Molly Bartrip’s first Palace TV interview
Molly Bartrip says she is "excited to get started" after completing her move to Crystal Palace Women, pointing to the club’s ambitions, top-class facilities, and a reunion with Manager Jo Potter as key factors in her decision.
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The experienced centre-back arrives in South London following a five-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur, bringing a wealth of Women’s Super League experience to Potter’s squad.
Reflecting on her arrival, Bartrip smiled: "It's different! It feels amazing though. The building's incredible, and the people I’ve met already have been so welcoming. I'm really excited to be here."
Rising through the ranks
Bartrip's footballing journey began early in North London, developing through various youth academies before stepping into the professional game.
"I started off playing for Tottenham at Under-10s level, and then I went to Charlton where I learnt a lot," she explained.
"I spent most of my youth development at Arsenal from the U-12s to U-17s.
"Then I went and signed my first professional contract at Reading, where I met a special person who happens to be the manager here!
"I was lucky enough to play with her, and from there I went on to Tottenham for five years. Now I'm here, and I'm happy to be here."
The complete defender
Having established herself as a mainstay in the top-flight, Bartrip describes her playing style as a mix of quality on the ball and grit in defence.
"I love football. I want the ball at my feet all the time, but I also know that this league is tough and you’ve got to put your body on the line to stop goals going in.
"I feel like I'm a bit of a hybrid player as a centre-back, but I like doing both," she said.
That understanding of the WSL’s demands comes from years of competing at the highest level, a journey that has coincided with the rapid rise of the women’s game.
Bartrip said: "It's tough. I've been in the league a long time, and I've seen the growth of the game and it's been incredible, but every year it gets harder.
"I'm excited to continue in this league and hopefully prove with Palace that we deserve to be here.
"I 100 per cent notice the growth in support. I remember playing in front of 300 people, and you'd probably say most were family and friends! Now they sell out stadiums. It's incredible to see, but there's still a long way to go.
"We want as many Palace fans coming down as possible because support is huge and it keeps you going throughout games."
The importance of speaking up
Beyond the pitch, Bartrip is known for her advocacy around mental health and wellbeing in sport.
She said: "I'm a big believer in making sure you speak up, I'm someone that has struggled mentally throughout my career.
"Now I'm just trying to make sure the next generation knows how important it is to talk openly.
"There's so much benefit to being close to the people around you and having that openness.
"Even in this environment, I still want to be that person so hopefully I can put a smile on people's faces every day, and that means a lot to me."
Reunited with the Manager
A key pull in Bartrip’s decision to head to South London was the opportunity to work alongside Manager Jo Potter once again, having previously shared the pitch with her at Reading.
"A lot drew me to Palace, to be honest," Bartrip said. "The ambition of the club, the facilities are amazing, and of course, being able to work under Jo is incredible.
"The biggest thing is the environment. I've heard so many good things about the people here, and for me, being around good people is something I’ve always needed.
"I played with Jo for over two years at Reading - I would say a lot of my game comes from her.
"I learnt so much from her; she would have a go at me when she needed to, but she pushed me as well!
"She's an amazing person and I can't wait to work with her again."
The ambition of the club, the facilities are amazing, and of course, being able to work under Jo is incredible.
—Molly Bartrip
Setting the standard
Bartrip will also be joined in South London by another familiar face, her former Spurs teammate Bethany England.
She laughed: "I'm buzzing! Obviously I've known Beth a really long time. I know the quality she brings on the pitch and the person she is off it, and I think Palace are a very lucky club to have someone like her. I can't wait to give her a hug!
"I know Josie Green here as well but other than that, I actually don't know the rest of the squad yet!
"I'm quite a talker being from Essex, so I'm not necessarily shy, but I might be on my first day. I've heard so many good things about everyone here.
"Ultimately, we want to compete. It's a top league, but Palace want to compete, and I'm looking forward to bringing something a little different to the team, hopefully a bit of experience.
"I just want to push people around me and make sure I bring out the best in them.
"The fans can expect a lot of passion. I'm a passionate person with anything I feel strongly about.
"I'm going to put my body on the line, and I love communicating and talking to the supporters."