Blockbuster weekend in store for ‘better than ever’ SWPL

On Sunday afternoon, Leanne Crichton will lead out her Rangers side in the first Old Firm derby of the SWPL season, and she reckons the women’s game is going from strength to strength.

The new Ibrox head coach, appointed just over a month ago, says the game’s growth over the past five years has helped it evolve into a more competitive environment with clearer pathways for youth development.

“I think where we are now in the women’s game is absolutely the best place we’ve ever been,” Crichton said.

“The restructuring of the league this season is going to make it even more competitive by reducing the numbers and increasing the importance of a lot of the fixtures.

“We obviously have some really good relationships with other clubs in the country that we are comfortable with our young, up-and-coming talent going there to develop and get opportunities. I think having that only strengthens the league.

“So there are lots of opportunities to continue to grow and develop.

“It’s accelerated quite drastically over the last five years, I think over the next five years we’ll continue to see that growth.”

Rangers sit second in the league after three games, two points adrift of a Celtic side who are “getting better” every week, according to their head coach, Elena Sadiku.

After a flawless start to the campaign, Celtic have won all three games, scoring 14 goals and conceding only once. Sadiku isn’t content to settle, though.

“I think you can see the quality in training,” she told club media. “After every game, we talk about what we have done well and what we can learn or do better.

“I’m really happy with the last few weeks, and I’m really happy with the progress because it is getting even better in training, and the quality is getting better.”