The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Aberdeen just getting started
League title goal achieved but journey far from over
The goal of winning the SWFL Division 1 North title has been achieved but the journey is far from over for Aberdeen FC’s women’s team.
Co-managers Harley Hamdani and Emma Hunter have guided their side to league glory in the club’s first campaign with Dunfermline’s defeat at the weekend confirming the Dons as champions with three games to spare.
But Hamdani says the preparations for next season are already under way.
He said: “It will be a massive step-up but we believe we have a squad capable of competing.
“The squad we have now shouldn’t have been in this league – but it’s one thing saying that and another matter entirely in proving it.
“We’re happy to let our results speak for us. In the Scottish Cup we beat Spartans and Kilmarnock and, even though we lost to Rangers in the quarterfinal, our performance was very good. It augurs well for the future.”
League reconstruction means the Dons will compete in the 10-team SWPL Two and the goal is to win promotion to SWPL One.
Hamdani said: “We know the way we want to play and we believe with one or two additions we will be fine. We don’t see too many changes happening.
“We’re on a journey, not just as a club and coaches, but the players are too. The squad we have put together is a very young team and we feel with the players being another year older and wiser next season they will be stronger.
“The aim first and foremost is to compete but we want to play the same style of football which has served us well this year. We trust in what we’re doing.
“The long-term goal is to get this club into the top flight of Scottish women’s football but we are under no immediate pressure.”
Aberdeen thrashed Raith Rovers 9-0 on Thursday and their final two games of the season will be a double header against Dunfermline.
Hamdani is eager to end the season in style. He said: “We were in a situation where we knew the job was effectively done but we’re delighted to be confirmed as champions.
“We have put in a lot of effort this season.
“The objective at the beginning was to win the league but to do so while building for the future.
“It was really satisfying to achieve the goal with three games to spare.
“Now the aim is to win the remaining matches.”
“The long-term goal is to get this club into the top flight”