Scottish international forward Christie Murray has returned to WSL 1, joining Doncaster Belles after a short spell with Celtic.

She has been signed by the Belles' new manager Emma Coates and will be looking to hit the ground running, with her potentially to make their debut against Sunderland on Saturday.

Murray told the Belles' website: “I'm really excited to be joining Doncaster Belles. It's going to be a tough second half of the season for us, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and I can't wait to be back playing in the WSL.”

Coates seemed to have played a large role in Murray's decision to move south as she said: “When I spoke with Emma, I was excited to hear her plans for the future and it was something I was keen to be a part of.”

Her few days training with the Belles team have clearly made an impact on Coates, as she also told their website: “We're excited to have Christie with us. She's a tenacious player and a true professional.”

Christie Murray has previous experience of WSL 1, and of relegation battles, having played for Bristol. (Photo: Jon Buckle - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Christie Murray has previous experience of WSL 1, and of relegation battles, having played for Bristol. (Photo: Jon Buckle - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Previous experience

After leaving Bristol Academy, now Bristol City, after their relegation from the WSL 1, she joined Celtic late in March 2016 and made her debut against Rangers in their historic first match at Celtic Park. During her spell with the Glasgow side, she scored three goals as she helped them move into third place in the SWPL 1

This was her second spell with Celtic, having played for them between 2007 and 2011. Her highlight during her first spell with Celtic was helping the Glasgow club win the 2010 SWP League Cup as  she scored twice to beat Spartans 4-1.

Murray joined Glasgow City in 2011 where City’s success gave her the opportunity to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League. In fact, when City played Arsenal in the competition in November 2013, she made such an impression that it convinced the then Arsenal manager Shelley Kerr to sign her.

After one season with Arsenal, she left to join Bristol Academy. But after Bristol were relegated in the 2015 WSL 1 season, Murray joined Celtic in late March.

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About the author
Tim Oliver
Founder of Tartan Kicks, the magazine dedicated to Scottish Women's Football. I cover women's football in Scotland, mainly focusing on the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL).