Jennifer Beattie’s departure from Arsenal to Bay FC in the NWSL is a significant moment for both the player and the club.
Reflecting on her impactful career at Arsenal, where she made 166 appearances and scored 33 goals, this article explores Beattie’s journey, her contributions, and what the future holds.
Jennifer Beattie came as an 18-year-old from Celtic back in 2009 and left in 2013 to sign her first professional contract with Montpellier HSC as Arsenal were still semi-professional at the time.
She returned to North London after a spell in the Manchester City Group following her departure from Montpellier, in 2019. During her time at the club, she won one League title, two FA Women’s Cup, and three Continental Tyres Cup. She is the only player to have played at the club in all 10 outfield positions, such is her versatility.
In her second spell, she was used as a centre-back and also as an emergency striker.
Through the years following the club, I found Jennifer Beattie to be a very friendly person, always taking the time to chat post-game and stopping in the mixed zone. Also, hearing her speak French with a Scottish accent was genuinely fun. There was also something very unusual about her time in France. For those who don’t know, we greet each other in France by kissing the other person on the cheek, once or twice in general depending on the area.
I was visiting Montpellier, as I had scouted Jennifer for them and knew the manager at the time, and they had invited me to the pre-match team talk area where players gather. So, I went to say hello to one of the players I knew since her days as captain for the France u-19 team. A usual greeting is two kisses on the cheek left and right, and then the whole team followed up to my surprise, including Jennifer. She is about 12cm taller than me, so it was quite funny. I was really surprised to see a Scottish person doing the traditional French greeting, as people in the UK usually only do hugs or handshakes.
On the playing side, her game time this season was going to be extremely limited due to Leah Williamson’s return to full fitness and being the fifth centre-back in the pecking order, she was even likely to be left out of the 20-player matchday squad on a regular basis.
Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: “Jen has had a beautiful career with Arsenal and we want to say a big thank you for her many years with us. She has helped to bring titles to our club and as a person, she is a great example of strength. We wish her success and happiness in the USA and she is welcome here in her home at any time.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Jen leaves Arsenal with the respect and admiration of every one of us. She has been a wonderful player for us across two periods here and we’re excited to watch her in this new chapter. It’s a sad moment to say goodbye to such an important Arsenal figure, but Jen will always be part of this family and we look forward to seeing her soon.”