St Johnstone WFC are ramping up preparations for the new season.
The Perth squad recommenced training on Sunday and are looking forward to a number of friendlies ahead of the start of their 2023/24 Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 campaign.
Saints are working towards a league curtain-raiser against Stirling University on August 13.
Manager Jamie Reynolds, pictured, told the PA: “We’re very excited to be back in training.
“The hard work started on Sunday and we will ensure the players are well prepared to start our campaign against Stirling University.
“We have five friendlies arranged over the next few weeks that will give us a good opportunity to test ourselves against two SWPL1 outfits as well as three very good SWF Championship sides.”
A number of goodbyes and hellos have taken place within the squad during the summer.
“We’ve been delighted to welcome back nearly everyone from the summer break,” Reynolds said this week.
“We’d like to wish Becky Cameron, Megan Sidey and Rebecca McMillan all the best as they depart the club and thank them for their efforts while at St Johnstone.
“For the group to have finished last season a few goals shy of achieving the play-offs, in a year of so much change, shows the quality of the squad already.
“So any new faces will only be added if we feel it’s right for the group dynamic and they have the ability to make a real contribution on the pitch.”
On new arrivals – including goalkeeper Ellie Mitchell – Reynolds added: “We have secured Jodie Malcolm and Eirinn McCafferty with us for next season after successful loan spells from Dundee United and Aberdeen respectively last year.
“And we’ve signed Ellie, who will hopefully bring more clean sheets to the team.
“Ellie has experience of SWPL1 last year and knows exactly the standard we require in order to be successful. We have full belief in her ability between the sticks to help us achieve that.”
