New Signing | Sophie Milligan

Our second signing of 2018 is a popular player returning for a second spell as Sophie Milligan rejoins following a year in Australia.

The defender left at the end of the 2016 season to head down under and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch as she feels like she had never left.

Milligan, who made 41 appearances between 2014 and 2016, was delighted to reunite with the close knit group of players.

“It feels like I had never left to be honest. I’m really close with most of the group so I’m thoroughly enjoying being back with the girls, minus the weather.”

Milligan was unable to play while in Australia due to work commitments in Brisbane, with the 25 year old also spending time travelling.

“I definitely missed playing. I’ve played football competitively since I was 8 so that was the first season I had missed apart from because of injury.”

She continued: “When I was settled in Brisbane I trained with a local team to try keep things ticking over but couldn’t commit due to work, but this also gave me the freedom to travel.”

The defender reckons it is better to have returned at the beginning of pre-season as everyone will be on an even playing field as opposed to trying to break into a squad during the season.

“Coming in midway through a season with an established squad, it’s always difficult to break back into the starting team. Since coming back from Australia, I have worked hard over the festive season to try get myself back in the mix. This way we are all starting on an even playing field and have a few weeks to get back to a high standard and compete for positions.” 

With the side winning the title last season, Milligan believes there is no reason why they can’t stay up in their first season back in the top tier of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

“The girls and staff did an amazing job last season. We have done well to keep the core of the squad and bring in a few new faces to strengthen up in areas.”

“There is no reason why we can’t stay up, we know what this league is like and the girls and staff will make sure we are best prepared to make an impact on the season to come.”