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Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
'I'm not going to lie ... I look at the Lionesses with jealousy'... SWPL supremo McIntyre admits Scotland needs a national team to capture the imagination
As she pursues her own 'Utopia' for women's football in Scotland, Fiona McIntyre can't help but steal an envious glance at the paradise being built in England 's green and pleasant land. An inspiration, yes, but also a reminder of the miles still to be covered if this proud footballing nation is to realise McIntyre's dream of a completely full-time top flight. The SWPL managing director, rightly proud of a product unrivalled for drama at the business end of the table, is confident that every piece of available data points to continued growth in the women's game north of the border. But it's only natural to feel that our nearest neighbours — in this case an English game guaranteed to take another stratospheric leap as a result of the Lionesses defending their European Championships title — should produce mixed emotions for anyone trying to keep up with the Kellys and the Hamptons. 'I look at them, the Lionesses, with jealousy; I'm not going to lie,' admits McIntyre. 'When Scotland qualified for the Euros and the World Cup, we saw the biggest uplift ever in the number of women playing football in Scotland. That's the impact, it's massive. 'Having a national team competing on the world stage or the European stage is hugely important, but also, from a league perspective, it does so much for the credibility of your country. 'I look at the national team and I see the talent there, and I know they're more than capable of qualifying. The new manager is in, and it feels like a sort of fresh momentum is coming with her, so I genuinely hope they can kick on, get some results and that we'll be sitting here again soon talking about a Scotland team going to the Euros or the World Cup.' International aspirations are, of course, elements beyond the control of the people working so hard to modernise Scotland's elite domestic competition. But 'Prem One', as those in the game call an SWPL1 division which has just been cut from 12 teams to 10 in pursuit of greater competition across the board, is more than contributing to the wider growth of the sport. McIntyre feels that the top tier, with its dramatic final-day title deciders, its landmark partnership with ScottishPower and its growing profile across the country, is already delivering in one very important sphere of public life. Perception, in this age of optics and vibes, is everything. 'People have now got a far greater understanding that, as a professional women's football league in Scotland, we have real high-quality calibre elite professional athletes both in our country and those who have left, such as Erin Cuthbert and Caroline Weir. 'Women's football for a long time was viewed as almost quite amateur and part of that would be down to the resource that was in it, and the visibility of it, and that impacted how players were able to prepare. 'What you see now is a growing respect for the fact that women's football is an elite sport, attracting national brands like ScottishPower, and there's an aspirational element to it now. 'That's probably the biggest shift that I've seen, particularly around the younger generations when you see young girls waiting for items to get autographed and they've got kits with names of the female players on the back. That really shows you have created these real genuine role models.' Not content to rest on achievements to date, McIntyre is eager to see improvement — across all metrics — as the new SWPL kicks off on Sunday August 17. When it come to dramatic tension, the last few campaigns will be hard to beat. Hibs will defend the title they won last season on a final day when any one of four teams could have taken the crown. Previous to that, Celtic won on goal difference and, before that, Glasgow City triumphed with the last kick of the campaign. For a game looking to attract new fans and commercial partners, that's the stuff of dreams. 'It's huge,' says McIntyre. 'We speak a lot about everything around the game and what we're trying to achieve off the pitch, but fundamentally what happens on the pitch is the most important thing. 'Football is at its most exciting when it's competitive and there's a real uncertainty of the outcome. We've been really fortunate in the last three seasons that people were genuinely not sure which way it was going to end until the very last kick of the ball. 'I think we're the most competitive (league) in Europe. We absolutely want to capitalise on that in terms of using that narrative, that story. I think that's created media interest — or additional media interest — and that's something we absolutely try and capitalise on to get people into stadiums.' McIntyre is keen to talk about perception and is working hard to ensure the game in Scotland is respected accordingly. This season is one of change in the SWPL. The top league has been reduced from 12 to ten teams. There is a reason for that, obviously, and it has all to do with quality and competitiveness. The SWPL was matched only by Spain in the number of games players were being asked to play, so that had to be reduced. Also, a UEFA study showed that, post-split, the SWPL was by far the most competitive but, pre-split, it was at the other end of the spectrum with at times particularly high, one-sided scorelines. That needed to change, but all the teams had to be on board. When the SPFL touted cutting the Premiership to ten teams, there was outcry. In the SWPL, it was different. McIntyre says: 'I guess women's football is still earlier in its journey and, from the outset, when we set up the SWPL, there was definitely a real sense of collective identity. All the clubs were coming together for the greater good of women's football. 'It's never a popular decision to reduce the top league. Essentially, we relegated three teams and not everyone necessarily liked that but, to their credit, they all understood because we presented the data, we presented the why, and even the clubs that were impacted by that negatively were very understanding because we presented the reasons and the rationale behind it.' It takes a lot for clubs to commit to full professionalism. Even champions Hibs don't pay all of their full-time players what you would call a proper living wage. That won't change overnight. But a completely full-time top flight? An entire league full of female footballers who have earned the right to call themselves professionals? 'I hope so — that's certainly what we are trying to deliver,' says McIntyre. 'That's the Utopia.' ■ ScottishPower is dedicated to energising women's football at every age and stage of the game through its exclusive Principal Partner for the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) and Scottish Women's Football (SWF).
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Hibernian v Kilmarnock
Hibernian have only lost one of their last 14 league meetings with Kilmarnock (W8 D5), a 0-1 defeat in November 2022 under Lee Johnson. Kilmarnock are winless in their last 11 Scottish Premiership away games at Hibernian (D3 L8) since a 1-0 victory on the final day of the 2013-14 season. Killie have lost each of their last six such visits in a row, the last five of which without scoring. Following their 2-1 win at Dundee on MD1, Hibernian will be looking to win their opening two games of a Scottish Premiership season for the first time since 2021-22. Indeed, Hibs are unbeaten in their last 12 home league games (W9 D3), their longest streak since October 2018 (14). Kilmarnock have won their opening away fixture in just one of their last 18 Scottish top-fight campaigns (since 2006-07), beating Hamilton Academical in 2016-17 under Lee Clark.
BBC News
6 hours ago
- BBC News
Scottish Premiership: VAR rules out 97th-minute Dessers winner for Rangers against Dundee
Update: Date: 20:42 BST 9 August Title: Post Content: Thanks for joining us for another fascinating day. Here's what you might have missed... Ryan Astley's header loops in to put Dundee ahead Update: Date: 20:38 BST 9 August Title: Rangers 'have to make sure aggression' is always there - Martin Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Rangers manager Russell Martin told BBC Scotland: "I'm disappointed we didn't win the game, disappointed that we conceded a really poor goal. "There was just general lethargy and no speed in the first half. "There wasn't enough intent to disrupt them until we went down to 10 men. The mentality was much better in terms of aggression and speed with and without the ball, but it shouldn't take that. "I'm pleased with the response of the team when we went down to 10 men and we could've won the game in the end but the mentality has to come from the very first kick of the match. "In hindsight I should've made some changes to inject that energy in the team but I explained my decision before the game and maybe I could've changed that now the game is finished. "We're learning about the group all the time, so that's a lesson learnt today. "We have to make sure that aggression is there all the time. "The fans have lacked the success they want for quite some time so I understand the frustration. I didn't get too high on Tuesday so we're not going to get too low today. "We're going to give the fans something to cheer about and we will get better and better. We didn't lose today and we will improve, it'll just take some time. "Nico Raskin was great when he game on, he tackled more than the whole team. "We need at attack everything, it took us too long to attack the game tonight." Update: Date: 20:30 BST 9 August Title: Welcome to Sportscene 50... Content: This video can not be played 'Do you mind if I have a go?' Update: Date: 20:29 BST 9 August Title: Here's the reaction from Rangers fans... Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee The Old Firm will still be first and second in the league come the end of the season. Neither will run away with anything, though, they simply aren't good enough. Josh Rangers are perhaps starting to realise that their team is not as good as they were making them out to be. A lot of weaknesses are evident and will need sorting before the gap gets even wider. Celtic could arrive at Ibrox seven points clear which would put an enormous amount of pressure on this Rangers team. Martin Shocking performance from Rangers, unable to breakdown their defence, no passion or commitment and poor skill levels. What is the manager doing with these players? If they are unable or unwilling to put in the expected level of performance they should be shown the door. William Sadly Rangers still lack killer forwards. The stats tell it all, plenty of passing and possession but can't score. Craig Update: Date: 20:26 BST 9 August Title: Rangers 'have got to take the positives' Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Ian McCallFormer Dundee & Rangers midfielder on BBC Sportsound Rangers kept moving forward and moving forward. In terms of the positives, I'm not sure. Rothwell did well driving with the ball. The two wide players are going to be good players, you don't want to ask too much of them too early Antman started really well and Gassama was their main threat today. You've got to take the positives, they were getting beat with 10 minutes to go and they never gave up. Update: Date: 20:25 BST 9 August Title: Your favourite Sportscene moments! Content: 1977 at Anfield. World Cup qualifying game against Wales. Was in the top right in line with Alan Rough tip over the bar save. After that big Joe's hand of God and King Kenny's header. What a night. Alex Harald Brattbakk's goal v St. Johnstone, 1998. Tom What a joy to see Dougie Donnelly on Sportscene. He's still got it! I feel like a teenager. Dave Update: Date: 20:23 BST 9 August Title: 📺 Sportscene on NOW! Content: Right team, that's Sportscene on - with the legendary Archie MacPherson commentating on St Mirren against Motherwell. Get it on your tellybox now, or at the top of this page. Update: Date: 20:10 BST 9 August Title: 'I could cry for them' - Pressley on Dundee 'pride' Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Dundee manager Steven Pressley told BBC Scotland: "I asked all the players today to show courage and belief to get a result here, and they showed that in abundance. "I said to them in the dressing room I could cry for them today because they left every last ounce out there on the pitch. "I'm hugely proud of the preface but it's still only one point and you can get relegated on one point. "We were a big threat on set plays today, we caused them problems, there were a number of really positive aspects about the game. "Today I saw further improvements and we'll work again tirelessly before the Kilmarnock game. "I couldn't be prouder of those group of players today. The most important thing for me is to see progression and I certainly saw that." Update: Date: 20:06 BST 9 August Title: Do Rangers need more egos? Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Billy DoddsFormer Rangers forward on BBC Radio Scotland Russell Martin wants the players to put their egos to bed and concentrate on the football. But I think they need more egos at the club because egos come with top players. Update: Date: 20:05 BST 9 August Title: Post Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Some Rangers fans weren't in the ground to see James Tavernier's equaliser. Plenty had left early and there were empty seats all around the ground when the leveller eventually came. Update: Date: 20:03 BST 9 August Title: Rangers dominate stats, if not scoreline Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Rangers attempted 20 shots in this game, the highest total for any team in a single match in the Premiership this season. Four of those were attempted by Brazilian left-back, Jefte. They have attempted 709 passes in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership since the start of last season. Update: Date: 20:00 BST 9 August Title: Get involved! Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee What's your reaction to that, Rangers fans? How concerned are you about the league at this early stage? Tell us at the top of this page! Update: Date: 19:58 BST 9 August Title: Aarons place in doubt? Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Billy DoddsFormer Rangers forward on BBC Radio Scotland Max Aarons has to take responsibility. He has to show that he can deliver a cross. He looked nervous and he's not the best defensively. If he doesn't start showing that he's got a big enough character to be at the club, then he'll soon find himself out the team. He feels the pressure of the crowd. Update: Date: 19:57 BST 9 August Title: Sportscene on the way! Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Steven Thompson and Dougie Donnelly are on hosting duties tonight, with TV highlights coming up at 8.15pm on the BBC Scotland channel. Commentary from Archie MacPherson, Rob MacLean and Jock Brown coming up! Update: Date: 19:49 BST 9 August Title: 'Dundee looked dangerous' in Ibrox draw Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Ian McCallFormer Dundee & Rangers midfielder on BBC Sportsound If you're looking for the outstanding players on the pitch, they were all playing for Dundee. Pressley can take a lot of positive from that, Dundee looked dangerous. It's a tough day for Rangers, but Rangers deserve the draw and I think that was a fair result. Update: Date: 19:48 BST 9 August Title: Captain Tav to the rescue again Content: Rangers 1-1 Dundee James Tavernier's penalty rescued a point for Rangers Update: Date: 19:46 BST 9 August Title: Rangers 'deserved draw in the end' Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee Billy DoddsFormer Rangers forward on BBC Radio Scotland The second half had everything. It was nearly perfect for Dundee, it could have been a vital win but it's a great point. Rangers looked like they were playing with a man extra in the second half and it took a man being sent off to get them going but they deserved that draw in the end because they kept going at it. Update: Date: 19:46 BST 9 August Title: Post Content: FT: Rangers 1-1 Dundee There were boos at the final whistle, unsurprisingly. There's a European hangover, and then there's whatever Rangers seem to go through. So impressive on Tuesday, to that performance. A performance that for 90 minutes, saw them losing to a beleaguered Dundee side that have already been written off this season. Reaction to come. Update: Date: 19:41 BST 9 August Title: FULL-TIME Rangers 1-1 Dundee Content: Well, Dundee would have taken a point at kick-off. But how close were they to all three points? Ryan Astley's superb header had them in a commanding position, further helped by Nasser Djiga's red card. But Djeidi Gassama, who was lively all afternoon, won a penalty and James Tavernier subsequently converted. There were shades of the loss to Queen's Park here, but they come away with a point. However, it means Rangers have failed to win their first two games in the league for the first time since 1989. Djeidi Gassama is fouled by Drey Wright in the box Update: Date: 19:39 BST 9 August Title: DISALLOWED GOAL Content: Rangers 1-1 Dundee But wait! Cyriel Dessers is offside and VAR rules it out almost instantly! The joy at Ibrox is short-lived.
