CELTIC last night announced that women's team manager Eddie Wolecki Black has left the club. No explanation was given for the departure of the 54-year-old, who was with Celtic for 18 months.

The club finished third in SWPL1 in the season which has just ended, 11 points behind champions Glasgow City. They lost out on second place to Hibernian because of goal difference.

Wolecki Black, a former City and Airdrie men's head coach, said: “I have enjoyed my time immensely with the club.

“I am now looking forward to taking on some new challenges. I hope the team at Celtic can go on and achieve some great success in the future.”

Celtic are believed to be on the brink of announcing plans to make the women's team fully professional next season. Until last night it had been assumed that Wolecki Black would be in charge.

Commercial director Adrian Filby said: “Eddie leaves us with excellent foundations to build upon ahead of the exciting next chapter for the women's team in 2020.

“He has undoubtedly improved the standard and mindset of the first team, as recent results against all of our domestic rivals demonstrates.”