This weekend’s St Johnstone WFC season opener will be a different one for skipper Jade McDonald.
The midfielder will not be able to take part for the majority of this season as she is pregnant and expecting a baby in March.
But she is determined to play a positive role from the sidelines and help motivate the Perth side to a successful start to the campaign.
Saints welcome Kilmarnock to the Fair City on Sunday.
“The season start has been a long time coming and it’s been a bit of a waiting game,” said McDonald.
“The team has lost me for now but I’m still training and will be at games, just not playing.
“It’s going to be difficult for me not being on the pitch. I’m sure the younger players will step up their game.
“I’m going to be in the dugout with Jason [McCrindle]. Nothing changes in terms of me still being club captain.
“I’ll be involved with decisions on different things. I wouldn’t say coaching is my thing, but I’ll still be there to moan and shout at all the girls.
“I’m sure they won’t be happy with that but sometimes these things need to be done. It’s going to be strange for me.”
Boss McCrindle is sure McDonald’s influence will still be as strong from the sidelines.
“I know what Jade will bring, even if she is not playing,” he told the PA. “If someone isn’t pulling their weight, she is not shy in letting them know.”
On the squad front, full-back Rebecca Foote has joined Dundee United.
McCrindle said: “It’s never good to lose anybody from your squad. But it’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and stake a claim.
“The squad is good and strong, it’s close-knit and pre-season has gone well.”
The game against Kilmarnock will take place at Kinnoull’s Tulloch Park.
“They have a very good coach in Andy Gardner who was at Rangers previously,” McCrindle said. “They will be organised and will play good stuff.”
