Eva Olid to Depart Hearts After Historic SWPL Campaign
Eva Olid will step down as head coach of Hearts Women at the end of the 2025–26 Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) season, bringing a transformative five-year chapter to a close. The decision, confirmed as mutual between Olid and the club, follows a landmark victory over Glasgow City that propelled Hearts to the top of the league with just five matches remaining.
Olid informed her squad of her plans immediately after Sunday’s win—the first time Hearts have ever beaten City under her leadership. That result completed a symbolic sweep over Scotland’s traditional “big three,” having already defeated Celtic, Rangers, and Hibernian during her tenure. Now sitting one point clear of second-place Rangers, Hearts are genuine title contenders for the first time in their history.
From Bottom to Title Contenders
When Olid arrived in July 2021, Hearts were fresh off a last-place finish in the SWPL. Relegation was avoided only because the league expanded to ten teams that season. The club was still fully amateur, lacking infrastructure and recognition. Fast forward to today, and Hearts are semi-professional, consistently competitive, and leading the table thanks to the league’s most potent attack.
Her early seasons saw steady progress: eighth place in 2021–22, then back-to-back fourth-place finishes. Though they slipped to fifth last term—while city rivals Hibs claimed the title—Olid never lost sight of her ambition. She pushed for better facilities, attracted higher-calibre signings, and embedded a culture where youth development and attacking football went hand in hand.
Key milestones under her leadership include:
- Hearts’ first-ever domestic cup final appearance in 2024 (lost to Rangers)
- Historic first wins over Rangers, Celtic, and now Glasgow City
- Transition from amateur to semi-professional status in 2022–23
- Integration of elite youth talent like Bayley Hutchison and Eilidh Shore
- Strategic signings such as Danique Ypema (ex-Feyenoord) and Mairead Fulton (ex-Glasgow City)
A Coach Who Changed Everything
Olid’s tactical evolution has been striking. Known for favouring bold, front-foot football, she admitted she “didn’t like” the more pragmatic setup used to beat Glasgow City—but acknowledged it was necessary. That flexibility shows her growth from idealistic newcomer to seasoned head coach capable of making tough calls when trophies are on the line.
She also reshaped how players view the club. Once seen as a developmental side, Hearts are now a destination for ambitious talent. Her willingness to debut teenagers—Erin and Jess Husband both played at 15—sent a clear message: performance trumps age.
Despite signing a contract extension through summer 2026 just last April—with an optional extra year—the club and Olid have agreed not to trigger that clause. Her departure is framed not as a fallout but as a natural endpoint to a successful cycle.
What Comes Next?
Hearts face Rangers next after the international break in what could be a de facto title decider. With Olid confirmed to see out the season, all focus remains on securing the club’s first-ever SWPL crown. Whether she lifts the trophy or not, her legacy is already secure.
As for Olid’s future, nothing is confirmed—but given her track record of building a top-three force from scratch, interest from bigger leagues across Europe seems inevitable. For Hearts, replacing her won’t just be about finding a new coach; it’ll be about finding someone who can sustain the identity she created.
Key takeaways:
- Eva Olid will leave Hearts Women at season’s end by mutual agreement
- She led the club from bottom-of-the-table amateurs to SWPL leaders
- Historic first wins over all three traditional powerhouses (Rangers, Celtic, Glasgow City)
- Transformed club culture, recruitment, and youth integration
- Final five matches—including a crucial clash with Rangers—will define her legacy
Hearts fans may be anxious about life after Olid, but right now, the mission is clear: finish what she started. And if they do, Scottish women’s football will have a new champion—and a new blueprint for success.
— Editorial Team
