GLASGOW City head coach Scott Booth has criticised the stop-start nature of the early SWPL1 season. Like six of the eight clubs, his side has played just two league games since the season began on February 28.
A combination of League Cup ties and two separate international windows have made life difficult for managers and coaches. Fortunately, there is a full card tomorrow and the prospect of continuity thereafter.
“We have a squad of 20 players and we’re left with only four or five when the Scotland Under-17s, U-19s and full national teams are away,” Booth, who only got Republic of Ireland internationalists Ruesha Littlejohn and Clare Shine back on Thursday night, pointed out.
“The players are often away for 10 days, not three or four, which makes training difficult. You lose the momentum you’ve tried to build.
“I think it’s totally wrong. I don’t know what the answer is but there must be a better way of doing it than the way we’re doing it now.
“Unless you are a coach, you won’t realise just how difficult this is. It has been going on since pre-season and we haven’t had the opportunity to work on anything.”
City return to league action with a home game against Aberdeen, but the early pace is being set by Celtic, after an historic first SWPL game at Parkhead on Wednesday night.
The outcome, in front of 450 fans, was a 5-1 win for the hosts, and although they have played one game more they have nudged ahead of Spartans and City on goal difference.
The midweek game was memorable and Celtic, with Christie Murray making her return to the club, were well worthy of their win in a game which lived up to the occasion, Rangers playing their part.
David Haley’s side should keep their lead tomorrow as they travel to Stirling University, who have yet to win a point. Their attack looks more powerful with Murray backing Suzanne Mulvey and Scotland Under-19 player Kirsty Howat, who scored twice against Rangers.
City will hope their players are fresh after international duties as Aberdeen had few players away.
Like City, Hibs had players involved on Scotland duty, and also the U-19 squad which played three games in less than a week.
Chris Roberts’ side go to Forfar Farmingham, the other SWPL1 side yet to get off the mark, while Rangers face Spartans.
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