SWPL 1 Preview
Back at it again, another season of the most competitive league in the world. 12 teams looking to crown themselves champions of Scotland.
91:28 will live long in the memory. The 22/23 SWPL 1 season was one of the most enthralling ever. With 3 teams taking us to the very last kick of the ball on the very last gameday to confirm the league. Lauren Davidson firing into the Ibrox net after 91 minutes and 28 seconds to reclaim the SWPL title for the Petershill side. Their 16th league title.
The introduction of ‘The Split’ added a whole other level of excitement. With the top 6 only decided on the final gameday before the league became two, with the impressive Partick Thistle sneaking into the top half by just one goal. Relegation went down to the wire too. Glasgow Women saw their time in the top flight ended, replaced by the very ambitious Montrose. Hamilton and Dundee United fought it out to avoid the play-off matches (another exciting addition, but very bad for blood pressure). Hamilton managed to retain their place in the top flight after a very tense play-off final at Broadwood.
The 23/24 season is setting up to rival last years and the excitement levels are building. The league will kick off in dramatic fashion on Sunday 13th August. We have a new ball (the first ever official SWPL ball and the first time Puma have made a bespoke ball for a women’s league), and 6 games that will immediately show who is ready for it, and who has been caught lacking:
At 1pm Spartans will kick us off at their home of Ainslie Park against Rangers. Live via the Recast app.
Quickly followed at 1:10pm where we are at Petershill to see if Partick Thistle can continue last season’s form against Dundee United. Live on BBC Alba.
Aberdeen will host Motherwell at the Balmoral Stadium at 3pm.
At the same time Montrose will begin their first season in the top flight, hosting Celtic. Live on BBC Online.
4pm has Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park taking on dark horses Hearts.
Finally, the reigning champs Glasgow City take on Grant Scott’s Hibernian. Our second game at Petershill and also live on BBC Alba.
6 games, 5 available to watch live - 4 for free - spread out across the day. Set to be a firecracker of an opening weekend.
We were at the headquarters of the new SWPL title sponsor, Scottish Power, to get the thoughts of the players ahead of the new season getting underway.
Glasgow City
The reigning champions are back and hungrier than ever. Looking to retain their crown with club legend Leanne Ross taking the club into her first full season as head coach. Her impact was obvious as she took the reigns mid-way through the last campaign, and Mairead Fulton has fully enjoyed LeaRo’s first full pre-season
There are some changes this year, but they are welcome. She pushes us every session and sets the standards. I think you’ll see us reap the rewards of that in the coming season.
City have held on to key players and brought in some new faces, as well as some big stars performing on the biggest stage at the World Cup, specifically Linda Motlhalo
We are all so so proud of Linda. She is an unbelievable player and I actually got emotional watching her play. Seeing her on that level motivates the rest of us to show what we can do to and the Champions League is the perfect place to do that.
Speaking of the Champions League we can look at City’s aspirations for the year. Unsurprisingly, the aim for City is to win everything in Scotland. Now with the Champions League they are looking to progress there as well
It will be a really tough test, playing against top teams from all over but this is the platform where we thrive and its what we all play for. We are hungry for more [following last season’s league success] and now we are looking to push on in the Champions League.
Losing Jenna Clark will be a big blow, but there is still the strong, experienced spine in the City team. The performances of Lee Gibson, Hayley Lauder, Fulton and last season’s top scorer Lauren Davidson will be key to the consistency of this City team. Supplemented with some exciting new signings, and the returning Mothalo from the world cup Glasgow City are well prepped to challenge for the crown once again.
Celtic
Celtic missed out on their first SWPL title by one minute. A colossal effort last season wasn’t for nothing though, Champions League football and the Scottish Cup were worthy consolation prizes. This season has seen the changes rung. Jacynta and O’Riordan moving on leaves 2 very big pairs of shoes to fill in the starting XI. Experienced ‘keeper Tajonar leaving will also have some fans worried. Chloe Logan and Rachael Johnstone are very strong replacements though, with another rumoured to join shortly. Last season’s player of the year Caitlin Hayes (pink pre-wrap and all) is excited for the new season and what head coach Fran Alonso has to pull out his bag of tricks
I don’t think there are any secrets, Fran has a philosophy and its a fluid one where most players can play anywhere and we enjoy that aspect of challenging us. Not only does he create good teams he creates good players. I’ve been with him since before Celtic and my progression has gone further than I ever thought I could.
The squad just returned from a warm weather camp in Gran Canaria (a great way to prepare for their first game in sunny Montrose!) and the time away has been ideal to bed in the new players says Hayes
It was extremely hot! It was a great time to meet the new girls, to bond, and to create the common goal that will drive us on this season… The new girls coming in are great players and people too. If you get the opportunity to put on this shirt you’re going to be good footballer.
There is a glaring gap in the trophy cabinet at Celtic, the league title. Hayes feels Celtic will need to have more consistency to see off their challenger
We need to avoid the slip ups. Motherwell is one I remember vividly from last season where we dropped 2 points. That’s not acceptable and we need to show a higher level of consistency.
For Celtic to keep that level - with the added UWCL games - Hayes will be instrumental. They will also look to captain Kelly Clark for security, as well as the iconic Chinese duo of Shen Menglu and Shen Mengyu. Loan signing Paula Partido from Real Madrid looks like an exciting addition as well to replace the loss of flair from Jacynta.
Rangers
An overall disappointing 22/23 season for Rangers is not something they will want to repeat. Turning to new head coach - former England International - Jo Potter to try and reclaim the SWPL title. Club captain Kathryn Hill has been very impressed with her new gaffer
She has brought new ideas and a freshness to the squad. She brings experience from playing at the highest level with England, and she has been passing that on to all the players and we now just can’t wait to get started.
Rangers have also seen comings and goings. Notably Sam Kerr departing for Bayern Munich with experienced head and Welsh International Rachel Rowe joining from Reading
I’m really excited to see how everyone gets on, the trip to Spain has helped us all get to know each other. I think they [all the new signings] will all contribute in their own ways.
At a club like Rangers there is only one ambition - to win everything. Something Hill knows all too well as a childhood fan of the club
We just want to win every trophy we can compete for. We reflected on last season and drawn a line under that. We have learned a lot and are now looking on to this season and there is a real excitement.
For Rangers to come back and overturn Celtic and Glasgow City will take a huge effort from everyone. Hill herself will naturally be key as the captain, but the youth will also play a big role as they did last. Keep an eye on Kirsy McLean, Jodie McLeary and Laura Berry (who scored in last years Scottish Cup final).
Hearts
Eva Olid’s team looked the real deal last season, securing their place as ‘best of the rest’. Hearts have had an impressive summer, securing manager Eva Olid to a 2-year deal, as well as bringing Danni McGinley back to the club, she scored 17 times for Dundee United last season and made our team of the season. They’ve also brought in exciting young forward Olufolasade ‘Sade’ Adamolekun, who has 19 international caps and a bronze CONCACAF medal at only 22. Then there’s the additions of Katie Lockwood and Kathleen McGovern to join up with Georgia Timms who also signed a new 2-year deal. That is one frightening forward line.
They also have a strong defensive unit, and centre-back, and captain, Georgia Hunter is a key part of that. With all that in mind Hunter is feeling confident for this season
We are really looking to compete with that ‘big three’. People always talk about Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City and someone needs to go and break that. The players we have brought in are great people and great footballers who will help us do better than last year.
Hearts’ preparation for the new season has been strong too, with a good week away in Lilleshall, a quaint village in Shropshire (so we are told) giving them a chance to bond and prepare
The whole team has worked really hard over the past month to get to a good level. To hopefully kick off where we left on and show we have progressed from game one.
A strong pre-season and getting off to a good start is important for Hearts. They came so close on a few occasions last year against the ‘top 3’ but often fitness and energy levels let them down. Hunter, Olid, and the rest of the squad know they need to be at for the full 90 if they are to go better than last year.
Hibernian
It has been a tough couple years for Hibs. Originally one of the big dogs in the league, the progression of the four teams above as well as teams below has left them a bit in the lurch. This season they are looking to bring back the good times. Starting by bringing Grant Scott home. The returning manager brought through the likes of Abi Harrison and Jamie-Lee Napier and won more trophies than Glasgow City in his time with the club (albeit no league title). Eilidh Adams was given her debut as an up and coming youth academy graduate during Scott’s first tenure so knows first-hand why Hibs fans should be excited
I knew Grant from before, he always paid attention to the youth and brought us up. It has been really good so far and just so positive with the new girls settling her in well. I think everyone is on board with Grant’s ideas and well set up for the season ahead.
Hibs have also been busy in the transfer window, and in true Grant Scott fashion bringing up some exciting young talent. With the likes of Tegan Bowie and Abbie Ferguson joining from Celtic and Mya Christie from Aberdeen, as well as Lauren Doran-Barr joining from Motherwell. Exciting, young, Scottish talent.
It is clear sign of intent of a structured re-build to get Hibs back to the top, and Adams is excited for the journey
There has been a lot of changes, we have a really young squad - there is some experience too in the likes of Shannon McGregor, Murray, Hunter etc. Last season we were mostly disappointed in our performances so if we can improve them the results will take care of themselves. It will be interesting to see where we get to but we all have a good feeling.
The young players signed by Scott will be key to any progress Hibs make this year. A refresh was needed and they have provided. For Hibs though, maintaining that spine and regaining the ‘Hibernian identity’ will be a big help this season. The likes of captain Murray and Leah Eddie maintaining composure at the back, with Shannon McGregor returning from injuries and Eilidh Adams linking up the attacking play. That is a solid spine which will allow the new signings to hopefully flourish.
Partick Thistle
A real How’s Your Touch favourite, Thistle have been a breath of fresh air in SWPL 1. Their fearlessness coupled with exciting play and talismanic figures makes them such a fun team to watch. Firing their way to top 6 last season, you might think they’d be happy to do that again. Not this team though and striker Rachel Donaldson was on hand to lay out their ambitions for this season
We were really pleased with our performance last season. We want to replicate that and then push on even further. We know it will be competitive but you need to be ambitious with your aims and that’s what we are.
The dynamic of Brian Graham as head coach and also captain of the men’s side is very interesting, but Donaldson says the players thrive under that
He is definitely Mr. Partick Thistle. Not only that though sometimes it helps to have someone who knows football as a player, and if you’re asking questions you know he has the practical knowledge to back it up. He can easily explain and understand what we are asking which is perfect because there are some of us in the squad who maybe have minus IQs!
For Thistle, retaining Donaldson is fantastic for them, she is partial to some long range bangers. Having Cara Henderson in the midfield is great for them too, a proper star player. They have added Lucy Sinclair into the midfield mix, 3 goals as a trialist in pre-season, a standout for Accies last season she is one to watch.
Spartans
Spartans have been a constant in the SWPL for years now, and deservedly retained their space at the top table again last year. So many top players have came through the club and they continue to produce quality players. Robyn McCafferty can’t wait for the season after their unbeaten run to finish in 22/23
We went 10 games unbeaten after the split, so everyone has been buzzing to get back and to see each other again. Pre-season has been hard work, we have had some good friendlies that we have learned a lot from and we all just want to get to the real thing now.
Spartans have brought in a couple new faces with Tegan Browning returning to Scotland from her spell in America. The former Glasgow Women and Hearts defender with 5 caps for the u19 SWNT, will bring a solid foundation to this Spartans side. She was joined by another signing from America in Lauren Berman.
For a lot of the girls it was maybe their first full season in the SWPL 1 so now they have that under their belts they will be more experienced. With players like Louise Mason who have so much experience to help guide us is great. The squad is feeling really great and we are all gelling.
Spartans missed out on the top 6 last season - the narrowest margin between them and meeting their aims. They are using that to push on this year
We were all gutted when we missed out on top 6. We now have the fire in our belly to not feel that way again.
Spartans are led by their fearless leader and excellent coach Debbie McCulloch, with a strong squad with a lot to prove. This fight for top 6 might well cause a joint HYT heart attack.
Motherwell
Motherwell had an overall positive season, but were disappointed by their 8th place finish. They have ambitions to be a top 6 side and Gill Inglis is as motivated as ever
This season we want to improve our points tally, and improve our league position. Really that is what motivates us, to be better than we were last season.
Motherwell have brought in a number of signings, including midfielder Bailey Collins from Aberdeen, exciting young talent Sarah Gibb from Glasgow City, Kaitlyn Canavan (who was flying for Rossvale last year) as well as bringing in Kayla Jardine on loan from Rangers. It is a squad assembled to challenge again for top 6 and prove the doubters wrong
Last season we saw a few people tip us for relegation, so finishing so far away from that and pushing for top 6 was satisfying. So we want to do that again and go further
We hope Motherwell do well, or at least score a lot of goals solely because their social media celebration gifs are perfectly over the top.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen had a bit of a stop start 22/23. Emma Hunter leaving as manager with no immediate replacement left them high and dry. They stayed up though and under new manager Clinton Lancaster (a proper superhero alter ego name) they’ll be looking to get back on the road. Striker Hannah Stewart is ready for this new start
The new manager came in and just got to work straight away. Moving forward we are looking to work hard and show what he wants us to do. He is putting in the work to analyse last season to get to know our game, and you can tell we will be able to learn a lot from him as he has a lot of experience down south. He expects us to work hard on and off the ball, with an attacking approach but getting back in to defend.
The Dons have got a strong squad, with influential attacker Bayley Hutchison still around for another season and scoring more goals in pre-season. The likes of Jess Broadrick and Eilidh Shore will also keep things secure on the defensive side. Bringing in a few new signings - notably Faye Kirby on loan from Liverpool - will help Lancaster make his mark on this squad.
There were positives from the end of last season. This year we want to carry that on and play better, beat more teams, pick up more points, finish higher up the table.
Another club with a lot of change - including management - make for a relative unknown. They’ll definitely work hard, and they’ll make the trip up to the Balmoral an uncomfortable one for their opponents.
Dundee United
Dundee United had an overall successful season last year. The realistic aim was to stay up and they achieved that - cleanly and without the need for a play-off match. This season the task will be a lot more difficult, but new signing Katie Frew is only looking forward
Last year being new to the league I think the club were just finding their feet. I think this year we can bring a new level of intensity and push on and try and compete further up the table.
Dundee United pulled off the best transfer evening for a long time with a dramatic TRIPLE signing announcement. Bringing in Nicola Jamieson and Katie Frew from Spartans as well as Jade Wilson from Glasgow Women.
Pre-season has been good for us to gel with the new squad. There has been a lot of games and a lot to build on. It doesn’t really feel like a new squad, I’ve known some of the girls before and everyone has been so welcoming.
A lot of teams around Dundee United have strengthened but they will back themselves to have strengthened better. Time for them to put on a show in front of Gussie Park’s shiny new stand.
Hamilton Academical
It took a second half comeback in the play-off final to secure Hamilton’s position in the top flight. The final act of Gary Doctor’s tenure with his assistant Robert Watson taking charge for the upcoming campaign. We looked to get the low down on what has changed from Hannah Coakley but she saw straight through us
What? You trying to get me to give it away?! Nah, it is pretty similar from before with an added level of adaptability. Robert knows all our strengths… and that’s all I’m going to give away!
Accies have brought in a whole host of signings, almost a full new XI. Bringing up Gartcairn’s top scorer - with 17 goals in SPWL2 - Ami Robertson was a bit of a coup as well as a few young players from across the league such as Keira Ritchie and Melissa Reid from Glasgow City - the latter City’s under-18 player of the year. Followed by bringing back Lauren Kerr and Abbi McDonald, returning to the club from Glasgow Women and Queen’s Park respectively. They’ve also retained a number of key players including ‘keeper Chloe Nicholson and striker Josie ‘Der Bomber’ Giard - and then bringing in fresh faces must be seen as pretty successful transfer window for Accies. Coakley has been impressed by them all
Melissa Reid has been really impressive in pre-season for me. All the girls have came in and brought their own strengths though. Lauren Kerr coming in and bringing her experience will be important. I think it is about us adding their qualities in and playing to them to get the most out of everyone.
Accies have set themselves up well to stay up for another year in the SWPL 1. As have all the clubs. It is a seemingly impossible task to predict this year (which makes it even more fun that we have done just that at the end of this). Accies have looked decent in pre-season and they’ll definitely give it another good go.
Montrose
The new addition to the top flight, and a welcome and excitable one. Montrose stormed to the SWPL 2 title last season, seeing off stiff challengers. They are a very ambitious club looking to upset the applecart. They have made some strong signings to get ready, and one of them Jade McLaren was on hand to tell us all about the newcomers
Since joining the club has been so good in getting us in and showing us where they want to be. They want to be up there with Rangers, Celtic, Glasgow City. I think as time progresses and we show our ability we will be able to bring more girls in and continue to that level.
Jade McLaren was one of a few players who joined from Dundee United this summer - linking up with Tammy Harkin, Neve Guthrie, and Lauren Perry. They’re hoping these signings can bring the ability to get Montrose safe and up the table
I’m hoping to get a few more player of the month awards! Really its the hard work that I think will show through. We won’t lie down for anyone, and coming up to Montrose isn’t going to be easy. Its windy, a torrid road to drive as well. Not sure many will fancy it.
When you speak to anyone from Montrose its clear the ambition they have. Retaining the likes of Charlotte Gammie, Louise Brown and 70-goal-a-season striker Aimee Ridgeway, topping up with a bunch of players from the team which secured safety last year. Every game against them will be a scrap and they’ll be up for every minute of it.
Predicting the Unpredictable
SWPL 1 gave us its most nail biting season yet in 2022/23 and we are expecting the same again this year, if not closer. That isn’t going to stop us putting our necks on the line with some predictions though… A disclaimer before we begin, this is just for fun and while there are some detailed tactical reasons why we have put clubs in certain places, most of it is just vibes. With that said, here’s how we’re feeling ahead of the season (feel free to screenshot this and laugh at us in July).
