Mince & Tatties: The Weekend Wrap

Another week draws to a close in the topsy turvey world of Scottish football. Who'd have thought there would be so  much going on in the off-season? Not us, that's for sure and many a midnight candles where burned keeping you all informed with the goings on in the board rooms, dressing rooms and groundsman's huts up and down the country. So, to keep it all manageable, here are the highlights of the week as picked by Inside Left.

On Monday, Gretna finally called it a day as they announced their resignation from the league, bringing to a sad end what has been a pretty exciting few years for the Borders club and their fan. Sorry, fans. It now allows Airdrie and Stranraer to get ready for next season as well as allow the SFL to get the league fixtures sorted out. Cove Rangers, Prestonpans, Spartans and Annan United are applying for the vacant spot in the Third division.

First division side Livingston changed owners, as Pearce Flynn sells up to an Italian consortium lead my Rome lawyer Angelo Massone, who immediately start negotiations with Lothian council to buy Almondvale outright. It's not all good news though - manager Mark Proctor is sacked the next day; he was later replaced by Italian coach Roberto Landi.

There was good news for Hamilton Accies on Thursday, as Manager Billy Reid, recently voted Scotland's Manager of the Year has signed a new deal committing him to the club for the next three years.

In the SPL it's been a quiet week. Rangers legend Michael Laudrup will make a welcome return to Scotland as he guests for Clyde in their pre-season game against Rangers, Hearts unveil a new away kit and Dundee United manager Craig Levein is told he'll have to wait until August to hear if he'll face disciplinary action over his outburts about referee Michael McCurry.

In international news,  Scotland dropped 2 places in the FIFA rankings and the SFA have asked to be considered as an alternative venue should the 2012 European championships not go ahead in Poland and the Ukraine.

"Una Bellhaven, por favor" is what Steven Fletcher will be saying soon if the newspapers are to be believed. The Hibernian player is being closely monitored by Real Madrid who are said to be considering a move for the 21-year old. While Real have admitted they've watched the player, according to boss Mixu Paatelainen no approach has been made so far. Let's hope it stays that way, as the last thing we want to see is our best and brightest off to sunny climates to keep the bench even warmer for the likes of Chri$tiano Ronaldo.

Hearts lose Roman Bednar to West Bromwich Albion for £2.3m, while team mate Christoph Berra is being courted by Wolves in a £1.5m deal. Elsewhere, Scotland international Kenny Miller might be heading back north, as Rangers and Derby reach agreement in a £2m deal. Potentially heading the other way are Kevin Thomson, who becomes the target of a £4m offer from West Brom and Lee McCulloch who are wanted by Stoke City. Former Gretna player Gavin Skelton has found employment with Kilmarnock, and Scott Robertson moves from Dundee to Dundee United in a move that has left Dundee officals none too chuffed. Unhappy at taking a player they developed without so much as a courtesy call, the fur and handbags where sent a-flying at the Dens Park club. Out-of-favour striker Derek Riordain was all set for a move to English First Division side Leeds, but the Yorkshire team are put off by the £1m price tag Celtic have hung around his neck. Norwich deny they are interested in Barry Nicholson, now out of contract after refusing a new deal at Aberdeen. Nicholson is widely tipped to be joining Preston North End, where he'll be reunited with former team mate Michael Hart.

Down in the lower divisions, Clyde strengthen their squad as they prepare for next season as they sign former Rangers youngster Mark Brown.  Airdrie offer new deals to David Gillies, Bobby Donnelly, Stephen Robertson and Lee Hollis.  Morton sign experienced central defender Allan McManus on a two-year contract and East Fife push the boat with veteran former St Johnstone defender Goran Stanic joinig four other players as the Third Division champions prepare for life in the Second division.

In the Highland League, the winner of the 2007-2008 Highland League Player of the Year is announced as Forres Mechanics forward Ryan Green picks up the award. Cove Rangers manager John Sheran is named Manager of the Year, and the fixture list for next season is announced:  champions Cove Rangers will raise the Scot Ads Highland League flag on the 2nd of August as they face the leagues longest away journey at Wick Academy. With a bit of luck, they wont be making that journey again in the not to distant future.

Ok, that's your Friday update, all comments and feedback go to the usual address.