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.”