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Bailley Collins has departed the club to join Rangers on a permanent basis.

Joining the women of steel from Aberdeen in July 2023, Collins made 32 appearances during her maiden campaign in the SPWPL and was nominated for the club’s Women’s Player of the Year award after impressing in claret and amber.

“Goodbyes are always tough,” Collins said.

“Luckily, thank you’s are not. I’d like to thank everyone (past and present) who has been part of my Motherwell journey. To the players… I leave saying goodbye to not just my teammates, but my friends.

“To the coaching staff… thank you for trusting in me and helping me grow as a player and especially as a person.

“To the fans… thank you for the unwavering support and turning up week in, week out to cheer on the team. It truly is appreciated.

“To those behind the scenes… the unsung heroes, I thank you.

“At Motherwell I have created many special memories with many special people. I will miss every single one of you.

“Best of luck for the season ahead. See you all soon.”

Collins became an integral part of the Motherwell forward line, supporting the club to the Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park, and an historic top-six finish in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League.

“It’s always tough to lose a player with Bailley’s quality,” Head Coach, Iain Robinson added.

“However, we understand that he opportunity of full-time football is something that simply cannot be turned down. Bailley has worked exceptionally hard during her time at Motherwell, and she deserves to open that next chapter in her career.

“Thank you Bailley.”

As the first-team squad continue their pre-season preparations in Denmark, our Under 19s and Women’s Teams have also returned from their summer break ahead of the 26/27 season.

First-Team

Supporters will have their first chance to watch the Alfred Johansson era live on Sunday 5 July, as the Steelmen take on Danish champions AGF Aarhus. The kick-off is at 1pm UK time (2pm local time).

A guide on how to watch the match will be communicated shortly.

The squad return to Scotland on Monday 6 July, as they step up training ahead of Johansson’s first Fir Park match on Friday 17 July against Genk. Kick off is 7pm against the Belgian side, and you are able to buy tickets now by CLICKING HERE.

European football returns to ML1 for the first time since 2022 on Thursday 23 July, when Havnar Bóltfelag visits Fir Park in the UEFA Conference League. The second leg takes place seven days later in the Faroe Islands.

Tickets for both legs are on sale and can be purchased now. Purchase tickets for the home leg by CLICKING HERE.

Buy tickets for the second leg by CLICKING HERE.

Under 19s

Our Under-19s squad are also getting back up to speed following the summer break. The young team have a number of friendlies lined up for the month.

A match against Bellshill Athletic that was previously advertised has been cancelled. Their first friendly match will be against Millwall on Tuesday 7 July, before facing Queen of the South on Friday 10 July.

The squad continue their schedule with a match against Cork City on Wednesday 15 July and then travel to nearby Thorniewood United on Saturday 18 July. Kick off is at 1pm.

On Thursday 23 July they take on English side Walsall before they kick off their CAS Elite Under 19 League campaign against Hearts on Saturday 28 July at the Oriam. Kick-off time is TBC for the opening league match.

Women’s

Iain Robinson’s squad returned to training last week ahead of their SWPL campaign but have a comprehensive pre-season schedule to get match fitness ahead of the league action kicking off in August.

Their first pre-season friendly comes against St Johnstone on Sunday 5 July, before taking on Livingston seven days later. They then host Robinson’s former side Queen’s Park on Wednesday 15 July, before taking on Halifax Town on Sunday 19 July.

Despite being behind closed doors, supporters can follow the matchday coverage on the Motherwell FC Women’s social media channels. Live match updates will be available via the Motherwell FC Women’s X (formerly Twitter) account, with post-match reaction to follow.

Notable Dates

The draw for the third qualifying round in the UEFA Conference League takes place on Monday 20 July ahead of our tie against Havnar Bóltfelag. We are unseeded in the draw.

You will be able to watch the draw take place on the UEFA Conference League website.

Motherwell will face Hibernian on the opening day of the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League season following the publication of the fixture list this morning.

Iain Robinson’s side will open their campaign against the Edinburgh-side before crossing the city divide to face defending champions Heart of Midlothian in our first home fixture.

• Round 1 – Hibernian (A) 16/08/2026
• Round 2 – Heart of Midlothian (H) 23/08/2026
• Round 3 – Montrose (A) 30/08/2026
• Round 4 – Rangers (H) 06/09/2026
• Round 5 – Celtic (A) 20/09/2026
• Round 6 – Spartans (H) 27/09/2026
• Round 7 – Aberdeen (H) 04/10/2026
• Round 8 – Glasgow City (A) 18/10/2026
• Round 9 – Partick Thistle (H) 21/10/2026
• Round 10 – Rangers (A) 25/10/ 2026
• Round 11 – Celtic (H) 08/11/2026
• Round 12 – Aberdeen (A) 15/11/2026
• Round 13 – Glasgow City (H) 13/12/2026
• Round 14 – Partick Thistle (A) 20/12/2026
• Round 15 – Hibernian (H) 17/01/2027
• Round 16 – Spartans (A) 24/01/2027
• Round 17 – Heart of Midlothian (A) 07/02/2027
• Round 18 – Montrose (H) 21/02/2027

Ticketing details will be confirmed in due course.

The still calmness of the summer break will subside this week, as the women of steel return from their travels across the globe to begin their pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Motherwell will face four behind closed door pre-season friendlies before opening their Sky Sports League Cup Round One Group Stage next month. Iain Robinson’s side will face St. Johnstone, Livingston, and Queens Park before facing English outfit Halifax Women.

Schedule

• 5^th July 2026 – St. Johnstone (A)
• 12^th July 2026 – Livingston (A)
• 15^th July 2026 – Queens Park (H)
• 19^th July 2026 – Halifax Women (H)

All kick-off times are to be confirmed and potentially subject to change. All match information will be communicated in due course.

Despite being behind closed doors, supporters can follow the matchday coverage on the Motherwell FC social media channels. Live match updates will be available via the Motherwell FC X (formerly Twitter) account, with post-match reaction to follow.

The final captivating pages turned, the unfolded drama to remember, and memories to be celebrated in an enthralling finale to the 2025/26 campaign.

Whether suntanning on the Spanish coast, sandboarding on the Moroccan desert or taking in the sights of the Empire State building – our squad have been well rested, as the return to the training pitch emerges closer every day.

From the beaches of Santa Ponsa, we caught up with defender Shannon Leishman, who reflected on her summer break, and the opportunity to recharge ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

“It was great to have that week or two, where I could fully switch my mind off of football, at least as much as I could anyway, with the World Cup on every TV-screen,” Leishman joked.

“I’m just back from holiday with my family in Santa Ponsa. I think it’s important once you finish the season, you can use that opportunity to rest and recharge before getting back into the routine of training and playing week to week.

“Pre-season preparations are probably the few weeks every footballer dreads, but I’m obviously looking forward to meeting back up with the squad and the staff again, before getting back into some running and gym sessions.

After significant changes in the team throughout last year, there was a sense that rebuilding was needed. Rival relegations, post-split dominance, and heart-breaking farewell’s soon followed, as the 2025/26 Scottish Power Women’s Premier League campaign left much to remember for the women of steel.

As the imminent sound of pre-season echoes firmly in the not-so-distant future, defender Shannon Leishman reflected on the final chapter of a campaign to remember.

“It was a difficult season overall, but we ended the season on a real high,” Leishman professed.

“At times it was difficult, we ended up in the bottom-four which became a bit stop and start. We’d play a game one week, then we’d be off for two-weeks.

“Although we had a lot of players leave in January, and a transition period with a new manager where we had to rebuild, I felt as we reached the end of the season; we ended on a real high.

“We didn’t lose in six-games, we finished top of the bottom-four, and we can really understand and are buying into how Iain wants us to play. It was a difficult start, but we ended it strong. And I think you could see a lot of the girls were playing for each other; we were wanting to go out and win games… and just playing the game how we want to play the game.

“It’s a real positive going forward which we can hopefully continue to build momentum heading onto next season.”

Despite a difficult initial transition period, with an expected change to the playing squad, the women of steel successfully adapted to a new coaching staff, their style of play, and what they envisioned for the club.

Leishman has committed to Motherwell for the forthcoming season, and the former Hibernian captain detailed that the connection to playing consistently and gaining confidence is a personal drive for her to remain in ML1, as well as the strong connection she feels from coaching staff as a major reason she wished to return for the forthcoming season.

“Playing consistently allows you to gain and develop more confidence within yourself,” Leishman emphasised.

“When there’s trust built from managers to players, there is that element of respect. Iain allows you to play the way you want to play, and express ourselves.

“I feel right now, playing game time is what I need as a player, and towards the end of the season, I was playing every week, and I feel that is what I need right now within my career.”

As the squad begin preparations this week ahead of their pre-season campaign, Leishman reiterated the demand for returning to the top-six of the Premier League.

“We’re hoping to progress, and do better than we did last season,” Leishman noted.

“We want to achieve top-six. Anyone playing within the league, that’s what their expectations would be to be playing against the top-sides in the league. That should be any clubs ambition, and as players, you should be wanting to challenge yourself to be playing against these teams week in week out.

“We need to continue the run we were on, and I think with a good pre-season and league cup behind us, that’ll allow us to build a steady pace for the season coming. For us as a team, we have been there before, and we can do it again. We need to set those standards as high as we can.”

The imminent sound of pre-season echoing above the settling dust of a campaign rich in unfolded drama, established legacies, and the assurance of top-flight survival reflects the fast-paced nature of professional football.

Whether suntanning on the Spanish coast, sandboarding on the Moroccan desert or taking in the sights of the Empire State building – our squad have been well rested, as the return to the training pitch emerges closer every day.

As Head Coach, Iain Robinson relishes the final few days of respite in New York before returning to competitive action, he discusses the well-earned rest for the squad, the importance of the reformatted League Cup first round, and the opportunity to build on the first chapter of his tenure at the club.

“I’m certainly loving the time away from the pitch for a few weeks,” Robinson said.

“I’m currently catching some of the World Cup atmosphere in the States whilst also exploring Brooklyn and Manhattan, with perhaps a pint or two to celebrate if Scotland can overcome Morocco on Friday.

“The squad have also been enjoying a well-earned rest, they’ve been posting their holiday pics in the squad group chat, and I think they are all eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get back on the training pitch, once a few have recovered from some sore heads…

“All jokes aside, the start of the new campaign never feels far away, and even since finishing our season against Aberdeen, we have been quietly working away behind the scenes to build towards this year.

“Despite the break, many within the squad have still been working independently or in small groups outside of their work, and are gearing up for the first week of pre-season.”

The demands of competitive action come thick and fast at the pinnacle of women’s football in Scotland, and with the introduction of a reformatted Sky Sports League Cup Round One Group Stage, the women of steel will face four competitive fixtures shortly after returning from the summer break.

Motherwell will face recent bottom-six rivals, Montrose, with three ties against Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 sides, Livingston, Kilmarnock and Gartcairn.

“We are really excited by the changes to the [Sky Sports] League Cup,” Robinson explained.

“It is a really positive change for us in terms of establishing a competitive target within pre-season, to work alongside the traditional pre-season friendlies we have already arranged.

“Having competitive football so early in the season will give everyone in the squad that motivation to really work their hardest in the coming weeks to be prepared for what will be a difficult, but achievable ambition of achieving our place in the next round.

“We know from our meeting’s with Montrose last season, that it will be a close game, and despite the tough conclusion to their campaign – Kilmarnock showed throughout the season that they are a very difficult opposition too, so it is a run of fixtures we aren’t taking lightly.

Motherwell will face another squad rebuild this summer following the departures of eight first-team players. Skipper, Gill Inglis brought the curtain down on her remarkable tenure in professional football after announcing her retirement following the birth of her son – Louie.

Rangers loanees, Sophie Townsley and Mia McArthur both returned to their parent club, with Edinburgh-based duo Keri Halliday and Milly Boughton returning to Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian respectively.

Long-serving players Katie Rice and Jo Addie also both departed shortly before the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign. Midfielder, Amy Bulloch also departed after spending the second-half of the season on loan to Kilmarnock. Youth academy graduate, Sarah Petherick also left the club after being awarded the Player of the Year in her recent loan spell in the third-tier.

“We have lost a lot of talent and experience within the squad, but we have retained a strong core of the team,” Robinson reiterated.

“We don’t require an overhaul of new players, and a total squad rebuild, which many teams struggle with at this point of the season. Whilst we are obviously in the market for new additions, we still have a strong core structure behind us, and aren’t concerned about that initial period of integrating the team.

“Our Player of the year, Carla Boyce – who was recognised and nominated by the supporters, our Players Player of the Year, Lucy Ronald, and our young Player of the Year, Mason Clark are all signed up for the season, so we are really pleased with where we are at.

“We want to be in a position where we have the majority of the squad secured ahead of the [Sky Sports] League Cup, but we understand that a lot of deals, especially loans typically happen later on in the window once other clubs have accessed their own squads.

“We are all looking forward to the return to action, and are eager to welcome everyone back to [the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at] K-Park.

Assistant Coach, David Brownlie has departed the club to pursue opportunities overseas.

Brownlie joined the club in December, 2025 alongside Head Coach, Iain Robinson, as the pair sought to lead the women of steel from the threat of relegation to the second-tier.

After successfully preserving our top-flight status for the forthcoming campaign, Brownlie will depart Lanarkshire to pursue a full-time coaching opportunity overseas.

“It’s a real moment of mixed emotions for myself,” Brownlie said.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club. The squad have been an absolute pleasure to work with, and towards the end of the season, you could really see our ideas for the club coming to fruition.

“To have achieved safety for the club, finishing the season unbeaten in the split is a real proud moment, and I’m pleased to be departing the club on a positive note.

“After working on my UEFA A-license this year, an opportunity presented itself to me, working full-time in football overseas, and it was a decision I simply couldn’t turn down. I will be following the club’s progress closely, and I wish everyone all the best for the future.”

The former Rangers academy graduate concluded his playing career in the Southside of Glasgow, with Pollok before embarking on his coaching pathway. After departing Newlandsfield, Brownlie sought to utilise his vast experience, and integrate himself as a football coach, achieving his UEFA C-License in 2022 before upgrading to the UEFA B-License in 2024. Brownlie then undertook his UEFA A-License qualification process this year.

Graduating from University after the summer of 2023, Brownlie sought to experience his first academy coaching role, joining the Rangers academy before soon settling into the position of coaching the girls U17/18s academy team alongside Motherwell Head Coach, Iain Robinson.

With Robinson replacing the then departing Head Coach Craig Joyce in Glasgow after being headhunted to become the Head Coach of Queen’s Park, he sought to bring Brownlie alongside in the dugout.

In their final season in charge, Robinson and Brownlie had the Spiders sat comfortably in the final promotion-playoff position in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 table, one point shy of Boroughmuir Thistle in second, with ambitions of restoring the club’s top-flight status.

However, the sudden departure of Paul Brownlie after several years at the helm of Motherwell Women presented an irresistible opportunity in ML1.

“It’s absolutely gutting to see David depart the club, but we absolutely understand the importance of the opportunity available to him,” Head Coach Iain Robinson added.

“David has been a vital part of everything we have started to build this season, and has progressed the development of the playing squad at the club.

“The coaching staff, and the entire playing squad thank David for everything he has done for the club, and we wish him the absolute best in the future.”

As the dust finally settles on the scintillating finale to the 2025/26 Scottish Women’s Premier League season, the women of steel are already preparing to kickstart their forthcoming Sky Sports Cup campaign.

Drawn in the reformatted and maiden league stage of the competition, Motherwell’s original Round One tie will be replaced by a competitive group stage format, with Iain Robinson’s side set to face an array of Premier League and Premier League 2 opposition.

Motherwell will face fellow top-flight side, Montrose before additional tests against SPWPL2 sides, Livingston, Gartcairn and Kilmarnock. Reflecting on the previous campaign, we gain an insight into our forthcoming opponents.

Montrose

Finishing level on points with the women of steel last campaign, the Gable Endies faced a tumultuous finale to their domestic campaign.

The Links Park side missed out on their maiden top-six finish on the final day of the regular season, as Partick Thistle netted a dramatic 94^th-minute winner to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat – firmly ending Montrose’s hopes of an historic season.

Despite heading into the post-split campaign, with a firm points advantage over the trailing three sides, Montrose finished their campaign in eighth, with Motherwell leading on goal-difference.

Aside from the league campaign, Montrose have had mixed success in the two cup competitions. A 7-0 thrashing from eventual SWPL champions Hearts promptly ended their Sky Sports Cup hopes before they could begin.

However, an excellent Scottish Cup run saw the side reach the Semi-Final stage after defeating both Aberdeen, Dundee United. A 2-0 defeat to Rangers at the National Stadium brought their campaign to a close.

Livingston

Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Livingston maintained a largely uneventful 2025/26 campaign, with the club firmly out of the promotion playoff picture, but comfortably clear of the dreaded relegation playoffs.

Securing nine victories from 24-matches, the Lions finished seventh in the second-tier. The squad sealed a magnificent finale to the league campaign, thrashing St. Johnstone five-nil before hitting Stirling University for six in an exceptional 6-1 win.

Gartcairn

A fellow Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Gartcairn’s domestic campaign mirrored the Lions in many respects. Despite securing a top-six place, the side were ultimately forced to compete in a league of their own, with the North Lanarkshire outfit finishing 24-points shy of the promotion playoffs.

Sealing eight victories across the season, Gartcairn scored 40, and conceded 51, with former Motherwell midfielders, Tara McGonigle and Georgie Robb both featuring for the team.

Kilmarnock

Despite a magnificent start that yielded much optimism of title success, the 2025/26 campaign ended in disaster for the Ayrshire side. Unbeaten across the campaign, securing 16 victories from 17, with one stalemate by matchday-17 – Kilmarnock built what seemed an irreversible 15-point advantage over title-rivals Spartans.

However, Spartans went unbeaten for the remainder of the season whilst Killie could only muster four-wins from the remaining 11 fixtures – sending the SPWPL2 trophy to Edinburgh, as Spartans snatched the title on the final day by two-points.

Despite the heart-breaking conclusion to their campaign, several players shone through, with forwards Abby Robinson and Cara Gray both being named amongst the top goal scorers in the division. The pair collectively netted 30-goals, and both finished three-goals shy of the league top-goalscorer.

Gill Inglis –

One final curtain call. Captain, Gill Inglis brought the curtain down on a remarkable tenure in the women’ game – retiring from football following seven successive years in ML1. The experienced skipper adorned the claret and amber shirt for the final time in a 2-2 stalemate with Aberdeen after announcing her retirement the previous week.

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 – Inglis’ departs ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical chapter 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 140^thanniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.

We thank Gill for her numerous years of service at Motherwell FC, and wish her the absolute best for the future.

Amy Bulloch –

The first addition of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, lifelong Motherwell supporter and Partick Thistle’s Player of the Year, Amy Bulloch returned to Motherwell after previously featuring for the club in 2019.

Joining then Paul Brownlie’s side, Bulloch became a mainstay under the former Motherwell Head Coach – featuring 16-times for the women of steel before departing for Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 title-chasers, Kilmarnock for the remainder of the season.

We thank Amy for her efforts at Motherwell, and wish her well for the next chapter in her career.

Milly Boughton –

Seeking regular competitive action, Australian youth international, Milly Boughton departed the defending champions, and joined Iain Robinson’s side during the winter transfer window.

The young Matilda firmly hit form in claret and amber after joining the club prior to a crucial post-split campaign. Milly played a vital role, as the women of steel staved off the threat of relegation to finish at the top of the split.

The former Arsenal and Spurs academy graduate scored six-times during her spell in North Lanarkshire, and cemented herself as a key figure in the Motherwell midfield.

We thank Milly for her efforts at Motherwell, and we wish her the best for the future.

Keri Halliday –

Signing alongside Milly Boughton, Northern Irish International forward Keri Halliday became a marquee addition for Iain Robinson’s side.

Arriving in Scotland with a prolific goalscoring record in her homeland, the pacey winger scored 53-goals, and assisted 26 throughout her time in South Belfast, and Halliday wasted little time in opening her Motherwell account.

Making her debut against Aberdeen, Halliday broke the deadlock at the Balmoral Stadium, as Motherwell secured a valuable three-points in a four-three victory. Halliday repeated the feat in the reverse home encounter – scoring the opener in the final matchday against Aberdeen.

The Balleymoney-born striker continued to represent her national team during her time in ML1, and it became a memorable occasion for the youngster, with Halliday scoring her first and second international goal for the senior Northern Ireland team.

Sophie Townsley –

Adding excitement and firepower to the final third, striker Sophie Townsley completed a loan deal from Rangers until the end of the season.

An SWPL2 Player of the year nominee, Townsley made her mark on the division last term, with her consistent goalscoring form guiding local rivals Hamilton to SWPL2 title success and promotion to the first-tier.

Despite Hamilton sitting at the foot of the SWPL table, Townsley had been a shining light in the squad, netting 23-goals in her time in ML3.

Townsley became a mainstay in Iain Robinson’s side – featuring 21-times in claret and amber, and supported Motherwell to a dominant and unbeaten spell in the post-split.

We thank Sophie for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

Mia McArthur –

Midfielder Mia McArthur joined her fellow Rangers teammate Sophie Townsley in the switch to Lanarkshire – teaming up with her former youth academy coach in ML1.

Despite her youthful age, the then 18-year-old arrived in Motherwell with wealth of senior experience, regularly featuring for SWPL 2 side, Gartcairn across the opening to the 2025/26 campaign.

McArthur featured six-times for the women of steel, and her performances on the domestic footballing scene have continued to catch the eye internationally, with McArthur regularly selected to represent the Scotland under-19 squad.

We thank Mia for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future. 

Sarah Petherick –

A graduate of the Motherwell FC youth academy, midfielder Sarah Petherick made her senior competitive debut under Paul Brownlie before gaining additional senior experience on-loan at Ayr United before joining Rossvale last season.

Petherick impressed in Scotland’s third-tier, becoming a standout player across the entirety of the league, being named in the SWF Championship Team of the Year, and the top Goalscorer for the club.

We thank Sarah for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

Now that our 2025/26 ScottishPower Women’s Premier League season has reached its conclusion, we can provide an update on our playing squad. 

Players under contract

• Rebecca Cameron
• Tegan Browning
• Chelsie Watson
• Shannon Leishman
• Jenna Penman
• Amy Denholm
• Leah Paterson
• Lucy Ronald
• Mason Clark
• Mia Gillespie
• Lia Young
• Kodie Hay
• Bailley Collins
• Hannah Cairns
• Carla Boyce

Loan player returning to parent club

• Mia McArthur (Rangers)
• Sophie Townsley (Rangers)
• Milly Boughton (Hibernian)
• Keri Halliday (Heart of Midlothian)

Players departing

• Gill Inglis
• Amy Bulloch
• Sarah Petherick 

We thank our departing players for their efforts at Motherwell, and we wish them well for the future.