Manager Movement

Grant Scott leaves Hibernian for Celtic as Sadiku exits stage left. A Christmas present for some, a lump of coal for others. The start of a winter break that looks like it will be full of drama.

Monday, December 22nd. SWPL media should be logging off for a Christmas break, signing off on the last few pieces of the year following another weekend of SWPL drama.

Then a bombshell starts to circulate, Sadiku is leaving Celtic. Then another, Grant Scott is leaving Hibernian. Then, just after lunch time, the rumour is made official. Hibernian announce that Celtic have agreed a compensation fee for the SWF manager of the year.

What Does This Mean for Hibernian?

Hibernian have had a difficult time defending their title, they are the only team to take points off of unbeaten leaders Glasgow City, drawing on two occasions, but an injury hit squad have seen momentum falter. With just one win in their last five games the winter break couldn’t have come at a better time. Now any sense of a relaxing three week break has been crushed.

With no games to play, and the players on holiday, no interim has been announced at this time. Speculation is sure to focus on Joelle Murray and Stewart Hall who took on the job of joint head coaches during Hibs’ European campaign earlier in the season as Scott does not hold the appropriate UEFA license. However, neither have any full-time managerial experience. As champions, and Scotland’s second most successful club, there are sure to be interested parties if neither feel ready to make that step at this stage of their careers.

Post-publishing edit: Our appreciation for the ability to edit articles rises, we have scored out the above rather than delete it for posterity. Just over a day later and Hibernian have confirmed the news we all expected. Joelle Murray will be promoted to Head Coach, signing a contract until summer 2029, with Stewart Hall supporting as Assistant Manager. Let the Joelle Murray era commence…

They face Celtic on their return from the winter break on the 11th of January. A quick decision to ensure the new manager has time to get everything settled for that game could be crucial to any hope of a trophy this season. Rangers a week later equally crucial for a potential run at European football next season. Especially with the ongoing injury crisis at the club as the January transfer window opens.

Why Have Celtic Chosen Scott?

Celtic’s hand has been forced with rumour swirling that Sadiku will be taking up post with BK Häcken in her native Sweden. Her departure will come to a mixed response from fans as what began as a title-winning combination had soured in the last 12 months. Many fans frustrated by the style of football on show, and the club’s big game record.

Celtic have acted swiftly to ensure a successor in Scott. A manager that comes with both a title winning reputation, having added the league title last year to the Scottish and SWPL Cup double of his first spell in charge with Hibernian, and a more ‘back to basics’ style of football.

An 18-game winless streak against Hibernian, Glasgow City, or Rangers was ended on Sunday as Celtic took three points from Meadowbank. However, that win over a depleted Hibs side won’t have gone far to chip away at the frustration amongst the fans at New Douglas Park. As we come up to almost two years since they beat Old Firm rivals Rangers, the arrival of Grant Scott and his big game record is sure to spark some optimism in the fans. Perhaps they will even allow themselves to remember that in that fateful title-winning year Fran Alonso left on December 21st…