Scottish Women's Football

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Aberdeen midfielder Hannah Innes believes the Dons can cope in the new SWPL season despite big-name summer departures.

SWPL top goalscorer Bayley Hutchison has left to join Hearts along with long-serving midfielder Eilidh Shore and defender Jess Broadrick after helping the Dons finish eighth last term.

This season, with the bottom three sides facing automatic relegation, Innes knows how important it will be for the goals to come from all over the pitch.

"I think it’ll rely on more of us chipping in with goals which I think we’re all capable of," she said.

"We did lose a couple of big players that were big to the squad never mind in a game. I think we’re all going to have to chip in and do our fair share.

"It’s a big one on Sunday against Rangers but we’re all looking forward to the season getting started."

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Newly appointed Hibs captain Rachael Boyle knows she has big boots to fill in following on from Joelle Murray.

Former captain Murray hung up her boots at the end of last season and has since taking up a coaching role within the Edinburgh club.

Boyle has been appointed to lead the side in her place after a difficult few years for the 32-year-old.

Having returned following the birth of her daughter, the midfielder suffered an ACL injury that ruled her out for over a year.

"The biggest thing is that it's Joelle I'm following on from," Boyle told the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

"She's a club legend, she lives and breathes Hibs so to be given that honour of following on from her it's huge for me.

"Especially having been out for so long prior, to still have that respect and that authority within the dressing room that they're still willing to give me that [role] it's massive for me.

"I just want to get back on the pitch and lead the girls as best I can."

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Lisa Evans says no-one at Glasgow City was expecting the return of Scott Booth.

The former City manager, who left in 2021, has returned to the club to become current manager Leanne Ross' assistant.

He enjoyed a hugely successful spell during his first stint at the Glasgow outfit that included six league titles and two Scottish Cups.

Evans also returned to the club this summer having moved on back in 2012.

"I don’t think anyone really had it in the back of their minds that Scott Booth was going to be coming back to the club," the winger said.

"It’s an amazing appointment for the club.

"He’s had many experiences himself playing and it’s someone the club and the girls know really well as well and we’re just delighted to have him back.

"He’s a new set of eyes, he sees the game in different aspects to what we’ve already had.

"Already we’re seeing little insights into what Scott can bring and I think everyone is just really excited to have him back and have his positivity everyday.

"He’s such a positive happy guy and it’s just a breath of fresh air."

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Queen's Park striker Ellie Kane is looking forward to testing herself against the best in the SWPL this term.

The 24-year-old was top scorer in SWPL 2 last term and is hoping for more of the same as her side navigate the challenge of the top flight.

"We’re looking good, feeling good," Kane said.

"We’ve got a really competitive squad, we’ve brought in fresh faces that have settled in really well so there’s lots to look forward to.

"We’re glad we’ve got the chance to do it together.

"[I'm excited for] the chance to play against the best players in the country, a lot of international players that I’ve never played against.

"I’m just looking forward to testing myself, feeling the highs and not dwelling on the lows."

What makes Queen's Park test even tougher is the league restructuring that means three sides will be relegated from the top flight this term.

"It’s something we can’t think about too much.

"I think for the good of the women’s game it’s a good move to make. It makes things more difficult but it also makes it more entertaining.

"With the split as well it will prove interesting for a lot of the teams. Our ambition is try and stay in the league and we’ll do our best to do that."

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Rangers manager Jo Potter is much happier with her side's pre-season as compared to last year, although she admitted the international break in July wasn't ideal.

Scotland played a double header against Slovakia and Serbia in the summer in the Nations League, with nine Rangers players involved in Pedro Martinez Losa's squad.

"The pre-season that we had last year was a little bit stop-start, but we brought the girls in earlier this summer because of the international break," Potter told club media.

“We can only do what we can do; we’ve reflected a lot and we feel we’ve got it near enough right. We’ve hit all the targets that we’ve wanted."

Rangers have spent the last few days in a training camp out in Spain ahead of their SWPL opener against Aberdeen next weekend.

"We couldn’t have asked for a better facility. I managed to come out and have a look at it a couple of months ago, and I knew it would be spot on for exactly what we need.

"It’s been a real good fit for what we need at the start of the season. We’re never going to know until [the season] starts, but we’ve prepared the best that we can.

“Hopefully it comes to fruition when we get to the Aberdeen game and I have no doubt the players will be ready physically.”

Potter's side will also have to contend with a Champions League qualification tie with Arsenal in the early weeks of the season.

"We’re mixing it up between league preparations and Champions League preparations, and we’ve matched it up pretty well.

“We’ve had a good week and we’re happy about it; we now need to ensure we’re preparing for Aberdeen when we get back to Scotland.

“We had to get a lot of work done and there’s been no rest for the wicked."

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Elena Sadiku says Celtic's pre-season victory over Swedish side Djugarden is a "big statement".

The Glasgow side came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 as they continue their pre-season preparations over in Sweden.

"Winning is in our identity," Sadiku told CelticTV, external.

"That's a big statement from the girls that when we play we not only want to play well but it's also important to win games.

"We are still trying to get the squad together to become a strong team and I feel like we're in a really good place of becoming one."

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Caley Gibb wants to test herself among the best as she makes the switch from Spartans to Partick Thistle.

The winger was hugely impressed as Thistle finished in the top six for the second season in a row last term.

"You saw the success they had last season," Gibb told club media, external.

"They were competing with the top teams week in, week out and they were a strong team.

"I want to be part of that, I want to be pushing for the top six and playing against the best teams in the league.

"They were always one of the teams that were tough to come up against. That shows they're a good side, why wouldn't I want to be part of that?"

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Caley Gibb has joined Partick Thistle following her departure from fellow SWPL1 club Spartans on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old played 33 times and scored seven goals last season for Spartans, as well as starting at Hampden Park in the Edinburgh club's Scottish Cup semi-final appearance.

"I felt it was time for me to have a change and I knew straight away this was where I wanted to come," Gibb, who spent five years at Spartans following a move from Hibernian, told club media.

"I got on to Brian [Graham] to see if it was possible, because if you don’t ask you don’t get and I’m just so delighted to be here."

"You see all the success the club has had and the way the team plays and I really wanted to be part of that. I’m excited for the season ahead.”

The six-time Scotland under-19 international becomes Thistle boss' Brian Graham's ninth signing of the summer.

“Caley has always impressed when she has played against us in the past so it was a no brainer when she got in touch to say she was available," Graham added.

“She adds another attacking threat to what should be a very exciting attacking team next season. We’re building a team which will hopefully excite fans and I’m looking forward to Caley fitting into that”

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Laura Rafferty has been hugely impressed by the winning mentality at Rangers.

The centre-back made the switch to Glasgow this summer after three years with Southampton.

"I’m 28 and I am in the prime of my career," Rafferty told RangersTV, external.

"I feel in the best shape that I’ve been in. I’ve been in Glasgow for six weeks and the life and soul of the city is football.

"The winning mentality is amazing too; the girls have it.

"It’s not something that can always be taught, but even coming into the sessions and how competitive they are.

"The girls are fantastic, funny, and they really make it feel like home, which is a step I thought would be harder as I’ve never been too far away from home."

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Head coach Elena Sadiku is hoping Celtic's pre-season trip to Sweden will be a valuable learning experience for her players.

The SWPL title winners will face Djurgarden and Hammarby Women in Sadiku's native Sweden next week as they prepare for their Champions League opener against Finnish side KuPS in Lithuania.

The winner of that tie will then take on FC Gintra or Moldovan champions Agarista CSF Anenii Noi 2020 in the next round of qualifying.

"The staff, the players, we always try to be the best we can be to get the best outcome," Sadiku told CelticTV, external.

"I think Sweden is going to be a really good test for us given the opposition we're going to face.

"That's something that I was thinking about when I wanted to book this trip and was planning this trip, it wasn't the training it was more about the games we're going to play.

"I think the best test you can have is the games, that's where you learn the most. I'm really excited to see what we can do against both of the teams."

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Stacey McFadyen has returned to Dundee United after five years away from the club.

The winger has spent two seasons with Dryburgh as well as a campaign with Montrose during her time away from Foundation Park.

"I’m excited to get started," the 27-year-old said.

"I also work with the club through the Community Trust, so it’s perfect to play for the club I work for.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to play at this level. I have always wanted to but didn’t have the opportunity to do so until now.“

Goalkeeper Beth Mowatt, 20, has also joined the Tangerines this summer, having previously spent time with Forfar Farmington and Montrose.

"It feels good to be here, all the girls and coaches have been very welcoming, and it is a good standard of football to challenge myself with," Mowatt said.

"My aim for this season is to get game time and experience playing in SWPL1 and fight as a team to stay in what is an extremely tough league."

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Caley Gibb has announced she is leaving Spartans this summer after five years with the club.

The winger joined the Edinburgh side from Hibernian back in 2019 and was integral in their historic run to last season's Scottish Cup semi-final.

On social media, Gibbs said: "After five years at the club it’s time to say goodbye.

"Thank you to every single person who has been part of my time here.

"To all the girls at the academy, you have been a fantastic support and have been stars. I wish you all the best and can’t wait to see you all shine."

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Christy Grimshaw admits she "burst into tears" on being asked to take over as captain at AC Milan.

"At the time I was really embarrassed, but it's amazing for me," the Scotland midfielder told the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

"It's pretty cool being the captain of AC Milan."

The 28-year-old has been at the club since 2020 and has recently agreed a new deal that runs until 2027.

"I love the club, the people here, the life.

"They've put a lot of trust in me and I'm just so happy to continue my football journey here."

Grimshaw, who is recovering from an ACL injury, takes over as skipper from Valentina Bergamaschi, who has moved on to Juventus.

"The captaincy has been an extra boost to get me through rehab," said the player who was raised in Stonehaven.

"It's frustrating not being to help the girls on the pitch but I'm trying to be a positive influence.

"When I get back it will be extra special, getting to wear the captain's armband and making my 100th appearance."

Leanne Crichton and Rachel Corsie catch up with Scotland's Christy Grimshaw on the latest episode of Behind the Goals.

Christy tells us about becoming the captain of the AC Milan, what it's like going through pre-season in 35 degree heat and her recovery from an ACL injury.

Plus her key to learning Italian and why she's haunted by the phrase "don't bring your lambs to training".

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Emma Ilijoski has joined Hearts on a free transfer following the expiry of her contract with A-League side Canberra United.

Ilijoski has signed a two-year deal and becomes Eva Olid's 11th signing of the summer.

The 21-year-old has represented Australia at youth level and is capable of playing multiple positions.

"Firstly, with our style of play, we need technical players and Emma is exactly that," Olid told club media.

"She’s so comfortable under pressure with the ball but she can also play left centre-back and midfield and that shows how much technical ability and game knowledge she has.

"We know how important it is to have competition in every area of the pitch and Emma is certainly going to give that in a number of positions.

"I loved her determination to contribute in the final third for Canberra playing from left-back and I think with our left side having a lot of balance she will be able to do that more than ever.

"As a person she’s fantastic and has come across really well during the whole process. I think she’ll be a fantastic addition to the changing room."

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The first Edinburgh derby of the new SWPL season will be played at Easter Road on 6 September.

The clash between Hibs and Hearts will also be broadcast on BBC Alba, with a kick-off time of 19:35 BST.

Last November, over 5000 supporters turned out at Easter Road to see Hibs win the same fixture 2-1.

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Defending champions Celtic's SWPL opener against Dundee United will be shown live on the BBC Sport website on Saturday 10 August.

BBC Alba will also show seven games from the opening seven rounds of the women's top flight.

The first of those is Aberdeen's opener against Rangers, which will be Colin Bell's first match in charge of the Dons. That kicks off at 16:10 BST on 11 August.

The rest of the matches selected for broadcast are as follows:

• Rangers v Partick Thistle, 18 August (BBC Sport website; KO tbc)

• Celtic v Glasgow City, 18 August (BBC Alba; 16:10 BST)

• Celtic v Motherwell, 21 August (BBC Alba; 19:20 BST)

• Aberdeen v Celtic, 25 August (BBC Sport website; 13:00 BST)

• Montrose v Rangers, 25 August (BBC Alba; 16:10 BST)

• Celtic v Hibernian, 30 August (BBC Alba; 19:35 BST)

• Hibernian v Hearts, 6 September (BBC Alba; 19:35 BST)

• Partick Thistle v Celtic, 15 September (BBC Alba; 16:10 BST)

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Kirsty Howat says her Scotland debut was "one of the proudest moments" in her footballing career.

The Rangers forward came on as a substitute in the Scots' 2-0 win over Slovakia earlier this month to make her international appearance.

"I was absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity," she told RangersTV, external.

"It was massive for me and my family.

"It is a dream come true, I think it is every little girl's dream growing up to be able to go and represent their country. To have been able to do that and say I have done it is amazing.

"I was obviously nervous but I just tried to do the basic things well, it was good to get 20 minutes with the girls.

"I think for me I have obviously had a few big injuries which has not been ideal but to represent your country is one of the proudest moments of my career so far.

"I have been working hard to get to this point and I was just really happy that Pedro [Martinez Losa] put his faith in me and put me on the pitch."

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"Fantastic leader" Rachael Boyle has been named the new captain of Hibernian, following the retirement of Joelle Murray.

Boyle, who joined from Aberdeen in 2016, has played at integral part in the club's domestic cup success, despite her spell in the capital being disturbed by injury.

But Boyle continually bounced back, and did so from her pregnancy, too.

Such qualities made it a "very natural decision," according to manager Grant Scott.

“I’ve worked with Rachael before, she is a fantastic leader and I think her status as the player she was before injury and pregnancy, she has the respect of the group," said Scott.

"It was a very natural decision for us to give that honour to Rachael."

On her appointment, the Scotland international added, “It’s a huge honour, especially following after the legend that is Joelle. It’s going to be a hard role to fill with her going into the coaching staff, but it’s a role that I feel I’m ready to step up and take on.

"I want to be that figure that the girls can turn to if they have any problems but also be that leader on and off the pitch that they can follow.

"I like to think whether I’m named captain or not I’m still a leader and we’ve got a number of leaders in the squad too that makes my role that bit easier.”

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"It’s new, but it doesn’t feel different."

Former Glasgow City manager Scott Booth has returned to the club as first team assistant coach to his former captain, Leanne Ross.

Booth first joined the club in 2015 and led the side to six consecutive SWPL titles during their 15-year dominance.

Since departing Petershill Park, the former Scotland international coached in the Women’s Super League with Birmingham City and in the Championship with Lewes.

On his return to a, "club that I have always loved," Booth said, “football’s got a funny way of doing something that you don’t really expect".

“The opportunity to come back home, to be closer to my family and be part of a club that I have always loved is something I am grateful for as you don’t always get that opportunity to return to a place where you have had so many amazing memories.”

Most of those memories were shared with Ross, who he added he has, "always got on [with], had honesty within [the] relationship and trust her experience and knowledge".

Ross too expressed her excitement at working with her former manager again.

“We know each other really well," the SWNT assistant coach said.

"We have respect for one another and I feel he is somebody that will come in and not just challenge me but also support me in making the decisions needed as we look to compete for trophies over the course of the season.”

“He is somebody that has immense experience in the women’s game and, importantly, he is also somebody who knows this club really well and I’m excited to be working with him again.”

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Joelle Murray says she's finally getting to grips with being on the coaching staff at Hibs.

The former defender and club captain hung up her boots following the conclusion of the 2023/24 and took up a spot on Grant Scott's coaching staff.

"It’s a bit different," she told club media.

"I've been used to being a player and being in the group that gets told when to train, when to recover, when to eat and now being part of the staff group, it's all about the planning of that and the discussions around that and then the delivery.

"Don't get me wrong, when we're sitting at meal times and I'm on the staff table, there's a little few looks across to see what the girls are speaking about.

"But it's nothing that's been unexpected, nothing that I've not enjoyed and I feel like I'm getting a really good balance between still integrating with the players but having that distinguished separation between being now part of the staff group, as opposed to the players group."

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Partick Thistle have signed former Celtic midfielder Tiree Burchill for the upcoming campaign.

The 19-year-old was part of Elena Sadiku's historic title-winning side of last season, scoring six goals in 24 appearances.

"I’m really excited to get started and looking forward to seeing how my development continues," Burchill told club media, external.

"At this point in my career I just want to play more games and develop and show what I can do.

"I think this is the right club for me to do that."

Manager Brian Graham added: "Tiree is a player who we have admired for a long time and it’s extremely exciting that she’s chosen Partick Thistle as the next step in her career.

"She’s got plenty of pace, bundles of technique and a knack for creating and scoring goals all of which will make her a real asset for us this season.

"To be getting minutes and goals in an ultra-competitive, title-winning Celtic team as a 19-year-old tells you a lot about the ability she has and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can do in red and yellow."