The ambitions and goals of St Johnstone WFC moving forward ensured it was an easy decision to sign up for season 2023/24.
That was the message from Ellie-May Cowie, who is determined to help the Perth club achieve promotion to the top division of women’s football in Scotland.
Cowie and the rest of the Saints squad are targeting a push for the title in the upcoming campaign, which kicks-off in little over a month’s time.
Managers Jamie Reynolds and Kev Candy brought players back together for training on Sunday to start preparations.
Alongside Cowie, among the others to commit their future to Saints are the likes of Morgan Steedman, Laura Steedman, Nicole Carter and Rebecca Robertson.
“Hearing the ambitions for the coming season pushed me to sign,” Cowie explained to the PA.
“Everyone has the same ambition – everyone is there for the same reason – so that makes signing on again so much easier.
“We wanted to get promoted last year but, unfortunately, our season was really up and down. There wasn’t too much stability.
“This year we have Jamie, Kev and the rest of the coaching staff. I think that will really push us.
“Everyone wants to win the league. I think we can achieve that as long as everyone is on board.”
Cowie added: “We have lost a few players, but we also have a core who have been here for a few years now.
“That is a massive help in keeping the structure of the team. You want to have a stable team.
“We have a few friendlies lined-up and a lot of training has been fitness-based to get us all ready for the season.
“Everyone has been putting 100 per cent into the training sessions and I think that will really benefit us when the season starts.”
Cowie, more of an attacking player in recent years, showed her versatility last season by filling in at centre-half before making wing-back a more permanent home.
While always happy to help out wherever on the pitch, she is hoping to build a consistent run of games from one position.
“I was a winger but had played centre-back when I was younger,” she recalled.
“At the start of last season, one of our defenders was away for a game so I played there.
“It was against East Fife away and it felt pretty normal. I didn’t feel out of place or under pressure and I enjoyed it.
“I actually ended up there for a few games, before moving to right-back, then left-back, then left wing-back! I’ve had to cover everywhere on the pitch.
“I enjoy playing wing-back because you have the aspect of getting forward to attack but you also need to defend. I like doing both.
“This season I’ll look to cement my place in the team and make sure I keep it by demanding standards from myself in training and games.”
Cowie, with a smile, concluded: “I’m looking forward to the season – and hopefully keeping to one position!”
