RANGERS are today delighted to announce that Eilidh Austin has signed a new two-year contract extension with the club.
The defender, who is a product of the club’s academy system, will continue her stay in Glasgow ahead of the new campaign getting underway in August.
A Scotland youth international, she enjoyed a real breakthrough in the side under Leanne Crichton during her first season in charge, featuring in 31 outings, including 29 starts last term.
Having spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Hamilton Academical and gaining top-flight experience for the first time in her career, she signed on professional terms at the club that summer.
Austin went on to feature on 15 occasions for the Gers during Jo Potter’s first season in charge, winning silverware as she was part of the squad that defended the Sky Sports Cup with a 4-1 win over Partick Thistle at Tynecastle, before claiming the Scottish Cup for the first time with a win over Hearts at Hampden in May 2024.
11 further appearances followed in the first half of 24/25, before a productive loan move to Motherwell helped her progression, as she returned to the club ready to hit the ground running under a new Head Coach last summer.
That she did with the highest number of starts during a season in her career so far, producing real standout moments, including an Old Firm derby goal last September in a 2-0 win at New Douglas Park and being nominated for the club’s Player of the Year award, as the Gers secured Champions League football.
Also now a regular Scotland youth international, having previously featured at Under-17s and 19s, she is now frequently part of the Under-23s setup, as she looks to help the Gers achieve success both domestically and in European competition in the new campaign.
Speaking after signing a new contract, Austin said: “It was a simple decision for me to extend my stay at the club.
“I felt last season was a turning point for me in terms of making my mark in the team, and that’s something I am looking to continue in the future under Leanne, who has shown great faith in me.
“I love representing Rangers, and I appreciate all the backing I have received from all of my team-mates, the staff, as well as the support from the fans.
“I am determined to repay everyone by helping us win silverware next season.”
Women’s Head Coach, Leanne Crichton, added: “This season has been a hugely important one in Eilidh’s development, and it has been fantastic to see her establish herself as a regular within the team.
“She has fully embraced the opportunities given to her and has earned this new contract through her performances, attitude and consistency throughout the campaign.
“Eilidh is incredibly tenacious, a top professional and someone the staff and players know they can always rely upon. Her commitment to improving every single day and the standards she sets for herself have been outstanding.
“She continues to develop all aspects of her game and has shown a real maturity in the way she approaches her football, both on and off the pitch.
“I have no doubt she has a very bright future ahead of her, and I firmly believe she has all the qualities needed to follow a number of her team-mates into the Scotland senior set-up in the near future.”
Women’s and Girls’ Managing Director, Donald Gillies, also said: “I am thrilled to see Eilidh committing her future to the club.
“She is someone who has gone from strength to strength this season and shown exactly why Leanne had so much belief in her.
“I believe that Rangers is the perfect place for Eilidh to continue her development, and I look forward to seeing what the next few years have in store for her.”
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