St Johnstone Women are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Aoife Bidgood.
Sixteen-year-old Aoife joins Saints from St Andrews & East Neuk Girls FC.
On why the move to Saints appealed to Aoife, she says “having met the staff and come along to training with Saints I have been very impressed with the focus on creating the correct environment and the desire to help players develop. This has motivated me to train harder and develop myself as a player.”
Aoife has been training with the club for a few weeks now, and was involved with the squad that travelled to face Hibernian in the Scottish Cup. “I have really enjoyed my time so far and have found the whole group to be very friendly and welcoming.”
When it comes to the differences so far, and what is to be anticipated between youth and senior football in the ScottishPower WPL 2, Aoife remarked: “the biggest difference is in the intensity levels, both during training and matches. I will look to learn from my teammates and take advice from players and staff alike in an effort to continue my progression into senior football.”
Manager Kevin Candy opens up on the move to bring Aoife to Saints: “We’re delighted that Aoife has chosen St Johnstone to commence her senior football development. The transition from youth to senior football is one that needs to be carefully managed that’s something that we have very much committed to provide to Aoife.
“In fighting back from an ACL injury, Aoife has already demonstrated a tremendous level of course, focus and desire which are attributes that will serve her well in the senior game. She carries herself with a level of maturity that belies her age and that is extremely impressive.
“She has integrated seamlessly into our Goalkeeper sessions with Bobby (Cochran) and Ellie (Mitchell), and some of the credit for that is down to both of them.
“I’m really excited to see Aoife develop with Saints as we move back into our league campaign.”