Scottish Women's Football

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"Proven winner" Kirsty Smith has reunited with former Scotland team-mate Leanne Crichton by joining Rangers on a two-year deal.

The full-back, who left Women's Super League 2 side Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, returns to her homeland eight years after leaving Hibernian for Manchester United.

The 32-year-old, who won promotion to the WSL with United after lifting five domestic trophies with Hibs, also played in England's top-flight with West Ham.

But a desire to return north having "missed a lot of the family side of it" has contributed to her linking up with Crichton again.

"I am obviously really excited to be here and just be back home in Scotland," Dalkeith-born Smith said.

"I have met all the girls, they are all so lovely, and I just can't wait to get started.

"I just think I have been away for a long time and I miss a lot of the family side of it as well.

"Being happy off the pitch and on the pitch will help me a lot as a player, and I think that comes hand in hand."

With over 60 international caps to her name - including being part of the only Scotland side to reach the Women's World Cup alongside Crichton - she brings "a real wealth of experience" to Rangers, according to the head coach.

"Kirsty is a proven winner who understands what it takes to perform in demanding environments," Crichton added.

"Her leadership, professionalism and versatility will be a huge asset to the group, and we're excited by the quality she'll add both on and off the pitch."

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Northern Ireland winger Casey Howe has signed for Celtic after leaving Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old, who has 14 caps for her country, finished last season on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping them win promotion to Women's Super League 2.

Celtic head coach Grant Scott said: "Casey is an exciting young player who our fans will enjoy watching.

"She has played internationally for Northern Ireland and in WSL2 for two seasons, which showcases her experience at this early point in her career."

Before moving to Forest in 2024, Howe had played for Glentoran, Sligo Rovers and Athlone Town.

Saying it is "amazing" to be at Celtic with the aim of winning more silverware, she said: "It's in my DNA to win. I love winning. And I think off the back of the girls winning the cup, I want to come and win silverware here.

"That's a given for me. I've won silverware back in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and in England. So I just want to win. I love winning.

"So it's definitely something that excites me to come in, hopefully win some more silver here."

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Glasgow City have signed wingers Leah Lane from Lewes and Ruby Seaby, an England youth cap, from Ipswich Town.

Both have signed three-year contracts with the Scottish Women's Premier League club.

English 21-year-old Lane won club player of the year awards after scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists as Lewes finished fifth in the Women's National League South, the English third tier, last season.

Lane said: "I'm really excited to get started and looking forward to the new challenge of stepping into a professional environment in a new league."

City head coach Leanne Ross said: "Leah is an exciting young talent."

Meanwhile, she was "really excited" to bring Seaby's "exuberance to the squad".

"She has pace, is direct with the ball and is also hungry to assist and score goals," Ross said.

Still only 19 and having come through Arsenal's academy, Seaby helped Ipswich win the Southern Premier Division and promotion to the second tier for the first time.

However, after featuring for Ipswich in Women's Super League 2 at the start of last season, she ended it as a team-mate of Lane on loan to Lewes.

A "buzzing" Seaby said: "I've heard a lot of good things about the league and I think it's going to push me physically and technically, so I'm excited to test myself."

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Rangers have signed "composed" former Netherlands youth defender Mijke Roelfsema following the 28-year-old's exit from Nantes in the French top flight.

Roelfsema, who has signed a two-year contract, joined Nantes in January from Irish side Treaty United but did not make it off the bench for the team who finished fourth in Ligue 1.

Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton told her club website: "She's a composed defender who reads the game well, is comfortable in possession and brings leadership qualities both on and off the pitch."

The Dutch defender played for Schoonhoven, Den Haag, Rice University in the United States and Calgary Foothills in Canada before her first professional contract with Appollon Ladies in Cyprus and moving on to Danish club Fodbold before joining Treaty.

Both Crichton and Roelfsema hope those varied experiences will benefit Rangers.

"I have played at a lot of different clubs and I think that has given me a lot of experience and, as I have gotten older, I really wanted to be part of a club that is trying to reach championship titles and I really wanted a good group of people with a good setup and this was honestly perfect," the defender said.

Image source, Alan Rennie/Hibernian FC

Hibernian have signed Aoife Colvill, with the former Glasgow City forward returning to Scotland after two seasons with Standard Liege.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Women's Premier League club.

Head coach Joelle Murray said: "She's a player who already knows the SWPL well and that experience will be a real asset to us as we continue to strengthen the squad.

"Aoife gives us a strong attacking presence and has the versatility to play through the middle or in the wide areas, which is something that will be really valuable over the course of the season.

"She's an intelligent player who works hard for the team and gives us different options in the final third."

Australia-born Colvill spent four seasons with City until 2024 and was part of two title-winning squads.

"When Aoife last played in the league, her goals-to-games ratio was extremely impressive and that's a reflection of the quality she possesses in front of goal," Murray added.

Colvill won the Belgian Cup when with Liege and said: "What every team wants is to be playing in Europe and competing for cups and for trophies.

"I really think we can do that here."

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Rangers have signed Bailley Collins on a one-year contract after the 22-year-old left Scottish Women's Premier League rivals Motherwell.

Collins spent three years with Well, where she worked under Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton, after joining from Aberdeen.

Describing her latest move as "surreal", she told Rangers' website: "I think working with Leanne in the past, it was kind of a no-brainer."

Crichton added: "She's a young player who has already shown real quality in the SPWPL and we believe this is the right environment for her to continue her development.

"She has good physical attributes and works tirelessly for the team; just as importantly, she has the mentality and ambition that we're looking to add to this squad.

"Having worked with her previously during my time as assistant at Motherwell, I know the qualities that she can bring and I'm confident that she will continue to develop further moving into full-time football here."

Image source, Alan Rennie/Hibernian FC

Hibernian have added "invaluable" experience to their squad by signing Northern Ireland midfielder Joely Andrews on a two-year deal from rivals Hearts.

The 24-year-old, who has earned 35 international caps, made 52 appearances for Hearts, playing a key role in their historic 2025-26 SWPL triumph.

"She is a player who brings a wealth of experience at both international level and in the SWPL, and those qualities will be invaluable to our group," said Hibs head coach Joelle Murray.

"Joely is an exciting player who has the physical attribute to play box to box and someone who can make a real impact in the final third.

"She has excellent tactical intelligence, understands the game extremely well, and gives us another strong option with her ability to create and score chances."

Former Glentoran player Andrews added: "Playing against Hibs in the last two seasons, it's always been a really competitive game and I think it's a style I can fit into."

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Poland midfielder midfielder Natalia Wrobel and Dutch defender Kimberley Smit have left Glasgow City.

Both players spent two years at the club, winning the SWPL Cup earlier this year.

"As my journey with Glasgow City comes to an end, I leave with unforgettable memories and deep gratitude - not only for the moments on the pitch, but also for the incredible people I've met along the way," said 26-year-old Wrobel.

Smit, 26, made 75 City appearances and scored five goals.

"Thank you, Glasgow City," said Smit. "After two incredible years, it's time for me to say goodbye. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone at the club who made my time here so special - my team-mates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes.

"I'll always be proud to have been part of such a special club."

Image source, Rangers

Danish midfielder Gry Boe Thrysoe has signed a two-year contract to become Rangers' first signing this summer.

The 26-year-old joins as a free agent and had a successful trial earlier in the year before completing her studies in the United States.

Thrysoe started her career in her homeland with Aalborg Boldklub, helping them earn promotion to Denmark's top flight in 2020, and has spent the past five years playing for American college club Old Dominion Lady Monarchs.

"She is a player who brings a really strong technical level, intelligence in possession and added quality in the middle of the pitch," said head coach Leanne Crichton.

"Having enjoyed a successful trial period with the club earlier in the year, it was clear she has the character and ambition that we want within this squad, and we believe she has all the attributes to make a positive impact here.

"Gry has gained valuable experience both in Denmark and during her time in the United States, where she continued to develop her game and we hope she can continue to do so here."

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Rosie Livingstone has left Hibs to join Women's Super League 2 side Ipswich Town on a two-year contract.

The Scotland Under-23 winger, who moves for an undisclosed fee, scored 22 goals in 101 appearances and was named player of the year last season.

Livingstone joins Ciara Grant, Eilidh Adams, Kathleen McGovern, Lauren Doran-Barr, Noa Schumacher, Stacey Papadopoulos, Poppy Lawson and Hannah Jordan on the Hibs departure list.

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Celtic have confirmed left-back Emma Lawton and striker Saoirse Noonan are among the players leaving the club following the expiration of their contracts.

Goalkeeper Chloe Logan, Jenny Smith, who has joined Hearts, and Emma Westin have also departed while Tara O'Hanlon, Poppy Pritchard and Maddi Wilde return to their parent clubs following the conclusion of their loan deals.

The club have also announced their new home ground for the upcoming campaign - Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex.

The Glasgow club had been playing their home games at New Douglas Park last term but will make the switch for the start of the new season.

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Hearts will start their defence of the SWPL title at home to Aberdeen on Sunday 16 August.

Last season's runners-up Rangers will begin the campaign with a trip to Links Park to face Montrose.

Sky Sports Cup holders Glasgow City meet Scottish Cup winners Celtic at Petershill Park, having finished third and fifth respectively.

2025 champions Hibernian, who were fourth last term, host Motherwell, while newly-promoted Spartans will be at home to Partick Thistle.

The first Edinburgh derby will take place on 4 October, with the reverse fixture on 15 November. The capital bragging rights were split last season, with both sides winning two of the four fixtures.

Rangers and Celtic will meet on 27 September and 15 November. Leanne Crichton's side had the upper hand last time, as Rangers won all four league matches.

Hearts will be coached by Andy Thomson, who has moved from his assistant's role at Rangers to replace Eva Olid, who clinched the club's first title in her final match in charge.

Visit our fixtures page for details of the 2026-27 schedule.

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Celtic captain Kelly Clark has committed to a 14th year at Celtic after signing a contract for next season, while fellow stalwart Chloe Craig and goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers have also agreed new terms.

Centre-half Clark has made 378 appearances for the club, with Craig featuring in 320 games and Rodgers playing 33 times.

Craig, who has committed to a two-year deal, is a regular penalty taker and has scored more than 100 goals for last season's Scottish Cup winners. Rodgers, 20, has signed up for next season.

Head coach Grant Scott is delighted to retain the 32-year-old defenders, telling club media: "The impact both these players have made on women's football at this club is incredible.

"In terms of role models, you need look no further than what they've achieved, both on and off the pitch.

"They remain two important pieces of our squad and what we're trying to build and achieve here."

And Scott said of Rodgers: "Lisa is a young goalkeeper, who already has proven her worth at the club and at international level with Scotland underage.

"She's played her part in a number of high profile games and successes during her time here, which will only aid that development."

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Tao Stark is leaving Glasgow City after a mutual agreement to terminate her contract early.

The Finnish midfielder, 21, joined in January on a deal until summer 2028 but made just four appearances for the club.

Stark, who leaves with an SWPL Cup winner's medal, said: "I've really enjoyed my time at City, it's a great club with fantastic team-mates and I've learned a lot during my time here."

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Scotland midfielder Maria McAneny has signed a two-year contract extension with Celtic, keeping her at the club until summer 2028.

The 21-year-old academy graduate has made over 100 appearances and scored 13 goals and recorded five assists last term for the Scottish Cup winners.

McAneny earned a place in the Guinness World Records with her halfway-line strike against Hibernian last December, which was officially recognised as the fastest goal ever in women's professional football at 4.1 seconds.

"This is where I want to be as I love being here and I love being part of this club and it's something that I want to keep doing," said McAneny.

"I want to continue to keep winning trophies for this team and take it to the next level."

Head coach Grant Scott says McAneny is an "integral" player, adding: "As a player who's come through the academy system, she completely understands what the club is about and showcases the talent we are able to produce here."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta is expecting a "tight game" when her side face Czech Republic in the first round of their World Cup play-off.

The Scots will face the Czechs over two legs and, should they progress, will face the winner of Sweden and Lithuania's play-off.

"I'm expecting a very tight game, especially when everything is on the line," Andreatta said.

"Everybody wants to be on the world stage at major tournaments so I wouldn't expect anything other than a very tight game, very competitive.

"It's going to go down to fine margins and we'll be prepared to take advantage of those fine margins so that we're on the better side."

Scotland edged their Nations League group on goal difference ahead of Belgium and were seeded for the draw as a result.

And Andreatta thinks the way the group stage played out will help her side in the play-offs.

"The way that it ended up playing out in the group stage for us was great preparation for what we're about to face," she added.

"If I know anything about this group, they're willing to do whatever it takes to be the team that goes through. All we'll focus on is ourselves to make sure that we put a performance together that earns the right to progress.

"Our attacking game is there to be seen. To score the most goals across the leagues and have the highest goalscorer in the team is something we're pleased about but the exciting thing is the potential of this team to continuing improving our attacking game.

"There's still lots of things to improve, lots of positives too, we're in a good position for just over a year of my tenure to be prepared for this play-off."

There's still a long way to go if Scotland want to qualify for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

And seeing the supporters heading to the United States in their droves to support the men's team at this summer's tournament adds extra incentive.

"When I spoke to the players and the staff after the game when the boys qualified I knew how much it meant to them then," she added.

"I've just come from Edinburgh airport to see a lot of folk coming and going to the World Cup. The excitement is real, the passion is undeniable and of course we want to be a part of that.

"But we are also realistic and know there's a lot of hard work to be done before we do that. We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves and just focus on what's next and that's game one against this formidable opponent.

"I've said it from the beginning, I see it as a team of possibility. With the trajectory that we're on I think anything is possible. On our day, rankings aside, anything is possible."

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Hearts will face FC Gintra and Rangers will play Slavia Prague in the Women's Champions League second qualifying round.

Both Hearts and Rangers have been drawn alongside three other teams and will contest in mini-tournaments comprising two semi-finals and a final.

Both semi-final matches will be played at a single venue on Wednesday 5 August, with the winners of each tie playing each other in a final on Saturday 8 August for a place in the third qualifying round. There will also be a third place play-off game on the same day.

Should Rangers win, they will face the winner of Ajax v Brondby in the final.

"We know it'll be tough, but the reality is it's where we wanted to be, it's brilliant" Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton told BBC Scotland.

"Regardless of who we were drawn against, for different reasons, it was going to be tough but on the face of it, it's a draw that we're looking forward to.

"We'll hope to go and prove ourselves and show that we deserve to be back on the European stage."

In Hearts' mini tournament, Danish side HB Koge will play the winner of group three from the first qualifying round - that could be one of Armenian outfit Pyunik, Welsh side Wrexham, Northern Irish team Glentoran or Latvian side Riga - in their semi-final. Should Hearts see off Gintra, they'd play the winner of that tie.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Aston Villa have signed Scotland forward Mia McAulay from Rangers.

The 19-year-old progressed through the academy at Rangers and broke into the first team squad in the Scottish Women's Premier League.

She made her senior debut for Rangers at 16 and went on to make over 100 appearances for her childhood team.

The winger made her Scotland debut in May 2025 and has since gone on to make five appearances.

Earlier on Wednesday, Villa's top-scorer last season, Kirsty Hanson, joined Women's Super League rivals Tottenham.