West Lothian's newest senior women's football team set for big kick-off

There will be a new name representing West Lothian when the women’s football season gets underway next Sunday - Armadale Thistle.

While it’s a new club, set to play their games at Volunteer Park, it’s far from a new team with the coaching staff and many of the players having been together for two seasons as Livingston Development.

That side, managed by Jamie Williamson, won back-to-back fifth-tier titles but were denied promotion due to league rules prohibiting Development or Reserve sides climbing up the ladder.

That, ultimately, saw Williamson look for a move elsewhere with Armadale Thistle welcoming them with open arms. And, once the wheels were in motion, it took little convincing for the players to also make the move en masse.

They’ll get the new era underway with a trip to Glenrothes Strollers and Williamson admits he’s excited for the season ahead - and the chance to represent Armadale.

Speaking to the Courier, he commented: “It’s really exciting times for the club and all of us collectively. The girls were delighted to get the chance to come over and we’ve been made to feel really welcome by the club.

“It says a lot about the girls and the camaraderie and relationships they’ve built together that they all wanted to make the move. They could easily have all gone their separate ways and signed for different clubs but the wanted to stick together.”

He added: “We all enjoyed being at Livingston but there was definitely a sense of treading water because we couldn’t go anywhere.

“They’re a very good bunch and having a chance to play in cup competitions and go into a league season knowing they’d get promoted if we were able to win it is honestly no less than they deserve.

“We’re able to be part of all the cup