New-look City ready to rise for challenge

IT was a summer of introspection for Glasgow City after their domestic monopoly fizzled to an end last season. Rangers clinched the league title, Celtic emerged successful from both cup competitions and City were left staring at an empty trophy cabinet. How they respond now will be intriguing. Pre-season has not seen a sitting of hands in the transfer window. There has been significant change, with eight players arriving into the club, the latest being American defender Erin Greening, who checked in yesterday. City kick off their season against Spartans tomorrow as the new-look side hope to gel and make an immediate impression. And, for head coach Eileen Gleeson, showing their mentality as a winning club is what will be key this term. ‘I said at the end of the season it was a real learning moment for the club because now you have to drive the standards and compete in every single competition and you want to win,’ said the Irishwoman. ‘That’s what Glasgow City are — they’re winners. ‘It didn’t sit comfortably not winning anything. We’ll regroup and look at what happened — and didn’t happen — and push forward. ‘This is football. You can’t really dwell on it. You just have to see what you have to do to still be competitive. I am really looking forward to tomorrow’s game. ‘It’s a good opening game for both clubs. Spartans gave us good games last season and it will be competitive. I’m happy to be at home.’ On the back of a summer in which the women’s European Championships have offered fresh impetus for the game, Gleeson is optimistic that the groundswell of support will be reflected in greater numbers heading to games. ‘Your neighbour winning the European Championship will have a knock-on effect,’ she said. ‘It drives interest in the Scottish league and drives neighbouring associations to really pay attention to their infrastructure as well and push that forward. ‘The Euros and the league being a bit more competitive should raise interest as well.’ City are still waiting on an approved visa for Mexican striker Desiree Monsivais. Gleeson is optimistic that the paperwork will be completed before the club embark on their Champions League tie against Roma later this month. City and Roma will face each other in a one-off tie in midAugust, with the winner set to progress to the final of Round One of the competition. The winner of the tie will then meet either Paris FC or Servette in the final, with a place in Round Two up for grabs. ‘There’s no visa problem, just a visa process,’ said Gleeson. ‘It takes about six weeks and it’s the same with the other players we brought in. It took the same length of time. ‘We’re all hopeful that we will see her very soon, but it’s difficult to gauge with the visa process.’ In the other games this weekend, defending champions Rangers take on Glasgow Women, while Celtic and Hibs will meet in the game of the day. Dundee United host Motherwell, Hamilton Accies take on Aberdeen and Hearts

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