Three-horse race is a thrill, but don’t forget also-rans

IF ever there was an exciting end to the women’s football season, this is surely it; Glasgow City, Rangers, and Celtic all in a final-day bunfight for the title after a season of ups and downs in SWPL1.

On the one hand, it’s a glorious example of spreading the success, where three teams can now battle it out for top spot in a league once dominated by City.

It’s also the perfect illustration of how making the game professional has brought benefits to women’s football.

Just two years ago, City dominated the landscape. With 14 league titles on the bounce, they were a remarkable force to be reckoned with. Then came the change.

As Rangers and Celtic’s women’s teams became more professional and were awarded paid contracts, City’s mastery began to diminish.

With Rangers’ players given access to top-of-the-range facilities — and players from both Old Firm sides afforded the chance to play full-time football — it wasn’t long before they capitalised.

In 2021, Celtic secured Champions League football for the first time in their history and bagged the Scottish League Cup, while Rangers ended City’s stranglehold by winning the league for the first time in 2022.

That same year, there was a radical overhaul of the league structure, with a majority of the 17 SWPL clubs voting to leave Scottish Women’s Football (who ran the domestic leagues) and join the SPFL.

This was a seminal moment, and primarily a chance to utilise their new partnership for increased media rights, commercial deals and sponsorships.

While some remain sceptical about the tangible benefits, there is no doubt the optics are better in terms of TV deals and sponsorship for the season ahead. On the pitch, there is optimism, too.

Talent is increasing and young stars such as Emma Watson (right) of Rangers continue to come through the ranks as Scotland’s pro sides relish being able to dedicate themselves fully to the cause.

This Sunday, the season will come to a head when Celtic host Hearts and Rangers play Glasgow City at Ibrox.

With leaders City two points above Rangers and Celtic, a win would hand them the honours outright.

A draw or a loss, however, will give the Hoops a massive opportunity to clinch their first league title. Should both Rangers and Celtic win, it will all come down to goal difference, which gives Celtic an advantage. Last time they played Hearts, they beat the Edinburgh side 6-0. Whatever happens, this term can be seen as a victory for competition at the top. The problem that remains, however, is extending it to those below the top three. With an expanded league of 12 teams this season, there are those that simply struggle to make an impact. Glasgow Women have zero points, with only nine goals scored and a whopping 148 conceded in 31 games so far. In 11th place is Hamilton, who have 26 points and a goal difference of minus 55. In the top six, goal difference also fluctuates massively. While Celtic in third place have 78 points and a goal difference of 102, fourth-place Hearts have 49 points and a goal difference of minus one. The reality, therefore, is stark. Behind the scenes, questions

are being asked about the standard of competition in SWPL1 and what it means for the longterm future of the game here.

How does the league stay fresh and exciting and able to attract new players? How does it increase revenue when crowds remain low?

And, crucially, how does the league improve when there is so much disparity between the haves and have-nots?

Last week’s tremendous figures at Celtic Park show there is an appetite for women’s football if marketed and delivered the right way. Their match with City attracted almost 10,000 fans — setting a new domestic record.

The decision to play at Parkhead undoubtedly made a difference and that’s why they’ve hastily rearranged the venue this weekend, too — with adidas in tow as sponsors.

Celtic Park season-ticket holders and under-16s will be able to watch the match for free and that’s a necessary step in terms of getting bums on seats.

You didn’t think Barcelona women attracted over 90,000 fans for their Champions League match with Real Madrid without a clever bit of tinkering, did you?

Thanks to some superb digital marketing and a few free tickets, the outcome was spectacular and set a new world record for an attendance at a women’s game.

Last weekend, a new world record for a domestic match was set, when 77,390 fans attended the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The message is clear — make these matches attractive and affordable and fans will give it a go. It’s no surprise that, days after Celtic set a new record, Rangers announced they were moving the Glasgow City match to Ibrox.

Yet it confounds me why more women’s games haven’t been played in these stadiums before. When the Old Firm became professional, both insisted there would be chances to show off their wares at the clubs’ main stadiums. While that’s been true on the odd occasion, plenty of opportunities have been missed.

From a commercial point of view, now is the time to capitalise. No one can sit back and take for granted what has been years in the making.

There will be a raft of players out of contract this summer, all in the hunt for new clubs.

They need to stay in Scotland, and be given a reason to do so.

Unless more money is attracted into the game, the likelihood of more clubs going professional and standards increasing is minimal. Larger attendances and increased commercial activity will go at least some way to helping that.

It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t happen on its own. But clubs need to take their women’s teams seriously — and keep giving them the best stage on which to perform.