As we enter the second week of August, the new SWPL season is now almost upon us with the opening fixture of the campaign quickly approaching.
The Ghirls kick-off the 2025/26 campaign this Sunday, with a trip to the capital on the horizon as the Hoops take on Hearts at the Oriam.
With the start of the new season coming this weekend, clubs from across the SWPL attended a league season launch event, speaking to all different forms of media to look ahead to another campaign getting underway.
In attendance for the Hoops was defender Chloe Craig, who also spoke to Celtic TV at the event to preview the Celts’ opening fixture
Although the centre-back won’t be in action for the first game of the new season, it is a campaign which she is looking forward to getting underway as she edges closer to her return each day.
Reflecting on the hard work in pre-season, Craig admitted that the entire squad are raring to go as they aim to bounce back from last season.
She said: “It’s been a long pre-season. But it’s a pre-season that we have been working to right the wrongs of last season.
“I think it’s important for us to have the season come around this quick, because of the season that we had.
“Obviously, we know it wasn’t the best season we could have had. So, to get back into it and into the grind, trying to correct those wrongs.
“That is what you look forward too and you need, so that your main focus is getting back to the right ways.”
It has been a busy few weeks for the Celtic squad, with much of their preparations taking place at Barrowfield.
The Ghirls also spent some time on a training camp in Newcastle over the past week, with plenty of hard work going in, on and off the pitch.
Craig believes that time away will be hugely beneficial for the Hoops, and has been the ideal preparation for their opening fixture in the capital.
The defender also insisted that she cannot wait to see the Celtic fans turn out in support once more.
“The workshops and the team work that we done in Newcastle behind the scenes was really big for us,” she said.
“We have definitely taken a lot from that time away. That has just made us raring to go for the week ahead, preparing for the opening game against Hearts.
“It will be a hard first game. I’ve said in previous interviews that you can’t take any team lightly. Every team comes with their surprises, and that includes us.
“We all can’t wait to be back out and seeing the fans. It’s been a long time since we have seen them.
“Even with the way they have supported me. I can’t wait to have that opportunity to give back to them and also hear and see them chant in the stands.”
With the 2025/26 campaign set to get underway, the support of the Celtic faithful will be as important as ever.
First up is an away visit to Hearts, but soon follows the Hoops’ first home outing of the season against Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Sunday, August 24.
And you can play your part as Elena Sadiku’s side aim to make a strong start to the season, with season tickets avaliable to buy online now.
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