Celtic and Rangers Women could join English Women’s Super League

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The Celtic Star

·15. Januar 2025

Celtic and Rangers Women could join English Women’s Super League

Celtic FC Women and their city rival theRangers Women have held preliminary talks to join the Women’s Super League in order to grow the women’s game, according to The Times…

Lola Brown of Chelsea battles for possession with Emma Louise Lawton of Celtic during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Chelsea FC and Celtic FC at Stamford Bridge on November 20, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

But what could a potential move to the English top flight mean for the Ghirls? And would it be beneficial in the long run?

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It’s no secret that women’s football in Scotland is not on par with the level across the border. It’s not uncommon to see scorelines in the double figures and with only a handful of teams being professional, compared to the fully professional WSL, it’s clear to see.

46% increase in TV audience

The game has been growing though, with a 46% increase in TV viewership last campaign as compared to the one before. But although we may be seeing people start to tune in, some clubs are still struggling to turn a profit, and this could ultimately be the downfall unless something changes.

Caitlin Hayes of Celtic FC passes the ball during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Chelsea FC and Celtic FC at Stamford Bridge on November 20, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

And this is probably why a move is potentially being explored. Don’t get me wrong, this could go nowhere, and the Celts could stay in the SWPL for the rest of time, but it’s no surprise, at least to me, that the possibility is being explored.

Glasgow giants have increased funding for Women’s football

A move to the WSL would allow a more competitive playing ground where players could develop better, possibly highlighting a better route for young Scottish talent. Celtic and theRangers have both increased their funding in their respective women’s teams over the last few years as we know, so both clubs could be keen to see that money made back.

The brilliant Celtic End – Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Elite level football

There is also the pro that the WSL can attract a better quality of player. Of course, great players like the ones we have in the Hoops are still attracted to Celtic because of the team and the possibility of European football, but with a more competitive league, there’s certainly a different standard that you can acquire.

And it can be a positive for the players as well, as despite players performing in the SWPL, they can sometimes be overlooked by the head coach of their national team in favour of other options.

Wieke Kaptein of Chelsea scores her team’s second goal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Chelsea FC and Celtic FC at Stamford Bridge on November 20, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

An example of this is the debate around whether Saoirse Noonan will be included in the next squad for Ireland. She has enjoyed a great season so far with 16 goals in 14 appearances, so she’ll likely be quietly hoping for a call-up as well. Her chances are probably higher because the coach favours Caitlin Hayes in the defence so clearly won’t overlook the Celts, but that sadly isn’t the case for every international team.

Talk of men’s team moving south always come to nothing

There would be negatives to a move as well, as has been discussed in detail over the years regarding a potential move for the men’s teams. This has long been a topic of debate in the men’s game, but it is widely accepted that we will never see Celtic nor theRangers in the Premier League. With the women’s games still being at an early stage in both England and Scotland though, the possibility for it here is much more likely.

October 17, 2024, Valdebebas, Madrid, SPAIN: Athenea del Castillo of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA WomenÃââ s Champions League, Group B, football match played between Real Madrid and Celtic FC at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium on October 17, 2024, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain. Photo Dennis Agyeman

It dates back as far as last year when theRangers had allegedly held informal discussions with the FA over whether a move to the English league could be feasible. Although conversations had continued, it didn’t seem to go anywhere. Now, with Celtic getting involved, could we see a turning point in this saga?

Glasgow City excluded?

It’s also important to question that if anything like this were to happen, would Glasgow City get involved? They are, by far, the most successful women’s team in Scotland, so to leave them behind would no doubt leave a sour taste in the mouths of supporters. However they lack the backing of a sizeable fanbase and would therefore be less desirable to the English league and also broadcasters.

Celtic FC Women v FC Twenty. UEFA Women’s Champions League, New Douglas Park, Hamilton on 8 October 2024. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The Times report that talks are in such early stages that no official approach has been made to the SWPL or the Scottish FA. If anything like this were to go ahead, the Scottish FA would have to agree to it, which also seems unlikely to happen. In addition, any teams moving to another league would have to play in the SWPL for two more seasons, as that is the notice period for leaving the division. So, even if this were to happen, it is very far off.

Celtic, theRangers and the SWPL all refused to comment on the matter, so we’ll be left to wondering for a while if anything will come of this.

Celtic team line up for the Champions League anthem. Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The two sides involved meet this weekend when Celtic FC Women take on theRangers Women in the Sky Sports Cup on Sunday afternoon, 19 January at New Douglas Park. The match kicks off at 4.10pm.

COYGIG!

Jessica Elliott