2023-24 SWF Championship Season Preview

By Scott McPike

The 2023-24 SWF Championship kicks off on Sunday with 10 teams look to make an impact in what will be a very competitive season. We profile all 10 sides and speak to them about their hopes and expectations for the upcoming season.

AYR UNITED

Head Coach – Craig Potter

Ayr United finished in fourth place last season but showed particularly in the second half of the campaign that they are capable of competing in this league. Keeping players like Clare Docherty, Jodie Barbour and Rachel Scott is massive for a promotion challenge.

Head Coach Craig Potter told us “For us it’s about building on a good second half of last season. I feel we’re stronger for the first year at that level (myself included) and now it’s about starting the season properly and giving ourselves a platform to go challenge at the top half of the table. Last year it took us too long to hit any type of form so we know just how important a good start can be in such a competitive league, there’s a lot of belief around the squad and we’re excited to get going now.

DRYBURGH ATHLETIC

Head Coach – Owen MacKenzie

Despite a really tough start last season, Dryburgh Athletic were able to finish in sixth place and pull off some massive results. If the club can have a strong start this time around, top half is certainly within the grasp with some exciting signings over the summer.

Head Coach Owen MacKenzie told us “We are really looking forward to getting competitive football back next week. It’s great to have a home game to start and we are hoping we will have a good support there to back the girls. We have retained the majority of last years squad and added some extra quality and experience to the ranks. We expect it to be another tough season, but one that we are relishing.”

EAST FIFE

First Team Coaches – Stuart Hay & Jonny Harrow

East Fife struggled in their first season up in the SWPL and will be eager to restore some positivity around the club in the upcoming campaign. The club have some key players and have added in key areas in the hope they can gel quickly.

Coach Stuart Hay told us “The team has just come off a very tough season, but since we have come in, we have been really impressed with the quality we have in the squad. Our aim is to get the girls back to playing with confidence and enjoying football again, and if we do that, we are sure we will have a successful season”.

EDINBURGH CITY

Manager – Lee Zavaroni

Edinburgh City marched towards a league and cup double last season, earning promotion to the Championship without losing a league game. Andy Enwood has moved on to Boroughmuir Thistle and has been replaced by new manager Lee Zavaroni.

Manager Lee Zavaroni told us “For us it’s been a very challenging pre season there’s been a lot going on with the club on and off the park with the club making big strides to make improvements all around. A key element for us though has been the resigning of 6 of last years league and cup winning squad to maintain that continuity and we think we have already assembled a very strong talented young squad and despite being the new team to the league this year we believe this is a squad capable of going and challenging for promotion this season. Ultimately everyone is going to see a new look Edinburgh City this season! One that we are certainly hoping will excite and enjoy watching and that will go from strength to strength as the season progresses.

GREENOCK MORTON

Head Coach – Colin McEachnie

Greenock Morton will be hoping to get of bottom spot this season after a disappointing campaign previously. The club have added some experienced players who they hope can help their young talent emerge into their own ahead of a very competitive league.

Head Coach Colin McEachnie told us “Pre season performances have been good in spells. We had a good mix of levels to compete against and feel we have a good account of ourselves. We hope to be battling in the middle of the table than bottom but we understand the challenge this will be. We’ve added experience with Lisa McIntyre, Katy Townsend and Kayleigh Docherty however continued to strengthen with a core of young players coming from our youth team”.

HUTCHISON VALE

Manager – Ewan Freeman

It’s been a busy summer at Hutchison Vale with only three players from last season remaining at the club. Keeping star striker Angyl Learmonth is massive for the club as they hope to progress this season and build a new look squad completely from scratch.

Manager Ewan Freeman told us “The team will be looking to continue to rebuild and strengthen for the first half of the season, it will take time for the young players from our pathway to adjust to playing in the Championship. Though I’m confident they will grow as the league goes forward”.

INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE

Manager – Karen Mason

Inverness Caledonian Thistle finished last season strongly and are capable of scoring goals against any side in this league on their best day. Manager Karen Mason has done such a good job with the Highland side and will be hoping that they kick on again this season.

Manager Karen Mason told us “Our hopes for this season is that we are competing in the top half of the table and still in contention for promotion come the second half of the season. We want a good run in the League Cup and we are hoping to better our league position of 5th from last year. We know this is going to be another really competitive season and one that we are all really looking forward to.

RENFREW

Manager – Alex Hunter

Renfrew Ladies just came up short on their promotion hopes last season and will be very eager to go a stage better in the upcoming campaign. The club have added impressive players in key areas and will be looking for them to gel with their core of talent.

Manager Alex Hunter told us “We are excited for the season ahead. New teams in the league means new adventures and new challenges. We have recruited well and still got a few more to sign. So things are looking positive for the season. Obviously the first game is against Rossvale will be a tough test as we know from last season, But one we will be up for”.

ROSSVALE

Manager – Julie McSherry

Rossvale finished second last season and were hoping to be participating in the SWPL but came up short against Stirling University in the play-off. The club are eager to secure promotion this time round and will have the motivation to kick on in the upcoming season.

Manager Julie McSherry told us “We are hoping that this season is as successful as last year with the goal of promotion stil our main priority. Losing out on the last game has given everyone the motivation to try and go further this season. The squad is very strong and we will be looking to go as far as we can in the league and cup.

WESTDYKE

Manager – Jonathan Watt

Westdyke Ladies secured promotion to the Championship with a dramatic 2-0 away victory over Falkirk on the final day last season. The club will have to make the step up in a very competitive league but will be hoping their key players can continue their impact.

Coach Steve Robb told us “Were excited for the season to begin and relish the opportunity to compete at a higher level, growing the Westdyke name. We know it’s going to be a challenging season but it’s something we’re going to embrace and rise to. “