• Craig McLeish signs three-year contract to become St Mirren’s permanent manager
• At 36, he is now the youngest head coach in the Scottish Premiership
• The Buddies point to data and English clubs like Brighton as models for their decision
• History shows mixed results for young bosses, with Steven Gerrard thriving but others failing
• Supporters remain split on whether this signals ambition or a cost-cutting risk

St Mirren have confirmed Craig McLeish as their full-time manager, handing the 36-year-old a three-year contract that makes him the youngest boss currently operating in the Scottish top flight.

The Paisley club moved quickly to secure McLeish after he guided the team through the final dozen matches of the recent campaign as caretaker. The former academy coach now steps up to the role permanently, beating other candidates despite his limited senior experience.

McLeish takes over from Stephen Robinson, who departed for Aberdeen. The new manager arrives with a mandate to develop youth talent, with chief operating officer Keith Lasley stating the club aims to become Scotland’s finest development outfit.

The appointment places McLeish at the forefront of a growing trend of young managers in the division. Rangers’ Danny Rohl is only slightly older at 37, while Hibernian’s David Gray is 38. By contrast, Celtic continue under veteran leadership with 74-year-old Martin O’Neill at the helm.

History offers cautionary tales for youthful bosses in Scotland. Ian Cathro was just 30 when he took charge at Heart of Midlothian four years ago, managing only eight wins from 30 fixtures before his exit. Shaun Maloney, 38 when he joined Hibernian, secured just six victories from 19 matches and departed after a Scottish Cup semi-final loss.

Yet success stories exist. Gray has achieved a 40% win rate across more than 100 matches with Hibernian, leading them to European qualification last term. Rohl finished third with Rangers this season, though this represented a drop from the previous year’s runners-up spot.

Steven Gerrard remains the benchmark, having captured the league title with Rangers in 2021 at age 38, ending a decade-long drought. The former Liverpool captain left with a win percentage approaching 65%.

St Mirren defend their choice by referencing English models. They highlight Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, who at 33 guided the Seagulls to Conference League qualification, and Brentford’s Keith Andrews, who enjoyed a solid first season at 45. Lasley insists McLeish represents ‘identifying talent and letting it fly’ rather than a cheap option.

The decision carries risk. McLeish’s playing career peaked in Scotland’s lower leagues, and his only prior role involved academy coaching. He kept the club up via play-off victory over Partick Thistle, though critics note the side sat just one place above the danger zone when Robinson left.

Fan opinion divides sharply. Some supporters praise the continuity and potential for long-term growth, urging patience with the new regime. Others dismiss the move as underwhelming, arguing that avoiding relegation required luck rather than tactical skill, and demanding a more experienced hand to push the club up the table.

The coming season will reveal whether St Mirren’s faith in youth reaps rewards or adds McLeish to the list of promising coaches who found Scottish football’s top tier a step too soon.

• Martin O’Neill agrees to one-year contract extension at Celtic Park with option for additional 12 months
• The 74-year-old manager secured the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup during two interim spells last season
• O’Neill replaces himself after initially stepping aside for Wilfried Nancy, who lasted only eight games
• Former striker Robbie Keane was linked with the post but faced opposition from supporter groups
• Celtic have not yet made an official announcement regarding the appointment

Martin O’Neill will continue as Celtic manager next season. The 74-year-old has signed a new one-year deal at Parkhead. The contract includes an option to extend for a further 12 months. He held talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond earlier this week.

The Scottish Premiership club has not confirmed the news officially. However, sources indicate O’Neill has committed his future to the Glasgow side. He enjoyed remarkable success during two temporary spells last term.

O’Neill first managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005. He returned in October last year following Brendan Rodgers’ departure. His first interim spell covered eight matches. He then stepped aside for Wilfried Nancy. The French coach struggled badly, winning just two of his eight games. O’Neill returned to the dugout in January until the end of the campaign.

The veteran boss guided Celtic to a domestic double. The league title race went to the final day. Celtic beat Hearts 3-1 to retain the Scottish Premiership crown. Two weeks ago, O’Neill lifted his ninth trophy as Parkhead boss. His side defeated Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

Across his two spells last season, O’Neill managed 35 matches in all competitions. His record shows 27 victories and four draws. He averaged 2.56 points per game in the league. This figure matches his record from his first spell at the club 20 years ago.

Other candidates were considered for the position. Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane was linked with the job. Several supporter clubs opposed his potential appointment. They cited his recent role as Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach as their reason. Danish coach Jens Berthel Askou was also mentioned. He has since moved from Motherwell to Toulouse.

O’Neill had earlier suggested he might retire. He described the role as tiring and emotionally draining. Despite these comments, he has chosen to continue at the helm. The manager knows how to organise his players effectively. He also maintains a strong connection with the supporters.

However, challenges remain off the pitch. Relations between some fan groups and the club board are difficult. This caused strain for O’Neill during the previous campaign. These problems have not disappeared completely. The peace between supporters and owners remains fragile. O’Neill understands this situation well. His appointment solves only part of the club’s wider challenges.

• Martin O’Neill signs one-year permanent contract with Celtic at age 74
• Irishman guided club to Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last term
• Replaced Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy during turbulent campaign
• Secured club’s 56th league title, moving ahead of Rangers in historical standings

Martin O’Neill has officially accepted a permanent position as manager of Celtic. The Northern Irish coach has agreed to a one-year contract at the Scottish club.

The 74-year-old held discussions with Dermot Desmond, the club’s primary shareholder, before committing to the role. The appointment follows a period of uncertainty that saw the former Aston Villa boss serve two separate interim terms last season.

O’Neill initially stepped in after Brendan Rodgers departed in October. He stabilised the team and reduced an eight-point gap to league leaders Hearts. He departed briefly when Wilfried Nancy arrived, but returned within 33 days when the French manager failed to settle.

During his second interim period, O’Neill orchestrated a remarkable recovery. The Bhoys had fallen six points behind Hearts and faced pressure from Rangers. However, the experienced manager guided his squad to seven consecutive victories. This run secured the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season.

Success continued at Hampden Park, where Celtic defeated Dunfermline Athletic to lift the Scottish Cup. This victory completed a domestic double and added to the seven trophies O’Neill won during his first spell at Parkhead between 2000 and 2005.

The league triumph marked a significant milestone for the Glasgow club. Celtic now hold 56 Scottish top-flight championships, surpassing their city rivals Rangers. This achievement extends their dominance in the modern era, with 20 league titles since 2000 compared to Rangers’ six.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton praised the manager’s impact. “Martin has worked magic,” Sutton stated. “He took control when the club faced difficulties and delivered results when they mattered most.”

Analyst James McFadden echoed these sentiments. He highlighted how O’Neill steadied the club during periods of crisis and united supporters with the board. “This might be his finest achievement,” McFadden added.

The club had considered other candidates, including former striker Robbie Keane. However, supporters welcomed the decision to retain O’Neill after his successful temporary reign.

• Sixty-seven Celtic supporter groups have signed a joint statement rejecting Robbie Keane as manager.
• Fans cite his recent role at Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict as the reason for their opposition.
• Banners and graffiti protesting the potential appointment have appeared outside Celtic Park.
• Keane claims he stayed in Israel to protect his coaching staff, not for financial reasons.
• The Irishman remains in talks with Celtic’s majority shareholder about the vacant manager position.

More than 60 official Celtic supporter clubs have united to oppose the potential appointment of Robbie Keane as the Scottish giants’ next manager. The fans object to his recent employment with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The former Republic of Ireland record goalscorer is reportedly holding discussions with Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s principal shareholder. He is considered one of the leading candidates for the position.

Keane previously enjoyed a successful loan spell as a player at Parkhead in 2010. As a manager, he has won league titles in both Hungary and Israel.

However, his decision to remain at Maccabi Tel Aviv following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict has caused significant anger among sections of the Celtic support. The North Curve Celtic group has published a list of 67 organisations that back a formal statement against his appointment.

This list includes prominent ultra groups such as the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic, alongside well-known podcasts and university supporter clubs. The statement argues that Keane’s choice to manage in Israel during the crisis is “unconscionable” and incompatible with the club’s founding values of solidarity with oppressed peoples.

Protesters have recently displayed banners and spray-painted graffiti outside Celtic Park demanding the board reject Keane.

Keane joined Maccabi in June 2023, months before the October 7 attacks triggered the war. He led the club to a domestic double before resigning in the summer of 2024. He later explained that he fulfilled his contract out of loyalty to his coaching staff, not for financial gain. He stated that leaving early would have abandoned employees who had relocated with him to Israel.

The 45-year-old claimed he rejected a lucrative contract extension to honour his commitment to his team.

• Celtic fan groups oppose Robbie Keane’s potential appointment as manager
• Protest centres on Keane’s tenure at Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict
• 67 supporters clubs endorse statement citing club’s founding principles
• Keane held discussions with Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond
• Former striker cites duty to staff as reason for remaining in Israel

Celtic Football Club faces fresh pressure from its own supporters over the potential appointment of Robbie Keane. Multiple fan organisations have publicly rejected the idea of the former Republic of Ireland striker taking charge at Parkhead. The protest centres on Keane’s recent managerial position with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The controversy stems from the Irishman’s decision to remain in Israel after the conflict in Gaza began. Keane accepted the Tel Aviv role in June 2023. He stayed in the position following the October attacks until his departure in summer 2024. This choice has angered sections of the Celtic support who view the club as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

A coalition calling itself Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine released a formal statement. They claim hiring Keane would split the fanbase. The North Curve Celtic social media account has since published a list of 67 groups supporting this position. The list includes prominent names such as the Green Brigade, Glasgow University Celtic Supporters Club, and various podcast collectives.

The statement references Celtic’s origins within the Irish immigrant community. It highlights how the club was built by people who escaped famine and displacement. The fans argue these roots demand solidarity with those facing similar suffering today. They describe Keane’s employment in Israel during the crisis as impossible to ignore.

Reports suggest Keane has met with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond about the vacant manager’s post. The 45-year-old previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Celtic in 2010. He later explained on a podcast that he felt a deep responsibility towards his players and staff in Tel Aviv. This duty, he said, influenced his choice to continue working there.

Celtic currently operates under interim manager Martin O’Neill. The club secured a domestic double last season despite significant unrest among supporters. Shareholders previously disrupted the annual general meeting in November. The tension centred on accusations that some fans acted as bullies towards the board.

• Celtic chiefs have held positive discussions with former striker Robbie Keane about the manager’s job.
• Club shareholder Dermot Desmond will meet interim boss Martin O’Neill within 24 hours to discuss his future role.
• O’Neill could stay as manager on a short deal or move to an advisory position if he declines the top job.
• Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains on the club’s wishlist despite his public commitment to his national team.
• Celtic hope to appoint a new boss before pre-season training begins.

Celtic Football Club have opened formal talks with Robbie Keane regarding their vacant managerial position. The Scottish giants are searching for a permanent boss after recent changes in the dugout.

Club shareholder Dermot Desmond plans to speak with interim manager Martin O’Neill before the end of this week. He wants to know if the 74-year-old wishes to continue in the role. If O’Neill agrees, the club may offer him a short-term contract. However, if he prefers not to take the job permanently, Celtic could offer him a position in their football operations department or as a consultant.

Keane, who played for the Glasgow club as a forward, recently left his post at Hungarian side Ferencvaros. He is now a free agent and available for immediate appointment. Reports suggest he wants to build a coaching team that includes Stephen Glass, Scott Brown, and Jonny Hayes if he gets the position.

The former Republic of Ireland international has built an impressive managerial record in recent seasons. He guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League title and Toto Cup in 2024. He then moved to Ferencvaros and won the Hungarian championship in 2025, plus the Magyar Kupa, before his departure last month.

Celtic also maintain interest in Craig Bellamy, the current Wales national team boss. Bellamy stated on Monday that he remains fully committed to his role with Wales as they prepare for Euro 2028 qualifiers. He turned down several club approaches earlier this year to focus on international duty. However, the Scottish club may still test his interest in the coming days.

O’Neill returned to Celtic Park twice last season and helped secure a domestic double. The club values his experience but understands he may wish to step away from frontline management.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. However, his involvement in this summer’s World Cup makes him an unlikely choice. The club wants a manager in place before players return for pre-season preparations.

• Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane are the leading candidates to become Celtic’s next permanent manager
• The Scottish champions want a swift appointment before the summer transfer window begins
• O’Neill, aged 74, won a league and cup double during two temporary spells this season
• Keane, aged 45, recently left Ferencvaros after gaining experience in Hungary and Israel
• Rivals for the post, including Jens Berthel Askou and Craig Bellamy, are no longer available

Celtic Football Club stands at a crossroads as the board prepares to select a new permanent manager. The two men leading the race are club legend Martin O’Neill and former striker Robbie Keane.

The Glasgow giants want to make a quick decision. They hope to have a new boss in place before the summer transfer window opens. This will allow the manager to rebuild the squad for the next campaign.

O’Neill came out of retirement to rescue Celtic’s season. The 74-year-old Northern Irishman took charge twice on a temporary basis. First, he replaced Brendan Rodgers. Then he stepped in after Wilfried Nancy departed. He guided the team to a fifth consecutive league title. He also lifted the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park ten days ago.

The veteran manager looked visibly tired after the cup final. He admitted he could not start another season immediately. However, he refused to rule out a possible return. He suggested the club might prefer a younger man. Despite this, his steady leadership and experience have made him a popular choice. Players have spoken glowingly about his impact on the dressing room.

If we examine O’Neill’s points record in the league, Celtic would have won the title more comfortably over a full season. He worked closely with coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham. This trio could continue together next term, even if only for one year while the club rebuilds.

Keane offers a different option. The 45-year-old former Republic of Ireland international recently left his post at Ferencvaros in Hungary. He has also managed Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. He won league titles in both countries during his nascent career.

His time in Hungary ended on a mixed note. Ferencvaros failed to defend their league crown this season. They missed out by a single point to ETO Gyor despite having the most expensive squad in the division. However, they did win the Hungarian Cup as consolation. In Europe, Keane’s team overperformed. They reached the last 16 of the Europa League, finishing 12th in the league phase. They defeated Rangers and other strong teams along the way.

Keane prefers attacking football. He often uses a 3-5-2 formation. He instructs his centre-backs to play forward passes. He does not like them to keep the ball at the back without purpose.

Two other possible choices are no longer available. Jens Berthel Askou has moved from Motherwell to Toulouse. Craig Bellamy will stay with the Wales national team. This leaves O’Neill and Keane as the final candidates.

Supporters have shared their views on the club’s next move. Some want O’Neill to stay for one more year. They believe his experience is vital for stability. Others think Keane represents the future. He understands the club culture from his playing days on the pitch. Former Celtic captain Scott Brown and coach Jonny Hayes could join Keane’s backroom staff, alongside Stephen Glass.

The board must now decide between the safety of experience and the promise of a new era at Parkhead.

• The Scottish summer transfer window runs from June 15 to September 1, 2026.
• Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland has signed for Rangers on a free transfer.
• Aberdeen have secured Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron following his loan spell.
• Celtic defender Stephen Welsh returns to Parkhead after his temporary move ended.
• Clubs are working to finalise squads ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament.

The summer transfer window for Scotland’s top division opened on June 15 and will close at 11pm UK time on September 1. Teams across the league are busy strengthening their ranks for the upcoming season.

Rangers have secured a major boost by signing Lawrence Shankland from Heart of Midlothian. The Scotland forward arrives at Ibrox without a transfer fee. This deal adds firepower to their front line as they prepare for domestic and European campaigns.

Aberdeen have also strengthened their midfield by bringing in Lyall Cameron from Dundee. The young player joins the Pittodrie club permanently after his loan arrangement finished. Manager Jimmy Thelin sees Cameron as a vital part of his future plans.

Several experienced players have moved on after their contracts expired. Former Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie has joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Veteran striker Brian Graham has switched to Ross County, while midfielder Craig Sibbald has signed for Falkirk.

Numerous loan players have gone back to their parent clubs. Stephen Welsh returns to Celtic after his temporary spell elsewhere. Winger Scott Wright comes back to Rangers from Birmingham City. Other players have ended loans with sides including Swansea City, Brentford, and Manchester United.

Supporters can keep up with all the latest developments through the Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports. The service provides real-time updates on every confirmed deal throughout the window.

• SFA refereeing chief Willie Collum confirms Hearts should have received a penalty at Fir Park on 9 May
• Celtic’s last-minute spot-kick against Motherwell on 13 May was correctly awarded for handball
• VAR decisions from the Old Firm clash and Celtic’s match at Hibernian also reviewed
• Hearts lost the league title to Celtic by just two points despite having a superior goal difference

The Scottish Football Association has acknowledged that Heart of Midlothian were unjustly refused a penalty during their recent clash with Motherwell. This admission comes from Willie Collum, the governing body’s head of refereeing, who oversees Video Assistant Referee operations.

Collum delivered his regular monthly update on VAR calls this week. He addressed several controversial decisions from the final stages of the Scottish Premiership season. The most significant admission concerned the incident involving Tawanda Maswanhise and Alexandros Kyziridis at Fir Park on 9 May.

During the 1-1 draw, Maswanhise appeared to trip Kyziridis inside the box. Referee Steven McLean initially allowed play to continue. He then reviewed the footage at the pitch-side monitor but still declined to award the spot-kick.

Audio recordings revealed McLean stating he had “not seen enough” evidence to change his decision. However, Collum disagrees with this conclusion. “My personal opinion is that that’s a penalty kick,” he stated. He added that once a referee approaches the monitor, the expected outcome should be a penalty award in such circumstances.

The controversy carries extra weight because Hearts ultimately finished two points behind champions Celtic. Remarkably, the Edinburgh club boasted a better goal difference than the title winners.

Meanwhile, Collum defended the added-time penalty awarded to Celtic in their 3-2 victory over Motherwell on 13 May. Sam Nicholson handled the ball inside the area during the dying moments. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the resulting kick to seal the win.

Collum cited “clear evidence” supporting referee John Beaton’s decision. He noted that Nicholson’s arm was in an “unnatural position” when the contact occurred. The official explained that the SFA has been consistent regarding handballs above shoulder height.

The refereeing chief also examined two other incidents from Celtic’s 3-1 win against Rangers on 10 May. He confirmed that Yang Hyun-jun’s equaliser was correctly allowed to stand despite offside claims. Collum explained that Jack Butland’s view was not blocked by the offside player, who made no attempt to interfere with play.

Additionally, Collum supported Nick Walsh’s decision to book Alistair Johnston rather than send him off for a challenge on Mikey Moore. The tackle showed recklessness but lacked the excessive force or brutality required for a red card.

Regarding Hearts’ match at Fir Park, Collum agreed with McLean’s refusal to penalise Emmanuel Longelo for handball. The ball struck the defender’s shoulder, which sits above the “t-shirt line” that officials use as a guiding principle.

Finally, Collum addressed Celtic’s 2-1 win at Hibernian on 3 May. He stated that Josh Campbell should have conceded a penalty for a two-handed push on Benjamin Nygren. However, he backed the decision to allow Joe Newell’s equaliser after officials found no conclusive evidence of handball.

• Kelechi Iheanacho netted the winner only 151 seconds after joining the match as a substitute in the 72nd minute
• Celtic now share the summit of the Scottish Premiership with Hearts, both clubs holding 73 points
• Hibernian played with one player less for over 50 minutes following Jamie McGrath’s first-half red card

Celtic moved level with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership after securing a tense 2-1 victory against 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road. The match, watched by 18,113 fans, required a late rescue act from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to claim three vital points for Martin O’Neill’s side.

The decisive goal arrived in the 72nd minute. Iheanacho had spent just over two minutes on the pitch when he found the net to break stubborn Hibernian resistance. His strike prevented Celtic from dropping points in a contest where they held a numerical advantage for most of the game.

Hibernian’s task became significantly harder in the 21st minute. Midfielder Jamie McGrath received a straight red card after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow for a reckless challenge on Celtic defender Alistair Johnston. The dismissal left the home side with one player less for the remainder of the clash.

Despite controlling possession, the visitors struggled to create clear openings until just before half-time. Daizen Maeda tapped home from close range in the 41st minute to give Celtic the lead, though the goal only stood following an offside flag being overturned.

Hibernian responded before the interval. Joe Newell levelled the scores in first-half stoppage time, firing home during a goalmouth scramble. The equaliser sparked controversy as replays suggested the ball struck Newell’s arm prior to his shot. Following a lengthy VAR check, officials allowed the goal to stand, much to the frustration of the Celtic bench.

The second half saw Celtic dominate the ball without testing the Hibernian goalkeeper regularly. As the match appeared to be drifting toward a draw, Iheanacho’s introduction proved decisive. The Nigerian striker’s calm finish from inside the box settled the contest and kept his club’s title hopes firmly on track.

The victory lifts Celtic onto 73 points, identical to the tally held by league leaders Hearts. O’Neill admitted after the match that his team made hard work of the result, criticising the soft goal conceded before the break and acknowledging a lack of creativity despite the extra player. He also provided a brief update on Johnston’s condition following the first-half tackle.

Hibernian manager David Gray accepted that McGrath deserved his marching orders, stating the challenge was impossible to defend. He praised his players’ fighting spirit and defensive organisation but rued their failure to hold out for a valuable point against the odds.

The result sets up a thrilling conclusion to the title race. Hearts face Rangers on Monday evening, while Celtic prepare for next weekend’s Old Firm derby. A victory for Rangers against Hearts would leave the top three clubs separated by just a single point heading into the final weeks of the season.