Women’s First-Team Squad Update Following 2022/23 Season

Kilmarnock Women FC wish to share a first-team squad update ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Jim Chapman held individual discussions with each member of the squad following conclusion of the season. It has been confirmed that 11 senior players have since committed to the club for the next campaign, while 6 academy graduates have been selected to permanently join the first-team.

Captain Laura McLaughlin joins last season’s Player of the Year, Abby Robinson, in signing a new professional deal with the club. Georgia Crooks and Alex Middleton will also remain with the SWPL2 side on professional terms next season.

Recently presented with the club’s Recognition Award, Kirsty Munro will extend her incredible 27-year stay at Rugby Park by penning a new amateur contract.

Kirsty will reunite with Holly Kerrigan, Reese McCulloch, Eva Gray, Mhairi Fyfe, Lauryn Reside and Kayla Healy who have also signed amateur extensions to keep them in Ayrshire next term.

Building on a progressive season which saw several academy graduates make senior debuts, 6 teenagers have been rewarded with the opportunity to permanently join the first-team set-up. Mary Jackson, Louise Cowan, Lucie Burns, Arwen O’Brien, Lucy Neil and Kelsy Crainie have all been rewarded for impressive performances as part of the new girls’ academy programme.

A number of first-team players will leave the club with best wishes this month.

Lisa Swanson’s 19-year journey in football comes to an end, having started and finished her career with the club. Everyone at Rugby Park would like to wish Lisa all the very best in her retirement.

Chloe McCance, Dani Connelly, Leia Swan and Lauren McGregor depart with best wishes for the future as they embark on new challenges, following expiration of their contracts.

Kerri Halpin and Rosa McQueen have now returned to their parent clubs after completing loans spells.

The club would like to thank each of the departing players for the role they have played in a milestone season for Kilmarnock Women FC, and wish them the best of luck for the future.

Full summary:

Signing professional contracts: Laura McLaughlin, Abby Robinson, Georgia Crooks, Alex Middleton.

Signing amateur contracts: Kirsty Munro, Holly Kerrigan, Reese McCulloch, Eva Gray, Mhairi Fyfe, Lauryn Reside, Kayla Healy.

Graduating from the academy: Mary Jackson, Louise Cowan, Lucie Burns, Arwen O’Brien, Lucy Neil, Kelsy Crainie.

Retiring: Lisa Swanson

Departing upon completion of their contract: Chloe McCance, Dani Connelly, Leia Swan, Lauren McGregor.

Returning to parent clubs: Kerri Halpin, Rosa McQueen.

Still in discussion with the club: Monica Harty, Rebecca Galt.

Offered the opportunity to report for pre-season upon recovery from injury: Aimie Docherty, Mhairi Crooks.

A THANKS FROM THE MANAGER

Jim Chapman: “I would like to thank everyone who played their part in our progression last season: from the backroom staff all the way through to our first-team squad and academy players who stepped up when called upon.

“I want us to reflect on the last campaign as an important stage in our evolution, so it’s essential that we build on the strides made over the past 12 months. We look forward to strengthening the squad and continuing to push forward next term.”