Glasgow City look to make it 15-in-a-row
Glasgow City will be aiming to again see off the growing challenge of the Old Firm when the new SWPL 1 season starts today.
City, who are aiming for an incredible 15-in-a-row titles, have lost head coach Scott Booth to Birmingham City. Leanne Ross, the only player to have featured in all 14 winning seasons, is now on the backroom staff as assistant to interim head coach, Grant Scott.
Former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton has joined Motherwell as playing assistant to new head coach, Paul Brownlie. She is expected to play against her old club at Petershill Park today.
Match of the day, as chosen by the BBC Alba cameras, is at Balmoral Stadium, where newly promoted SWPL 2 champions Aberdeen host Celtic. Aberdeen captain Kelly Forrest says her side are not in the top division to make up the numbers.
“We’re looking to be up there challenging,” the central defender pointed out. “We played Rangers in the League Cup, and gave them a good game. Our approach showed we’re in the league to compete well.”
Hibs and Spartans finished fourth and fifth last season, but were a long way behind the top three of City, and the Old Firm. They meet today at Hibs’ new home ground, Livingston’s Tony Macaroni Stadium.
The Hibees have strengthened with new signings, while Spartans have put players on semi-pro contracts for the first time.
Hearts, who have a new Spanish head coach, Eva Olid, are at home to Hamilton Accies.
Big-spending Rangers will have to wait another seven days to start their campaign. Today’s home game has been postponed as three Partick Thistle players tested positive for Covid, and five are self-isolating.
Thistle are in the top league by default as Forfar Farmington had to withdraw last month, having lost almost all their players to other clubs.
Thistle’s exit has left SWPL 2 with only seven teams. It was almost six as it is understood St Johnstone came very close to pulling out in midweek.
A rescue plan has been put in place, and their opening game at Boroughmuir Thistle today will go ahead.