City have sights on title Glee
It is all change as the SWPL kicks off a new season this af ternoon – but Ei leen Gleeson hopes for a familiar outcome at the end.
The new-look, 12-team top f light will come under the jurisdiction of the SPFL for the first time.
And after Rangers ended her Glasgow City side’s domination of the title trophy, Gleeson is determined to see normal service resumed.
The City boss has rejigged her playing squad significantly going into her first full season in charge and she wil l be looking to them to reclaim the title from Malky Thomson’s Gers side.
The Irish coach said: “It has been a long, hard pre-season and we are looking forward to getting back into it.”
City launch their title bid at home to Spartans whi le Rangers face newly promoted Glasgow Women.
Celtic won both of the cup competitions last term and will be looking to add the big
one this time round. They kick-off at home to a Hibs side who have just moved towards a professional set-up.
Hoops boss Fran Alonso said: “We are preparing knowing that’s going to be the toughest Hibs team that we’ve ever played. In saying that, professionalism comes with pressure so while, if they lost last year it was normal because we were full-time and they were part-time, this year as a full-time team they have the demand of winning.
“That comes with pressure and we’ll need to see how they cope with that. But they are definitely going to be a top team and it’s going to be very hard to get the three points.”
Alonso’s young side have been strengthened by the return of Lisa Robertson from her loan at Birmingham while Natalie Ross is back from long-term injury.
The Spaniard added: “They are both def initely more experienced players.
“They have experience of disappointment and reacting to it many times, while these th i ngs can knock the concentration of younger players in games. So having their qualities is definitely going to help us in terms of fighting for every single trophy this season.”