Celtic let SWPL Player of the Year Lisa Robertson out on loan to Birmingham City

By Euan Davidson

August 6, 2021

Celtic have lost another star player to English side Birmingham City, with Lisa Robertson joining the Blues on loan for 21-22.

Robertson, last year’s SWPL1 Player of the Year [Scottish Women’s Football], joins Sarah Ewens in the Midlands. The Scotland international, part of a side that finished second and secured Champions League football for 21-22, joins Birmingham on a season-long loan.

No permanent fee was mentioned, nor a clause to buy [BCFC]. However, Robertson sounds buzzing to get going in the WSL. She’ll be joining former Glasgow City boss Scott Booth, who looks to be determined to land top Scottish talent.

Robertson said [BCFC]:

“I am absolutely delighted to be here and can’t wait to get going really.

“Birmingham is a side in the top league, and it is something that I want to be a part of. I have heard their plans going forward and it is something to be excited about.

“Obviously, knowing Scott Booth is ideal because he knows me, and I have played against him. I love his style of play, so to be a part of that is exciting.”

Robertson, formerly of Hibs, Glasgow City and Spokane Shine in the US, will play alongside former Celtic striker Sarah Ewens. Ewens, also formerly of Hibs, scored an outlandish 64 in 96 games for Celtic [CFCWomen].

The duo will surely be big misses for Fran Alonso’s side, as he gears the Ghirls up for Champions League qualifying.

After Robertson switch to Birmingham, Celtic are without 20-21 top scorer and POTY

We have nothing but trust in Fran Alonso on 67 Hail Hail. The guy’s great; from his attacking football to his personable demeanour.

But we’ve got to assume he’s more than a bit gutted this evening. Robertson really was a commanding presence in the middle of the park. And, rather than being handed a fee to reinvest, it’s a loan deal. That’s what seems most confusing here.

If there had been a fee attached, then you could understand. Birmingham City, a far more established Women’s side than ours in terms of history and infrastructure, are an attractive proposition.

The fact there’s not a fee, then, is more than a bit confusing. If Ange Postecoglou was told that David Turnbull was getting loaned out for a season, it’s unlikely he’d be terribly pleased about it.

For sure, some exciting names have come in. Shen Mengyu, María Catharina Ólafsdóttir Gros and more have filled out a talented squad.

Still, from a fan’s perspective, this move is a little hard to understand. From the club’s perspective, that is, not Robertson’s herself.

We’ve no doubt she’ll be a star in the WSL.

Read more: An update on Celtic’s hunt for Aurelio Buta