This week’s blog features experienced midfielder Kirsty McBride the proud holder of 50 Scottish International caps and a host of honours during her time with Hibernian and Arsenal.
It’s fair to say that Kirsty was one of Manager Graeme McArthur’s biggest signing targets for the 2015 season.
Having watched her throughout the 2014 season, the decision to try and sign the left winger was cemented when the Fir Park side played Renfrew in the last game of the season and Kirsty won a penalty and scored with a peach of a volley to earn her former team a draw.
Thankfully the former Scotland star signed on the dotted line for the Fir Park team.
Name: Kirsty McBride
Nickname: Bridie
D.O.B: 09/09/85
Preferred position: Left midfield
How many years have you been playing: 21
All previous clubs (and dates):
Hawthorn 1993-1997
Leith Athletic 1998-1999
Hibs u17 2000
Hibernian 2001 – 2005
Arsenal 2005-2006
Hibernian 2006-2009
Celtic 2010
Renfrew – 2014
Motherwell – current
International duty (from/to): A squad 1997 – 2010
What team do you support: Hibs
Trademark phrase: Being from Edinburgh, it would have to, “aye ah Ken”
Best sporting memory: All my years and success at Hibs Ladies; the best years of my life
Favourite male player: Ryan Giggs
Favourite female player: Stacey Cook
Q: What made you make the move from Renfrew Stallions to the mighty ‘Well?
A: The foundations, structure and vision for the future at Motherwell is fantastic and something I wanted to be part of.
Q: You have played top-level football in Scotland for a while now Kirsty. I know I am just a smidge off your age, but I do remember playing against you when I was at Raith Rovers and I was most certainly done down their left wing a fair few times! It was Hibs you played for in those days, but 9 years on and it’s apparent at training you have still managed to hold onto your pace and tricky feet! What is it that motivates you to train and play?
A: I absolutely love playing football and I think enjoying it is the key. Once you stop enjoying it, you lose the motivation to train hard and keep fit. My advice to the youngsters that are the future of the club and the future of the women’s game is to always want to be the best, don’t settle for anything less. Train hard, eat well and ENJOY IT!
Q: You have experience playing for Scotland too, what’s it like to represent your country?
A: It’s the best feeling in the world, pulling on the strip and singing the national anthem gives you goosebumps. There’s no feeling like it.
Q: It was a tough preseason for you as you suffered an injury early on that has kept you out until very recently. How has it been not being able to play and watching the girls take to the pitch every Sunday?
A: I’ll be honest, I HATE watching. Every bit of me wants to run on the pitch and join in. Being injured is the most frustrating thing in the world. The team has been playing fantastic though which is great to see. I’m definitely happy to be back though to fight for my place again 🙂
Q: Are you fully fit now and ready to tackle the rest of the season?
A: Yes, I am fully fit and feeling great. I’m looking forward to the season ahead with a fantastic bunch of girls and fantastic management and coaching staff.
Q: What is the worst injury you have suffered in your long career?
A: I tore my ACL; tore my Cartlidge so bad it couldn’t be repaired (so I don’t have any) and put a hole in my bone just below the knee. I know the exact date because it was the worst day of my life. It was such a horrific injury, which put me out for 4 years. I was actually told I wouldn’t play again however me being me, I wouldn’t accept that and here I am back playing at Motherwell, feeling great and loving it again! On that note I’d like to pass on a bit of advice: Do NOT wear blades! If I was wearing round studs that day my injury wouldn’t have happened!
Q: After injury, do you find it can be difficult committing to big challenges or are you able to block out the ‘what if’s’?
A: Honestly, yes I was afraid at the start but as soon as the first challenge was out the way it was all gone. I knew it was all in my head.
Q: You played with Renfrew Stallions last season. This season it’s the same division, but a completely new league. Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most and why? …or is there no-one you fear?
A: I don’t fear anyone… If you fear someone or something you are already beaten!
Q: Now we’ve all had our moments, but can you let us into a little secret? What’s been your most embarrassing football moment in your long successful career?
A: The first time I experienced a “FACEBALL” I completely misjudged the flight of the ball when I was playing for Scotland against Finland. It caught me square in the face at full pelt and knocked me for six! A bust nose the lot!! Much to miss Stacey Cook’s amusement!!
Q: All the Well fans have been asking me to tell them some team secrets…can you let me into a wee secret no one knows about one of your team mates?
A: Stacey Cook used to play football true Scotswoman style…if you know what I mean 😉
Q: Describe your hopes for the season and cup campaigns ahead…
A: It’s simple, to win them both!
Thanks so much Kirsty for taking the time to answer a few questions for the fans, welcome to the ‘Well family! We are really pleased to hear your season starts here! Stay fit and keep the goals coming!
This week I thought I’d give you, the readers a chance to pose any questions you may have to the squad? Let me know and these and the responses from the squad will feature in a future Bio.
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