Hearts have moved quickly to name Andy Thomson as their new head coach, the SWPL champions confirming the appointment as they prepare to defend their first-ever women's top-flight title.

Thomson, 55, arrives at Tynecastle from Rangers, where he had been serving as assistant coach of the women's side since the start of 2025. He fills the vacancy left by Eva Olid, the Spaniard who delivered Hearts their historic maiden SWPL crown before departing after a remarkable final match in charge.

The noises out of Gorgie are that Thomson brings a thorough knowledge of the Scottish women's game, having previously served as assistant to Shelley Kerr during the latter's tenure as Scotland women's head coach. That pedigree at international level will carry weight in the dressing room as Hearts look to build on what Olid started.

A coaching career built across Scottish football

Thomson is a recognisable name within the Scottish domestic scene. As a forward, he turned out for a string of clubs including Queen of the South, Partick Thistle, Falkirk and Stenhousemuir, as well as four English clubs, among them Queens Park Rangers.

His move into management began with the University of Strathclyde men's team, and he subsequently worked with Caledonian Braves and the University of Stirling before his involvement at international level. Most recently, prior to his stint at Rangers, he held a football development manager position at Motherwell, giving him a broad administrative and coaching background to draw on.

Big shoes to fill after Olid's transformation

Few would have predicted, even twelve months ago, that Hearts would be sitting at the summit of Scottish women's football. Olid oversaw a remarkable transformation — turning the Gorgie club from challengers into champions — and Thomson now inherits the task of keeping that momentum going.

It is not a straightforward brief. Retaining a title demands a different kind of management to winning one, and rivals including Glasgow City and Celtic will be looking to close the gap. Thomson's experience across multiple levels of the Scottish game suggests Hearts have opted for stability and footballing intelligence rather than a high-profile gamble.

August title defence on the horizon

Hearts are due to begin the defence of their SWPL title in mid-August, giving Thomson a matter of weeks to put his stamp on the squad and assess what recruitment, if any, is needed heading into the new campaign.

The appointment marks a significant moment in the club's women's football journey. From the amateur roots that underpinned Olid's early work, Hearts now carry genuine title-holders' expectations. Whether Thomson can sustain that standard is the question the SWPL will be watching closely come the summer.

Frequently asked

Who is Andy Thomson, Hearts women's new head coach?
Andy Thomson is a 55-year-old Scottish coach who most recently served as assistant coach of Rangers women from early 2025. He previously assisted Shelley Kerr as Scotland women's assistant manager and has also worked with Caledonian Braves, the University of Stirling and as football development manager at Motherwell.
Why did Eva Olid leave Hearts women?
Eva Olid departed Hearts after leading the club to their first-ever SWPL title. Her final match in charge ended with Hearts winning the championship, and the club subsequently confirmed she was leaving, with Andy Thomson named as her replacement.
When do Hearts start defending the SWPL title?
Hearts are scheduled to begin their SWPL title defence in mid-August, giving new head coach Andy Thomson the summer period to prepare his squad for the new campaign.