Molly Bartrip has outlined the reasons behind her move to Crystal Palace and the early progress made by the newly promoted side. The defender joined Palace from Tottenham Hotspur in August on a three-year contract and has started every league match so far, helping the team record two clean sheets.
Speaking on the Five Year Plan podcast, Bartrip said a conversation with manager Jo Potter played a major role in her decision. She was convinced by Potter’s ambition for the club, the quality of the facilities and the opportunity to contribute to a team she believes can continue to develop.
The move also reunited Bartrip with Potter, who was her teammate at Reading between 2017 and 2020. Bartrip explained that their relationship has naturally changed since Potter became her manager, although the defender said her respect for Potter’s playing career gives added weight to the coaching instructions she receives.
Bartrip marked her Palace debut by making her 150th Women’s Super League appearance in the 1-0 victory over Everton. A week later, Palace earned a 0-0 draw away to Arsenal at the Emirates, a result Bartrip found particularly rewarding after previously struggling to collect points at the stadium. She felt Palace had shown enough character to compete for a win late in the contest, while also recognising the significance of taking a point as a newly promoted team.
The defender also praised the atmosphere within Palace’s squad, singling out Caitlin Cosme for bringing energy and humour to the group. She mentioned Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Jamie Lee Napier and Sierra Enge among the players who add different personalities to the dressing room, saying that Cosme in particular helps her avoid overthinking and taking life too seriously.
Bartrip’s final message centred on the demands of professional football and the need to care for both body and mind. She acknowledged that she has previously devoted so much energy to the game that she had little left at home, but said switching off through family time, relaxing and ordinary routines is essential. Bartrip is due to be involved when Palace Women face West Ham United on Sunday.
