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Paul Brownlie has finalised his backroom staff for the SWPL1 season.

The head coach has brought in Leanne Crichton as his number two, Forfar midfielder Craig Slater as first team coach and Conor O’Boyle as a goalkeeping coach.

“I am delighted to finalise my staff group with Leanne, Craig and Conor,” Brownlie said. “I believe I have real quality coaches and people.

“One thing that’s been clear from day one is we are pulling in the same direction. We all have similar thoughts on the game and the direction we want to take Motherwell this season and beyond.”

Leanne Crichton

Coming in as a player/assistant manager, Leanne Crichton is one of the most recognised names within Scottish women’s football.

Having amassed more than 70 caps for her country, multiple league titles with Glasgow City and played in the Champions League, Crichton brings a wealth of experience to the Motherwell dressing room.

“Leanne was someone I was desperate to get in as assistant manager,” Brownlie added. “She is a vastly experienced player both domestically and internationally, and she knows the standards required.

“Leanne has been a serial winner throughout her career. She understands the demands of the modern game, and how professional athletes should act both on and off the pitch.”

Craig Slater

Former Partick Thistle, Colchester and Kilmarnock player Craig Slater comes in as a first team coach.

“Craig is someone I’ve known for several years and brings vast experience having played at all levels of the game, here in Scotland, England, and international level with the under 21s national team squad,” Brownlie said.

“He’s a fabulous addition to our coaching staff and I believe the players will benefit from his knowledge and guidance.”

Featuring for Scotland under 21s and still playing for League One outfit Forfar Athletic still today, Slater has played over 150 games domestically.

The midfielder came through the ranks at Kilmarnock before earning a move down south to Colchester United. He then had a brief loan spell with Dundee United, before permanently coming back to Scotland with Partick Thistle.

In 2020 he joined Queen’s Park and then moved onto his current club Forfar in May of this year.

Conor O’Boyle

Coming in as the new goalkeeping coach, former Queen’s Park keeper Conor O’Boyle will be looking after the goalkeepers this season to complete the backroom staff.

Coming through the youth setup at Hibernian, O’Boyle has turned out for Stenhousemuir, Queen’s Park and St Roch’s, before hanging up his gloves in 2017.

“I’ve worked closely with Conor before and I know how knowledgeable he is on the pitch, and the level of experience he’ll bring to our staff group,” Brownlie said.

“It is clear to see the rapport he’s building with the goalkeepers during our pre-season preparation, he is a fantastic addition to a strong staff group.”

Motherwell have completed their fifth signing this summer, securing Olivia Potter from Celtic on a season-long loan deal.

The 16-year-old midfielder will join up with Paul Brownlie and his squad for the 2021/22 SWPL1 season.

“With Olivia, we are adding a dynamic midfield player,” the head coach said.

“She will bring quality to the squad even though she is still young for the game.”

Jordan McLintock and Georgie Rafferty are staying at Motherwell.

The pair have committed to remain at the club for the forthcoming SWPL1 campaign.

Jordan McLintock

Staying on for her second season in claret and amber, striker McLintock has decided to stay with Motherwell despite interest from other clubs.

The creative player put together a string of starts towards the end of last season and will be looking to continue how she left off.

“I’m delighted to have extended my stay at Motherwell for this season,” Jordan said.

“Having spoken to Paul Brownlie, I’m really looking forward to working with him. It’s an exciting time to be at the club and I’m glad to be part of it.”

Georgie Rafferty

Having missed the last 21 months due to a serious knee injury, 23-year-old defender Georgie Rafferty has almost completed her long road to recovery and is aiming for a return this season.

The former Glasgow City defender brings a wealth of experience and assurance into the defence.

“I’m delighted to be staying at Motherwell, especially with Paul and his backroom staff coming in,” Georgie said.

“I’ve worked under him previously and I can’t speak highly enough of him and his qualities as a manager.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for myself mentally and physically with a long-term injury. But I’m looking forward to getting back involved with the squad and getting back on the pitch.”

Motherwell have secured the signatures of Rangers pair Laura McCartney and Eilidh Martin on season-long loan deals.

The pair, a midfielder and defender respectively, will don the claret and amber for the upcoming SWPL1 campaign.

Laura McCartney

Goalscoring midfielder McCartney has featured and trained with the Rangers first team.

She will be looking for regular first-team action this season and a chance to impress.

“Laura is a great addition to the squad,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“She comes with real quality and will be with us for the season, which will help aid her development.

“She is a hugely exciting addition to the squad.”

Eilidh Martin

Also joining on a season-long loan from the Gers is young defender Martin.

The 17-year-old can play at the heart of the defence or at full-back and promises to be a huge prospect this season.

“A versatile defender, with real quality, Eilidh will again strengthen our defensive unit,” Brownlie added.

“Despite her age, she has played at a high level and is a very clever player on the pitch.”

We’ll face Rangers, Aberdeen, Boroughmuir Thistle and Queen’s Park in the group stage of the 2021/22 SWPL Cup.

Paul Brownlie’s first competitive matches in charge will start with a home tie with Rangers on 15 August in Group A.

’Well will then travel north to face newly-promoted Aberdeen on 22 August.

On 25 August, a home tie against SWPL2 side Boroughmuir Thistle will come before rounding off the group stages with a trip to face Queen’s Park on 29 August.

The two top teams in the group will qualify for the next round of the competition.

Confirmed dates, venues and kick-off times will be made available shortly.

Abby Skelton, Rachel Connor and Claire Adams have renewed terms for the upcoming SWPL1 season.

The trio, who play on the wing, at full-back and in midfield respectively, will be with Paul Brownlie’s side for the kick-off of the campaign in August.

“Our rebuilding process is well under way for this coming season,” Brownlie said.

“We want Motherwell in the best position come August.

“To get the commitment from the current squad shows just how much each of them have bought into the positive changes happening here at the club.

“I’m extremely happy Abby, Rachel and Claire have committed themselves to Motherwell for another season.”

Abby Skelton

Returning for her second season in claret and amber, Abby Skelton has renewed terms for another campaign.

The pacy winger will look to cement her place in the starting side this season.

“I’m really looking forward to the new season at Motherwell and working under experienced coaches,” she said.

“When I heard Paul being announced as head coach, I knew the standard of coaching would be high this season and it’s a real positive step for Motherwell going forward.”

Rachel Connor

Twenty-year-old Rachel Connor has also signed on for another season.

A reliable full-back in 2020/21, Connor will be looking to improve her game once again in the new campaign.

“I’m delighted to be renewing my stay at Motherwell,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to pushing on and developing as a team with Paul coming in.”

Claire Adams

One of the longest-serving players in the squad, midfielder Adams remains at the club for her third season at Motherwell.

“I’m delighted to have re-signed for Motherwell again this season,” she said.

“I know Paul really well. I am looking forward to working with him again, and excited for the challenges ahead.”

Gill Inglis has agreed a new deal with Motherwell.

The versatile midfielder has extended her stay at the club for a third campaign.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Gill,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“From the minute I walked in the door her attitude has been excellent.

“Gill has real leadership qualities both on and off the pitch.”

Often having to cover in multiple positions, Inglis has impressed since she joined the club in 2019.

She demonstrated her experience and leadership in leading the team to a sixth-place position last season as captain of the team.

“I’m delighted to be extending my stay at Motherwell,” said Inglis.

“With Paul coming in, it’s clear he’s keen to drive a positive change in the club and I’m keen to play my part in that.”

Leanne Crichton has signed up for Motherwell for the forthcoming 2021/22 SWPL1 campaign.

The Scotland midfielder has been recruited as both a player and as assistant to new boss Paul Brownlie.

“I’m delighted to have signed with Motherwell,” said Crichton.

“I have worked with Paul previously and this was an opportunity that I couldn’t refuse.

“I believe this is the beginning of something really exciting and hope together we can bring success to this football club.”

Crichton amassed 72 international caps in her career in dark blue, as well as playing at club level for Celtic, Hibernian, Notts County and most notably Glasgow City.

It was with the perennial champions she lifted multiple league titles and featured in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“I’m thrilled to have Leanne here at Motherwell,” head coach Paul Brownlie said of his signing.

“It’s a massive statement to bring someone with the level of experience Leanne has.

“She is an incredible professional both on and off the pitch, with a real winning mentality.

“Leanne will also join the coaching staff as the assistant manager. I know the standards Leanne sets and that’s why I worked so hard to bring her here to Motherwell.”

Motherwell ended the SWPL1 season with a 8-0 home defeat to Celtic.

The women of steel were well beaten by a determined Celtic side who were looking to claim the league title.

The visitors knew going into this match that goal difference could determine if they would wrestle the title from Glasgow City and fielded a very attacking side.

Celtic broke the deadlock after five minutes. Kay Nicholson picked up the ball 30 yards out and decided to have a shot, which flew into the top corner.

Three minutes later, Celtic doubled their advantage. A free-kick was sent into the box, Pollard came out from her net but Sarah Ewens got there before her to finish.

On 20 minutes, Motherwell had the ball in the Celtic half and were caught on the counter-attack. Bowie burst down the wing and played the ball into Anna Filbey, who finished past the keeper.

Celtic scored again on 29 minutes, Bowie again caused trouble down the wing and played it across for Chloe Craig, who made no mistake.

Motherwell conceded again just before half-time, Pollard came out of her goal and couldn’t grasp the ball and her namesake London Pollard pounced to make it five with her knee.

Celtic came out firing for the second half and quickly got their next goal. Fibley made it a double, rounding the keeper to slot home with sixth.

Celtic captain Clark made it seven when she powered home a header from a corner, and Lisa Robertson had the final word, netting after Celtic hit the post and Pollard made a great save.

The result means Celtic finish second and qualify for the Champions League, with Glasgow City’s win over Rangers ensuring the title could not be won by Fran Alonso’s side.

Motherwell finish sixth in the league ahead of Forfar Farmington and Hearts after a strong run in.

The ‘Well will be playing in the top flight again next season and will begin a new era under incoming boss Paul Brownlie.

Motherwell end the 2020/21 SWPL1 season with a home tie against Celtic on Sunday.

Kick-off at the Penny Cars Stadium is at 4.10pm.

Fans will not be able to attend. The game will be broadcast live on BBC Sport Scotland.

Title on the line

Motherwell could have a direct influence on the destination of the SWPL1 title.

Celtic sit three points behind perennial leaders Glasgow City going into the final match.

Victory for Fran Alonso’s side, paired with defeat for City to Champions League-chasing Rangers and a three-goal swing, could see Celtic end City’s 13-year run as champions.

For Motherwell, finishing sixth is at stake, with Forfar Farmington sitting one point behind as they travel to Hibernian.

Tale of the tape

Motherwell’s first match in the top flight was a 0-0 draw at Celtic in March 2019.

Since then, Sunday’s visitors have had the upper hand, winning the last four.

Form guide

Celtic have won nine of their last 10 matches to put themselves in title contention.

A 0-0 draw with league leaders Glasgow City was the only time points were dropped, in a run which saw them score 35 and concede just two.

Motherwell’s 1-0 win at Hearts was the only win in the last five, with four defeats coming against Hibernian, Glasgow City, Rangers and Spartans.