Motherwell see a key loss as 22‑year‑old Bailie Collins completes a one‑year deal with Rangers, calling the move "surreal" after three seasons with the Fir Park side. The former Aberdeen youngster left the SPWPL club on 5 July 2026, having impressed under former Motherwell assistant Leanne Crichton.

What triggered the move?

Collins' decision was heavily influenced by her previous work with Leanne Crichton, now Rangers head coach. "I think working with Leanne in the past, it was kind of a no‑brainer," she told the Rangers website. Crichton, who coached her at Motherwell, praised her physical attributes and relentless work ethic, saying the environment at Rangers will push her development further.

How does this affect Motherwell?

Losing a versatile midfielder like Collins could thin Motherwell's squad depth, especially as the club sits fourth in the Premiership with 54 points from 33 games (14W‑12D‑7L) and a recent form of W‑L‑D‑L‑W. The team has scored 52 goals and conceded 29 this season, sitting 16 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Their last result, a 1‑0 win over Hibernian on 16 May 2026, shows they can still grind out victories, but the departure may test their squad rotation.

What does Rangers gain?

Rangers acquire a young player who has already shown quality in the SPWPL. Crichton highlighted Collins' mentality and ambition as perfect for a full‑time setup. At 22, she brings both experience and potential, fitting into Rangers' push for the title and European spots. The move also underscores Rangers' strategy of recruiting promising Scottish talent.

What’s next for Collins?

Collins will join Rangers' training camp ahead of the new season, aiming to cement a starting place. Her familiarity with Crichton should ease the transition, and the full‑time environment may accelerate her growth. Fans will watch to see if she can replicate her Motherwell form and help Rangers challenge Heart Of Midlothian for the top spot.

How will Motherwell respond?

Motherwell's management will likely look to promote from within or scout similar profiles to fill the gap. The club remains competitive, sitting fourth with a solid goal difference of +23. Maintaining their recent two‑game winning streak will be vital as they chase a European place.

The transfer highlights the fluid nature of Scottish women's football, where talent moves quickly between rivals. Motherwell will need to adapt fast, but the squad's resilience, shown by a 1‑0 win over Hibernian, suggests they can stay in the hunt.