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Sophie Black has returned to ML1 after penning a season-long loan deal. 

The midfielder returns to the women of steel for the second consecutive season after earning 20-appearances in claret and amber in the previous campaign.

The Scottish youth international made the switch to Lanarkshire in search of regular first-team action after rising through the ranks at the Ibrox side, and established her place at the core of the Motherwell midfield. Black netted twice in the SWPL, once in a 6-1 victory over Dundee United, and a 6-0 win over Aberdeen and Balmoral Stadium.

Black made her Rangers debut at only 16-years-old and has continued to impress throughout the clubs youth academy.

“I’m delighted to be back at the club,” Black said.

“I felt I really developed myself as a player last season, and I wanted to continue my development, with Motherwell this season.

“I’m really excited to see the team again, and I can’t wait to get started again at K-Park..”

The combative midfielder will add an alternative dynamic to Motherwell’s central options and will provide a valuable and productive competition for places.

‘I’m delighted to have Sophie back at the club this season,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Sophie is an exciting young player, and someone who seamlessly transitioned into competitive first-team football last season.

“Wee are really pleased to have her back at Motherwell, and can’t wait to continue her development this season.”

Highly-rated young shot-stopper Emma Thomson has completed a season-long loan deal from Heart of Midlothian. 

A highly-rated youth talent, Thomson came through the ranks at local rivals Hamilton Accies, becoming the club’s number one at only 16-years of age.

Thomson’s talents soon impressed, with the goalkeeper named the youngest recipient of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Player of the Month award since the formation of the SWPL for her Player of the Match performance against Motherwell at New Douglas Park in 2024.

Her ability soon caught the eye of Edinburgh-side Spartans, and Thomson made the switch to the Scottish capital the following season, making nine-appearances for Jack Beasley’s team.

The now 17-year-old departed Spartans this summer, joining Eva Olid’s Hearts side on a permanent full-time contract until 2027.

“I’m ecstatic to be here at Motherwell,” Thomson said.

“Motherwell have been competing amongst the full-time sides in the league, and I felt that it would be the perfect environment for me to develop into an established first-team goalkeeper.

“Becky [Cameron] is a very strong goalkeeper in this league, and someone I hope to really learn from this campaign. I can’t wait to get started.”

Thomson has remained a consistent presence for the Scottish National team, receiving caps at both Under-16 and Under-17 levels.

“We’re really pleased to have Emma at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“To be a regular starter in the SWPl at only 16-years of age speaks highly to the belief that so many Head Coaches have shown in her attributes as a goalkeeper.

“Despite only being 17-years-old, Emma will add vital competition to our goalkeeping department, and we’re really pleased to have two talented goalkeepers pushing each others standards this season.”

Defender Orla Burn has completed a season-long loan deal from Heart of Midlothian. 

The Scottish youth international secures her move to North Lanarkshire after breaking through the youth ranks in the Scottish capital.

16-years-old, Burn has represented her national team at the under-16 age category, making five appearances whilst scoring once.

“I’m really pleased to add Orla to the squad,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Orla is a talented young defender, who could make an impact in our squad whilst learning from the experienced players in the team.

“I’m looking forward to supporting Orla’s development this season.”

Burn made her competitive Scottish Women’s Premier League debut against the women of steel last May.

“I’m really excited to be at the club,” Burn said.

“I’ve really wanted to start establishing myself as a regular player in a competitive first-team environment.

“Motherwell have had a strong track record in bringing through young players, and I hope to be the next to breakthrough at the club.”

Colin Osbourne has been appointed as the Head of Women’s Goalkeeping. 

A UEFA B-licensed coach, Osbourne will start his work immediately alongside Paul Brownlie’s coaching staff.

The former Millwall, Kilmarnock and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy goalkeeper started his coaching career at Cairnhill FC before a spell at Hamilton Academical. The experienced coach has since held Head of Goalkeeping roles at Airdrieonians, Spartans, and Partick Thistle Women.

“I’m delighted to accept the role at the club,” Osbourne said.

“When Paul spoke about his intentions for the club this season, I was immediately attracted to the role. The club have had a track record of working with some really talented goalkeepers, and I wanted to support their development this campaign.

“I’m looking forward to getting started.”

A UEFA B-licensed coach, Osbourne will start his work immediately alongside Paul Brownlie’s coaching staff.

“I’m really pleased to have Colin at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“He’s an experienced goalkeeping coach in the Scottish top-flight, and has developed numerous talented young Scottish goalkeepers throughout his time at Spartans and Partick Thistle.

“We’re really pleased to add him to our coaching staff. “

Former Head of Celtic Girls Academy Tina Stewart has been appointed as the assistant coach of the club. 

Stewart will start her work immediately as Paul Brownlie’s number two.

“I’m really pleased to be joining the club as the Assistant Coach,” Stewart said.

“After Colin departed the club in the summer, Paul immediately contacted me, and was really keen for me to return to football.

“I’d previously taken a step aside after my time at Celtic, and focused on other things, but when the opportunity arose, and Paul made his intentions clear; there was no doubt for me about taking on the opportunity.

“I am eager to get to work with the players to prepare them for the season ahead – and to help create a team that are competitive amongst the top-six.”

Stewart, a former Celtic player who featured in the first women ‘s Old Firm derby match in 2008, has risen through the ranks at Celtic, and lifted silverware alongside Paul Brownlie, including the British under-15s Championship in 2009.

“I’m delighted to have Tina at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“When Colin left the club in the summer, there was only one name that I wanted to be a part of my coaching staff. I have previously worked with Tina for many years at Celtic, and she has an incredible eye for detail, and is someone I can depend on to challenge and offer opinions on decisions in training and on matchday’s.

“I’m really looking forward to working together for the season ahead.”

Defender Shannon Leishman has completed a permanent move from Hibernian. 

Leishman, who featured on nine-occasions after signing on a short-term loan deal in January, will rejoin the women of steel on a permanent basis.

A stalwart in the Scottish capital, Leishman achieved over 150-appearances in Leith, becoming one of the Hibees most decorated and long-serving players. Completing successive Scottish Cup and SWPL Cup title victories, Leishman has lifted four trophies during her time in Edinburgh, whilst representing the club in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The 29-year-old versatile defender proved to be a key asset for the women of steel as they earned their long-evaded ambition of a top-six finish in the SWPL table.

“I’m excited to be back at the club,” Leishman said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club last season. I knew when Paul spoke to me about coming back to the club that I would be keen to be a part of their plans for the season ahead.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the squad again and getting started at K-Park.”

“I’m really pleased to have Shannon back in the squad,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Shannon is an incredibly talented and experienced footballer, who showcased her ability in the squad last season.

“To have someone of her ability in the squad and now on a permanent basis is really encouraging.”

Carla Boyce has returned to Motherwell for a second spell in North Lanarkshire after departing Partick Thistle in the summer. 

The women of steel continue their preparations for the forthcoming 2025/26 SWPL campaign, as striker Carla Boyce puts pen to paper following a previous three-year stint in claret and amber.

The 26-year-old forward has received a vast amount of top-flight experience, including spells at Glasgow City, Spartans, Rangers, Hibernian and Partick Thistle.

“I’m really excited to be back at the club,” Boyce said.

“The club had a really positive season last year, and I knew I wanted to be a part of reaching that next step.

“I had a really enjoyable and productive spell at the club last time, but I felt that there was still some unfinished business, and I’m back to achieve that. ”

Capped for Scotland at under-16, 17 and 19 level, Boyce will be the women of steel’s fourth new addition ahead of the forthcoming season.

“I’m delighted to have Carla back at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Carla showed in her last spell that she can be a really dangerous threat in the opposition half, and we felt last season that we needed options in the no.9 position.

“Carla brings wealths of experience and adds vital competition within the squad.”

Tegan Browning has completed a permanent move to Motherwell after departing Spartans this summer. 

The women of steel continue their preparations for the forthcoming 2025/26 SWPL campaign, as defender Tegan Browning puts pen to paper following a two-year stint in the Scottish capital with Spartans.

The highly-rated young Scottish centre-back also spent a season stateside, crossing the pond to San Antonio, Texas where she received a scholarship to play college football.

Despite her youthful age of 21, Browning has already received a vast amount of top-flight experience, featuring on 49-occasions in the Scottish capital.

“I’m really excited to be at the club,” Browning said.

“I’ve previously played under Paul at international level for the Scotland under-16 squad, so I knew how much he could progress me as a player.

“The squad have been pushing their standards and boundaries each season, and I wanted to be on that journey to retaining the club as a consistent top-six club. ”

Capped for Scotland at under-19 level, Browning will be the women of steel’s third new addition ahead of the forthcoming season.

“I’m delighted to welcome Tegan to the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Tegan is a talented young defender, who brings a lot of experience to the club whilst having the necessary time to continue her development as an established top-flight player.

“We are excited to continue Tegan’s development this season.”

Kodie Hay has returned to the club after departing fellow SWPL side Partick Thistle during the summer break.

The technically strong and pacey forward returns to North Lanarkshire for her second spell in claret and amber after featuring in claret and amber for three successive seasons.

“It’s a great feeling to be back at the club,” Hay said.

“I loved my first spell at Motherwell, and I really want to build on that this season. Paul and his staff have created a really competitive squad that have been pushing the boundaries every season.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the full squad again, and get back onto the pitch.”

Hay featured on 72-occasions for the Jags during a successful period for the club.

“I’m delighted to welcome Kodie back to the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Kodie is a very versatile player that can play in a variety of positions through both the midfield and the forward line, and can add that creativity to the squad.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Kodie back at K-Park this season. “

Amy Bulloch has completed a permanent move to Motherwell from fellow SWPL side Partick Thistle. 

The women of steel have secured their first addition of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, as Partick Thistle’s Player of the Year Amy Bulloch returns to Motherwell after previously featuring for the club in 2019.

Bulloch became an integral mainstay in former Jags manager Brian Graham’s side, with the 32-year-old making over 100-appearances in red and yellow, including two successive top-six finishes whilst featuring in the 2023/24 Sky Sports League Cup Final against Rangers.

“I’m delighted to be at the club,” Bulloch said.

“I was really attracted to the club, as they performed to a really high standard last season, achieving a top-six finish and a place at Hampden and I want to be a part of that again this season.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the full squad, and I am ready for the season ahead.”

Bulloch’s performances were reward, as the midfielder picked up the 2024/25 Partick Thistle Women’s Player of the Year.

“I’m really pleased to bring Amy to the club,” Head Coach Paul brownlie added.

“Earning the Partick Thistle Women’s Player of the Year is an exceptional achievement, as there is a lot of quality in that squad, so for Amy to receive that accolade last season is a real reflection of the quality that I feel we could benefit from in midfield.

“We are delighted to have Amy back as a Motherwell Player.”