By Hibernian FC

Hibs Women head coach Grant Scott spoke to the media ahead of our first home of the new SWPL season.

Hibernian started the 2024/25 season off in a positive fashion, defeating Partick Thistle last Sunday in Maryhill.

Our next opponent, Aberdeen, suffered a heavy defeat to Rangers, but Scott is adamant that his side would look to negate a response from the away side.

“We have got to guard against Aberdeen causing a reaction after their loss against Rangers. We can’t expect nothing, that would be doing them a disservice.”

‘We’ve had a good pre-season, and the girls are slightly more experienced than those we brought in last summer. They’ve integrated seamlessly and the strength of the team shows that.”

“Everyone is prepared to do the dirty work, and you need that kind of team ethos.”

On the narrow away victory last week, Scott was also impressed with the performances brought out by some new arrivals.

“Having us and Partick paired in the first game, after the season we’ve both just had, was always going to be a difficult game. They took a lot of points from us, so it was really pleasing to get the win.

“The victory first and foremost was important. We’ve got a new group with a slightly bigger turnaround than we would have liked. We’ve asked the new ones, as well as the existing players, to be a little bit more resilient.

“Thistle threw a lot at us in the closing periods but we kept them at a distance. I felt we were in control for main spells."

Looking forward to greeting the home support at Meadowbank for the first time this season, Scott also looked ahead to building the fanbase further ahead of the first Edinburgh Derby of the season - which will be held at Easter Road.

“You hope that by doing offers to get fans into the stadium you can make it a meaningful crowd and one that the players deserve. It’s all about trying to grow the game for both teams involved in the derby.

"We speak about the supporters and growing the game more often. Our fanbase has undoubtedly grown across the last few years, so for them to get a look at new players and a playing style, we’re looking forward to getting out and putting on a decent performance.”