Latest news with #Maclean
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
All hands to the pump as Scotland must make next World Cup
With noses pressed against the glass, hearing all about someone else's party is just salt in the wound. Little wonder that players talk of taking to the heading off to other shores or, at the very least, turning the channel. Scotland has watched three tournaments go by since they were last involved on a big stage. Each time the lamentations and hand-wringing have followed a similar course. England's penalty shoot-out win over Sweden on Thursday night as they came back from the brink points to the possibility of Sarina Wiegman's side going all the way again. So those headphones could well come in handy. Such parochialism, of course, does little to address the issues that Scotland have as they find themselves increasingly in the slipstream of a game where advances have made at significant speed elsewhere. That these tournament moments have been in the rearview mirror for Scotland is more than just an obvious concern. Melissa Andreatta is charged now with being the one to rectify the issue as autumn starts to loom closer and with it the map that will chart the journey required to make it to the next World Cup. With a bigger pool as the tournament goes from 32 teams to 48 as it looks to kick on commercially again from the last one in Australia and New Zealand, there is plausible scope that Scotland should get there. And, ultimately, the pressure that is on the players is not solely to make it back to a major tournament. The clear and obvious necessity of the national team being in amongst it is that the domestic game necessitates it. It is the only way that the SWPL will get a charge to electrify it, to plug into an energy that just simply isn't there at the moment. The galling thing is that it was. There was a moment immediately before the World Cup in 2019 when 18,555 spectators turned up to wave Scotland into the sunset. It felt like a new era, a bold chapter, the freshness and vibrancy of the moment, unlike any other snapshot within the women's game before. Or since. That ought to have been the starting point to jolt the game and take it to a level where Scotland could rub shoulders with the elite. That it wasn't is a column all of its own, but for no,w all shoulders need to be put to the World Cup wheel. AND ANOTHER THING Kirsty Maclean moving to the WSL with a move to Liverpool is both encouraging and concerning. The positives are obvious, of course; a young, Scottish talent – still just 20 - who has been invited into a significantly better league to go and play at a higher level week in, week out. It can only be beneficial not just to Maclean but also for Scotland who stand to benefit from another player exposed to a more robust test week in, week out. The concern comes when consideration is given to the cream of young Scottish talent cherry-picked and taken out of the SWPL. There is a suspicion that there will be more who follow Maclean – her former Rangers team-mate Mia McAulay at just 18 shows all manner of promise – while the likes of Emma Watson have already gone south. For players, the WSL is the golden ticket. A chance to go and make a living and play at a fiercely competitive level against some of the best players in the game is the dream, a pathway that offers the milk and honey that the SWPL simply cannot compete with. For the SWPL, it is a conundrum. One of the one hand it reflects well on the improvements in coaching and grassroots development that players are making the grade but on the other it impoverishes a league that is still working to make itself viable. AND FINALLY Elena Sadiku was back in the saddle this week after her stint in Switzerland covering the Euros. The likelihood is that her inbox will require a crane-like effort to work through as Celtic try to prepare for a new season ten first-team players down. Lisa Robertson has returned to the club, the only signing to date, with the midfielder a surprise addition this week. The Scotland internationalist was supported through her pregnancy by Celtic before she gave birth to son, Lucas, in November 2023. It says much for Robertson that she forced herself back into that squad for the title run-in as Celtic won their first title. No stranger to a demanding schedule – Robertson was a painter and decorator who used to 'enjoy' 5am gym sessions before work prior to full-time football – the Parkhead side will benefit from her experience and guile. But as the clock seriously ticks down to the start of the season, Sadiku has some way to go before she can say that this is a squad fully ready for the demands of a campaign where they will be expected to go and properly challenge for the title. As it stands, they have get to play a solitary pre-season game. Numerically, there would be a suspicion they don't quite have the numbers yet to do so.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool confirm Kirsty Maclean transfer from Glasgow Rangers
Kirsty Maclean Joins Liverpool: A Rising Star Adds New Chapter to Women's Ambitions Liverpool have made their first move of the summer in the women's transfer window, officially confirming the signing of highly-rated midfielder Kirsty Maclean from Glasgow Rangers. The 20-year-old, who made her senior breakthrough at just 16, arrives at the AXA Melwood Training Centre with both pedigree and promise. Advertisement For a club steeped in tradition, this move signals more than a simple reinforcement. It's a statement. In Maclean, Liverpool haven't just signed a player – they've acquired a symbol of intent. Her journey from the Rangers academy to the heart of their title-winning team in 2021-22 already reads like a blueprint for leadership. Now, she steps into a new environment hungry for growth and success. 'I'm really looking forward to it. I'm really excited to get going in pre-season and to meet all the girls, and hopefully we can start the season well,' Maclean told 'I think the club speaks for itself. It's obviously a massive club with a lot of history and to be able to represent the badge is a really proud moment for me.' From Ibrox prodigy to Anfield potential Maclean's trajectory has been quietly but impressively upward. After rising through the youth system at Rangers, she quickly established herself as a key player during the 2022-23 campaign and earned a PFA Scotland Women's Young Player of the Year nomination. Her technical ability, vision, and fearlessness on the ball marked her out as one to watch. That same year, her performances earned her a debut call-up to the senior Scotland squad. She made her first international appearance in a 3-0 win against Northern Ireland in June 2023 and has since accumulated nine caps. Advertisement Her move to Liverpool feels timely – and strategic. With the women's game continuing to build momentum and visibility, clubs like Liverpool know the value of investing in the next wave of talent. Bold steps for Liverpool's women's project While the headlines are often dominated by Liverpool's men's team and their high-profile additions – most recently the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz – the women's side is quietly crafting a new identity. Underpinned by smart recruitment and youth-centric development, Maclean's arrival fits this ethos perfectly. She's not just a signing. She's a foundation stone.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool sign Rangers midfielder Maclean
Liverpool have completed the signing of Rangers midfielder Kirsty Maclean on a permanent deal. WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Reds this afternoon. The 20-year-old Barrhead-born midfielder joins Liverpool after spending her entire career to date with Glasgow giants Rangers. Maclean signed her first professional contract with the club back in 2022 after making the breakthrough from the girls' academy. Advertisement In her time in the Rangers first team, Maclean has won one league title, the Scottish Gas Women's Scottish Cup and two Sky Sports Cups. On the international stage, Maclean is a member of the senior Scotland squad. She has collected 10 caps for her country to date. After joining Liverpool, Maclean said 'I'm really looking forward to it. I'm really excited to get going in pre-season and to meet all the girls, and hopefully we can start the season well. 'I think the club speaks for itself. It's obviously a massive club with a lot of history and to be able to represent the badge is a really proud moment for me.' Maclean is Liverpool's first signing of the summer transfer window. The club are expected to make several more additions before the new season kicks-off.
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers favourite set for huge WSL move as Scotland star makes key decision on future
The Rangers midfielder is set to depart the SWPL club this summer. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers and Scotland midfielder Kirsty Maclean is closing in on a transfer to Women's Super League (WSL) giants Liverpool, The Scotsman understand. The talented 20-year-old, who has played over 100 games for the Gers since making her debut at the age of just 16 and featured as the club won their maiden SWPL title in 2022, has been identified by the Merseyside club as one of their top summer targets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Talks are now believed to be at an advanced stage between Maclean and the club over a move to the St Helens Stadium, as the youngster gets ready to make a huge decision on her future. Rangers midfielder Kirsty Maclean is set to join Scotland teammate Chelsea Cornet in departing the club this summer. | SNS Group The news of Liverpool's interest in Maclean comes just weeks departure of head coach Jo Potter, who left Rangers late last month in order to join WSL2 side Crystal Palace after winning four trophies in just two years at the Broadwood Stadium. One of the youngest ever players women's footballers to sign a professional contract in Scotland, Maclean agreed a two-year-deal extension alongside Emma Watson and Jodi McLeary back in 2023, but is now expected to join fellow international midfielder Chelsea Cornet in leaving for pastures new this summer, with the later signing for Birmingham City earlier this month. Voted number one in The Scotsman's annual list of the 30 best players in the Scottish Women's top flight in November 2024, Maclean is viewed as one of Scotland's most talented young players, and has already won seven caps for the national team after representing the country at various youth levels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nicknamed 'Ini' by her club teammates, she has been given comparisons to Chelsea and Scotland star Erin Cuthbert due to her low centre of gravity and good ball control. Hampered by injury at times last season, her former manager Potter praised the player's ability to control a game, emphasized the significance of her return to fitness by saying it gave the Rangers team an "instant lift" when they see her in training. 'It has been great having her back in training,' said Potter in April. 'She just fitted straight back in and there's no worries about her at all. It is just taking our time with her; she is still a young player. There will still be moments where I need to hold her back and say we have got to look after you a little bit. She might be feeling ready to go but that is for me to manage her personally.'
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers favourite set for huge WSL move as Scotland star makes key decision on future
The Rangers midfielder is set to depart the SWPL club this summer. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers and Scotland midfielder Kirsty Maclean is closing in on a transfer to Women's Super League (WSL) giants Liverpool, The Scotsman understand. The talented 20-year-old, who has played over 100 games for the Gers since making her debut at the age of just 16 and featured as the club won their maiden SWPL title in 2022, has been identified by the Merseyside club as one of their top summer targets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Talks are now believed to be at an advanced stage between Maclean and the club over a move to the St Helens Stadium, as the youngster gets ready to make a huge decision on her future. Rangers midfielder Kirsty Maclean is set to join Scotland teammate Chelsea Cornet in departing the club this summer. | SNS Group The news of Liverpool's interest in Maclean comes just weeks departure of head coach Jo Potter, who left Rangers late last month in order to join WSL2 side Crystal Palace after winning four trophies in just two years at the Broadwood Stadium. One of the youngest ever players women's footballers to sign a professional contract in Scotland, Maclean agreed a two-year-deal extension alongside Emma Watson and Jodi McLeary back in 2023, but is now expected to join fellow international midfielder Chelsea Cornet in leaving for pastures new this summer, with the later signing for Birmingham City earlier this month. Voted number one in The Scotsman's annual list of the 30 best players in the Scottish Women's top flight in November 2024, Maclean is viewed as one of Scotland's most talented young players, and has already won seven caps for the national team after representing the country at various youth levels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nicknamed 'Ini' by her club teammates, she has been given comparisons to Chelsea and Scotland star Erin Cuthbert due to her low centre of gravity and good ball control. Hampered by injury at times last season, her former manager Potter praised the player's ability to control a game, emphasized the significance of her return to fitness by saying it gave the Rangers team an "instant lift" when they see her in training. 'It has been great having her back in training,' said Potter in April. 'She just fitted straight back in and there's no worries about her at all. It is just taking our time with her; she is still a young player. There will still be moments where I need to hold her back and say we have got to look after you a little bit. She might be feeling ready to go but that is for me to manage her personally.'
