After a successful spell at Tier 3 with Cheltenham Town, new signing Maisy Collis has joined Bristol Rovers Women ahead of the 2025/26 season — and she’s already bringing a calm head, a wealth of experience, and a real sense of excitement to her new club.
“I had an initial chat with Nathan, and I just thought it was really exciting,” Collis explains. “The club’s going in the right direction, the facilities are amazing, and I already know a lot of the girls — I love playing with them. It just felt like the right move for me at this time.”
Despite not having fully met the squad at the time of speaking, Collis is confident about settling in quickly.
“I think it’ll be good,” she says. “Having Ella also coming from Cheltenham makes the transition really easy. But I’m just excited to meet everyone properly and get going.”
With Bristol Rovers Women entering their second season at Tier 4 after an impressive debut campaign, Collis is motivated by the opportunity to help the team take another step forward — and she brings with her the kind of Tier 3 know-how that could make a real difference.
“Tier 3 is very fast-paced and physical. You’ve got to know how to manage games, and I’ve played quite a few now at that level,” she explains. “So I’m hoping I can bring a calm, composed head and a bit of experience into the squad.”
Collis isn’t setting specific targets in terms of numbers — for her, it’s more about influence and contribution.
“As a team, I think we want to finish as high as possible — build on last season, do even better. And for myself personally, I just want to have a positive impact, maybe get a few goals, but mainly be someone who helps push the group forward.”
Asked about the squad’s potential this season, Collis is optimistic.
“The team did so well last year already — and hopefully the girls coming in, including myself, can add something to that. We just want to build on what’s already a great foundation and see what we can achieve.”
Having already had early conversations with the coaching staff, Collis has been impressed with the environment around the club.
“It’s just a really welcoming environment. A very homely club. I can see myself fitting in here,” she says with a smile. “That’s what makes me most excited — being part of a team that’s pushing forward, but also somewhere that feels right.”
Manager Nathan Hallett-Young couldn’t be clearer about what this signing means for the team.
“Maisy’s another massive signing,” he says. “She brings bags of Tier 3 experience — and even higher, having been involved with Bristol City from the academy through to the first team. We’ve been chasing her for a while, so I’m really pleased we’ve got it over the line.”
“She’s someone who can help us retain possession and keep the ball ticking over,” he explains. “That’s something we didn’t always do enough of last year. Maisy gives us that calmness and control, but she also adds creativity and goals.”
For Hallett-Young, this is exactly the kind of player the club is looking to attract.
“It’s about bringing in experienced players who don’t just raise the standard on the pitch but also fit into what we’re building off it,” he says. “Maisy’s calm, experienced, and technically strong — and she’s going to play a key role in helping us push to that next level.”
