St Mirren Women defender Layla Philip is delighted she’s discovered a new home in Paisley this summer.
The 19-year-old moved south from Inverness last September to start her prosthetics and orthotics degree at Strathclyde University.
The teenage full-back was expecting to move back home once the first year of her studies were sown up.
But the Buddies were so keen to keep hold of Philip for pre-season they helped her find a job and accommodation to ensure she could stay and continue her football development.
That move has paid off for Philip, who was able to join her teammates on their historic first European trip to Germany earlier this month.
She told Express Sport: “I joined the club in November after starting my degree in September.
“To begin with I was going home to play with my old club Inverness Caley Thistle, because I wanted to finish the season with them I’d started.
“I’d played with Inverness since I was five. It was a big decision to move but I was told St Mirren were looking for players and then spoke to Kate Cooper (St Mirren Women head coach) about it.
“She sold me on it and so far it’s been brilliant. Everyone has been so welcoming since I joined.
“My original plan was to go home for the summer and work, but I would have missed so much in pre-season. I managed to get a job and move in with one of my teammates, which allowed me to stay here the whole time.
“St Mirren are the only reason I stayed. It’s just been brilliant playing with them so far.
“I would have missed the Germany trip as well if I’d gone home, which would have been really gutting. I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on that.”
Philip proved her dedication to the Buddies by travelling for 29 hours with her teammates on the bus to the Peuler Deerns Cup – an annual 12-team tournament on an island on the north coast of Germany.
She believes the team spirit that’s building within the Saints dressing room will stand them in great stead heading into the club’s new SWF League One campaign, which will see them travel further afield than last year after a major domestic reshuffle. Philip said: “The tournament in Germany was amazing. Despite the long, long trip, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“We’ve gelled so well as a squad. People might think it would be so difficult to travel together for so long, but there were no major arguments at all.
“Everyone is so much closer after the trip and we learned so much from the experience. People were asking us for selfies and signatures, I’ve never had that kind of attention before as a footballer!
“It was nice for a few days, but I don’t think I’d want it all the time.
“Coming from Inverness I’m used to travelling three hours to matches every other weekend. I love the away days, getting the tunes on and seeing different places.
“Some people look at it negatively, but we have to look at it positively.
“Last season was tough, but I think this season is going to be really special for us.”
