Scottish Women's Premier League 22/23: Your complete guide to the SWPL - Key players, young talents and all the SWPL transfers

Here is your complete guide to each side competing in this season’s Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) – including key players, young stars and key fixtures.

Can Rangers lift the SWPL trophy for two years in a row? (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The biggest and most competitive SWPL season to dat is set to kick off this Sunday, and there has never been a better time to get involved.

As the growth of the women’s game continues to snowball, a re-branding took place at an event to launch the league at Hampden Park on Thursday.

The re-brand and new league structure will see the SWPL become a 12-team top flight, with a fixtures split after two rounds of fixtures – similar to the Scottish Premiership.

Hampden Park's scoreboards showcase the SWPL's new logo on launch day. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Undoubtedly a successful summer for women’s football, the European Championship has sparked further interest and intrigue and top flight teams, such as Rangers, have now launched women’s season tickets for the very first time.

With now three fully-professional clubs – Rangers, Glasgow City and Celtic – combined with a smattering of sides turning semi-pro this summer, it is the perfect time get involved with and support the women’s game in Scotland.

However, if you are new to the game, we’ve put together a simple, handy guide for each side competing in this season’s top tier campaign.

Kelly Clark, Kathryn Hill, Hayley Lauder and Joelle Murray will all hope to get their hands on the SWPL trophy come May. Credit: Craig Foy - SNS Group

- Here's all the details to help you follow your Scottish women's team this season

- Women’s Football: The 30 best players in the SWPL 2021 – as voted by managers, coaches and journalists

- Women's Football: The best 20 players under the age of 20 in the Scottish Women's Premier League

Aberdeen

Hearts and Hibs have both made some excellent summer signings. Can they break the top three? Credit: Simon Wootton - SNS Group

The Dons debut season in the SWPL was one to savour, as they finished a well deserved fifth. Can they repeat that performance – or even break the top four?

In short – yes, because while their youthful side may lack experience, it certainly doesn’t lack talent and with that first positive year behind them, the sky is the limit.

Manager: Emma Hunter

Last season: 5th

Key player: Bayley Hutchison

The Scotland u19 star has grown from prospect to MVP due to her knack of being in the right place at the right. A goalscorer who could fire Aberdeen up the SWPL hierarchy.

Talented youngster: Francesca Ogilvie

Still just 21-years-old, she was handed the vice-captaincy of the club in the summer for obvious reason. A leader on the pitch, she plays well beyond her years and is one of many key youngsters at the Dons.

Transfers in: Eirinn McCafferty (unattached)

Transfers out: Louise Brown (Montrose), Carrie Doig, Kelly Forrest (both retired), Johan Fraser (Dundee United)

Celtic

A cup double for the Hoops last year softened the blow of a third-placed finish, but Fran Alonso’s side will be looking to go one better the year and make a real go at claiming the SWPL title – and it is certainly within their reach.

Well drilled and organised, the Ghirls also have some real raw talent throughout their ranks, though Charlie Welling’s move to WSL side Reading leaves a huge a gap upfront.

Head Coach: Fran Alonso

Last season: 3rd

Key player: Jacynta

It is hard to look beyond the former West Ham United playmaker as Celtic’s star player, such is her raw ability. She won last season’s SWPL young player of the season and, on form, few are as effective as her in the SWPL.

Talented youngster: Rachael Johnstone

Still a teenager, Johnstone was a star in the Celtic nets last year as they delivered a cup double. Already in the national team set-up, it is set to be a big campaign for her.

Transfers in: Lucy Ashworth Clifford (Lewes), Amy Gallagher (Hibs), Shen Menglu (Ourense)

Transfers out: Jodie Bartle, Cheyanne Shorts, María Ólafsdóttir Gros (end of contract), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United), Annie Timoney (Glentoran), Chloe Warrington (Glasgow City), Charlie Wellings (Reading), Olivier Potter (Hamilton – loan)

Dundee United

The Tangerines stormed the SWPL-2 last year, winning the title at an absolute canter. Can they replicate Partick Thistle and Aberdeen in adapting to the top tier without too much trouble?

They will certainly back themselves to be able to do so, and will hope to establish themselves in the new 12-team league.

Manager: Emma Hunter

Last season: 1st in SWPL-2

Key player: Jade McClaren

One of the stars of last season’s title run, McClaren is one of United’s player who should be able to make the step up without too many issues – which will be vital to them being competitive this season.

Talented youngster: Clare Delworth

A regular at full back for Hearts over the past couple of years, former youth international Delworth moved to the newly promoted side in the summer and is a player with real potential.

Transfers in: Clare Delworth (Hearts), Fiona McNicol (unattached), Jodie Malcolm, Ellie Mitchell, Ciara Bonner (Stirling University), Johan Fraser (Aberdeen), Emily Arthur (Academy), Lisa Ryan (Spartans)

Transfers out: Erin Ross, Megan Burns (Montrose)

Glasgow City

The most successful side in Scottish women’s football had to be content with a runners-up place last year, for the first time in 15 seasons.

However, former Republic of Ireland assistant Eileen Gleeson has wasted no time adding bags of experience and quality to her side in the summer, not to mention highly-rated Kinga Kozak and Mexico’s legendary forward Desirée Monsiváis.

Could City be set for a revenge tour in 22/23?

Head Coach: Eileen Gleeson

Last season: 2nd

Key player: Hayley Lauder

The experienced midfielder has shown some of her best form over the past year, with her leadership on the field really coming to the fore.

One of the best dead ball specialists in the league, Lauder can’t count herself unlucky to have not recently received the international recall she absolutely deserves.

Talented youngster: Jenna Clark