Skipper proud to be a Saint
‘It is the start of something special’
Jade McDonald Jade McDonald is looking back on a special first half of the season as captain of St Johnstone Women.
The midfielder from Auchterarder has helped guide the Perth side to joint second in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2.
Jade (28) is the first skipper of a women’s side at Saints. The team previously played as Jeanfield Swifts.
“Now that we are St Johnstone it was almost like a fresh start,” said firefighter Jade, whose previous clubs include Dundee United and Forfar.
“We have really gelled and everyone has the same frame of mind in terms of wanting to do well. That is really important.
“We’re in Perth and part of the club. The relationship between ourselves and the club is really good. I think it is the start of something special.
“I’ve been captain for years but this season is the best I’ve ever felt about it.
“It’s not been a breeze but I’ve had good people around me like vice-captain Rebecca Foote. She is very football-minded and footballorientated.
“We’ve both got a lot of the same opinions and views so we can bounce them off Jason and the coaching team.
“With it being St Johnstone, it’s given an extra buzz. I’m really happy with how it’s been going.”
Jade netted a late winner in a 3-2 victory against Kilmarnock last week to send Saints into the break with a spring in their step.
“It’s been a weird first half of the season because we have lost or drawn a few games that we deserved to win,” said Jade. “Sometimes we have been quite inconsistent and we’re not sure why. We can’t pinpoint the reason and I’m not sure there is one.
“We know there are not individual players that will win us games. It’s a team and if we play like that we will win games.
“For us we do it together, which is really good. When we have done that we get the results and sitting joint second is brilliant.
“Everyone would love for us to go up and play in the top division but we need to do it when we’re ready.
“Every season we are getting better and are winning games that we would lose the season before. It’s little steps.
“We’re focusing on now because sometimes people lose sight of that. If we do what we do well then who knows.”
The possibility of moving up to the top division will be aided by a growing number of younger girls continually improving.
Jade said: “A lot of the younger girls come up and train with us on a Friday. They hold their own and stand out because they are doing well.
“There’s a lot of great players in the club and we’ve had a couple playing for Scotland at under-17 level.
“It’s so good for females in football because there are so many opportunities.”
For now Perth players have the opportunity to rest and recover ahead of the second half of the season commencing next month.
“Everyone needs a break because football is constant and it’s every single day,” Jade said.
“Once it’s back on we’re straight into business again but for now it’s good for everyone to get a wee break. We’re still doing our own thing.”