Scottish Women's Football

Skipper Rachel Corsie says Scotland must "leverage" home advantage for their final Euro 2025 qualifier against Serbia.

The Scots are currently top of their group, joint on points with Serbia, who they face at Firhill Stadium next Tuesday.

First up in the closing double-header is a trip to take on Slovakia on Friday.

"It is an awkward time because most of us are in off-season or the early stages of pre-season," Aston Villa defender Corsie told the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

"I can't really remember this being a window that's been used in the past.

"Everyone's in a similar boat. It's awkward, the preparations aren't ideal because a lot of us aren't in a weekly schedule that builds to a game at the weekend.

"I've not had too much downtime. I've not actually had loads of time off because of the last international window in June.

"It's exciting because it's the last two games of the group. We've come in at the pole position.

"We'll be looking to finish top of the group, having home advantage for the last game we'll need to leverage in our favour."

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Dundee United captain Rachel Todd has swapped tangerine for claret and amber.

The left-back joins Motherwell after three seasons at Foundation Park having previously captained SWPL2 side St Johnstone.

She netted eight goals for United last season and captained the side to a play-off victory over Kilmarnock to retain their SWPL status.

"I'm delighted to have joined the club," Todd told club media, external.

"Paul [Brownlie] and Leanne [Crichton] really expressed their interest in bringing me to the club early over the summer and their vision for the future really attracted me to Motherwell.

"I am excited to get started and can't wait for the season ahead."

Manager Paul Brownlie added: "We identified Rachel as a key target during the previous season and have been working to get this over the line for many months.

"Earning the captaincy at both Dundee United and St Johnstone emphasises how important Rachel has been to both her previous clubs. A natural leader, Rachel will really develop our squad fort he season ahead."

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The improvement in the SWPL encouraged new Hearts recruit Lauren Wade to return to the Scottish top flight.

The midfielder left Glasgow City back in 2020 but has been keeping an eye on the game in Scotland since her departure.

Wade, who left Reading to join Eva Olid's side last week on a two-year contract, told HeartsTV: "I've been no stranger to be watching what's been happening.

"The way the league is going and what the clubs are doing, it's definitely up and coming in women's football.

"I played in the Scottish league a number of years ago and compared to where it is now, the league is making strides."

Wade is relishing a fresh challenge at Hearts as Olid's side attempt to build on last season's fourth-place finish and Scottish Cup final apperance.

"After speaking with [head of recruitment] Sean [Burt] and Eva, the vision that they have for the club, where they want the team to be, was something I was excited to hear and really wanted to be a part of," she added.

Brian Graham says Partick Thistle need to endure a tough pre-season if they want to compete with the teams at the top of the league.

Thistle were 7-0 winners in their opening pre-season friendly against St Johnstone on Sunday.

"It's [pre-season] been very challenging but the players have shown great attitude towards it," the manager told club media, external.

"They've really tried hard. If we want to try and compete against better teams in the league then we know we need to be extremely fit, especially to compete against the full-time teams.

"It's been challenging for them and It's only going to get harder."

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Jo Potter is relishing the chance for her Rangers side to face Arsenal in the upcoming Women's Champions League.

The Glasgow side face the WSL club in the semi-final of their Champions League group with the winner taking on the victor of Atletico Madrid v Rosenborg.

The two losing teams go into a third-place play-off match.

"I quite like it," Potter told RangersTV, external.

"You either want the best possible chance and you want to be drawn against the lowest ranked seeded teams or you want to have a go against the best and Arsenal and Atletico are two of the best.

"It's not going to be easy but it'll be a great test for us and a good chance for us to have a go.

"We missed out on Champions League football last year so we've got to make sure we enjoy it."

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Rangers begin their defence of the SWPL Cup away to Dundee United.

Last year's runners up Partick Thistle are at home to Spartans as they look to go one better.

League winners Celtic are away to Montrose while Glasgow City travel to face Hearts.

Aberdeen, under the guidance of new manager Colin Bell, will face the winner of Gartcain v St Johnstone and Motherwell take on the winner of Hamilton Accies v Kilmarnock.

Newly promoted Queen's Park have a tough start to the competition, coming up against one of the most successful sides in this competition Hibs.

An SWPL2 side is guaranteed a spot in the third round as the winner of Boroughmuir Thistle v Rossvale will play the winner of Ayr United v Livingston.

All ties are set to be played on or before 29 September.

Image source, Glasgow City

Glasgow City boss Leanne Ross is confident new singing Nicole Kozlova will get fans out their seats after the Ukraine international signed a two-year deal with the club.

Kozlova, who turns 24 on Monday, enjoyed a stellar season last term, scoring 23 goals in 24 games as FK Vorskla Poltava claimed a league and cup double in her homeland.

With 35 international caps and a strong Champions League record, the striker will bolster City's attacking arsenal, says Ross.

"I am delighted a player of Nicole’s ability and experience has identified Glasgow City as a professional, competitive environment where she can develop and flourish," she said.

"Adding Nicole to our squad will strengthen our attacking capabilities and no doubt excite the fans of Glasgow City."

Last season's Ukrainian title made it three league triumphs in a row for Kozlova, who won successive championships with HB Koge in Denmark in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Now at Petershill Park, the forward is seeking to keep the run going.

“First of all they showed interest in me and you want to be in an environment that wants you and as they explained the project to me, their ambitions, the history of the club and that want to win championships I knew it was the place for me to be," Kozlova said.

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Wide player Hannah Robinson has joined Partick Thistle following her exit from fellow SWPL side Spartans.

The former Scotland youth international came through the ranks at Rangers before joining Debbi McCulloch's side in January 2022.

Primarily at full-back but also comfortable further forward on the wing, Robinson was a part of the Spartans side who made history, playing at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts at the end of last season.

An onlooker that day was Thistle manager Brian Graham, who admitted he has watched Robinson for some time.

"There was talk of it happening last season so I’m glad it’s finally happened," Robinson said.

“You can see everything Thistle are doing and achieving and the way they are pushing to become better. That matches me as a player so I’m delighted to be here”

Rangers' opening Women's Champions League mini-tournament game against Arsenal will be played at Meadow Park in London.

The match will take place on Wednesday 4 September with Atletico Madrid's game against Rosenborg also being contested on the same day.

The final and the third-place play-off games are both scheduled for Saturday 7 September.

Kick-off times for all the matches are yet to be confirmed.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Celtic's upcoming Champions League tie against Finnish side KuPS will be hosted by Lithuanian side FC Gintra.

Elena Sadiku's champions will travel to Lithuania for the semi-final on 4 September and, if victorious, will face the winner of FC Gintra v Agarista in a final three days later to decide who moves on to the next round.

Although the Glasgow side had pitched to host the tournament, FC Gintra will be the hosts with the games being played at Siauliai Central Stadium.

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Elena Sadiku says there is no reason why her Celtic side cannot progress to the next stage of the Women's Champions League.

The SWPL champions face Finnish side KuPS in the first step in qualification for the group stage of the comeptition.

"I'm happy with the draw," the Swedish manager told Sky Sports, external. "It feels like we have a good chance to get into the next round.

"Having the confidence and the experience of actually playing in the Champions League before is good.

"Coming into the new season being champions, that's another big confidence boost and something we can build on. Anything is possible and that's something we try to believe in.

"We have really good fixtures in pre-season, we'll have good games in the league, we have a strong squad and we should be able to compete in every competition."

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Partick Thistle midfielder Amy Bulloch has put pen to paper on a one-year extension with the Glasgow club.

Bulloch made her 100th Thistle appearance last season and has been a key player for Brian Graham's side as they secured back-to-back top-six finishes in the SWPL.

"I’m delighted to be back for another season," the 31-year-old told club media., external

"It’s a really special place to be and I’m looking forward to another season with the girls.

"It’s been great to be back in for pre-season, it’s been really tough but we know how hard we’ll have to work to try and progress on everything we achieved last season."

Graham added: "It’s great to have Amy sign on for another season. She’s been a big part of the team since she arrived and I think last season was probably her best season at the club.

"She’s not only grown on the field but off the field she’s become a real leader in the dressing room and slotted into that vice-captain role last season really well."

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Hearts have signed Northern Ireland international Lauren Wade from Reading on a deal until 2026.

Wade, who has been capped 63 times by the national team, previously had a brief spell with Glasgow City.

"Lauren is a player with great experience in women’s football and that is crucial for we want to achieve this season," Eva Olid told club media, external.

"Firstly, she’s a player who will add so much quality to our forward line, but also, she is a real leader both on and off the pitch.

"I’ve spoken about balance before and Lauren is another play who will help us with that.

"When we explained the vision that we have here at Hearts, we instantly connected, and I love that."

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Glasgow City have signed striker Rammie Noel from Icelandic side FH Hafnarfjordur.

The American has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the SWPL side as they say goodbye to star attacker Lauren Davidson.

Noel becomes Leanne Ross' second summer signing along with former Hearts midfielder Katie Lockwood.

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Shannon Leishman has signed a one-year contract extension with Hibs, keeping her at the club until the summer of 2025.

The 27-year-old made her Hibs debut in 2014 and has been part of four cup-winning sides during her long stay with the Edinburgh club.

"This club has been my home for 15 years, and I'm excited to be involved for another season," Leishman said.

"We have a strong team and fantastic supporters, and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together in the coming season."

Head coach Grant Scott added: "I’m delighted to have Shannon commit to another year.

"Shannon's talent, dedication, and passion for this club make her a vital part of our squad.

"I look forward to seeing her continue to develop and contribute to the team during the upcoming season."

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Scotland forward Lauren Davidson has left Glasgow City to sign for Norwegian side SK Brann.

Former City youth player Davidson returned to the club from Hibs in 2020 and become a first-team mainstay, netting 77 goals in 135 appearances.

The 22-year-old won the league title with City in 2021 and 2023 - when she was the SWPL top scorer - and played 12 times in the Women's Champions League, scoring twice.

Announcing her departure, the club said Davidson's "consistent quality, team spirit and heroics under pressure" make her a "City legend".

Davidson said: "From my debut in 2020 to scoring the 92nd-minute league winner at Ibrox, everything in between and everything since, it’s been a rollercoaster, but a time I’ll never forget.

"Over the years I have been lucky enough to work with amazing coaches, players and staff who have helped shape me into the player and person I am today and I have made some friends for life.

"I’ll be a forever fan, supporting the club from afar."

Head coach, and Davidson's former team-mate, Leanne Ross added: "Lauren has played a big part in the success achieved by the club over the years but will always be remembered for her 92nd-minute goal at Ibrox which secured the 2022/23 SWPL title.

"Lauren will be a massive loss to this team but everyone at Glasgow City is proud of the player she has become, and we all wish her the very best of success in her future career."

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Elena Sadiku says her Celtic squad is already stronger than the title-winning side of last season.

Sadiku, who took charge of the Glasgow club following the departure of Fran Alonso back in January, guided them to their first ever SWPL title in dramatic fashion.

Since then, the Swede has made five signings to bolster her squad as they prepare for their title defence.

“I’d say the new signings are a different quality," the 30-year-old told CelticTV, external.

"I think the squad we're going to have this season is going to be stronger than last season, which you can see in training already.

"We had our first session earlier this week, and it was a really high intensity, even if it was supposed to be more like a 'start' to pre-season.

“But it’s going to bring a lot when it comes to the technical side, and we are going to be more consistent than last season."

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Francesca Ogilvie is excited by new boss Colin Bell's vision for Aberdeen after signing a two-year contract extension.

The left-sided midfielder was one of the first players to sign a semi-professional contract with the Dons back in 2022 and served as the club's vice-captain last term.

After Aberdeen's eighth-place finish in the SWPL, head coach Clinton Lancaster left the club this summer and has been replaced by 62-year-old Bell, who steered Eintracht Frankfurt to Champions League glory in 2015 and was most recently in charge of South Korea.

"I’m delighted to be here for another two years," Ogilvie, 22, told club media, external.

"After speaking to Colin and hearing his vision for Aberdeen I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.

"He’s ready to hit the ground running which is the attitude we need.

"He made it clear I am someone he wants to work with and he will help to get the best out of me. With his vast experience it’s a real positive for the entire squad.

"We know where we want to be and I can’t wait to get started."

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Former captain Georgie Rafferty has taken the "really difficult decision" to leave Motherwell after a five-year stay.

The defender, 27, joined the newly-promoted Lanarkshire side in 2019 following a spell with Celtic but soon suffered a serious knee injury that ruled her out for two years.

During her time with Motherwell, the centre-back reached two Scottish Cup semi-finals, most recently in 2023.

"It's a really difficult decision to leave this summer," Rafferty said.

"I've been fortunate enough to represent the club for a few years and it's been extremely special, particularly getting to wear the armband on several occasions.

"I've come to a bit of a crossroads between my personal and football career and it feels the right time to move on to the next chapter in my footballing and personal career.

"The club has been a big part of my career and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent Motherwell on many occasions."

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More than six weeks later, Amy Gallacher is still coming to terms with the enormity of her title-winning heroics.

The attacker scored the 90th-minute winner against Hibs on the final day of last season to secure Celtic's first title as they pipped Rangers on goal difference.

"Being able to celebrate the moment with all our families and as a team at Celtic Park, it’s a moment we had all dreamed of since the start of the season," the Scotland international told the Celtic View, external.

"It went by so quickly, though. If there was one thing, I wish I could relive it, but hopefully we can keep doing it in seasons to come.

"I still don’t think that feeling of scoring the last-minute goal to win the league has sunk in yet. Obviously I watch it back every day, but I’m not sure it will ever really sink in as a team.

"But it was a great moment. I don’t think it’ll ever top that in my career."

Gallacher, 25, insists Elena Sadiku's side won't rest on their laurels as they eye more glory.

"Being at Celtic, there is so much history here, so you want to write your own history," she added.

"To be the first team to win the league, no one will ever forget this team. So it’s just an incredible feeling to be a part of that."