History books rewritten, expectations surpassed, and a lasting legacy established.
After four years at the helm, Head of Women & Girls, Paul Brownlie took to the K-Park dugout for the final time to mark the end of an illustrious era in Lanarkshire.
The highest recorded league position in the history of the club, two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances, and the foundation of the Motherwell FC Girls academy are few of the many accolades achieved in the experienced Scotsman’s tenure at the club.
Four years after arriving in ML1, Brownlie led the women of steel for the final time against Rangers last weekend.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Former Head Coach Paul Brownlie emphasised.
“From the first day, we envisioned dramatically progressing women’s football at the club, both at senior and youth level, and whilst it’s extremely tough to be leaving the club; I’m really pleased to be departing having achieved what we set out to do.
“We’ve experienced a lot of highs and lows, but it felt like the time to look for the next challenge, and allow someone else to take the club in a fresh direction.”
Having taken the reigns at the start of the women of steel’s third season in the Scottish top-flight, following their SWPL2 title victory and promotion in 2018, Brownlie guided the club to their maiden top-six finish last term whilst also securing their second Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearance against Glasgow City at Hampden Park.
The predecessor coming in 2023, with both Motherwell and Rangers contesting the first-ever domestic women’s match at the National Stadium.
“Achieving our first-top six finish, and establishing ourselves as the best part-time team in the country was a special feeling.
“We’ve shared several close battles with Partick Thistle over the years, but to clinch the top-six with an eight-point advantage really reflects the character of the squad, and how much it meant to them.
“The players walking out at the National Stadium, not once but twice, with their families in the stand is a memory that will remain with them forever, and may be for some the greatest moment of their career.
“To share that with the squad, and to create a memory for the next generation of players within our girls academy is absolutely priceless, and will be moments for us to remember forever.
The Motherwell girls academy became a central component of Brownlie’s tenure at the club, with the reorganisation and foundation of a sustainable youth pathway at the club. In the past few years, several aspiring youngsters have made the daunting step up to the Scottish top-flight.
“We’re really pleased to see the progression of the academy pathway at the club,” Brownlie noted.
“We recognised the importance of developing our own talents, and we were determined to create a recognised pathway for players to receive their senior debuts.
“Even over the last few years, we’ve brought through Hannah Cairns, Teoni Steele, and Mia Gillespie to name a few, who have all received their senior debut in the SWPL. Hannah has since become an integral part of the squad this season, and scored the final goal in our first Lanarkshire derby victory this season.
“I’m really pleased to see our plans come to fruition, and I know there will be many more to come in the future.”
During his tenure at the club, Brownlie also laid the foundations for a successful pathway from part-time to full-time football for several aspiring senior players, each earning a professional contract after departing the women of steel.
Morgan Cross, Louisa Boyes, Amy Anderson, Lauren Doran-Barr, Emma Lawton and Emily Mutch to name a few have all made the step into the professional game, with Celtic, Glasgow City, Hibernian, and Bristol City respectively whilst some have also represented the Scottish National Team.
“It’s equally as rewarding as the results on the pitch,” Brownlie added.
“Motherwell have built the foundations of the club on youth development, so to replicate that with the women’s side is really satisfying. Ultimately, whilst results on a matchday are key, the main role for myself and the coaching staff are to support the development of the players at the club.
“Making the step into full-time professional football is a dream that they all share, so for the club to play even a small part in that journey is really fulfilling.
“Hopefully, we’ve continued that reputation of Motherwell giving young players an opportunity. For instance, Laura Berry and Kayla Jardine, who are starting regularly for both Rangers and Hearts, gained their first consistent top-flight experience in claret and amber.
“This year remains the same, with Lily Boyce, Sophie Black, Orla Burn, Mason Clark, and Hannah Cairns all featuring for the club. It’s pleasing to see the club play its part in each of their careers.
“Hopefully, the names mentioned that have made the journey into full-time football are just the first of many to come in the future.”
Brownlie took to the K-Park dugout for the final time last weekend against Rangers, with former Assistant Leanne Crichton leading the opposing dugout. A final memory in claret and amber.
“It was an emotional day, but we made sure to focus on the job on the pitch first,” Brownlie said.
“Leaving the club is incredibly difficult, with the exceptional group of players and staff we have built here, but I’m really looking forward to the next challenge.
“There are two players I’d like to especially thank for their immense dedication and effort throughout my time at the club. Captain Gill Inglis and Vice-Captain Chelsie Watson are the only two remaining players from the squad I met when I walked in the door in 2021.
“They have remained with the club throughout that entire time, and their commitment, experience, and support to the players and staff throughout that spell have been incredibly valuable. I can’t thank them both enough.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the fans, who have followed us throughout all the highs and lows, and for them to know that their support has always been greatly appreciated.
“Thank you all.”
