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A fresh chapter awaits the women of steel after Iain Robinson was unveiled as the Head Coach of Motherwell Women.

Robinson, who previously held the position of Under-17s Academy Coach at Rangers, will join Motherwell from Queens Park after being appointed the Head Coach of the Spiders in 2024.

Assistant Coach David Brownlie will also join the coaching staff at the club after departing Queens Park.

“We’re really excited to get started,” said Robinson, who officially took charge of his first matchday against Hearts at the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park last weekend.

“From the outside looking in, Motherwell seemed like a very exciting club to be a part of. The women’s department has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and after speaking with the board, they had a clear idea of what they wanted to do, and that tied in exactly with what I and David wanted to do moving forward in football.

“The structure behind the scenes at Motherwell was a real attraction, and something that I’d buy into. They are pushing women’s football at the club, and I think for myself as a coach to progress, it was an opportunity I absolutely jumped at.”

Despite his youthful age, Robinson had already built an impressive and extensive resume within the women’s game, after achieving his UEFA A-license award in 2022.

Robinson has held coaching positions at BSC Glasgow Community Sports Club before spells with both Greenock Morton and Partick Thistle men’s teams, respectively.

Robinson then led the Rangers Under-17 Academy team, developing young talents in Glasgow, including current first-team players Lily Boyce and Sophie Black.

He then replaced the departing Craig Joyce in Glasgow after being headhunted to become the head coach of Queen’s Park.

Robinson departed the Spiders, with the club sitting comfortably in the final promotion-playoff position in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 table, one point shy of Boroughmuir Thistle in second.

“The structure behind the scenes is something that I really bought into,” Robinson explained.

“Coming through a youth academy background at Rangers, we brought through a lot of talented young players, some are in the Motherwell squad currently.

“For us, having a strong youth academy at the club, and having a consistent flow of young players from the academy are things that we wanted to work with and a structure that attracted both myself and David.

“We want to be a team that dominates the ball and imposes our structure on the game. We look to play through the thirds, build from the back, and create a high number of quality chances. It can be difficult at times against the full-time teams in this league, but it is up to us to try to combat it and achieve a positive result.”

Upon confirmation of Paul Brownlie’s replacement, Motherwell Chief Executive Brian Caldwell spoke of his delight at bringing Robinson to ML1.

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce Iain as our new Head Coach,” Motherwell Chief Executive Brian Caldwell added.

“He is a young and ambitious coach who impressed from a very early stage during the interview process. His vision and plan are clear, and I look forward to working with him going forward.

“I also want to extend my gratitude to Queen’s Park, who have been accommodating throughout this process and allowed for an easy and smooth exit for Iain.”

After taking charge of his maiden matchday in the dugout last weekend, Robinson’s side will travel across Glasgow to face Partick Thistle at Petershill Park this weekend.

“We’re expecting another difficult fixture against Partick Thistle,” Robinson noted.

“They’re strong defensively and have quality across the pitch, who can cause problems at key moments, so a collective performance from all will be required to get a positive result.

“We’re aware of the significance of taking a positive result into the Christmas break. Myself and David are still settling into the club but we’ve been really pleased with the effort and quality shown in our first few sessions.

“Reflecting on Sunday’s game, we saw a lot of positive moments particularly in possession, and collectively, the players identified parts of our game that can be tidied up and improved.

“We head into the game this weekend with confidence, and are looking forward to seeing as many Motherwell fans as possible in the stands.”

Motherwell ensured it didn’t turn into a performance of frustration as they battled for a 1-0 win over Dundee at Fir Park. 

The Steelmen weren’t at their fluent best but still created a number of clear-cut openings; however, it took until the 82nd minute for the breakthrough when Callum Slattery headed home to the relief of the home crowd.

Motherwell extended their unbeaten run to ten games and also recorded their sixth consecutive clean sheet in the league.

Jens Berthel Askou made two alterations to his starting 11, one of which was enforced. Tawanda Maswanhise departed earlier in the week for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Zimbabwe, meaning Regan Charles-Cook earned a start. Emmanuel Longelo came back into the side, allowing Johnny Koutroumbis to start in his favoured right-back spot, with Stephen O’Donnell dropping to the bench.

Aaron Thomson was named on the bench for the first time, with the Motherwell Academy graduate impressing the manager this season.

It was Dundee who posed the early threat with a high press towards the home goal. And Elliot Watt’s wayward pass across his own box led to the visitor’s first corner.

After that the Dens Park side were content to form two banks of four players to protect their own area as the Steelmen probed for a gap. Callum Hendry’s quick change of feet found an opening before his low drive from 12 yards was blocked by Jon McCracken’s outstretched leg.

Two minutes later Calum Ward made his first save of the half when he fumbled Callum Jones’ speculative 30-yard drive round his post.

Yet another Callum, this time Well’s Slattery was next to get involved when he met Longelo’s firmly driven low cross only to side-foot the ball into the side netting.

Motherwell continued with the slow build-up, but the well-disciplined Dundee defence kept chances to a minimum.

Slattery’s drive from 30 yards moved in the air, with McCracken happy to beat it away beyond the incoming Charles-Cook.

The ‘Well winger almost provided the opening goal when his run and cross found Hendry and Luke Graham racing towards McCracken’s six-yard box, and the Dundee defender was fortunate that his wild swing at the ball didn’t connect, or it would have been destined for his own goal.

Three minutes from the break, Elijah Just’s twisting run carried him to the edge of the box before his left foot shot curled wide of McCracken’s left-hand post – as both keepers enjoyed a comfortable first half.

The Fir Park started the second half with a bit more urgency, and once again it was Slattery who looked to open the scoring with another drive from 30 yards which dipped over McCracken’s bar.

With 57 minutes played, Askou, in an attempt to increase the tempo, made his first change of the afternoon, bringing on Tom Sparrow and Ibrahim Said for Johnny Koutroumbis and Charles-Cook.

And it should have paid off five minutes later when Said slid the ball through to Hendry, who could only drag his shot across the keeper and his goal. Sais was again the provider minutes later as he dribbled along the byline before cutting the ball back to Lukas Fadinger, who scooped it over the bar from six yards.

With eight Well players camped in and around the Dundee box, Hendry’s firm header from 10 yards forced a reactionary block from McCracken.

However, Steven Pressley’s men were hanging in there, and in the 70th minute, it took a fine sliding block from Sparrow to prevent Tony Yogan’s drive from hitting the target.

Two minutes later, Well made the customary substitution, with Apostolos Stamatelopoulos changing places with Hendry.

Another shot from outside the box, this time from Just, was comfortably palmed down by the McCracken as Dundee continued to protect their ‘keeper.

With 12 minutes remaining and sensing that three points were still up for grabs, Pressley sent on Simon Murray.

The all-important goal, though, came at the other end as Motherwell’s patience and pressure finally paid off.

Measured possession around the visitor’s box presented Watt with the ball on the left of the box, and his cross into a packed box found Slattery, whose firm header directed the ball neatly inside the keeper’s right-hand post.

It might have been 2-0 moments later when a determined Just won the ball on the byline, and his ball zipped across the face of the goal with Stamatelopoulos sliding in and failing to get a touch.

With Dundee set to chase an equaliser, Askou freshened up the team with Oscar Priestman replacing the goal scorer and Stephen O’Donnell for Longelo.

There was still time for Ward to make a comfortable save from Cameron Congreve and keep a clean sheet for the sixth consecutive game.

Motherwell Team: Ward, Koutroumbis, McGinn, Welsh, Longelo, Watt, Slattery, Fadinger, Charles-Cook, Hendry, Just.

Motherwell Subs: Connelly, O’Donnell, Sparrow, Thomson, Priestman, Said, Stamatelopoulos, Osong, Ross.

Jens Berthel Askou gives his verdict on beating Dundee at Fir Park.

Callum Slattery scored the only goal of the game as the Steelmen notched up a sixth clean sheet in a row.

Chief Executive Brian Caldwell explains the idea behind Motherwell Football Club targeting local schools by providing kids with free tickets to upcoming home games.

With a focus being put on trying to coax the next generation of MFC plans, Caldwell outlines why player involvement could play a crucial role in the process.

Emmanuel Longelo discusses the impact manager Jens Berthel Askou has had on the players in the squad, and how he has managed to maintain a great relationship with the full squad. 

Longelo talks about ‘having a target on our backs’ and explain what he thinks Dundee will be like on Saturday.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou says his team have come to terms with the expectation that often rides on their shoulders, and says the players have to learn to deal with that pressure. 

Askou discusses January transfer window plan, team news and how important every match is in the William Hill Premiership.

Tawanda Maswanhise and Zimbabwe are gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. 

This will be the Warriors’ first appearance at the major tournament since 2021, and they are heading into the tournament with new manager Mario Marinică, who was appointed the new head coach in November and has previous success at this tournament, guiding Malawi to the round of 16 at the 2021/22 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zimbabwe have never made it out of the group stage at AFCON and will be looking to achieve this for the first time this month. They are in Group B alongside tournament second favourites Egypt. They will also face Angola and South Africa, with Zimbabwe massive outsiders to win the tournament.

The top two in each group will qualify for the last 16, with the four best third-placed teams also advancing to the next stage.

Maswanhise and Zimbabwe face Egypt on Monday 22 December, at the Adrar Stadium. They will then take on Angola on Boxing Day at the Marrakech Grand Stadium in what looks like will be a crucial match for their qualification hopes.

The group-stage action will conclude on Monday 29 December for Zimbabwe when they take on South Africa at Marrakech Grand Stadium.

• Zimbabwe v Egypt 
• Monday 22 December 
• 8pm Kick Off
• Adrar Stadium

• Zimbabwe v Angola 
• Friday 26 December 
• 12:30pm Kick Off 
• Stade de Marrakech

• Zimbabwe v South Africa 
• Monday 29 December 
• 4pm Kick Off 
• Stade de Marrakech

Matchday 14 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as Motherwell travel across the River Clyde to face Partick Thistle at Petershill Park on Sunday.

Motherwell will be keen to continue their recent fortunes on the road, after securing a point against Montrose before comfortably defeating local rivals Hamilton Accies in the Lanarkshire derby.

Motherwell head into Sunday’s contest, seventh in the SWPL table, three-points clear of closest rivals Partick Thistle in eighth, and will have their sights set on heading into the Christmas break with a positive advantage in the SWPL table.

The Tale of the Tape  

Motherwell 

Despite a three-nil defeat to title-chasers Hearts in his maiden matchday in the dugout, Head Coach Iain Robinson would’ve been encouraged by his sides display after only two prior sessions on the training pitch.

Despite an assured and convincing second-half performance, Motherwell left themselves with too much to do after conceding a two-goal first-half deficit.

The women of steel will be focused on concluding their recent winless run against the Jags, with the last result coming in 2020, with Motherwell earning a dominant 6-1 victory.

Partick Thistle

Following the departure of Head Coach David Elliot, the Jags confirmed the appointment of experienced Scotsman Gary Holt, who successfully earned the club’s first SWPL victory since August – defeating visitors Aberdeen one-nil.

They’ve since faced both halves of the Glasgow divide, conceding two to Celtic and three to Rangers in consecutive defeats.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at Petershill Park or ahead of time through Partick Thistle’s online ticketing platform HERE Both cash and card payments are accepted.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £6.
• Under-16s – FREE TO ENTER

Matchday Travel 

• Sunday 21th December 2025, Kick off 1PM.
• Petershill Park, 28-30 Adamswell Street, Glasgow, G21 4DD
• Free on-site parking is available.
• Selection of hot food, baking, confectionary and both hot and cold drinks available at the kiosk before and during the match.
• Follow our live matchday coverage on the Motherwell Women X (formerly Twitter) account.

We have a number of players out on loan at present. Here’s how they have been getting on. 

Ewan Wilson

Ewan Wilson has played four times since our last loan report with Raith Rovers. The young defender was subbed on against Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Cup and also played the last ten minutes against St Johnstone in the league, before coming on for the last six minutes against Ross County.

Wilson played the full 90 minutes against Hamilton in the KDM Evolution Trophy, with Rovers advancing to the next round thanks to a 5-2 win.

Dougie Imrie is the new Raith Rovers manager following Barry Robson’s departure last month.

• Appearances: 9
• Assists: 4

Scott Williamson

Scott Williamson is now up to 15 appearances for Cowdenbeath, with the 18-year-old playing five games since our last update.

Those four appearances were all starts, with Williamson playing the full 90 minutes in all matches.

Cowdenbeath won two and drew one match and lost two. Those results keep Cowdenbeath in the middle of the table on 26 points.

• Appearances: 15
• Assists: 2

Olly Whyte

Olly Whyte has also played a further five matches for Stenhousemuir, three in the league, one in the KDM Evolution Trophy and one in the Scottish Cup. Whyte has now passed the 20 appearances mark for the Warriors this season.

Stenhousemuir suffered just their second league defeat of the season against East Fife last month, before Whyte and Stenny drew with Hamilton. The midfielder started both of those matches. He came on in the second-half against Montrose where the Warriors lost 3-0.

Stenhousemuir remain in the hunt for the top spot, with just eight points separating the top five in League One.

Whyte then played the final 17 minutes in the Scottish Cup against Clachnacuddin, where Stenhousemuir won 4-1. Whyte’s featured against Annan Athletic in the KDM Evolution Trophy, where Stenny advanced to the next round thanks to a 2-0 win.

• Appearances: 21
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 1 

Nathan Lawson

There have been four more appearances for Nathan Lawson at Cowdenbeath over the last month.

The forward started in the 2-1 win over Celtic B, where Lawson got an assist. He also played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Hearts B last weekend, before starting in the 1-0 defeat to Linlithgow Rose midweek. His most recent outing came against Bonnyrigg Rose, where Cowdenbeath lost 3-2. Lawson played 81 minutes and registered an assist.

• Appearances: 14
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 2

Motherwell kicked off the month of November with a huge Premier Sports Cup semi-final match against St Mirren at Hampden. Looking to reach a domestic cup final for the first time since 2018.

Preparations couldn’t have been better, but the day at Hampden would be filled with heartbreak for anyone associated with Motherwell Football Club.

Despite this first big setback under Jens Berthel Askou, the team picked themselves up off the canvas to face Aberdeen for the third time this season.

Following the final international break of 2025, Motherwell kicked off a hectic schedule. Playing three games in the space of ten days, this run could be the difference between a good or bad season, and the Steelmen had to give it everything.