Donald Jennow has bolstered his squad with a host of new faces ahead of Motherwell’s first season in SWPL1.
Among the recruits are Sarah Crilly, who has been capped four times by Scotland and moves from Celtic to add further experience to the midfield, having also spent three years with Glasgow City.
Her international debut made the headlines back in 2012. Attending a friendly match with Norway as a fan, having trained with the team the previous day, a succession of injuries led to her being called from the stands to join the action. Even more remarkably, wearing oversized kit and boots, she scored the equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
Katie Rice was formerly with Hamilton and the 19-year-old has been capped at various youth levels by Scotland. She’s also joined by her former Accies team-mate Lori Gardner, who plays up front.
Mhairi Fyfe has spent time in recent years in the United States of America, breaking records with Campbellsville University Tigers in Kentucky, becoming their all-time record goal scorer.
Goalkeeper Morgan Hunter joins from Kilmarnock, having faced us in SWPL2 last season, as did her ex-Killie team-mate Kirsten Rolph and Morgan Hay, who signs on from Glasgow Girls.
Claire Adams made the switch from Rangers to Celtic for the 2018 season, with the 20-year-old midfielder joining from the Glasgow side alongside defender Georgie Rafferty, who has also joined the women of steel.
They are joined by current Scotland Under 17 international Chelsea McEachran, former EUHV forward Beth McLeod, Stephanie Knox, who spent a short spell with us at the start of last season, Sam McManus, who has been promoted from our development squad, and former Scotland youth cap midfielder Stacey Hutchison, who has signed on from Hearts.
Kendall Welsh, Kerry Montgomery, Hayley Cunningham, Natasha Roberts and Maxine Welsh have been retained from the squad that were crowned SWPL2 champions, and they are joined by Caitlin Russell, who has made her loan spell from Hibernian permanent.
“It has been a busy close season for us and there have been significant changes to the playing squad,” manager Jennow said.
“I am delighted to have some really important players sign up again for the season ahead. Kendall, Maxine, Natasha, Kerry, Hayley and Caitlin all played significant roles in the success the club had and are players I know are excited by the challenge ahead.
“To supplement those returning, we have recruited a number of very talented players. I am sure will they will fit in well. We have brought in players who will work hard, are motivated and can create moments that win games.
“There are also a number of players who have left the club and they all depart with our best wishes and the knowledge they helped the club reach SWPL1.”