NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW: GLASGOW SALTIRES
15th January 2026
Glasgow Saltires refresh for National League with six new additions and the captain back on court:
Glasgow Saltires begin their latest National League campaign with a new-look squad, fresh combinations to build – and a major boost in leadership with captain Shaunagh Gilchrist returning after the birth of her second child.
Head Coach Sharyn Lyon says the off-season has brought significant change, with some departures balanced by new faces arriving ready to make their mark.
“Quite a few changes,” Lyon explained. “We’ve lost a couple of units and a couple of players have decided to take a break. We actually have six new players this season, as well as our captain Shaunagh Gilchrist returning after having a baby last season.
“Adjusting, getting combinations working. Overall, I’d definitely say we’re much stronger – the issue is getting these players into the team and building connections.”
With a number of players stepping into National League action for the first time, Saltires know the challenge will be turning potential into performances, quickly.
“We have some players that have never played in the National League before,” Lyon added. “The opportunity is there to step up… gelling together, learning each other’s style and strengths. There’s still a lot of challenges, but overall much stronger and excitement about what lies ahead.”
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A relentless calendar – and the extra work behind the scenes
National League season always brings intensity, but the schedule’s demands stretch beyond match day. Between league fixtures, travel, analysis, and wider club responsibilities, it becomes a heavy juggle from January onwards.
“Throughout the season, especially when National League chimes in every couple of weeks, it’s a real challenge,” Lyon said. “I like to work back over the matches, send clips to the girls and talk through stuff – but that takes a lot of time.
“You can have a league match on Wednesday and a National League match on the Sunday. I’m also involved with other teams in the club and coaching as well. January to April is going to be chaotic!”
“You have to be on top form to get any result”
If Saltires are stronger, so are their rivals – and Lyon is clear there’s no room for complacency in a competition packed with quality.
“You have to be on top form to get any result,” she said. “Especially Bellahouston with Claire Maxwell returning – they’ve definitely gotten stronger. But honestly, every team is really good. We have to go and perform our best if we want a result. It doesn’t matter who it is – we have to be just as good.”
Players ready to step up
While the squad settles into new combinations, there’s excitement around the opportunities for emerging players and new additions to make an impact. One name singled out for attention was Lucy Gaw, described as a player capable of providing real drive through the middle.
“She’s a bit of our engine on court,” was the assessment. “She drives really well and I’m looking forward to seeing how she brings what she’s learned through her training with the Thistles squad into the National League environment.”
Alongside Gaw, Cobi Welsh and returning skipper Gilchrist are among the key figures heading into the new season.
Gilchrist: “I’m really excited to be back playing at this level”
For captain Shaunagh Gilchrist, returning to National League is both a personal milestone and a reminder of how central netball has been in her life.
“I’m excited about National League starting again,” she said. “Last year I was pregnant with my second daughter, so I’m really excited to be back playing at this level – to see how other teams have improved and how we’ve improved in the last year.
“I’ve been doing this for 16 years, so it’s a huge part of my life. It’s really nice to be on court with them.”
The team’s aims remain grounded and performance-led: take wins where possible, but most importantly, build consistent, strong displays with a refreshed squad.
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“Same mindset as last year – trying to get some wins under our belt and get really good team performances,” Gilchrist said. “We’ve got quite a few new and returning players which is really exciting. We’ve got great players, so it’ll be nice to see that come together.”
What needs to improve to push for finals?
Asked what will make the difference in the race for finals contention, the message from within the group is clear: trust, structure, and sticking to the work that’s already been laid.
“We need to keep trusting each other and putting into place the structure we’ve been working on,” Gilchrist said. “Strengthening what we’ve been doing in previous seasons and keep building on those performances.”
Fixtures to look forward to – and leadership that sets the tone
As well as the challenge of every round, there are match-ups the squad naturally look forward to, including familiar local rivals and the variety of facing Edinburgh opposition.
“We play against Scotstoun and Bella quite regularly,” Gilchrist said. “It’s always nice to play the Edinburgh team too – something different.”
Meanwhile, Lucy Gaw highlighted how her experience around the national squad environment can help Saltires tactically and mentally when the pressure rises.
“It helps substantially,” she said. “Other teams have quite a few players in there, so it’s good to see how they play, to give feedback to the team – their style and how we can work together to shut that down. And it’s good to take what I’ve learned there and use it elsewhere.”
As captain, Gilchrist’s leadership style is understated but purposeful – built on actions, standards, and relationships.
“I’m not the loud, in-your-face captain,” she said. “I like to lead by my actions on court… and off court we encourage each other. Relationships off the court matter just as much – and it translates.”
With six new players, a returning captain, and a clear belief that the squad has added strength, Glasgow Saltires head into the new National League season ready for the challenge – and determined to turn transition into momentum.
