Scottish Premiership is back - here's why you shouldn't miss it

What the report says

BBC Sport Scotland previewed the return of the Scottish Premiership, which begins on Friday, highlighting several major storylines after a dramatic previous campaign in which Celtic retained the title by edging Hearts late in the season. The outlet frames the new season around whether Celtic can maintain control, whether Rangers can close the gap under Derek McInnes, and whether Hearts can recover after coming close to ending the Old Firm’s long dominance.

At Hearts, BBC Sport Scotland notes major upheaval after last season’s near miss. Derek McInnes has left for Rangers, with captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin also departing. New manager Wouter Vrancken has arrived from Sint-Truiden, but his early period has included a 6-0 Champions League qualifying defeat by Sturm Graz, raising questions about how quickly a rebuilt squad can settle.

Celtic, now managed by Martin O’Neill on a continuing basis after last season’s domestic double, have added Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh for reported combined fees of about £15m, while Daizen Maeda has moved to Ipswich Town. BBC Sport Scotland reports continuing supporter unease around the club and says Celtic are still seeking further quality in the transfer market.

Rangers begin a new era with McInnes, who has overseen encouraging pre-season results and several changes to the squad. James Tavernier, Jack Butland and Oliver Antman have left, while Shankland has been made captain and Olwethu Makhanya has become the club’s eighth new signing. The preview also points to VAR scrutiny, five permanent managerial starts across the league, Motherwell’s development, Stephen Robinson’s first full Aberdeen season and Kilmarnock’s move back to grass.