SWPL 2019 Talking Points and the New Entry Criteria

The talking points of the 2019 Scottish season, and the new SWPL entry criteria set out in full: minimum qualifications for managers and goalkeeping coaches, a physiotherapist at every game and player access to one weekly, refreshments and a match programme for spectators, use of the public address system for key information, covered standing for 199 spectators in SWPL 1, and a full player pathway. Eight teams remain in each division with no relegation from the second tier, ahead of a ten-team SWPL 2 in 2020. Hearts, Celtic and Rangers have all promised greater investment, with Celtic, under former Motherwell boss Eddie Wolecki Black, set to become Scotland’s first professional women’s team. Hibernian have lost Lisa Robertson, Abi Harrison, Rachel McLauchlan and Emma Brownlie to the FAWSL, and Glasgow City’s Abbi Grant has joined Anderlecht.