Rangers have appointed Leanne Crichton as the new head coach of their women’s team, marking her first leading role in charge after a notable playing and coaching career.
Crichton, 37, brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished playing career, which included representing Scotland at two major international tournaments.
She earned 72 caps for the national team, and played at the highest level of the women’s game in this country, winning the league title with Glasgow City.
More recently, she served as first-team assistant coach at City, gaining valuable coaching insight.
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Speaking to Rangers TV, Crichton expressed excitement about the project at Ibrox and outlined her vision for the team.
She said: “We’ll be an exciting team to watch, a successful team, and for me it’s a huge privilege and honour to be here.
“I know that with the fans, combined with the team and quality we have, that there will be exciting things to come.”
She emphasized a style of play based on possession and high intensity, alongside building a high-performance culture both on and off the pitch: “It’s about creating that environment where players and staff feel empowered to be their best every day.
“The detail in every area, from training to recovery and nutrition, is very important.”
Crichton highlighted her experience as a former player as key to understanding the demands on her squad: “I know how players think and feel, and what it takes to prepare properly. It’s on me to work with those players to make them better.”
Since beginning her coaching journey as a player-coach at Motherwell in 2021, Crichton has developed a measured and insightful approach, also recognized through her punditry in Scottish football.
She believes her knowledge of the domestic game and its challenges will help the team hit the ground running.
She said: “I understand the club, the league, and the players, which will make the transition seamless. Having that wealth of knowledge is so important.”
Rangers fans can look forward to a team that aims to combine exciting football with consistent success under Crichton’s leadership as the club looks to put their final day heartbreak against Hibernian behind them and win their first SWPL title since 2022.