Spartans FC Women’s Michaela McAlonie has been voted as the winner of the Scottish Building Society SWPL Player of the Month for April 2019. The versatile player wins the award for the first time after being nominated last season in August and is the first Spartans player ever to win the award.
McAlonie helped her side concede just three goals in three games from defence and opened the scoring with an excellent free-kick in their 2-0 away win against Forfar Farmington. While they lost their other two games, this was a 2-1 defeat to SWPL Cup champions, Hibernian, and a narrow 1-0 loss at home to Rangers.
Speaking from Spartans Academy, McAlonie said: I’m over the moon to recieve this honour. I was nominated last season and while it was great to be nominated, you always want to win this award.”
McAlonie, who has played in midfield during her career, has started to play in a deeper role at centre-back in recent games. In April, Spartans only conceded three goals which included a fixture against second placed Hibernian.
“I’m happy playing in defence or in midfield. I want success for the team and I’m happy to play my part, wherever that might be. Whether it’s defence or midfield though, I’ll be sure to battle hard and also try and create opportunities going forward.”
Spartans are currently sixth in the league but they’re already nine points above the relegation zone and just six points from fourth. Since Debbi McCulloch (Head Coach), returned to the club midway through last season, there has been an improvement in performances and they’re just six points away from last season’s points total with 11 games remaining.
“Things are much more positive this season” said McAlonie. “Having Debbi return in 2018 was a huge boost and that has carried on into the new season. We’re harder to beat and we’re winning games that I’d expect us to get three points in. We’re not going to be complacent but we’re certainly looking up the table and not down.”
Robyn Emerson, Digitial Marketing Executive for Scottish Building Society, said: “A huge well done to Michaela and Spartans. They’ve both had a strong start to the 2019 season and I’m sure there is more to come.”
Also nominated for the April award were Jade Gallon (Rangers WFC), Lucy McEwan (Glasgow Girls), and Nicola Davidson (Forfar Farmington).
Robyn added: “This was another very close month when it came to voting and all four players were deserving nominees. We’d like to say thank you to all who voted and another well done to the nominees.”