Motherwell Women head coach Paul Brownlie has watched his players create an identity on the park – now he wants to build connections off it.
Well fans have the chance to show their support to the Women of Steel on Sunday when Scottish Women’s Premier League football comes to Fir Park.
The John Hunter Stand will be open to supporters for free entry ahead of the 1pm kick-off against Partick Thistle, although donations for the girls’ youth academy at the gate would be very welcome.
With the men’s team enjoying a weekend off for the international break, fans can get their fix of live football and help make it an occasion to remember for Brownlie’s side, who normally play home games in East Kilbride.
Motherwell beat Dundee United at Fir Park in April but this encounter has added prestige for the players.
“It’s fantastic for the players to get on the pitch so early in the season,” said Brownlie, whose side sit sixth in SWPL1. “It feels so different because obviously the pitch is in pristine condition as there’s not been a lot of football played on it so far this season.
“The last time we had just over 300 fans. If we can drive that up to 600/700 then it would be real progress. For our last two games at K-Park we had 99 and 105.
“This is an opportunity for our fans to come and see us at our home and it’s important we grow that connection with the Motherwell support.
“We are building a lot stronger relationship with the Well Society and also the men’s department. Stuart Kettlewell has been brilliant, really open and approachable. He came to the Celtic game and he would have been impressed with the way we played in the second half.”
The Women of Steel recorded an incredible 11 wins in a 13-match unbeaten run before coming unstuck against Celtic, Hibernian and Hearts in recent weeks, teams who have major advantages in terms of resources and preparation time.
“These players do a lot for this football club and they go above and beyond in terms of their training workload,” Brownlie said.
“They are thankful for this opportunity and it’s now up to them to perform. If they perform and do well than hopefully people come back and watch. But I don’t want them to feel any pressure around that, we want them to go out and play their game and enjoy the occasion.”
Brownlie encouraged supporters to show their backing for his players.
“They can come and watch a team with a real identity in terms of the playing style,” he said. “We play a style of football that is easy on the eye and we are building a real identity as a team.
Breaking the deadlock ?
Morgan Cross opened the scoring against Dundee United at Fir Park last season.
Support the women of steel this weekend, as they return to Fir Park to face Partick Thistle.
?? Sunday 8th September.
? Fir Park.
??https://t.co/KU2mXCKZiF pic.twitter.com/QJ9zVZTe4X— Motherwell Women (@MotherwellWomen) September 6, 2024
“We finished last season really strongly. Going back to last season, over the last 16 games we have only lost three, which is a fantastic run. We have got six points on the board this season.
“We have had some difficult moments against the full-time teams. Those games become a really different battle with the physical demands of playing against players who are training full-time.”
He added: “Our preparation has been good, it has to be because Partick Thistle are a good side, they did well last season and have made some good signings. They have been a top-six team over the last two years. We recognise that and we have not been there yet.”