Gartcairn Women’s title party left boss Robert McCallum exhausted – but says his players thoroughly deserved to celebrate after a hard-fought Championship South title victory.
The MTC Park side secured glory and promotion to SWPL 2 - which is the responsibility of the SPFL from next term - after winning an impressive 19 of their 22 matches.
Scoring 111 goals in the process and their defence ranking the best in Scotland’s third tier competition, it was a deserved achievement in the end for McCallum’s side.
Their final day of the season provided another excellent display, winning 5-0 over Hutchinson Vale, having been 4-0 up before half-time.
End of season celebrations then ensued as Gartcairn stand one division away from facing teams like Celtic, Glasgow City and Rangers on a regular basis.
After some sore heads from their silverware bash, the manager says it was a perfect tonic after a nervy start to proceedings.
He said: “I had a few days to recover! It was a good day. We had a couple of chances and it wasn’t quite happening. Then we scored and eventually we were in at half-time 4-0 up.
“It was about managing the clock and the game, then it was job done. The party and celebrations were good too. Our players deserve it.
“We went back to our usual haunt and they were good with the girls. They probably got away with a bit more than the locals usually do! But it was a good day.”
Player availability has been a problem for some of Gartcairn’s opponents this season and the Airdrie club have faced similar problems.
But they haven’t once moaned and instead promoted from within to help their title chase.
McCallum explained: “There’s been a few times I could have struggled for a team but we have managed to pull up some of our under-18s players.
“You are thinking then that we could potentially lose points. But I would rather lose than forfeit, or put in an excuse to get the game off. You bring up your youth, that is what they are there for.
“That is why we have a player pathway at Gartcairn.”
It’s mission accomplished for the Lanarkshire side, who set the task of promotion last year. Now the planning for next season has begun.
McCallum added: “The season worked out as we planned. Our goal was to get promoted and we did.
“I assembled a squad to get promoted. A few people pointed out to us during the season that we were only out for the league.
“But what should you be in for? We have now, already, started planning for next season.
“We are looking at what the budget might be with who we think is going to be in the league, with travel, how many buses we need, these things.”
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