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The women of steel kicked off their pre-season preparations with a positive display against an experienced Livingston side, as both continued to build their fitness levels ahead of their respective SWPL and SWPL2 league seasons.

The joint training session enabled both clubs to feature the entirety of their squads, with rolling substitutions across both halves. Summer additions Mason Blyth-Clark, Sienna McGoldrick, Rachel Todd and Jenna Penman all featured in a mixed squad of experience and youth, with academy graduates Kyla Thomson and Hannah Cairns also featuring.

Blyth-Clark netted a hat-trick, with Todd securing a brace and contributions from McGoldrick, Jo Addie, Morgan Cross, Trialist and academy prodigy Thomson.

Motherwell broke the deadlock within the opening phases of play, as Blyth-Clark skilfully escaped her marker to convert from close-range before replicating the opener with a quickfire second moments later.

Todd added her name to the scoresheet moments later after calmly working her way through numerous Livingston jerseys before coolly dispatching an accurate finish into the top-right corner.

Morgan Cross evaded the Livingston backline midway through the first-half before racing through on goal and placing a precise effort through the legs of the goalkeeper. Blyth-Clark secured her first-half hat-trick as the half-time whistle neared, with the women of steel heading into the break with a comfortable advantage. 5-0.

Motherwell picked up from where they left off as the second-half resumed, with Todd netting her second from close-range. Jo Addie prodded home Katie Rice’s floated corner kick for Motherwell’s seventh of the evening. Trialist added to the scoreline moments later with an exceptional effort from the edge of the penalty area that nestled comfortably into the top-left corner.

McGoldrick calmly slotted home a ninth from within 10-yards before academy prospect Thomson drilled home an excellent composed finish after skilfully working her way into the box following an audacious solo-run from the halfway-line.

Sienna McGoldrick is our fourth signing of the summer.

The Scottish youth international midfielder came through the ranks at SWPL champions Celtic, breaking into first-team contention at only 15-years-old. The youngster joins the women of steel in search of regular first-team action – following in the footsteps of fellow international teammates Laura Berry and Kayla Jardine.

A combative and technically skilful player capable of operating across a variety of positions, McGoldrick broke the deadlock in the U18s SWF Scottish Cup final against Hearts; catching the eye of Head Coach Paul Brownlie.

“I’m really happy to have joined Motherwell for next season,” McGoldrick emphasised.

“Over the past few seasons, other young players have came here, gained the experience of first-team football and have really developed their game.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

McGoldrick has represented Scotland across a variety of age categories, making 5-appearances throughout her time within the international ranks; including an international call-up to the MIMA Cup in Murcia, Spain.

“This is a very positive signing,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“We identified Sienna as a very exciting young talent who could provide vital competition for places.

“I am looking forward to watching Sienna’s progression this season.”

Morgan Cross has extended her stay at the club after agreeing a contract extension.

Striker Morgan Cross will remain with the women of steel for a second consecutive season after initially agreeing to sign for the club following her departure from Coventry United last summer.

“We are delighted to have Morgan confirmed for next season,” Head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“We worked hard to get Morgan in last season and despite an early injury setback, Morgan returned and became one of our highest goal scorers.

“It was valuable to get this completed prior to the start of pre-season, as Morgan was a late summer arrival and struggled initially with a recurring injury. Having a full pre-season this time around will be an important step for Morgan to continue her exceptional run of form from last season.”

Cross became a vital component in the clinical goalscoring partnership with Rangers-loanee Laura Berry, with Cross netting six times across the 2023/24 SWPL campaign. The forward played a pivotal role in sustaining the women of steel’s exceptional 11-game unbeaten run.

“I’m really excited to stay at the club,” Cross said.

“Since returning from injury, I feel I’ve really hit the standards that I set for myself and have settled into the club.

“I am looking forward to the season ahead and am ready to continue the positive run of form that we built heading into the summer break.”

Rachel Todd is our third signing of the summer.

The former Dundee United and St. Johnstone captain will trade the city of Discovery for North Lanarkshire after three seasons at Foundation Park.

Capable of operating between the back four and forward line, Todd primarily played on the left flank whilst featuring throughout the entirety of the Tangerines 2023/24 SWPL campaign. Todd netted eight times across the previous campaign and captained the side to a closely-fought SWPL playoff victory over Kilmarnock to retain United’s Premier League status ahead of the forthcoming season.

“I’m delighted to have joined the club,” Todd noted.

“Paul and Leanne really expressed their interest in bringing me to the club early over the summer and their vision for the future really attracted me to Motherwell.

“I am excited to get started and can’t wait for the season ahead.”

Despite a tough SWPL campaign with United, Todd guided her side to Premier League survival after defeating promotion-hopeful’s Kilmarnock through a one-legged playoff-final at the Falkirk Stadium.

“I am delighted to bring Rachel to the club,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“We identified Rachel as a key target during the previous season and have been working to get this over the line for many months.

“Earning the captaincy at both Dundee United and St. Johnstone emphasises how important Rachel has been to both her previous clubs. A natural leader, Rachel will really develop our squad for the season ahead.”

Mason Blyth-Clark is our second signing of the summer.

The forward joins the women of steel ahead of the forthcoming 2024/25 SWPL campaign on a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The Scottish youth international makes the switch across the River Clyde after featuring for local rivals Hamilton over two consecutive loan spells. Blyth-Clark’s performances were rewarded after picking up the Accies players player of the season award.

“I’m delighted to have joined Motherwell,” Blyth-Clark said.

“I’m excited by the vision Paul and Leanne have for the club and I feel I can really develop myself as a player here.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

The pacey 17-year-old joins the women of steel having gained a wealth of professional experience, having featured 22-times for the Accies and twice for parent club Rangers.

‘This is another great addition to the squad,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Mason adds a new dynamic to the squad in the final third and is a technically exciting young player who can really drive us forward this season.

“Despite her age, Mason already has a wealth of experience at this level and we believe Motherwell is the perfect next step in her footballing journey.”

Murron Cunningham has extended her stay at the club after agreeing a contract extension.

Experienced defender Murron Cunningham will remain with the women of steel for a fourth consecutive season after signing on a permanent basis from Hearts in 2021.

“We are delighted to have Murron back for next season,” Head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Murron came back from a major injury and really hit the ground running. She is a model professional to have within the squad and has demonstrated real leadership qualities.

“Getting Murron back into regular competitive action was a significant milestone. The season ahead is the next opportunity for Murron to build up those minutes on the pitch.”

Cunningham cemented her place at the core of the Motherwell backline, featuring on 25-occasions, with the defender playing a pivotal role in sustaining the women of steel’s exceptional 11-game unbeaten run.

“I am delighted to be staying at the club for the forthcoming season,” Cunningham said.

“Extending my contract for the season ahead is exciting for myself personally. I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and I can’t wait to get the games underway to see what we can achieve as a squad this year.”

Former captain and long-serving centre-back Georgie Rafferty will depart the women of steel after five years in claret and amber.

The former SWPL, SWPL Cup and SWF Scottish Cup champion, joined a newly-promoted Motherwell side in the summer of 2019 following a productive spell in Glasgow with Celtic, as the Lanarkshire side prepared for their first season of top-flight football.

Five seasons in claret and amber followed, with the defender facing the highs of the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and the lows of a serious injury which ruled the 27-year-old out of action for over two years.

“It’s been a really difficult decision to leave the club this summer,” Rafferty noted.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent the club for a few years now and it’s been extremely special, particularly getting to wear that armband on several occasions throughout the years.

“I’ve came to a bit of a crossroads between my personal and football career. I’m now a qualified paramedic, and it feels the right time to move on from the club and onto the next chapter in my footballing and personal career.”

Since making the switch to North Lanarkshire in the summer of 2019, Rafferty played a pivotal role in etching the women of steel into the history books; guiding the club to two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances. The latter proving to be an historic occasion for the side, becoming the first Scottish women’s team to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at the national stadium, Hampden Park.

“I think I’ve really matured as a person and as a player throughout my time at the club,” Rafferty explained.

“The club has been a big part of my career and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Motherwell on many occasions. Without a doubt, the most special moment was playing at Hampden in the Scottish cup semi-final. I think most of the girls involved in that day would say the same, not everyone can say they’ve played at the national stadium so it definitely was a special moment walking out onto that pitch.

“I think the clubs came on massively since I joined. Paul and Leanne work tirelessly to make the club a more professional environment on and off the field.”

The experienced defender had to face a tough injury setback throughout her time in claret and amber, with a major knee concern ruling Rafferty out of action in her debut season at the club.

“I’ve had a really difficult time with injuries, Rafferty detailed.

“Unfortunately in my first season at the club, I had a bad knee injury which had left me out for just over two years. I had a couple of operations and unfortunately at the time support had to be very limited as a result of covid. The club was going through a new management change at the time, so mentally it was really difficult for me as I wasn’t sure what the future held.

“I was told due to the severity of injury that I may not play again, so I’m very grateful for the club and staff to have given me the opportunity to get back onto the pitch and kicking a ball again.”

Despite the tough injury setback, Rafferty thanked the club staff for supporting her return to action and will continue to support the club whilst starting the next chapter of her footballing journey.

“I need to give massive praise to the club physio at the time, Aileen,” Rafferty said.

“I can’t thank her enough for all her support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without her encouragement and assistance.

“I’d just like to say thanks to Paul and all the club staff for their support throughout the years at the club. I’ll still be supporting and cheering the girls on and I wish everyone involved at the club all the best going forward!”

The club would like to thank Georgie for her efforts and dedication throughout her time at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

The fixtures for the new ScottishPower Women’s Premier League have been revealed and we will kick off the new season in the Scottish capital at Ainslie Park against Spartans.

Our first home game will be to Montrose on matchday 2, with Aberdeen the visitors on our penultimate match at K-Park.

We will travel to face SWPL2 champions Queens Park on Sunday 22 September before returning to play the reverse fixture on Sunday 24 November.

Our first midweek test will be on the road to face Celtic midweek on the 21 August before facing Rangers in our second midweek encounter on Wednesday 11 December.

We will conclude the regular season in Glasgow, meeting Glasgow City at Petershill Park ahead of the post-split fixtures.

All fixtures are subject to change.

We are looking to add coaches within our girls academy. 

The ideal candidates would have prior coaching experience and are working at UEFA C license level

All roles within the girl’s academy are voluntary positions.

If you are interested and require further details, please contact Head Coach Paul Brownlie or academy coordinator Calum Ross:

Paul.Brownlie@motherwellfc.co.uk

calum.ross@motherwellfc.co.uk

Jenna Penman is our first signing of the summer.

The Scottish youth international defender came through the ranks at Dundee United, impressing in the City of Discovery before joining SWPL2 promotion-chasers Aberdeen.

Capable of operating at the right or centre of defence, Penman then guided the Dons to the 2020/21 SWPL2 league title, before making the switch to Hibernian the following year.

The defender soon traded Leith for Gorgie in the summer of 2022, joining Head coach Eva Olid at local rivals Hearts. The 21-year-old made 34-appearances across two seasons in the Scottish capital, including a Hampden Park appearance in the Scottish Cup final.

“I am delighted to be joining Motherwell,” Jenna Penman said.

“When I spoke to Paul and Leanne, it was evident that the ambition and ethos of the club was exactly in line with my ambitions.

“Motherwell is a great place for me to develop and I am very excited to get started.”

Penman has represented Scotland across a variety of age categories, making 9-appearances throughout her time within the international ranks.

“Jenna will bring real quality to our backline,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“She is someone I’ve known for several years and has caught my eye with some impressive performances against us last season.

“Jenna is a very versatile defender, has real quality in possession but also loves to defend. She’s exactly the player I wanted to add to the squad.”