Jen Beattie Explained

Jen Beattie
Fullname:Jennifer Patricia Beattie[1]
Birth Date:13 May 1991
Birth Place:Glasgow, Scotland
Height:1.77m (05.81feet)
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Bay FC
Clubnumber:5
Youthclubs1:Hamilton Academical
Youthclubs2:Queen's Park
Years1:2006–2008
Clubs1:Queen's Park
Years2:2008–2009
Clubs2:Celtic
Years3:2009–2013
Clubs3:Arsenal
Caps3:43
Goals3:11
Years4:2013–2015
Clubs4:Montpellier
Caps4:29
Goals4:5
Years5:2015–2019
Clubs5:Manchester City
Caps5:68
Goals5:6
Years6:2015–2016
Clubs6:Melbourne City (loan)
Caps6:12
Goals6:2
Years7:2019–2024
Clubs7:Arsenal
Caps7:127
Goals7:3
Club-Update:2 August 2024
Nationalyears1:2007–2010
Nationalteam1:Scotland U19
Nationalyears2:2008–2022
Nationalteam2:Scotland
Nationalcaps2:143
Nationalgoals2:24
Nationalteam-Update:27 January 2023
Years8:2024–
Clubs8:Bay FC
Caps8:7
Goals8:0

Jennifer Patricia Beattie (born 13 May 1991) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for Bay FC of the NWSL and formerly the Scotland national team. Her previous clubs include Celtic, Arsenal, Montpellier and Manchester City. Beattie is a tall, strong, right-footed player. Although typically a defender or midfielder,[2] she is also an accomplished goalscorer. She is the daughter of former Scotland and British Lions rugby union player John Beattie.

Early life

Beattie began playing football with her brother Johnnie and his friends, while at primary school. She was eventually selected to the Glasgow Primary School select team, as the only girl, and was named captain.[3] Beattie then played with Hamilton Academical's boys' teams.[4]

Club career

Queen's Park

Beattie began her senior career in the Scottish Women's Premier League with Queen's Park FC Ladies as a 15-year-old. She helped the club reach the final of the Scottish Women's Premier League Cup in November 2007; Queen's Park lost 4–0 to a Hibernian Ladies team containing Beattie's future Arsenal teammate Kim Little.[5]

Celtic

In January 2008 Beattie moved to Celtic Ladies.[6] She spent a year and a half with the club before leaving to join Arsenal Ladies.

Arsenal

Beattie joined Arsenal in July 2009;[7] [8] her first goals for Arsenal came on 8 November 2009 where she scored a stunning treble to seal a comeback against Chelsea after being 2–0 down at half-time.[9] In March 2010, Beattie played in attack during Arsenal's 2–0 defeat by FCR 2001 Duisburg in the quarter-final of the UEFA Women's Champions League.[10] While at Arsenal, she won the 2009 Women's Premier League, the 2011 and 2012 FA Women's League Cup, now called the Continental Cup, and the 2011 and 2013 FA Cups.

In the 2012–13 Champions League, she scored the opening goal when Arsenal defeated Barcelona 3–0 in the round of 16 first leg at the Mini Estadi;[11] Barcelona managed to keep the return leg at Meadow Park goalless by half time, at which point Beattie was brought on as a second half substitute to replace forward Kelly Smith. Beattie scored the first goal in the 53rd minute and completed her hat-trick by converting a penalty in added time, with Arsenal winning 4–0.[12]

Montpellier

Beattie left Arsenal in July 2013 to join French Division 1 Féminine side Montpellier HSC on a two-year contract.[13] [14] [15] While at Montpellier, she made 25 regular season appearances with the side, scoring 5 goals in the process.[16] [17]

Manchester City

Beattie returned to England with Manchester City Women for the 2015 season.[18] [19] In November 2018, she became the fifth player to reach 100 appearances for the club. She played a role in City's victories in the 2016 FA WSL, the 2016–17 and 2018–19 editions of the Women's FA Cup, and the 2018–19 FA Women's League Cup.

Melbourne City (loan)

Beattie joined Manchester City's sister club Melbourne City during Manchester City's offseason, before the third round of the 2015–16 W-League season.[20] While at Melbourne City, she helped the club during its double W-League and Grand Final wins, as well as their 100% record season.[21]

Return to Arsenal

Beattie rejoined Arsenal in June 2019,[22] subsequently winning the FA Women's Super League in 2019, and the 2023 Continental Tyres League Cup in a final against local rivals Chelsea.

Bay FC

Beattie left Arsenal in a transfer for an undisclosed fee to NWSL expansion club Bay FC on 2 February 2024, with her contract through the 2025 NWSL season with an option for 2026.[23]

International career

Beattie represented Scotland at under-17 level,[24] and made her debut for the under-19s at the age of 14.

Beattie made her debut for the senior Scotland side in March 2008, against the United States in Cyprus, as second-half substitute for Leanne Ross.[25] She went on to establish herself in the national side during the 2009 European Championships qualifying campaign. She scored her first international goal as Scotland beat Portugal 4–1 in a European Championship qualifying game in May 2008. Beattie played in both legs of the qualifying play-off defeat to Russia in October and November 2008.[2] After the first leg, Beattie and Kim Little were identified by football writer Graham Spiers as talented youngsters.[26]

In March 2011, Beattie played as a striker and scored in Scotland's 2–0 win over England, the first time Scotland had beaten England since 1977.[27] Beattie became a regular with the Scotland national team. While she was instrumental in helping Scotland reach its first major tournament, the 2017 UEFA Women's Euro Championship, she missed out on the tournament due to injury.[28] She continued her contribution helping Scotland qualify for its first FIFA Women's World Cup, the 2019 tournament in France. On 15 May 2019 Beattie was named to the Scotland's 2019 Women's World Cup squad.[29] [30] At the finals, she scored in the 3–3 tie with Argentina.[31]

On 27 January 2023, Beattie announced her retirement from international football, having made 143 appearances and scoring 24 goals.[32] [33]

Personal life

Beattie is the daughter of former Scotland and British Lions rugby union player, John Beattie and the sister of former Scottish rugby union international Johnnie Beattie.[34] She attended Jordanhill School in Glasgow[34] and on signing for Arsenal enrolled at Hertfordshire University.

In October 2020, Beattie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite this Beattie scored in Arsenal's 5-0 win over Brighton just three days after being diagnosed.[35] She had surgery to remove the lump and, as the cancer had not spread, began radiotherapy instead of chemotherapy.[36] Despite treatment Beattie continued to appear for both Arsenal and Scotland.[37] Beattie won the Helen Rollason Award for 2021, in recognition of her work since the cancer diagnosis.[38]

Beattie was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to association football and charity.[39] She was dating television personality and former Love Island winner Amber Gill, however they split in November 2023 due to conflicting work schedules.[40] Together with Rachel Yankey and Izzy Christiansen, Beattie presented a podcast on Sky Sports Football YouTube channel, 3 Players and A Podcast.

Career statistics

International appearances

Scotland statistics accurate as of match played 11 April 2023.

Year Scotland
AppsGoals
2008133
2009111
2010123
2011106
2012144
2013152
2014152
2015101
201630
201760
2018100
2019101
202020
202160
202271
Total14324

International goals

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Beattie goal.

List of international goals scored by Jen Beattie
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1 3 May 2008 4–1 2009 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
2 28 September 2008 6–0 2009 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
3 30 October 2008 2–1 2009 UEFA Women's Championship play-off
4 24 October 2009 1–0 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
5 27 March 2010 3–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
6 19 June 2010 5–0 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
7 21 August 2010 4–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
8 4 March 2011 2–0 2011 Cyprus Cup
9 21 August 2011 5–0 Friendly
10 21 September 2011 7–2 Friendly
12 12 October 2011 6–1 2013 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
13 27 October 2011 Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh 2–2 2013 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
14 5 February 2012 5–1 Friendly
18 26 September 2013 7–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
19 26 October 2013 Fir Park, Motherwell 2–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
20 7 March 2014 GSP Stadium, Nicosia 4–3 2014 Cyprus Cup
21 13 September 2014 Fir Park, Motherwell 9–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
22 29 November 2015 0–0 2017 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
23 19 June 2019 3–3 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
24 6 September 2022 6–0 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification

Honours

Melbourne City[41]

Arsenal

Manchester City

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/10/2009 and 31/10/2009 . The Football Association . 1 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121012024418/http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesandRegulations/~/media/Files/PDF/TheFA/PlayerRegistrations/October%202009.ashx/October%202009.pdf . 12 October 2012.
  2. Web site: Beattie despondent but unbowed . . 2 October 2010 . 29 May 2010 . Wayne Harrison & Martins Hartmanis . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100601065054/http://en.uefa.com/womensunder19/news/newsid%3D1493423.html . 1 June 2010 .
  3. News: Lynch . Michael . Soccer: Defensive backbone Jen Beattie eyes W-League medal as perfect souvenir . 31 March 2021 . . 30 January 2016 . en.
  4. Web site: Oatway . Caroline . MCWFC sign Jennifer Beattie . . 31 March 2021 . en . 23 December 2014.
  5. Web site: Match Report . The Pink . 2 October 2010 . 10 November 2007 . Gavin Madeley . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120313080837/http://www.thepink.org.uk/Match%20Reports/Hibernian%20LFC%20v%20Queens%20Park.htm . 13 March 2012 .
  6. News: John's girl now a Celt... Jen up. Evening Times. 26 January 2008.
  7. Web site: 14. Jennifer Beattie. Arsenal F.C.. 13 August 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090817192525/http://www.arsenal.com/ladies/players/jennifer-beattie. 17 August 2009.
  8. Web site: Statistics 2009–10. Arsenal F.C.. 2 October 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120326054125/http://www.arsenal.com/ladies/statistics?season=2009-2010. 26 March 2012.
  9. News: Chelsea Ladies 2 – Arsenal Ladies 3. BBC Sport. 8 November 2009 . 8 November 2009.
  10. News: Duisburg end Arsenal challenge. UEFA. 2 October 2010 . Paul Saffer. 14 March 2010.
  11. Web site: The official website for European football .
  12. Web site: The official website for European football .
  13. News: Jennifer Beattie, L'Accent Écossais du MHSC. Montpellier HSC. 31 May 2019. fr.
  14. Web site: Arsenal Ladies duo to leave the club. www.arsenal.com. 20 July 2013.
  15. News: Beattie (Arsenal) à Montpellier. 20 July 2013. L'Équipe. 19 July 2013. fr. Beattie (Arsenal) to Montpellier.
  16. Web site: Jennifer Beattie . Soccerway . 31 May 2019.
  17. Web site: Jennifer Beattie . Montpellier HSC . 31 May 2019. fr.
  18. Web site: Man City Women sign Jennifer Beattie from Montpellier . BBC Sport . 23 December 2014 . 26 December 2014.
  19. Web site: CONTINENTAL CUP HOLDERS MAN CITY SIGN JENNIFER BEATTIE . The FA . 23 December 2014 . 31 May 2019.
  20. Web site: W-League sign Jennifer Beattie on loan from sister club Manchester City Women. Melbourne City. 30 October 2015. 30 October 2015. 21 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170321231039/http://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/article/citys-w-league-sign-jennifer-beattie-on-loan-from-sister-club-manchester-city-women/1t0q669yukg0p1fmqech9pc85d. dead.
  21. Web site: JEN BEATTIE HITS CITY CENTURY. Melbourne City. 26 November 2018. 31 May 2019.
  22. Web site: Jen Beattie: Arsenal Women sign Manchester City and Scotland defender . BBC Sport . 5 June 2019 . 5 June 2019.
  23. Web site: 2024-02-02 . Bay FC signs Scottish defender Jen Beattie . 2024-02-03 . Bay FC . en-US.
  24. News: Tony upbeat after Final defeat. https://archive.today/20130420211859/http://www.hibs-girls.co.uk/2005_06/U17international/ScotvEng/WOMEN'S%20FOOTBALL%20NEWS.htm. dead. 20 April 2013. Women's Soccer Scene. 2 October 2010. 17 April 2006.
  25. Web site: Scotland v USA. The Scottish FA. 13 August 2009.
  26. Web site: It is definitely a mistake to patronise the women's game. The Times. 2 October 2010. 26 October 2008. Graham Spiers.
  27. News: England 0–2 Scotland. Leighton. Tony. BBC Sport. 4 March 2011. 5 March 2011.
  28. Web site: Leanne Crichton: Midfielder rues loss of Jen Beattie, Kim Little & Lizzie Arnot. BBC Sport. 31 May 2019. 2 July 2017. Graham Spiers.
  29. News: Women's World Cup: Arsenal's Emma Mitchell left out of Scotland squad. Suzanne. Wrack. The Guardian. 15 May 2019.
  30. Web site: Women's World Cup: Meet Shelley Kerr's Scotland squad for France. BBC Sport. 15 May 2019.
  31. Web site: Scotland crash out of Women's World Cup after dramatic Argentina comeback. Guardian . 19 June 2019. 20 June 2019.
  32. Web site: Hanging up my Scotland boots. . twitter.com/jbeattie91 . Jen Beattie Twitter . 27 January 2023 . 27 January 2023.
  33. Web site: Arsenal and Scotland's Jen Beattie announces international retirement . theathletic.com . The Athletic . 27 January 2023 . 27 January 2023.
  34. News: Jennifer Beattie ready to play Russian roulette. The Sunday Times. Neil . White. 26 October 2008. 13 August 2009 . London.
  35. News: Arsenal dominate Brighton to return top . en-GB . BBC Sport . 2023-03-24.
  36. News: Beattie plays on during cancer treatment . BBC Sport .
  37. Web site: McElwee . Molly . Jen Beattie exclusive interview: "To score when I'd just been diagnosed with breast cancer – it was the epitome of a team coming together" . The Telegraph . 12 December 2020.
  38. Web site: Sports Personality 2021: Arsenal and Scotland defender Jen Beattie wins Helen Rollason Award . BBC Sport . 19 December 2021 . 23 December 2021.
  39. Web site: New Year's Honours: Andy Robertson, Jen Beattie, Kim Little & Dave Ferguson get MBEs . BBC Sport . 30 December 2022 . 31 December 2022.
  40. Web site: Love Island's Amber Gill 'still figuring out' sexuality as she breaks silence on dating Jen Beattie. Wratten. Marcus. PinkNews. April 6, 2023. October 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230406114843/https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/04/06/love-island-amber-gill-sexuality-girlfriend-jen-bea/. April 6, 2023.
  41. Web site: J. Beattie - Profile . 6 March 2023 . Soccerway.
  42. Web site: Sanders . Emma . 5 March 2023 . Arsenal 3–1 Chelsea: Gunners fight back to win Women's League Cup final . 5 March 2023 . BBC Sport.