- By Amy Canavan
- ` Scotland
2 hours ago
image source, Ross MacDonald – SNS Group
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Fran Alonso won his second Scottish Cup with Celtic last season
After almost four years as coach, Fran Alonso has left Celtic for the Houston Dash.
The Spaniard, who wore the eye-catching white jacket, leaves last year's SWPL runners-up in second place and has three more trophies in his cabinet than when he joined in January 2020.
With that being the ultimate goal for Celtic, who sit three points behind league leaders Rangers, the question is what his departure means for the club – and how will they achieve that without the Spaniard at the helm?
Solve a glaring dilemma
When you look at the SWPL table you see that Celtic have scored 81 goals, the highest in the league, and one wonders at the claim that they are struggling up front but are putting up with it.
Alonso landed in Glasgow's East End from Lewes after serving under Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino, but from his time in the Women's Championship he not only brought his own experience but also expertly immersed himself in a market he knew so well knew.
image source, Ross MacDonald – SNS Group
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Tash Flint was a successful signing for Alonso last season
The fight for the title last season was boosted by the loan from Leicester City of Tash Flint, who Alonso was up against. After trying to sign her several times, he finally got his wish.
The 26-year-old never signed permanently, instead moving to Liverpool, but she was a real class act and scored a goal in the Scottish Cup final.
The physical void left by the goal machine was not filled, with Scotland international Amy Gallacher instead playing slightly out of position. An orthodox number nine will certainly be on the new manager's wish list.
The aforementioned Gallacher softened Flint's blow, but the support wouldn't hurt. Celtic could also do with finding a style that suits both the 25-year-old and American Kit Loferski.
The duo have scored 24 goals between them but rarely start together. A solution to such a problem could prove invaluable.
keep Calm and carry on
Perhaps the best approach is not to change too much. Don't worry about the blueprint. Or green print…
Celtic were just a touch away from realizing their dream in May. Without Lauren Davidson's final goal for Glasgow City against Rangers at Ibrox, the champagne would have burst at Celtic Park.
They are not far away, even without a striker like Flint. Gallacher, along with Caitlin Hayes – who also knew Alonso from his time in the south – and Colette Cavanagh, to name a few, have all risen to the challenge.
They have beaten reigning champions City twice, in the league and the cup. However, they fell short against leaders Rangers, whose powerful striker Rio Hardy was in the lead that afternoon.
The ingredients for this are available at Celtic. A consistent mix of experience and youth. They just ask for someone to put it all together.
It may be difficult for them to find someone as vivacious as Alonso, but if the coveted SWPL crown is won, you can be sure he and his white jacket will be seen at the celebrations.
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