Rangers Women seal Charlie Devlin loan amid Champions League disappointment
Rangers Women have responded to their two Champions League thrashings by signing Charlie Devlin on loan from Birmingham City.
The Gers announced the loan signing of Devlin on X (12 September), confirming that the deal was subject to international clearance, with the 26-year-old becoming their sixth signing of the new season.
Devlin's arrival at Broadwood Stadium comes in the wake of Jo Potter's side losing 6-0 to Arsenal and 3-0 to Atletico Madrid in their two Champions League qualifying matches.
With the Light Blues having won five games from five so far in the new Scottish Women's Premier League 1 campaign, Potter has added further strength to her attack with the arrival of Devlin.
Charlie Devlin transfer shows gap between Rangers and the best
While being top of the SWPL 1 on goal difference following five wins, 43 goals scored and none conceded, Potter will be disappointed with how easily they were knocked out of European contention.
Shipping six goals and scoring none against Arsenal points to the chasm which still exists between the top leagues either side of the Scottish border, and that gap doesn't look like closing any time soon.
Devlin's arrival on loan from a mid-table club in England's second tier, showcases the kind of market Scottish sides are forced to shop in as they bid to boost the SWPL's profile on the European stage.
Potter's side next face Spartans in their sixth league match of the new season, and Gers supporters will be hoping that both attack and defence are once again on song at Broadwood Stadium on 15 September.
Signing Devlin on a season-long could make other England-based players aware of the opportunities north of the border, but it's clear the Light Blues still have a way to go before they can bridge the gap.
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