Scotland Woman Archives

Scottish Football: A Broken System That Needs Fixing

Scottish football is in crisis. The league structure is outdated, TV deals are laughable, and youth development is stagnant. Fans are desperate for change, but the decision-makers continue to bury their heads in the sand. Joe Quinn, a former SPFL scout, has had enough. His proposal isn’t just a tweak to the system—it’s a complete overhaul. The question is, will Scottish football finally listen, or will self-interest and inaction win again? The Root of the Problem: A Game Run by Self-Preservation Scottish football is a closed shop. Quinn argues that change doesn’t happen because too many people in power benefit from keeping things exactly as they are. Whenever real reform is proposed, clubs and officials close ranks, protecting their own positions rather than the health of the game. Fans already know the issues: the league is predictable and stale, smaller clubs get a raw deal, Scottish talent is leaving in droves, and the women’s game is consistently underfunded and ignored. Quinn’s proposal isn’t just another discussion paper—it’s a radical blueprint to drag Scottish football into the modern era. But will those in charge finally step aside for progress? The 14-14-14 League Model: Genuine Reform or a New Coat of Paint? One of Quinn’s most controversial ideas is a 14-14-14 league structure designed to increase competition, fairness, and financial stability. The potential benefits are clear: fewer repetitive fixtures, proper promotion and relegation battles, and more clubs at the top level. On paper, it makes sense. But history tells us good ideas don’t always make it past the SPFL boardroom. Mid-table clubs happy with the status quo will fight this to the bitter end. The SPFL has a habit of discussing reform, only to back down when it matters most. Will this time be different? Ditching Gambling Sponsors: Ethical Stand or Financial Suicide? Scottish football is swimming in gambling sponsorships. Betting logos are plastered across shirts, advertising boards, and broadcasts. Quinn’s plan calls for an outright ban, following the example set by the English Premier League. The moral argument? Clear-cut. Gambling addiction destroys lives, and football shouldn’t be complicit in feeding the problem. The financial reality? A nightmare. Clubs, particularly those outside the Premiership, rely on gambling sponsorships to stay afloat. If the SPFL cuts ties with the industry, where does the replacement funding come from? Quinn believes it’s the right move in the long term, but without a clear financial alternative, this could cripple smaller clubs. The League Cup: Time to Stop the Snoozefest Quinn is clear on this: the League Cup group stage is a glorified pre-season exercise. Fans aren’t engaged, clubs don’t take it seriously, and the format is uninspiring. His solution? Scrap the groups, return to a straight knockout competition, and inject real jeopardy and excitement back into the tournament. It’s a simple, logical fix. Whether the SPFL will embrace it is another matter entirely. Youth Development & Women’s Football: Time for Real Investment Scottish football prides itself on producing top talent. But in reality, Quinn believes the system is failing young players. The best prospects leave Scotland at the first opportunity, the women’s game grows despite, not because of, governing body support, and clubs treat youth and women’s football as an afterthought rather than a priority. His proposal calls for real, sustained investment—not just PR soundbites and token gestures. If Scottish football wants a strong future, it has to stop relying on the accidental emergence of “golden generations.” TV Deals: Why Does Scotland Keep Selling Itself Short? Scottish football’s TV contracts are, frankly, embarrassing. Sky Sports cherry-picks matches and does the bare minimum to promote them, clubs earn a fraction of what smaller European leagues generate from broadcasting deals, and fans are either overcharged or locked out entirely. Quinn demands a more aggressive approach to negotiating TV rights. Germany and other European nations offer free-to-air matches. Why is Scotland still accepting scraps? According to Quinn, the SPFL’s usual excuse is “It’s the best deal we can get.” He disagrees. In his view, Scottish football’s leaders don’t fight hard enough for a better deal. Will Anything Actually Change? Scottish football has heard big ideas before. We’ve seen bold proposals, promising plans, and endless discussions. And yet, nothing changes. This time, though, the pressure is mounting. Fans are growing restless. The game is losing relevance. If the SPFL and SFA continue to ignore these problems, they risk losing an entire generation of supporters. So, will Quinn’s plan finally force real action? Or will it be another great idea destined to gather dust? Have Your Say Is Scottish football stuck in the past? Would you support these changes? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on social media using #SNNSports

April 2, 2025

New look Scotland begin Nation’s League campaign with defeat to Austria

New interim manager Michael McArdle could not inspire Scotland to victory in the opening game of the Nations League Group A as Lilli Purtscheller fired the Austrians to victory. Profiting from a mix up at the back, striker Purtscheller was quickest to the ball to open the scoring for the home side with just an a quarter of an hour played. Scotland had dominated the opening exchanges, Kirsty Hanson had an opportunity early on but couldn’t set herself before Caroline Weir took over, only able to muster a tame shot into keeper Manuela Zinsberger. Hanson would return for a second stab almost immediately, latching onto a long ball but unable to get the better of Zinsberger but the Arsenal shot stopper did well to deny the Scotland forward one on one. Momentum soon shifted in favour of the Austrians, Lee Gibson finding herself increasingly busy as the first half wore on, denying Purtscheller a double after the striker did well to turn Jenna Clark. Looking to find their footing in the game, Scotland’s task was made all the more difficult by an early injury to Sophie Howard who hobbled off with substitute Leah Eddie earning her third cap. However the visitors were inches from equalising as debutant Emma Lawton’s leaping header was saved point blank by Zinbsberger who would deny Hanson’s rebound from just a metre out. From there McArdle’s side struggled to generate momentum and were almost caught sleeping for a double as Gibson took too long to play the ball out before Carina Brunold picked her pocket, denied only by a last ditch tackle. In the end Austria were comfortably able to hold out for the three points as Scotland must wait until Tuesday’s home tie against the Netherlands to earn their first points. Lack of impetus costs Scotland Three games without a goal seems all the more baffling a statistic given the wealth of quality Scotland possess with players from Liverpool, Tottenham and Real Madrid on the park. With over three quarters of the game left to play, the side seemed unable to stir up moments to truly trouble an Austrian side looking far too comfortable. Lawton’s header and Hanson’s two efforts came ever so close but in truth they were rarities as the side looked to make up for defensive lapses that began creeping into Scotland’s game with worrying regularity. Amy Muir’s poor clearance the first but Gibson, Clark and Eddie also guilty of errors that fans will not be used to seeing at club level. However there were reasons to be optimistic for supporters. Three debuts on the night with Eilidh Adams and Freya Gregory joining Lawton for first caps. Lawton taking to international football like a fish to water just a few months on from her transition from part-time to professional football after joining Celtic from Partick Thistle. With a group also featuring the Netherlands and Germany, Scotland have it all to do to avoid relegation but they will be buoyed by the presence of new blood who know doubt inject life into a side trying to find its feet in the post-Pedro Martínez Losa era. Line-ups: Austria: Zinsberger, Hanshaw, Kirchberger, Wenger, D’Angelo, Zadrazil (Feiersinger 56), Puntigam (c), Höbinger (Brunold 79), Schasching, Purtscheller, Hickelsberger (Pinther 78) Unused subs: Billa, Brunnthaler, Brunold, Croatto, El Sherif, Georgieva, Kresche, Panther, Rukavina, Schiechtl, Wienroither Booked: none Goals: Purtscheller 14 Scotland: Gibson, Muir, Howard (Eddie 21), Clark, Lawton, Cornet (Adams 79), Kerr, Weir (c), Hanson, Thomas (Gregory 57), Emslie (Davidson 56) Unused subs: Adams, Clachers, Cumings Budd, MacLean, McCaulay, McLauchlan, Smith, Watson, Booked: none Goals: none

February 21, 2025

Resilient Celtic Push Chelsea to Their Limits in Historic Champions League Clash

Chelsea, though not at their best, managed to edge out a resilient Celtic side, maintaining their lead in Group B of the Women’s Champions League. Chelsea’s coach Sonia Bompastor made several line-up adjustments for the trip to Glasgow, and her team had to dig deep to preserve her unbeaten run as manager. It was a landmark night at Celtic Park, hosting its first Women’s Champions League game, and history was made once more. Defying expectations, the Scottish champions struck first. Murphy Agnew broke away from the Chelsea defence, connecting with a superbly curved pass from Amy Gallacher, scoring Celtic’s inaugural goal of the group stage. The goal spurred the Super League champions into action, and just six minutes later, they levelled as Maika Hamano outsmarted Celtic’s keeper, Kelsey Daugherty. Chelsea took the lead within another four minutes, capitalising on a counter-attack as Ashley Lawrence sent a powerful shot into the top of the net, turning the momentum in the first of two back-to-back UK showdowns. Spectators may have anticipated Celtic struggling to keep up, yet they fought admirably throughout a lively second half. Lucy Ashworth-Clifford was a constant threat down the left, delivering a series of dangerous crosses, while Daugherty’s impressive saves kept the game within reach. Though the score remained close, Celtic couldn’t find an equaliser. A red card for Agnes Beever-Jones in stoppage time came too late to be impactful, sealing Celtic’s third defeat in their debut Champions League campaign. Scottish Champions Show Progress and Determination The atmosphere at Celtic Park was electric, reminiscent of when Celtic secured their first SWPL title in May. Their unexpected lead after 22 minutes sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Gallacher’s assist for Agnew showcased the kind of fluid play seen in the SWPL but had been missing in earlier defeats to Twente and Real Madrid. Coach Elena Sadiku noted her team’s progress, which was evident again here. Emma Lawton, who was playing part-time football just months ago, was impressive in containing Guro Reiten, while Shannon McGregor excelled in midfield. Celtic held off Chelsea’s attacks for much of the game, even as fatigue from their recent 120-minute match against Glasgow City began to show. Ashworth-Clifford displayed remarkable energy, showing no hesitation facing Champions League veteran Lucy Bronze, who entered at halftime. Despite concerns of a heavy defeat, the Scottish champions left the field with their pride intact after a spirited performance. Chelsea Push Through Despite Fatigue and Changes Bompastor made bold decisions, resting key players ahead of a weekend clash with Manchester City, resulting in a sluggish start for her side. However, after falling behind, Chelsea’s quality began to emerge, though inconsistently. Bompastor expressed frustration on the sidelines as Chelsea struggled to secure a decisive lead in the second half, with Daugherty’s sharp goalkeeping contributing to the close scoreline. It wasn’t the straightforward win Chelsea may have hoped for, but as a warm-up for their upcoming WSL top-of-the-table clash, it provided a challenging test. Full time: Celtic 1-2 Chelsea Post-Match Reactions Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert remarked: “The three points are the highlight tonight. Our performance could have been better, but with games every three days, we keep looking forward.” “The atmosphere was intense – I got some stick from the crowd, but I enjoyed it. Celtic were disciplined, organised, and gave us a tough game. We’ll aim to improve for next week.” Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku commented: “Disappointed with the result, but extremely proud of my players. We’re growing more confident and showing we can compete.” “We played some brilliant football, were fearless, and managed to break through Chelsea’s pressure.”

November 14, 2024

Celtic Ready to Test Themselves Against Champions Chelsea: A Night of Passion and Rivalry at Celtic Park

As Celtic prepare for their crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday, head coach Elena Sadiku and Scotland forward Erin Cuthbert have shared their thoughts on what promises to be a fiercely competitive match. Here are some of the key insights they offered ahead of the game. Sadiku: “A Bigger Test Than This? I Don’t Think So Elena Sadiku acknowledges the scale of the challenge Celtic face against Chelsea, reigning Women’s Super League champions. “I don’t think we’re going to have a bigger test than this,” Sadiku remarked, underscoring her respect for Chelsea’s strengths and capabilities. But respect goes beyond Chelsea’s players alone; Sadiku also has a deep admiration for Chelsea’s head coach, Sonia Bompastor, saying, “how she’s perceived as a coach is how I want to be perceived.” This personal aspiration adds a layer of intensity to the upcoming encounter as Celtic aim to prove themselves on a stage of this magnitude. Growth Through the Competition Reflecting on Celtic’s Champions League journey so far, Sadiku believes her team has shown steady improvement. She pointed to the contrast between their performances against Twente in the opener and Real Madrid in their second game, saying, “Against Real Madrid, we were confident enough to play, we got pressure on, we love the pressure, and we just showed no fear in what we want to do.” Celtic’s progression and self-assurance suggest they’re embracing the challenges, growing stronger as they move through the competition. Support at Celtic Park: A Historic Night This game marks the first time Celtic’s women’s team will play a Champions League match at Celtic Park, an occasion Sadiku hopes fans won’t miss. She urged, “If you’re a Celtic fan, you should support the big history the club are creating.” The atmosphere in the iconic stadium will be critical as Celtic look to rally their fans for a historic night. Injury Update: Two Absentees Defender Hana Kerner and forward Kit Loferski are confirmed absentees for Wednesday’s match, while Caitlin Hayes, who missed the last two games, is expected to return. Sadiku addressed recent speculation surrounding Hayes’ absence, clarifying that she’s simply been “resting,” dispelling any rumours of suspension. Erin Cuthbert: Thriving in a ‘Hostile’ Environment Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, who will be returning to Glasgow for the match, is fully aware that she might not receive a warm welcome. Coming from a family of Rangers supporters, the Scotland international knows the Celtic crowd will be less than welcoming but welcomes the challenge. “As a football player, see if you get a bit of a hostile reception, I think it’s the best thing,” Cuthbert said, unfazed by the prospect. Cuthbert’s confidence in handling tough crowds comes from experience: “We’ve played at the Emirates many times… we’re used to playing in big games where there is an atmosphere, and the opposition wants to make it as difficult as possible.” This resilience has been central to her development from a young player working at Morrison’s to a key figure in one of the world’s biggest clubs. Head coach Sonia Bompastor describes her as “a leader,” and Cuthbert herself sees this return to Glasgow as a moment of reflection. “It’s a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come, but also how much work I’ve still got to do and how far I can go.” Celtic vs Chelsea: A Battle of Belief and Growth As both sides gear up for this Champions League showdown, Celtic will look to demonstrate their growth and grit against a Chelsea side hungry for victory. With Sadiku’s admiration for her counterpart and Cuthbert’s resilience, Wednesday night promises an unforgettable spectacle at Celtic Park. Fans can expect a display of ambition, rivalry, and the enduring passion of Scottish football.

November 13, 2024

Pedro’s Bold Prediction Pays Off as Scotland’s Women Head for Finland

Under the lights at Hibernian’s Easter Road, Scotland’s female national team put on a show. A 4 goal decimation of the Hungarians sets Pedro Martinez Losa’s side up for a mouth-watering play off final tie against Finland as they mount their charge to a place at the Euros next summer. The lead was taken after 17 minutes and the own goal by Lauren Brzykcy was doubled shortly after by Erin Cuthbert who rifled a shot high past the Hungarian stopper who had a performance to forget. Real Madrid star Caroline Weir added the 3rd after a smart piece of play from Martha Thomas in the 2nd half. Creator turns provider for the 4th goal as Thomas tucks the ball away to seal the game for the Scots. Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa was under the spotlight after stating there was “no way” his side would lose at Easter Road and he will be breathing a sigh of relief his team was able to deliver. Martinez Losa has been under fire recently with his squad selections. Criticised for minimising his use of the youth squads with players such as Emma Lawton, Leah Eddie and Eilidh Shore shining at the top level of the Scottish game with Celtic, Rangers and Hearts respectively, being left out and continuing with a team that is aging. Only 3 of the current squad are 23 or younger, but if they make it past Finland and into Euro 2025 then his methods may just be seen to have rewards. On the match, Martinez Losa commented: “We have probably seen the best version of a lot of players and that’s what we want to repeat against Finland. We are two teams at similar levels, we have played against them before and we had the feeling that we could beat them” Scotland return to Easter Road on the 27th of November for their play off clash against Finland, before heading across the water to play the 2nd leg on the 3rd of December as both teams vie for a place in Switzerland next summer.

October 30, 2024

Scotland Woman

Scottish Football: A Broken System That Needs Fixing

New look Scotland begin Nation’s League campaign with defeat to Austria

Resilient Celtic Push Chelsea to Their Limits in Historic Champions League Clash

Celtic Ready to Test Themselves Against Champions Chelsea: A Night of Passion and Rivalry at Celtic Park

Pedro’s Bold Prediction Pays Off as Scotland’s Women Head for Finland

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