On a truly Beautiful Sunday afternoon, Celtic FC Women won the league in front of 7,624 supporters at Celtic Park after Amy Gallacher scored a late winner that broke theRangers hearts and crowned our Ghirls as Scottish Champions…
theRangers midfielder Tessel Middag can’t hide her disappointment after Amy Gallacher’s goal won the league for Celtic FC WomenPhoto Luke Nickerson/Shutterstock
Here are my thoughts on our final performance of the 2023/24 season…
Frustrated Flint
Tash Flint, we all love her, and she needs to remember that. I was watching her during the game at Celtic Park against Hibs and she looked to be getting extremely frustrated with herself. Of course, I’m sure that feeling is gone now that she has her hands on the SWPL title but I think she gets in her own head too much.
She is our Goal Machine, she’s proven that over her two spells at Celtic, but she’s not in the best of form right now. She still scored two goals against Hearts to prove she can do it and to be fair to her, Hibs’ defence stayed strong in that final game.
Tash Flint
Now is an important time for her as Elena Sadiku as well as Tash will have to make the decision on her future. Will Elena make a move for the Liverpool loanee? Or will she be tempted back to England to prove herself in the Women’s Super League? Tash wasn’t played at Liverpool and no player is happy with that. She’s loved in Glasgow, she has Champions League football here and see loves the club. If the manager wants her and the club are prepared to see the financial side of a deal – she’ll be on decent money at Liverpool – then a deal could happen. Fingers crossed.
LAC an asset
We recently extended the contract of Lucy Ashworth-Clifford until the summer of 2025 and what a decision that is panning out to be. Since returning from injury this season, she has been absolutely incredible for the Celts, boosting them to a historic first league title. She was also a star before picking up that ACL injury the Christmas before last.
Her dribbling ability, her positioning, and even her getting back to defend are all great skills that she possesses and they’re really coming out under Elena. She will be a key player next campaign, there’s no doubt about it, so keep a watchful eye on her as I’m sure she’ll rack up Player of the Month awards.
I’ll touch on Celya Barclais here too as she has been performing really well over the course of the season. She’ll be with the squad again next campaign, unless a side makes a move for her, so to have immense talent on both wings is certainly a promising sight! And don’t forget that Hana Kerner will be back next season.
Amy G – it’s what she does!
Amy Gallacher has been incredible this season. With 44 goals and assists in 30 league appearances, she’s been an absolute asset to this Celtic side.
She scored the 90th-minute winner that won us the league and I have no doubt that she’ll perform even better next season. The fact she’s not been selected for the Scotland squad is absolutely outrageous considering the campaign she’s had.
Amy is another player whose contract we recently extended and she was also in the running for the PFA Player of the Year. With all that considered, it’s safe to say we have a baller on our hands…
Solid at the back
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – our backline has been incredible recently. When Hibs looked like they may be in for a chance, you could rely on Kelly Clark, Chloe Craig or Caitlin Hayes to get back and put a foot in to deny them. Barclais dropping into that back line when we’re out of possession has also been incredibly helpful as she times her challenges well and can explode up the pitch if we do win the ball.
I’d love to see more of Sydney Cummings next season as I think she has a lot of potential. I’ll reveal my thoughts for next campaign at a later date but I’ve loved what I’ve seen of her this season and when needed, she’s put in a shift.
Another defensive signing would be welcome though as I still feel as though more pace in the backline couldn’t hurt!
Talking to the Gaffer
Yesterday I got the opportunity to interview Elena Sadiku in the Boardroom at Celtic Park with the Celtic FC Manager standing next the SWPL1 trophy with the Scottish Premiership trophy next to that. We talked about the season, Amy G’s goal, the plans for the summer transfer window and getting Celtic noticed in the Champions League. Have a watch…
Jessica Elliott