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Our head of goalkeeping Neil Alexander has done it all as a player in his 26-year long career. 

An international, league titles and European finals all came along whilst he was between the sticks but getting to that level of fitness is harder than some might think.

Often misconceived, a pre-season for a goalkeeper can range from general cardio work that outfield players do to specified goalkeeping drills that involve precise movement.

But the end goal is the same, to maximise performance of the players when it comes to a match day.

Alexander talks us through how the training has changed with the advancement of sports science, the adaptability that is required as a coach to meet the needs of each keeper in his jurisdiction and where our goalkeepers are at in terms of their own individual goals for the season ahead.

Goalkeeper Katie Andrews has joined Gartcairn on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old shot-stopper, who joined Motherwell in 2021, will continue her development with the SWPL2 side this season.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Katie,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Gartcairn narrowly missed out on promotion last year in a very competitive league, so this will be the perfect environment for Katie to develop.”

“We are looking forward to seeing her progress.”

Kayleigh Bargathi has re-joined Glasgow Women on loan for the 2023/24 season.

The 18-year-old, who made her first-team debut last season, will continue her development at the club after making 13 appearances in the previous campaign.

“We are encouraged with Kayleigh’s progression so far,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Extending her spell at Glasgow will allow her the opportunity to play regular first-team football.

“I am excited to see how she gets on this season.”

Conor Wilkinson is the first new face at Fir Park for the 2023/24 season subject to international clearance. 

Leaving Walsall in the summer, the Irish Under 21 international striker joins the club on a two-year deal.

28-year-old Wilkinson started his professional career at Millwall. He has played and scored in the National League, League Two and League One and has featured in the Championship down south.

Wilkinson made over 70 appearances for Leyton Orient, notching 20 goals in the process and has also turned out for Portsmouth, Newport, Bolton, Barnsley and Gillingham in his career.

“Joining Motherwell is a great feeling,” Conor Wilkinson said.

“I’m six foot three and I think people can get the wrong idea about the type of player I am because of that.

“I’m not a target man, I like to get on the ball and show people what I’ve got.

“To get the deal done is great and it now allows me to get down to business and focus on the season ahead.”

Conor Wilkinson becomes Stuart Kettlewell’s first new face of the summer window.

“It’s no secret that we’re light at the top of the pitch,” Stuart Kettlewell added.

“Conor has imagination on the pitch and to have that in your team, is exciting.

“He is someone who we have tracked for a while and been looking to get signed as soon as possible.

“With the experience he has, there is no doubt in my mind, that he will add firepower to the team.”

Lauren Doran-Barr has left Motherwell to join Hibernian. 

The defender departs the club after making 28 appearances in the previous campaign.

Since joining the club in 2019, Doran-Barr has cemented her place as a mainstay in the squad after overcoming an injury that ruled her out of the 2020/21 season.

“I’d like to wish Lauren all the very best with her move,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“During our time in charge, Lauren has progressed rapidly. Her work ethic and character shown during difficult times with injury setbacks shows the strength of her character.”

The club would like to thank Lauren for her efforts and wish her well in the future.

We have been given an away tie against Tranent in the first round of the SPFL Trust Trophy. 

The first round will be played in the midweek of August 1/2, with the second round a fortnight later.

Should Motherwell progress to the second round, we will face St Mirren B or Albion Rovers away.

Kick-off times and venues will be announced shortly.

Eve Donald has joined the club from Dundee United for the 2023/24 campaign.

The 23-year-old defender featured 27 times for the Tangerines last season and played a vital role in securing their top-flight status.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to sign for Motherwell,” Eve Donald said.

“The goals and ambitions set by both coaches and players at this club is something I can’t wait to be a part of.”

“We are delighted to get Eve on board,” head coach Paul Brownlie.

“We identified her as one of our top targets during the transfer window, as she further enhances the quality of the squad.”

Donald becomes Brownlie’s fourth summer signing.

We will open our 2023/24 ScottishPower Women’s Premier League campaign away to Aberdeen on Sunday 13 August. 

Our first home match will be against Spartans on Sunday 20 August.

We will travel to Dundee United on Sunday 17 December prior to the winter shutdown and will face Hearts at home on Sunday 14 January when we return to action.

All fixtures are subject to change.

Motherwell rounded off the pre-season tour of Holland with a comfortable 0-6 win over S.V. Longa’30 in Harreveld.

Mark Ferrie opened the scoring with just five minutes on the clock.

Youth combined with experience as Lennon Miller’s ball into the box was expertly knocked down by Stephen O’Donnell and the 17-year-old striker made no mistake with the finish.

On the 24th minute, it was 0-2.

Motherwell worked a throw-in to Callum Slattery whose deep cross as met by Blair Spittal and he finished into the corner of the net.

Ferrie had a great chance to grab a brace but as he latched onto a slack pass, he took too long to capitalise and the Longa’30 defence recovered to clear.

O’Donnell and Spittal went close before the latter grabbed his second.

A great bit of play down the wing as O’Donnell and Obika combined to set-up the midfielder who applied a cool finish to round-off a superb team goal.

The second half started in a similar dominant fashion and within five minutes, Ferrie got his deserved double.

The teenager’s tenacity won him the ball back and from 20 yards he found the corner of the net.

Callum Slattery made it five with sensational strike. Joe Efford got the the byline and cut it back into the path of the Englishman who zinged his shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

An unstoppable effort and an unstoppable performance as the Steelmen made it 6 moments later.

Joe Efford again involved as he beat his man and saw his shot loop into the air off the goalie’s hand. Substitute Ross Tierney was on hand to ensure the ball ended up in the net.

The win was the last action in Holland as the Steelmen return home to continue pre-season preparations ahead of the Viaplay Cup kicking off in two weeks time.