Celtic Women get off to a good start after a long, hard, controversial summer.

If Celtic fans believe the senior men’s squad has had a difficult summer, with many hard questions posed to the board, they haven’t followed the women’s team. It’s been an even more contentious summer for them, following an extremely difficult season that finished on a bad note with the departure of a large number of players.

Elen Sadiku has demonstrated her determination to fight. We are going to need it.

Celtic FC Women began the 2025/26 season with three hard-earned points in Edinburgh, defeating Hearts 2-1 in a game that revealed as much character as it did quality.

Sadiku and her squad have had a rough summer, with a rush of departures, a slew of new arrivals, and ongoing speculation about whether this team will gel quickly enough to challenge for another title. Today, at least, we had a positive response.

To understand the significance of this victory, take a look back over the last few months. Celtic lost 14 players over the summer, a turnover rate that would make even the most experienced coach worry.

Some were regulars, others were squad players, but the overall effect was one of the most drastic changes in the team’s recent history.

Sadiku and the recruitment staff filled the void with new faces, including Lisa Robertson, who returned to the Hoops for a second term, Claire Walsh from Glasgow City, Canadian defender Aislin Streicek, and American goalkeeper Adelaide Gay.

That sort of turmoil is rarely without pain.

The concern in pre-season was whether Celtic could get off to a fast start or if it would take some time for the team to settle. The opening game against Hearts, who are no pushovers in this league, seemed like the ideal test.

Sadiku’s first starting XI of the season featured Robertson making her second appearance against her old club, and Walsh making her competitive debut. Streicek had to settle for a spot on the bench, but her opportunity would come later.

The Ghirls set about their mission with serious resolve.

Emma Lawton thought she had etched her name in history as the first scorer of the new season when she smashed a header into the net from Robertson’s corner, only for the referee to call it off for a foul.

That incident, rather than deflating Celtic, appeared to fuel them.

Lawton was outstanding down the flank and nearly turned provider moments later, delivering for Emma Westin to head over. However, Celtic’s pressure was relentless, and the breakthrough after 20 minutes was no more than they deserved. Amy Gallacher put Morgan Cross in on goal, and the winger finished calmly to open his account for the season.

Ten minutes later, the margin had doubled. The Ghirls took advantage of a lost ball after pressing Hearts high up the park and causing blunders. Natalie Ross reacted quickly, beating the keeper to the ball and lifting it over her for Celtic’s second goal. Two-nil at halftime, away from home, after a summer of uncertainty — it felt like more than a scoreline; it was a statement.

Celtic’s concentration would always be put to the test in the second half, more so than their flair. Protecting a two-goal lead is never easy, especially against a team that knows the home crowd will not tolerate complacency.

Sadiku took advantage of the opportunity to make Streicek her competitive debut shortly after the hour mark, giving the Canadian her first taste of green and white.

Celtic continued to create — Cross almost had her second after more wonderful work from McAneny on the right — but as the game progressed, Hearts became more determined. The defence, commanded by goalie Lisa Rodgers and new signing Walsh, stood firm.

The hosts did have a consolation late on, when a penalty was granted against Ross and converted. It was a minor flaw, but nothing that could detract from an otherwise excellent first day’s work. The final whistle sealed the 2-1 victory and three crucial points to begin the season.

There is no doubting the scope of the reconstruction. Losing players like Colette Cavanagh, Bruna Lourenço, and Mathilde Carstens might have weakened any squad.

However, Sunday demonstrated that Celtic’s ladies still possess the backbone of a competitive team. Robertson’s return added experience and toughness to the midfield. Walsh appeared steady on her debut. Ross, the ever-dependable, demonstrated the instincts of a leader with her aim and tireless efforts.

Most significantly, there was cohesiveness. The pressing worked, the transitions were sharp, and the new faces blended in rather than stood out.

As a supporter, I can’t pretend the summer wasn’t stressful. Every time another departure was announced, you felt the ground shift slightly.

You begin to wonder whether the club is moving forwards or backwards, and whether all of this change can actually result in improvement. That’s why today was so important. It wasn’t perfect — few opening day performances are — but it was the kind of performance that soothes nerves after a stressful summer.

The Ghirls will return to New Douglas Park next, where they will attempt to build on their recent success with another good performance in front of their home fans. That encounter will be another test, not only of form but also of focus; if this side can put wins together early on, the volatility of the summer will dissipate swiftly.

Celtic Women, on the other hand, can begin the season on a high note. In a season filled with questions both on and off the field, this was the appropriate response.