Gail Gilmour joins to challenge for the gloves

The AFC Women’s team have made a new signing this week as they begin to prepare for life in the Scottish Building Society SWPL 2 next season.

Goalkeeper Gail Gilmour has been added to a squad who were officially crowned Division One – North Champions on Sunday when Dunfermline failed to win. Aberdeen’s draw with Cove Ladies last weekend had already all but sealed promotion due to their vastly superior goal difference.

Gail, who has joined from Deveronvale Ladies, will be available to play in the final three games of the campaign – against Raith Rovers on Thursday and then in the two fixtures against Dunfermline.

The 15-year-old keeper from Turriff has represented Scotland at Youth National team level when she was capped for the U16s.

The number one jersey is currently worn by Anna Blanchard with American student Melia Marquez providing back up when necessary, so Gail’s arrival will provide further competition and options for co-Managers Harley Hamdani and Emma Hunter as they look to build on the success of this season.

Harley is looking forward to working with the talented shot stopper: “With Gail playing for Deveronvale, she is someone who we have played against this season. She is someone we rate highly and has a bright future in the game ahead of her.

“By bringing Gail in now, we have an opportunity to work with her and help her get up to speed so she can go and compete for the number one spot next season. It is important that we have strong competition in all areas of the pitch.”

Emma added, “Gail is in a similar vain to the other signings we have made such as Francesca Ogilvie, Jessica Broadrick and Eva Thomson.

“We have a policy of trying to attract emerging young talent. We want to give the best youngsters in the north of Scotland the best opportunity and Gail certainly fits into that category.

“She will strengthen the squad in the short term but also help us meet our longer term goals.”