Deadline day moves always bring a bit of added excitement. The rush to get things over the line in time. The last-minute dash to complete a medical. The announcement.
It’s all part of the fun. For young Lucy Barclay, her move came at the last knockings of the summer window. Arriving from SWPL champions Celtic, 17-year-old Barclay made the switch as she begins to build-up her experience in the Scottish top-flight.
“Motherwell was the perfect destination for me,” Barclay said.
“I was so chuffed to get the move complete, and it’s now just a case of me getting my head down and trying to get minutes on the pitch.
“It made sense to come here. Motherwell have a track record of playing young players and building them up. The team has ambitions to compete against the best clubs in Scotland, and I want to be a part of that.
“They are a competitive club within the SWPL, and having watched them many times, I was impressed by their attractive style of football, which I’m looking to positively contribute to.”
Barclay made a name for herself very early on in her career. Making her debut for the Hoops at just 16, she is looking for that continued progression though the ranks.
But playing for the champions is no easy feat, and Barclay felt that she needed a move to continue her development.
“I was looking to move throughout the summer,” she added.
“There was an injury I had been carrying from last season, so I wasn’t able to fully train. There were a number of clubs interested, but Motherwell, with Paul and Leanne’s experience, was the one that was interesting.
“I’ve been training with the team for a few weeks, so I’m just glad to get the move confirmed.”
A right-back by trade, now 17-year-old Barclay was named on the bench for the first time against Glasgow City two weeks ago. Keeping her head down and professionalism up, the young. Defender is determined to make an impact in her time in ML1.
“Paul’s expectations from me are to work hard and show determination to help the team,” she explained.
“He wants me to make a contribution to training and games. My own ambition is to gain first-team SWPL experience. The team is looking to be competitive and aiming for a top-six finish in the league, with progression in the cup competitions.”
The women of steel have made a positive start to league proceedings. Currently in 7th place, with nine points from eight outings, Paul Brownlie’s side have impressed. Narrowly losing out to Glasgow City was a bitter pill to swallow, given the chances squandered against a top side, but in their last match, Motherwell dispatched six goals past Queens Park.
Laura Berry returned to Motherwell on deadline day and scored four in just her second match since returning. With the team in a good place, Barclay has her eyes set on improvement. But as she takes a moment to reflect, she is reminded of what she had already achieved within the game.
“I have two highlights, one for club and the other for country,” Barclay said.
“Firstly, making my SWPL debut against Hibernian for Celtic. I was only 16, and I was proud to have reached that milestone so early in my career.
“My other was captaining Scotland at Under-16 level. It will always be an honour to represent my country; it’s something anyone should be proud of. But to be trusted with the responsibility of the armband, that’s a different level.
“It shows trust, and if I’m honest, I do like to be a leader on the park. Whether that is from central midfield positions or on the right/left wing. I will always try my best.
“I enjoy not only creating and scoring goals but also the tactical defence side of the game. Rose Reilly is an inspiration, and I enjoy watching Caroline Weir play.
“You learn so much by watching and analysing. Anything that can help me improve as a player, I’ll do it.”
