Scottish Women's Football

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Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa praised the focus of his team in the 4-1 victory over Israel that moved them top of their Euro 2025 qualifying group.

"I want to raise the professionalism of the team," he said.

"Not only the focus of the players but also the staff in challenging circumstances. Our main focus and inspiration is for Scotland to qualify for the Euros and we have to be at the top of the group, where we are now, we have to win games and that's what we remained focussed on"

"I've always been proud of this team. Obviously when we put in a good performance I think it's a good reward and it's a good moment to recognise Jane Ross for 150 caps, we were celebrating that in the dressing room"

"The way we played in the first half was excellent. We created a lot of opportunities and I think that's something we want to repeat."

"I've already said, I cannot control speculation. My focus is and has been here."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland moved top of their group after overcoming Israel in a Women's Euro 2025 qualifier that was played behind closed doors and delayed by a protester at Hampden Park.

The Scottish FA decided not to allow spectators in to the national stadium because of security concerns.

Hundreds of protesters gathered pre-match outside the stadium over Israel's military operation in Gaza while an individual breached security and chained himself to a goalpost to delay kick-off by 30 minutes.

When the game got under way, Scotland were rampant in one of their finest first-half performances under manager Pedro Martinez Losa, who has been linked with the vacancy at Lyon.

Read the full report here.

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A protester has chained himself to the goalposts at Scotland’s Women's Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel at Glasgow's Hampden Park.

The match has been delayed after the man used a heavy duty lock to secure himself to the posts in protest at Israel's military operation in Gaza.

The Israeli team was then led off the pitch.

The match is being played behind closed doors for security reasons, but some reports said the demonstrator may have been mistaken for a steward as he had been wearing a high-vis vest.

• Read the full story

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Partick Thistle have confirmed the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Courtney Stewart.

Stewart had originally trialled with the club last summer but a medical complication meant she was unable to complete the move.

The 23-year-old has previously played with current Thistle forward Imogen Longcake.

”I’m really happy to be a Partick Thistle player," Stewart told club media.

"I played with Imogen before and she speaks so highly of the club and the staff.

“I’d hoped to sign last summer so it’s taken a while to get here but I’m delighted to finally sign and I can’t wait to get going for pre-season now."

Manager Brian Graham added: “Courtney was up last summer and really impressed us in the short time she was able to train with us.

“She was unable to sign then but she’s kept in touch with us throughout the season and travelled up to watch our last few games of the season.

“She’s a player of real talent and experience so I’m delighted to be able to add her to the squad for next season.”

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Hibs have made Australian defender Stacey Papadopoulos their first signing of the summer.

The 27-year-old has agreed a pre-contract and will make the switch from Western United on a two-year deal.

Papadopoulos made 35 appearances in a two-year spell with the Women’s A-League side.

“I want to give my best for the team and make sure that we’re able to compete in every game, finish higher in the table and compete with the bigger sides," Papadopoulos said.

Head coach Grant Scott added: "Stacey brings exceptional talent and experience to our squad and we are thrilled to welcome her to Hibernian.

“Her defensive skill and leadership on the field will be invaluable assets as we aim to achieve our goals in the coming seasons."

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Amy Gallacher has picked up the final SWPL player of the month award of the season in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Celtic's title win.

Elena Sadiku's side went unbeaten in May, with Gallacher scoring the dramatic title-clinching goal on the final day against Hibs.

That was the forward's third goal in May and she featured in all five matches as Celtic drew with Glasgow City and Rangers before beating Partick Thistle, Hearts and Hibs.

Gallacher, 25, signs off with her second monthly award of the season, having also taken the August prize.

Former Scotland international Suzanne Lappin says Scotland's meeting with Israel being stages behind closed doors could be damaging to the growth of women's football in the country.

Listen to the full podcast here.

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Rangers have signed Hibs' player of the year Leah Eddie on a two-year deal.

The Scotland defender returns to the Glasgow club following five years in the capital, where she became a key player for Hibs and earned her first international caps.

The 23-year-old becomes Jo Potter's first signing of the summer, with the head coach expecting Eddie to improve further for Rangers and the national team.

“I am thrilled to secure the services of Leah ahead of next season," she said.

“She enjoyed a superb campaign with Hibernian and showed the qualities I am looking for in a Rangers defender.

“She is only 23 and is approaching the best years of her career so it was a simple decision to bring her here.

“We believe we can make her even better for club and country and look forward to her strengthening our defensive options as we look to bring more success to the club.”

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Former Scotland defender Joelle Murray believes national team boss Pedro Martinez Losa should have squashed rumours of his departure if there was no credence to them.

The Spaniard dismissed news reports suggesting he is in the frame for the vacant Lyon job as "speculation", adding "now is not the moment to speak about anything other than Scotland and the importance of the game tomorrow."

He also said he had been "clear" with the group ahead of their Euro 2025 double header with Israel.

But Murray, who has 48 caps for her country, cast doubt on his response on BBC Radio Scotland.

"For me, that is always going to be the party line reply in situations like this," she said.

"If there was nothing in the rumours, I think the best thing to do - and the thing the [Scottish Football] Association would have advised him to do - was come out and absolutely squash those rumours.

"The way he's communicated it, he uses "clear", but for me there's absolutely no clarity in that reply. We could potentially be hearing more to come.

"If I was Pedro Martinez Losa, and there was nothing in it and I was completely committed to the national team, I would certainly absolutely squash those rumours."

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Scotland defender Sophie Howard says she is playing some of the best football of her career having come up with key moments for the national side.

The centre-back scored the winner at Hampden against Slovakia to kickstart this Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, having also grabbed a late leveller against Belgium in the Nations League.

Howard will be expected to line up alongside captain Rachel Corsie against Israel on Friday at Hampden as Scotland aim to take control of Group B2.

"I'm enjoying my football and that's why I'm producing those levels," she said. "This group brings the best out of one another.

"It's working for me - but the whole team too. Four points from the first two games is a strong start. It's the quality of the group is what allows me to perform."

Scotland are yet to concede after games against Serbia and Slovakia, but have only managed that single Howard goal so far.

The Leicester City defender says finding the back of the net has been "a big focus" in training, but not just for the forward players.

"We always say defending starts from the front line and scoring goals starts with us defenders.

"We're looking to score more goals but that means we need to allow the strikers to get better chance.

"So it's a collective effort to go out and score more goals than we have."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa has been speaking to the media before Friday's Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel at Hampden.

Here are the key points:

• Preparations have been "very good" over in Spain and Scotland are "really motivated" to go and take on Israel at Hampden.

• The whole squad is fit and ready for the game.

• The fact it is behind closed doors is done "with the best interests of everyone" in mind by organisers with protests expected.

• Scotland are keeping "maximum focus" on the game and Martinez Losa had a chat with the "leadership group" about the situation, but everyone is focused on playing.

• The Scotland boss confirmed he addressed the squad after speculation linking him to the Lyon job, and reiterated he was "totally committed" to Scotland.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

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Israel should not prove overly troublesome opponents for Scotland in Friday's Euro 2025 qualifier at Hampden.

The Israelis have lost both of their opening games in the group - 2-0 away to Slovakia and 4-2 at “home” in Hungary against Serbia.

They earned a place in this group as a result of an impressive Nations League campaign, though, dropping just two points to earn promotion from League C against Estonia, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

In a significant blow to their hopes of pulling off a shock, they have lost Sharon Beck to injury. The 29-year-old scored nine goals in four games in that Nations League campaign but will miss both games against the Scots, while veteran Karin Sendel has retired from the national team.

Many of the current squad play in the Israeli league, including former Glasgow City player Vital Kats, who is one of a number to represent the domestic champions Kiryat Gat.

A handful of the squad ply their trade abroad, from the USA to Spain, Turkey and Germany, where both Noa Selimhodzic and Maria Almasri helped Turbine Potsdam win the Bundesliga 2 this season.

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Leah Eddie and Jorian Baucom are leaving Hibs this summer along with retiring skipper Joelle Murray.

Scotland defender Eddie, 23, and 27-year-old American forward Baucom were both named in the SWPL team of the year after impressive campaigns for Grant Scott's side, who finished fifth in the SWPL.

Also departing the club are Naomi Powell, Brooke Nunn, Nina Wilson and Comfort Erhabor, who returns to parent club Brighton after her six-month loan spell.

Hibs are in discussions with Shannon Leishman, Katie Fraine, Shannon McGregor and Kirsty Morrison over new deals.

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Hearts player of the year Katie Lockwood is among 10 players who will depart the club this summer.

Lockwood finished the campaign as top scorer in Eva Olid's side and will leave with Kathleen McGovern, who also played a key role in a successful season.

Ciara Grant is another to exit, with Hearts saying the Republic of Ireland midfielder "has played a huge part in our improved performances and progression" in the last two years.

Aimee Anderson, Shona Cowan, Eilidh Davies, Jenna Penman, Cailin Michie, Danni Findlay and Erin Rennie make up the rest of the departures.

Meanwhile, Megan Bell will return to parent club Rangers after a spell on loan.

"All of these players have helped us create history for the football club," manager Olid said.

"Whether it be securing back-to-back fourth-placed finishes, reaching our first Scottish Cup final, or our first victory over a top-three side.

"They’ve all played their part on our journey and we wish them all the very best for the future."

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Partick Thistle have confirmed midfielder Linzi Taylor will depart the club this summer "to pursue a full-time opportunity elsewhere".

Taylor made 84 appearances for part-time Thistle, scoring 13 goals in the process since signing in January 2022.

One of those 13 strikes was a free-kick opener in Brian Graham's side's memorable SWPL Cup semi-final victory over Hibernian in January.

"Good luck and thanks for everything," Thistle said to Taylor in a social media post confirming her exit.

Leanne Crichton and Rachel Corsie analyse Rangers' season under Jo Potter.

Rachel Corsie and Leanne Crichton look back at Rangers historic Scottish Cup victory, and analyse why Nicola Docherty is so important for Jo Potter's side.

Plus can Hearts push on from their success this season and challenge the dominance of the Glasgow teams?

Listen to the episode in full here.