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Friday 14th July 2023

Premier Sports Cup

Viaplay Cup 23/24 – First Looks

As the 23/24 competition begins, we look at some new SPFL signings

We'll add more profiles each day as we continue to build up to the start of this season's Viaplay Cup.

You can watch Raith Rovers v Dunfermline Athletic live on Viaplay Sports 1 on Saturday 15 July, kick off 5.15pm.

Liam Grimshaw – Dundee United

Jim Goodwin has been tasked with rebuilding Dundee United following their relegation to the cinch Championship and so it made sense that he would turn to a dependable performer like Liam Grimshaw. With cinch Premiership and cinch Championship experience under his belt, Grimshaw has the battling qualities and attitude which will be critical in United's promotion push. A versatile player, Grimshaw operated as a right-sided defender during his time with Greenock Morton but he is also capable of playing in midfield. 

United start their Viaplay Cup campaign away against SPFL new boys The Spartans on Saturday as they seek to build confidence ahead of the league kick off on August 4. The Tannadice men won't have things all their own way in Group B as they take on last year's Premiership Play-Off finalists, Partick Thistle as well as cinch League 1 title challengers, Falkirk.

Kyle Turner - Ross County

Having come so close to reaching the cinch Premiership with Partick Thistle, it was little surprise that the midfielder's next destination would be in the top flight. Ross County were the side to secure his signature and with bundles of energy and an eye for goal, it is easy to see how Turner can turn his talents within the Staggies' central area.

The 25-year-old's first competitive appearance for the Staggies is likely to come back where it all started as County head to Stair Park to take on Stranraer. Malky Mackay is set to pair Turner in the centre of the pitch alongside fellow new recruit Scott Allardice and together, the duo could breathe fresh life into the team alongside the skillful Yan Dhanda.

Scott Tiffoney - Dundee

Another exciting cinch Championship player will make the step up this season as Scott Tiffoney made the decision to depart Partick Thistle to join Tony Docherty's new project with Dundee.

An exciting winger blessed with pace and trickery, Tiffoney has long been one of the most exciting players to watch in the second tier and now fans will get to see how he shapes up against the country's best.

Tiffoney scored 12 goals in 35 appearances in Thistle's thrilling run to the cinch Premiership Play-Off Final and he'll be hoping to bring that form to the Dens Park attack. Dundee open up their Viaplay Cup campaign against cinch League 2 side Bonnyrigg Rose on 18 July.

Robbie Deas - Kilmarnock

Having come close to Scottish Cup glory with Inverness CT in June, Robbie Deas will now try and help Kilmarnock back to Hampden as they begin their Viaplay Cup journey at home to Annan.

Left-sided defender Deas has overcome injury issues to earn rave reviews for his performances in the Highlands with Killie winning the race to secure his signature this summer as they rebuild their squad under Derek McInnes.

Strong in the tackle and with good positional sense, the 23-year-old will get his first taste as a home player at Rugby Park against an Annan side, who are preparing for life in cinch League 1 for the very first time. 

Josh Mullin - Raith Rovers

One of a host of new faces at Stark's Park this summer, Josh Mullin arrives fresh from a campaign helping Ayr United reach the Premiership Play-Off semi-finals. 

A clever midfielder with a wicked strike from distance and a real creative streak, the 30-year-old will be looking to make a big impression in Rovers' Viaplay Cup opener against Fife rivals Dunfermline Athletic, live on Viaplay (Saturday 15 July, kick off 5.15pm).

There would be no better way to introduce himself to his new fans than a derby winner in a match which will serve as an interesting appetiser to how both sides might fare in this season's competitive cinch Championship.

Zach Hemming - St.Mirren

One of the cinch Championship's leading goalkeepers in 2021/22, Zach Hemming is back in Scotland for a third successive season after helping Kilmarnock to keep their place in thr top flight.

This term, Hemming will wear the colours of St. Mirren as he competes for the starting spot with the experienced Trevor Carson, who helped the Buddies to a top six finish in the cinch Premiership last time out.

Hemming, 23, is an athletic shot stopper with the confidence to come and claim high balls from crosses and set plays. He could get his first taste of competitive action in their opening outing against Montrose at Links Park. Hemming is no stranger to the ground, having played there for Killie in last year's group stages.

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