Celtic FC Women’s 3-1 loss to Glasgow City marked the end of their push to defend the SWPL title, a disappointing outcome for a side that had made history just a season ago. The result didn’t come as a shock to close followers of the team, as the season had been marred by inconsistency, tactical missteps, and off-field issues that slowly chipped away at the momentum built under former coach Fran Alonso.
While Celtic FC Women may have fallen short this season, many punters remain hopeful that the team can bounce back with a stronger showing next year. Those looking to back the squad often turn to betting sites not on GamStop UK, which typically offer competitive odds on football markets, fast withdrawals, and appealing perks such as welcome bonuses, cashback deals, and free bet promotions, making them a natural choice for supporters ready to bet on a comeback.
That optimism for the future, however, must be weighed against the challenges that emerged following a major leadership change. When Alonso left in December 2023 for the Houston Dash, Celtic lost more than just a coach—they lost the architect of their first-ever SWPL title and the driving force behind the sharp attacking play that saw them net over 30 goals in the first half of the previous campaign.
Taking over was Swedish manager Elena Sadiku, who inherited a squad already through to the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages. It was a tough assignment for any coach, especially one unfamiliar with the club and Scottish football. Despite a difficult group featuring Chelsea, Real Madrid, and FC Twente, Celtic held their own and gained valuable European experience. Although the matches ended in defeat, they were far from embarrassing, and the campaign brought in roughly £400,000 in funding, resources that could have been used to strengthen the squad and build on last season’s success.
However, the club’s January transfer window was a major turning point, and not in a positive direction. Instead of reinforcing the squad, Celtic lost key central defender Caitlin Hayes moved to Brighton. Her departure, reportedly due to a breakdown in her relationship with Sadiku, exposed a serious weakness in the back line. Celtic didn’t move quickly to replace her, and Sadiku’s insistence on formations that often left the team with only one natural centre-back became a recurring tactical flaw. Opponents wasted no time exploiting this vulnerability, flooding the six-yard box with crosses and forcing errors from a disjointed defence. Hayes had been a reliable and vocal leader, and without her presence, the team’s back line lacked organisation and composure.
Financial disparities between Celtic and their direct competitors also became more apparent as the season wore on. Both the Ibrox side and Glasgow City have larger budgets and deeper squads. While Celtic’s funding remains limited, on par with clubs like Hibs and Hearts, it became clear that ambitions must align with resources. Sadiku herself has called for more financial backing, suggesting that without proper investment, attracting the experience needed to compete on multiple fronts will continue to be a problem.
Morale within the squad appeared to be another issue. Rumours of an unhappy dressing room persisted throughout the campaign, with tensions between players and coaching staff contributing to poor on-field performances. Celtic briefly dropped to fifth in the table and, although they managed to scrape wins over Motherwell and Hearts, their play lacked the fluency and dominance seen last year. The squad often appeared stretched thin, with too many players asked to play out of position or take on roles that didn’t suit their strengths. Injuries and fatigue added to the mix, and without adequate reinforcements, results faltered.
The season’s decline wasn’t entirely due to one decision or event, but a series of missed opportunities and internal disconnects that left the team unable to maintain its position at the top. From tactical stubbornness and poor squad planning to financial limits and managerial inexperience, Celtic FC Women were simply outpaced by more stable and better-prepared rivals.
Now the club faces a vital summer. If Celtic are to challenge again next season, they must decide whether Sadiku is the right person to lead the rebuild. They also need to act decisively in the transfer market and commit to backing their women’s side with the necessary investment and support. Without real change, the historic highs of last season will feel like a brief exception rather than the start of something lasting.
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