Pro Licence and headed up the SFA Women's National Academy at the University of Stirling before moving to the Middle East. She made history way back in 2003 too, when she was still a player, when she became the first ever female coach at Rangers, being appointed to a youth development role at the Ibrox club. Nicolas Kuhn poses for selfies with Celtic fans as he greets team-mates and Brendan Rodgers at Como Cup Hamill described the job as a "no-brainer" and a "privilege" and that she hopes the initiative will have a long-lasting impact. She said: "I was super excited, honestly, as soon as I was offered the role. "From the very start, something about the job was really pulling me in. "So, when I had the opportunity to lead the team, for me it was an absolute no-brainer. It's a privilege to be invited into this project. "This is going to be something really special, and I think it's something that they'll remember forever. "It's more than just a football journey. This is something that will have a lasting effect on people." Infantino said upon announcing Hamill's new role: "We're proud to have Pauline Hamill guiding this team on such a meaningful journey. "Her experience, empathy and dedication will be a powerful source of strength and inspiration for these courageous players. "Fifa stands firmly with Afghan women - at home and in exile - and remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can pursue their football dreams and be seen, heard and supported on the international stage." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Predicted Scottish Premiership table 25/26: Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibs title odds assessed
The return of the Scottish Premiership season is now just weeks away, with supporters across the country counting down the days until their league opener in early August. Celtic enter the new campaign with their eyes firmly set winning a fifth consecutive - and record 56th - title, though Rangers will hope to crash the party under new head coach Russell Martin. Hibs have designs on ensuring their impressive third place finished from last season was no flash in the pan, though Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen will be hoping to oust the Easter Road side in order to claim a top three finish of their own. Falkirk and Livingston will hope hoping to keep their heads above water after winning promotion back to the top flight, while Dundee, Motherwell and Kilmarnock will be hoping for a new manager bounce following their summer appointments. But how will each team fare come the end of the campaign? Here is where every team is predicted to finish in the Scottish Premiership table come May*. *All odds are offered bet365 and are subject to change at any time. Please gamble responsibly. 1 . 12th: Livingston Promoted back to the top flight via the playoffs last season, David Martindale's team are tipped for relegation. That said, the title of the underdog may well suit them ahead of the new campaign. They have title odds of 1000/1. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 2 . 11th: Falkirk Like their fellow promoted side Livingston, the Bairns are predicted to struggle upon their return to the Scottish Premiership. They have title odds of 1000/1. | (Photo: Michael Gillen) Photo: Michael Gillen Photo Sales 3 . 10th: Dundee Ex-Scotland international Steven Pressley is the new man in the Den's Park dugout this season, but after losing key men Lyall Cameron and Josh Mulligan, they are tipped for a flirt with the relegation places. They have title odds of 750/1. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . 9th: Motherwell One of five club's under new managerment this season, Jens Berthel Askou will be aiming for a top six season finish this season. However, the bookies fancy them for a lower-mid table finish, with title odds of 750/1. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Photo Sales
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Pressure grows to strip shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg of his MBE award
HONOURS chiefs are under mounting pressure to strip shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg of his MBE. It comes six months after he was sentenced for inflicting five years of domestic abuse on his estranged wife Gillian. 3 Ex-Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg, 33, was given a community payback order for at Selkirk Sheriff Court for terrorising his wife Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA 3 The former national team skipper was awarded an MBE for services to the game only months before his conviction Credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire 3 Hogg abused spouse Gillian for five years We told in February how the Cabinet Office's honours bosses, the Forfeiture Committee, were asked to make a 'timely decision'. But the disgraced former Scotland captain, 33, is still clinging to the gong awarded to him in 2024 for services to rugby union. Last night Tory MSP Pam Gosal said: 'It's shameful Stuart Hogg has still not done the right thing and handed back his MBE. "His continued refusal is an insult to his victim and all domestic abuse victims across the country. Read more Scottish news BAD COP Jealous Scots cop facing jail after punching pregnant girlfriend and choking her 'It is high time this offender had his award stripped from him rather than trying to hide behind his previous reputation.' And clinical psychologist Dr Mairead Tagg, who has worked with domestic abuse survivors for more than 20 years, also urged the officials to act now. She said: 'Are they just hoping it will all go away? "Do they think we are so taken up with other issues that we will just let it go? "I don't think so. 'Stuart Hogg made his ex- partner's life a living hell. Rugby player Stuart Hogg sentenced for abusing estranged wife 'Do we really want to reward that? "This man has let his teammates down, he has let his country down and the good name of Scottish rugby down.' Dr Tagg added: 'He is not a role model. "We should not be rewarding domestic abusers.' We told how Hogg pleaded guilty last November to a charge of domestic abuse involving mum-of-four Gillian, 38. He admitted to shouting and swearing, tracking her movements and sending distressing messages. At Selkirk Sheriff Court in January he got a community supervision order and was barred from contacting his ex for five years. First Minister John Swinney previously said calls to take back Hogg's MBE were 'reasonable and understandable'. An honour can be withdrawn for a variety of reasons, including criminal convictions and bringing the honours system into disrepute. Former Crewe Alexandra footie manager Dario Gradi, 84, was stripped of his MBE in 2023 after failing to protect kids from sexual abuse at the club. A review found he 'should have done more' on claims about paedo coach Barry Bennell. Hogg, now at French side Montpellier, was approached for comment. The Cabinet Office said it didn't comment on individuals.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers 'consider' move, Celtic ‘decide against' deal, 16-cap Scotland ace 'in talks'
Here is the latest Scottish football transfer news including the latest rumours surrounding Rangers, Celtic and the Scotland national team. 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... Here is the latest Scottish football transfer news and gossip this Thursday morning, including the latest rumours surrounding Rangers, Celtic, the Scotland national team and more. Ex-Scotland cap joins 15th club Former Celtic striker Tony Watt has joined Patrick Thistle after his release from Dundee United in the summer. The 31-year-old has signed a two-year-deal at Maryhill, who become the 15th club of his career. Having won promotion to the Scottish Premiership in 2023/24, Watt struggled for regular game time at Tannadice last season, and spent the second-half of last season on loan to former club Motherwell, featuring 28 times at Fir Park. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'To secure a player like Tony is a real coup for the club,' said head coach Mark Wilson. 'I played with him briefly when he was a youngster at Celtic and he's gone on to have a distinguished career since then. He arrives here as a very experienced player who had an excellent season the last time he was playing at this level and we want to give him the platform to perform like that again.' Tony Watt has joined Patrick Thistle on a free transfer this summer. | SNS Group St Mirren 'rejected' by defender St Mirren have failed in their attempts to lure Latvian defender Daniels Balodis to the SMiSA Stadium this summer, with the former St Johnstone centre-back set to sign for Slovakian side Tatran Presov. The 27-year-old spent last season at McDiarmid Park, playing 13 times, bur departed Perthshire following the club's relegation to the Scottish Championship. His form at St Johnstone had alerted head coach Stephen Robinson to his availability, but it appears the Paisley outfit have been unsuccessful in their attempts to keep the Riga-born defender in the Scottish Premiership, with Balodis on the verge of completing a move to the Slovakian top flight. Daniels Balodis departed St Johnstone earlier this summer. | SNS Group Scotland ace set for shock switch Scotland international goalkeeper Angus Gunn is set to make a surprise move to the Saudi Pro League, according to a report from MidanAlYaum. The 29-year-old was released by Norwich City in the summer and is available as a free agent, leading to loose links with a move to the Scottish Premiership. However, it appears the 16-cap stopper is now interesting Al-Khaleej, who have 'opened talks' with Gunn and his agent, with offer that has been made from the club 'welcomed' by the ex-Southampton man. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad English Premier League sides Everton and Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in Gunn in recent months, with the Toffess thought to have an interest in Gunn due to David Moyes need for an experienced back-up to Jordan Pickford on Merseyside. Angus Gunn is 'in talks' with a Saudi Pro League club - though Everton have an interest in bringing him to Merseyside this summer. | SNS Group Rangers 'consider' surprise move Rangers are mulling over a transfer move for ex-Ibrox ace and current Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass, following the financial uncertainly currently surrounding the Owls. Head coach Russell Martin has already raided the Hillsborough outfit for Djeidi Gassama, who is expected to have his move to Rangers confirmed imminently, with the Ibrox hierarchy now said be 'closely monitoring the situation' at the EFL Championship outfit, according to an exclusive report from the Sheffield Star. According to the report 'several players are understood to have tendered a notice period' at Sheffield Wednesday, after cashflow problems saw wages for May and June 2025 not paid on time for most senior players and staff, with the Owls' pressing need for funds putting several clubs on alert as they look to poach their key players. Coventry City, Derby County and Norwich City are also reported to hold an interest in Windass. Josh Windass has been a key figure for Sheffield Wednesday in recent years - but is now set to leave Hillsborough. |Celtic 'decide against' transfer Celtic have pulled out of a move for winger Isak Jansson due to Rapid Vienna's price tag - but have been offered renewed hope of in their quest to sign Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The Scottish champions were reported to have made an inquiry for Jansson, 22, but baulked at the asking price for the young Swede, and will now turn their attentions other targets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to Sky Sports, Jansson is now edging closer to a move to Ligue 1 side Nice after the two club's agreed a deal worth around £9million for the diminutive winger. Celtic could now move forward with a deal for long-term target Balikwisha though, following reports that the Belgian missed training with Royal Antwerp amid transfer negotiations. Antwerp's forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha is a long-term target for Celtic. | Belga/AFP via Getty Images
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers 'consider' move, Celtic ‘decide against' deal, 16-cap Scotland ace 'in talks'
Here is the latest Scottish football transfer news including the latest rumours surrounding Rangers, Celtic and the Scotland national team. 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... Here is the latest Scottish football transfer news and gossip this Thursday morning, including the latest rumours surrounding Rangers, Celtic, the Scotland national team and more. Ex-Scotland cap joins 15th club Former Celtic striker Tony Watt has joined Patrick Thistle after his release from Dundee United in the summer. The 31-year-old has signed a two-year-deal at Maryhill, who become the 15th club of his career. Having won promotion to the Scottish Premiership in 2023/24, Watt struggled for regular game time at Tannadice last season, and spent the second-half of last season on loan to former club Motherwell, featuring 28 times at Fir Park. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'To secure a player like Tony is a real coup for the club,' said head coach Mark Wilson. 'I played with him briefly when he was a youngster at Celtic and he's gone on to have a distinguished career since then. He arrives here as a very experienced player who had an excellent season the last time he was playing at this level and we want to give him the platform to perform like that again.' Tony Watt has joined Patrick Thistle on a free transfer this summer. | SNS Group St Mirren 'rejected' by defender St Mirren have failed in their attempts to lure Latvian defender Daniels Balodis to the SMiSA Stadium this summer, with the former St Johnstone centre-back set to sign for Slovakian side Tatran Presov. The 27-year-old spent last season at McDiarmid Park, playing 13 times, bur departed Perthshire following the club's relegation to the Scottish Championship. His form at St Johnstone had alerted head coach Stephen Robinson to his availability, but it appears the Paisley outfit have been unsuccessful in their attempts to keep the Riga-born defender in the Scottish Premiership, with Balodis on the verge of completing a move to the Slovakian top flight. Daniels Balodis departed St Johnstone earlier this summer. | SNS Group Scotland ace set for shock switch Scotland international goalkeeper Angus Gunn is set to make a surprise move to the Saudi Pro League, according to a report from MidanAlYaum. The 29-year-old was released by Norwich City in the summer and is available as a free agent, leading to loose links with a move to the Scottish Premiership. However, it appears the 16-cap stopper is now interesting Al-Khaleej, who have 'opened talks' with Gunn and his agent, with offer that has been made from the club 'welcomed' by the ex-Southampton man. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad English Premier League sides Everton and Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in Gunn in recent months, with the Toffess thought to have an interest in Gunn due to David Moyes need for an experienced back-up to Jordan Pickford on Merseyside. Angus Gunn is 'in talks' with a Saudi Pro League club - though Everton have an interest in bringing him to Merseyside this summer. | SNS Group Rangers 'consider' surprise move Rangers are mulling over a transfer move for ex-Ibrox ace and current Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass, following the financial uncertainly currently surrounding the Owls. Head coach Russell Martin has already raided the Hillsborough outfit for Djeidi Gassama, who is expected to have his move to Rangers confirmed imminently, with the Ibrox hierarchy now said be 'closely monitoring the situation' at the EFL Championship outfit, according to an exclusive report from the Sheffield Star. According to the report 'several players are understood to have tendered a notice period' at Sheffield Wednesday, after cashflow problems saw wages for May and June 2025 not paid on time for most senior players and staff, with the Owls' pressing need for funds putting several clubs on alert as they look to poach their key players. Coventry City, Derby County and Norwich City are also reported to hold an interest in Windass. Josh Windass has been a key figure for Sheffield Wednesday in recent years - but is now set to leave Hillsborough. |Celtic 'decide against' transfer Celtic have pulled out of a move for winger Isak Jansson due to Rapid Vienna's price tag - but have been offered renewed hope of in their quest to sign Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The Scottish champions were reported to have made an inquiry for Jansson, 22, but baulked at the asking price for the young Swede, and will now turn their attentions other targets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to Sky Sports, Jansson is now edging closer to a move to Ligue 1 side Nice after the two club's agreed a deal worth around £9million for the diminutive winger. Celtic could now move forward with a deal for long-term target Balikwisha though, following reports that the Belgian missed training with Royal Antwerp amid transfer negotiations. Antwerp's forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha is a long-term target for Celtic. | Belga/AFP via Getty Images
