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Paul Brownlie moves on from Motherwell after leading the women's and girls' programme to historic success

  • Brownlie was named Head of Girls’ & Women’s Football and First-Team Head Coach in 2021, following a headhunting campaign by Football Careers
  • He leaves his post at Motherwell to become Head of Girls' Academy at Celtic
Image: Motherwell FC

Paul Brownlie is moving on to a new challenge after overseeing a transformative era in Motherwell FC’s women’s and girls’ programme.

Brownlie was appointed Head of Girls’ & Women’s Football and First-Team Head Coach in 2021, following a comprehensive headhunting campaign by Football Careers.

The club was seeking an experienced individual who could develop Motherwell’s women’s and girls’ setup, from the youth to professional levels. The chosen candidate would also be tasked with leading the first team, which had been promoted to the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) in 2019.

Under Brownlie’s guidance, Motherwell made history in the 2024-25 SWPL season by securing their highest-ever league finish and first-ever top-six placing. In the 2022-2023 Women’s Scottish Cup, they reached the semi-finals and became one of the first teams to play a domestic women’s game at Hampden Park.

The first team’s success is underpinned by Brownlie’s work in youth development. He spearheaded the creation of Motherwell’s Girls Academy, establishing a pathway that now produces talented first-team debutants season after season.

Brownlie previously served as High-Performance Football Manager for the Scottish FA, working alongside the association’s National Coach for Girls’ & Women’s Football on the National Performance Centre programme. The UEFA Pro Licence holder has also been Head Coach of the WU15 and WU16 Scottish national teams, as well as assistant to the A squad and the WU17s.

Earlier in his career, Brownlie was Head of Girls’ Academy and Head Coach at Celtic FC, leading several squads to titles, trophies, and cups during his seven-year tenure.

Now, he returns to Celtic as Head of Girls’ Academy. His experience and developmental vision will be essential to the club as it seeks to strengthen the pathway between the Academy and the first team.

Speaking to Motherwell’s club media in his parting interview, Brownlie said:

“From the first day, we envisioned dramatically progressing women’s football at the club, both at senior and youth level, and whilst it’s extremely tough to be leaving the club, I’m really pleased to be departing having achieved what we set out to do.

“We recognised the importance of developing our own talents, and we were determined to create a recognised pathway for players to receive their senior debuts. Even over the last few years, we’ve brought through Hannah Cairns, Teoni Steele, and Mia Gillespie, to name a few, who have all received their senior debut in the SWPL.

“I’m really pleased to see our plans come to fruition, and I know there will be many more to come in the future.”

Brownlie will begin his new position with Celtic on 8th December 2025.

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