One final curtain call. The last dance before bringing the curtain down on a remarkable tenure in the women’ game. Captain Gill Inglis will adorn the claret and amber shirt for the final time this weekend after announcing her retirement following a decorated career with the women of steel.
After almost two decades in the Scottish top-flight, seven consecutive campaigns captaining Motherwell, the highest league position in the history of the club, and two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances – the skipper will depart ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical progression of women’s football at the club.
A tough decision for the 35-year-old that took a lot of consideration, but ultimately felt fitting to coincide with the 140th anniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.
“It’s probably a strange mix of emotions all hitting at once,” Inglis said.
“On one hand, I’m looking forward finishing because I’ve always known this would be my final season, but at the same time, it’s quite surreal to think that something I’ve done every day for decades is suddenly about to end forever.
“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision as my love for the game is as strong as ever.
“I think when you’ve been involved in the game as long as I have, there comes a point where you just know in yourself that the time is right. Football has given me so much and I’ve loved every minute, but physically and mentally, I feel this is the right moment to step away.
“I’ve always said, I wanted to leave the game on my own terms, rather than letting the game make the decisions for me and I’m delighted I’ve been able to do that.
“Now it’s about spending more time with family, looking forward to the next chapter and leaving with gratitude for everyone who’s supported me on this journey.”
Gill Inglis had led the women of steel to several historical moments in the club’s history. A long-awaited top-six finish in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League cemented the highest recorded league position in the history of the club.
Leading the team onto the Hampden Park turf for the first domestic women’s match at the National Stadium before securing yet another appearance in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final last season.
“Being involved in some of the club’s biggest moments is something I’ll always cherish forever,” Inglis added.
“They’ve given me memories that will stay with me for life. What makes it even more special is being able to do it with an incredible group of teammates and staff.
“I feel grateful to have been part of these moments and for my former Head Coach Paul Brownlie to put his trust in me to captain the team at these times has made it even more special.”
“It’s difficult to pick just one memory, but probably my proudest moment was leading the team out at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup Semi Final. It was the first time the women’s Semi-Final had been played at the National Stadium, and to have so many friends and family in the stand watching was really special.
“My 92-year old Gran even made it along to watch me. It’s somewhere I didn’t ever think I’d get the chance to play at, but I’m incredibly grateful and proud that I did.”
As one chapter closes, another exciting one opens, with Inglis trading football for Motherhood, as she welcomes the birth of her son, Louie. After already inspiring countless young footballers throughout her career, Inglis is excited to add another important addition to that list.
“I think becoming a Mum to Louie has definitely helped put things into perspective and probably made the decision easier in some ways,” Inglis explained.
“Football has always been such a huge part of my life for so long, but having a family has changed my priorities. I feel ready for the next chapter in my life, and I’m excited to spend more time as a family and be present for things that football has made difficult in the past.
“I’m really looking forward to it! If Louie ends up liking football, I’ll be so proud to watch him enjoy himself and grow in confidence. It will definitely feel strange swapping the pitch for the sidelines after so many years but I’m looking forward to it.
Being part of the transformational development of women’s football in Scotland, Inglis has witnessed a seismic change in the professionalism of the game.
“I’m incredibly proud [of being part of that development],” Inglis noted.
“When I first started playing, the women’s game in Scotland was in a very different place to where it is now. The opportunities, visibility and support around the game has grown massively and it’s been amazing to witness that progression first-hand.
“The league is more competitive and the professionalism of the game has grown. Young girls coming through now have opportunities that I could only have dreamed of when I was younger.”
With Gill set to take to the pitch for the final time this weekend, as Motherwell welcome Aberdeen to the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park, the skipper will leave this message for the players, staff and supporters, who have played a part in her incredible career.
“I’d like to thank my family,” Inglis said.
“They’ve been there through everything. My Dad took me to training when I was younger and coached my team. He played a huge part in me being so passionate about the game.
“Looking back now, I realise just how much time, effort and sacrifice that takes. Without their support and belief in me, I wouldn’t have gone on to play the game for so long.
“I’d also like to thank every teammate, coach and member of staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. They’ve had a huge impact on me and helped shape me as a player and a person. I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible people.”
“Thank you for everything, Football.”
