Scottish Women's Football

Adam Binnie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibernian midfielder Kirsten Reilly sees no reason why Hibernian can't cause a shock in the Champions League, just like they did in the SWPL this season.

The capital club surprised everyone by winning their first league title in 18 years - pipping Rangers and Glasgow City at the post.

Their prize for finishing top is a second round of Champions League qualifying tie against Danish title winners Fortuna Hjorring, in the champions path.

Should they win that, they will face the winners of the match between Cypriot champions Apollon Ladies and Swiss title holders Young Boys.

Reilly knows it's "a big challenge" but insists everyone at the club is excited by it and keen to surprise folks again.

"Obviously, it's going to be tough opposition no matter who we got," the 29-year-old said.

£They're a very strong team in their own league, but we're really looking forward to it and excited for the challenge.

"I mean, we've already surprised people by winning the league, so why not do it again?

"We are confident in our own ability, so we just need to take the same game we played last season into the Champions League and hopefully it'll work there as well.

"The teams we have been drawn against are all great teams. They've won many leagues domestically as well, but I think the world's our oyster in this tournament.

"We can win this little group that we're in and hopefully we can progress to the next stages."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Glasgow City assistant coach Leanne Crichton says their Champions League second qualifying draw against Austria Vienna is "super exciting".

City, who finished as runners-up in the SWPL, three points behind Hibs, take on Austria Vienna for the right to play Minsk.

The unusual second-round qualifying format involves teams being grouped together for mini-tournaments at yet-to-be-determined venues.

"It's super exciting," Crichton told BBC Scotland.

"For the club, there's been a real anticipation around the draw and waiting for the news to come through.

"I think the big thing for us last season was ensuring that we got that Champions League spot, whether it was finishing first or second.

"For the club and everything that it's been about and the foundations that it's built on now, if success isn't silverware, then for us it's certainly competing in Europe.

"I'm delighted to be back and a top opponent to look forward to playing against.

"Our team from last season will probably look different if they're looking to analyse us and try and prepare for the team that they're going to come up against.

"Similarly, I'm sure it will be the same for us but it's absolutely getting your teeth into it and trying to find out as much as you possibly can."

Scottish champions Hibernian will face Danish title winners Fortuna Hjorring in the second round of Women's Champions League qualifying, while Glasgow City take on Austria Vienna.

Hibs, who were the shock title winners after a dramatic final day, will face the winner of Apollon Ladies, champions of Cyprus, or Swiss title holders Young Boys should they overcome Fortuna.

City, who finished as runners-up, three points behind Hibs, will take on Austria Vienna for the right to take on Minsk for a place in the third qualifying round.

What do you make of the draw? Let us know your thoughts here.

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League-winning defender and "key component" Lauren Doran-Barr has signed a one-year contract extension with Hibernian.

The right-back, 24, has made 68 appearances for the capital club since joining from Motherwell two years ago and had interest from other clubs.

She played a pivotal part in Grant Scott's side's SWPL success last season and she says that title win has made her "hungry for more".

"After an unforgettable season winning the league with such a special group, I'm delighted to continue my journey with the club," she told club media.

"That feeling of success just fuels the hunger for more and, as a group, we're determined to build on it.

"This is exactly the kind of ambitious and driven environment you want to be part of as a player."

Head coach Scott said it was "a real boost" to secure the services of Doran-Barr for next season.

"We're absolutely delighted to keep Lauren for the upcoming season," he added.

"She's been a consistent performer and a key component of our defensive line that's kept so many clean sheets.

"She's been vital to our success and it's a real boost to know she's chosen to stay with us, despite interest from elsewhere.

"She's an important part of what we're building here."

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Celtic have confirmed Lucy Ashworth-Clifford and Colette Cavanagh are among seven players leaving the SWPL club.

Murphy Agnew, Mathilde Carstens, Kit Loferski, Bruna Lorenco and Luana Munoz are also moving on.

"Thank you for all your major contributions," the club said on X.

Celia Barclais, Kelsey Daugherty and Abi Harrison remain in discussions about their futures.

Elena Sadiku's side finished fourth in the SWPL in season 2024-25.

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Aberdeen boss Scott Booth has made Montrose forward Holly Daniel his first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 17-year-old, who has agreed a two-year deal with the Dons, made over 50 top-flight appearances for Montrose and her eight goals were key to their survival last season.

"It feels really good to be an Aberdeen player. I've been a fan all of my life and I can't wait to get started," said Scotland Under-17 international Daniel.

Booth is delighted to add the "dangerous forward" to his squad.

"Holly has proven she can score goals at this level. She will be a welcome addition to the group," he added.

"For her age she has an impressive amount of experience in senior football, and she has expressed a real desire to kick on and continue to develop at Aberdeen."

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Scotland internationals Jenna Fife and Sarah Ewens have signed new deals with Rangers, alongside American Camille Lafaix.

Goalkeeper Fife, who joined Rangers in 2019 has signed a three-year deal with Jo Potter's domestic cup double winners.

Forward Sarah Ewens made just one appearance last season due to two serious injuries but, like midfielder Lafaix - who scored in the Sky Sports Cup final victory - has signed on for another year.

On Fife's new deal, head coach Potter said: "We are pleased to be keeping Jenna at Rangers. She established herself as first choice goalkeeper towards the end of the season.

"She knows the standards expected at this football club and her experience is invaluable to the squad."

On Ewens: Unfortunately Sarah has had a very tough time over the past season with injuries; however she has shown her qualities on the pitch during my time here and she has a big part to play next season when she makes her recovery."

On Lafaix: "Camille has gone from strength to strength in a Rangers jersey during just her second season in professional football.

"Her attitude on the training pitch is second to none and has been patient in getting her opportunities and she has taken them when she got them."

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As season's go, Kathleen McGovern has had a good one.

Thirty-one goals in Hibernian's SWPL-title-winning campaign earned her a much-deserved first Scotland call-up for the final two Nations League games.

She may have missed the initial phone call, twice, but that didn't detract head coach Melissa Andreatta from starting the 22-year-old at Hampden in her first game in charge.

Following an "exciting" first week in camp, McGovern, ended it with a "dream" debut at the national stadium.

"I was really taken back," the forward told Hibs' club media. "I didn't even expect to really play.

"I didn't believe it when people were telling me that it looked like I was going to start. The team came out and I felt my jaw hit the floor a bit. I was like, this is reality, I'm starting at Hampden.

"I just had to try and control my emotions. I was excited and I couldn't even get to sleep. I just couldn't wait for the game to come, knowing that my family were there at the game, and to start at the national stadium. It's been a dream of mine since I was young.

"To make my debut at Hampden was special, because it was in front of the fans, and I was trying to give a good account of myself to show why I deserved to be there. It was just amazing."

If that wasn't good enough, the striker started again four days later in Tilburg and netted her first Scotland goal on just her second appearance.

"I actually still don't think I had processed my debut," she added.

"I knew the second game was going to be a lot harder as the chances would come few and far between. I just tried to get myself in the right areas.

"I just remember peeling off the defender, just trying to get in front of her and obviously Emma [Lawton] played in a great pass. I just knew that I had to get contact on it.

"It felt silent in the stadium because it was all Netherlands fans. There was no noise at all. Then I looked at the lineswoman and obviously saw that her flag was down. I thought, 'Wow, I've just scored.'

"That was really nice, just to celebrate with the girls on the pitch. To walk away with the draw, when we actually could have won the game, was just excellent. It showed how far we had come in the camp.

"To score my first goal. It really topped off a great season at club and national team level, as well. I was just grateful for the opportunity. I learned a lot and hopefully it was the first of many."

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Rangers have announced that Victoria Esson, Tessel Middag, and Chelsea Cornet will all depart the club upon the expiry of their contract this summer.

Goalkeeper Esson and midfield duo Middag and Cornet have spent a combined 12 seasons at Rangers, who have said they "wish them all the very best for the future".

Striker Jane Ross' departure was already confirmed, with the veteran forward having announced her retirement from football. Loanee Charlie Devlin is also returning to her parent club, Birmingham City.

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Hearts have confirmed the departures of Lisa Robertson, Naomi Powell, Beth Rennie and Ashleigh Williams.

Powell scored twice in 15 appearances after joining the club last summer from Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

Fellow midfielder Robertson, 33, departs despite having a year left on her contract after making 32 appearances following her move from Celtic.

Forward Williams joined in February from Texas Tech Raiders and scored on her debut against Queen's Park, but then suffered an injury that ruled out her out for the remainder of the season.

Goalkeeper Rennie, a 19-year-old Hearts academy graduate, signed her first professional contract last summer then spent the season on loan at Dundee United.

We asked for your views on Scotland's 1-1 draw away to Netherlands in their final Nations League outing and Melissa Andreatta's second match in charge.

Here's what some of you said:

Iain: It's the first time in recent years that I've seen a Scottish women's team have a go. Great to watch the second half especially.

Colin: A great performance from the Scottish Women. Well deserved. We move on.

Gordon: Definitely an improvement, great second half.

Scott C: What a fantastic battling performance. So much improvement.

Miller: Well off the pace defensively for the first 20 minutes but grew into the game. Intensity was much better in the second half. Great to see Mia McAulay, Kathleen McGovern, Emma Lawton and Kirsty Maclean doing well, four promising young players.

Dave: The best I've seen from this team in years, that took the game forward instead of sitting back and waiting.

Liz: Much better game, especially second half! Great to see.

Douglas: Much-improved performance from the sometimes dire stuff over the last few years. Making things happen instead of hoping they would happen. Restoring my faith in watching some exciting football again from them.

Pat: Let's give credit when it's due. Erin Cuthbert was immense.

Jim: Four halves of football, and you could see the improvement in each half. That second half was the best I've seen Scotland play in at least five years. Good to see a system where Caroline Weir and Cuthbert looked like the world-class players they are.

Ellie: Lots more energy and promise under the new coach, hopefully a start of a good new era in Scottish football.

Franny: That was a good positive performance by the ladies. The new coach seems to be instilling a belief in the players, that can only stand us in good stead going forward.

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Kirsty Morrison is looking forward to the "special experience" of playing Champions League football after the forward signed a two-year contract extension to keep her at Hibernian until 2027.

The 23-year-old, a Hibs academy graduate, scored four goals in 23 appearances in last season's title triumph.

"I'm really happy to extend my stay at the club, I've been at the club a long time now and there's nowhere else I'd rather be," said Morrison.

"I'm really excited for what the future holds. After having such a successful season we have a great opportunity to build on that. We also have the opportunity to play in the Champions League which will be a special experience."

Head coach Grant Scott said "talented" Morrison's attitude "sets a great example for the other young players coming through".

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Hibs striker Kathleen McGovern hopes her maiden Scotland goal is the first of many after opening her account on just her second international start.

The 22-year-old received her first senior call-up for the final Nations League games against Austria and Netherlands and started both under new manager Melissa Andreatta.

The forward, who last month helped Hibs lift their first SWPL trophy in 18 years, scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to the Dutch on Tuesday night as Scotland secured their first point.

"It's been nice to start both games, something I didn't really expect," McGovern said.

"It's been a privilege this week and it was just great to see the ball hit the back of the net. I don't really think it's sunk in yet.

"It was a great delivery by Emma [Lawton], she knew exactly where to put it, and I was just so happy to see it hit the back of the net and get a great result for the team.

"It's been good to work with her [Andreatta], she's had so much belief in me. I've learned so much, especially from her, and the players I've been working with. I hope there's many more to come.

"I was flying on confidence when I first came in. To end the season at Hibs on such a high to then get the call-up was amazing to top off a great season.

"I came in and didn't want to put too much pressure on myself. I feel like that's what I did in training, just showed my ability, and I've been grateful to start the last two games."

After Melissa Andreatta's second game in charge, has your opinion changed on the new manager? What did you make of the 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands?

Let us know your thoughts

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Koning Willem II Stadion

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Not that it was a high threshold, but that was Scotland's best performance by a mile against a top-tier side in a fair old while.

For a side who have had challenge after challenge thrown at them - particularly in the last 24 hours or so - there was an energy, enthusiasm and excitement about them.

Melissa Andreatta asked for a fast start and she got it, until they conceded that early goal, of course. When she made a tactical change at half-time, she got a response. When she pushed on for a strong finish from the touchline, she saw it action.

At full-time, smiles were ear-to-ear, hugs were full and happiness palpable. It's been a long time since such feelings were present.

Andreatta promised to support young players upon her appointment and tonight it paid dividends.

Kathleen McGovern, 22, showed the qualities Scotland have craved from a number nine. Kirsty Maclean, 20, provided the perfect balance in midfield to the magic of Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert. Mia McAulay, 18, on her first start carried the Scots up the park with her pace.

There was so much to like about the performance, attitude and application of a side who stared adversity in the face.

It's early days in the Andreatta reign, but if this proves to be benchmark she says it is, then better days are ahead.

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Captain Caroline Weir says "all eyes are on the 2027 World Cup" after Scotland closed out a disappointing Nations League campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.

The Scots travelled to Tilburg already relegated from Nations League A, the top tier of the competition, following their 1-0 defeat to Austria at Hampden on Friday night.

Despite conceding early, Kathleen McGovern's equaliser proved enough to snatch a promising point to the team ranked 10th in the world.

"We're happy with that result," the midfielder said.

"We did have chances to nick it, especially in the end, but the Netherlands also had chances. To come away from home and get a point, it's massive for us.

"In the end it doesn't mean anything for this campaign but going forward it's huge. It gives us confidence, we set a new baseline there we need to run with it and push on.

"It's been a tough campaign, we always knew it was going to be tough, but we finished the campaign off very well tonight.

"We had some challenges getting here, some logistical things which I think makes it even more impressive. I'm really proud of the performance of the players, the staff. we gave it everything tonight and to come away with the draw we're really proud of that.

"It wasn't ideal preparation but these things happen. We stuck together, you can see this group is special, we tried to be positive and at the end of the day we had 90 minutes to play, no excuses and I think we proved that tonight. I'm really proud of not just the performance but how we approached the game.

"Mel [Andreatta] has come in with so much energy, enthusiasm and she's so positive. She has so much belief in us and I think today showed that. It's a start, there's a long way to go but all eyes are on that World Cup in 2027. There's a lot of football to be played but draws like tonight really help.

"It's in Mel's mind, it's in my mind, that's what we're all here for. This performance is one we're going to come back to, be proud of and it's a benchmark for this squad."

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Scotland boss Melissa Andreatta tells BBC Scotland: "With that performance we earned that result.

"Especially when you think about the last 24 hours that we had, I think that showed what this team is about. That was established long before me but they put in a great performance tonight.

"We've talked a lot about belief. There's things that can happen that are out of your control but if you can focus on what you can control, the football, then you can get the result.

"I was really pleased. I think we did start well then the Netherlands started to dominate. We did a tactical change, got a foothold back in the game and we were unlucky to conceded that chance but I think we dominated the second half and were unlucky not to win.

"The growth of this team with only five or six sessions, players finishing seasons, I'm excited now to take all this in. We have a bit of a break and we'll start again in October and get a chance to look at players who aren't even here. This is a good way to finish this campaign.

"There's nothing like being in the environment, being involved in matchday. I think now it's about consolidating the learnings and maximising the strengths of everyone in this team."