Aston Villa Women have completed the signing of 19-year-old Scotland international forward Mia McAulay from SWPL side Rangers. The exciting young talent arrives at Villa Park after establishing herself as one of the most promising attacking prospects in Scottish women’s football despite her tender age.

McAulay made over 100 appearances for Rangers, an extraordinary achievement given she first broke into the first team at just 16 years old. The winger has already earned senior recognition for Scotland, making her debut in May 2025 and subsequently adding four more caps to her collection in the months since.

Director Highlights Long Term Ambitions

Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football Marisa Ewers expressed enthusiasm about McAulay’s arrival, describing her as an exciting young attacking player brimming with potential. Ewers emphasised that the signing forms part of a broader long term strategy as the club continues building their competitive project.

The midfielder’s rapid progression through Rangers’ ranks suggests she possesses the attributes required to succeed at a higher level. Her ability to make such a significant number of appearances at such a young age demonstrates maturity beyond her years and a readiness for the demands of English top flight football.

Building for Future Success at Villa

McAulay represents the type of emerging talent Aston Villa are targeting as they look to strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window. Rather than relying solely on established stars, the club appear committed to identifying young players with significant upside potential.

The winger will now have the opportunity to develop her game in the Women’s Super League while competing for regular football at a club with genuine aspirations.

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Aston Villa Women and England midfielder Missy Bo Kearns has spoken publicly about the heartbreaking loss of her pregnancy, earning widespread praise from supporters and baby loss charity Tommy’s for her courage in sharing such a deeply personal experience.

What Happened to Missy and Partner Liam Walsh

The 25-year-old and her partner, Luton midfielder Liam Walsh, announced last month on Instagram that they had lost their baby during pregnancy.

Missy revealed she had initially gone to the hospital with shivers, only to be told there was no longer a heartbeat and that she had developed sepsis as a result of the loss. The couple described the weeks that followed as filled with a kind of sadness that was difficult to put into words.

Speaking Out to Help Others Feel Less Alone

Missy went on to discuss her grief openly in an interview on ITV, describing how the experience felt completely isolating, despite being far more common than many people realise. She spoke about the specific nature of pregnancy loss as a form of grief, noting how quickly the physical symptoms disappear while the emotional weight remains.

Her message was direct: nobody going through this should feel they have to suffer in silence, and she made a point of directing people toward Tommy’s and other support charities.

Tommy’s Charity Responds With Gratitude

Tommy’s, the UK’s leading pregnancy loss charity, publicly thanked Missy for her openness, acknowledging how much her account will mean to others who have been through similar experiences. Comments from other women flooded in describing pregnancy loss as a grief that is often invisible and unspoken.

Anyone seeking support can contact Tommy’s on 0800 0147 800.

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Aston Villa defender Paula Tomàs has been forced to retire from professional football at just 24 years old due to a persistent knee injury that has plagued her throughout this season. The Spanish international made the difficult decision to call time on her career after the injury severely limited her game time during her debut campaign in England.

Tomàs spent almost a decade with Spanish side Levante UD before making the move to Villa Park in summer 2024. The defender made a promising start to life in the Women’s Super League, impressing with her performances before the knee problem derailed her progress and ultimately ended her playing days prematurely.

Villa Director Pays Tribute to Retiring Defender

Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football Marisa Ewers paid tribute to Tomàs following the announcement of her retirement. “Paula has been a valued part of the group during her time here. She brought real energy every day, both on and off the pitch,” Ewers said.

The director added that while the club will miss Tomàs around the training ground, they wish her all the very best for whatever comes next in her life after football. It’s a devastating blow for a player who appeared to have a bright future ahead of her in the top flight.

Villans Enjoying Strong Season Under Arroyo

Tomàs departs Aston Villa with the club enjoying a relatively successful campaign under head coach Natalia Arroyo. The Villans are fighting hard for a top half finish in the WSL table and have shown significant improvement throughout the season.

The retirement represents another setback for Villa’s defensive options, though the circumstances make it impossible to begrudge the young Spaniard her decision to prioritize her long term health.

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