(Photo: liverpoolfc.com)
Laws is familiar with Liverpool as she played for the club in 2013 in a loan spell from Sunderland as she helped the Reds win the title that season. She is also on the coaching team at Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East Woodley United. Laws was called up to the England squad in 2014 for their World Cup qualification game with Montenegro as the Lionesses won 10-0. In her career she has won a Women’s Super League title with Liverpool and the Championship with the Black Black’s in 2014. Speaking about returning to Merseyside Laws told the club website “It’s a little bit surreal at the minute”. “Liverpool is where my WSL journey started, I’m excited to be back, excited to start my new journey with Liverpool and looking forward to getting back and hopefully getting the club back to where they belong in the WSL.” “Hopefully, I can make new memories now and hold them with me throughout my career. Back then was a special time to play for Liverpool Football Club, it was a big thing. “I needed a new challenge and I spoke to Vicky and Jen, the goalkeeping coach, and everything they said was what I wanted to hear and hopefully I can make an impact like I did seven years ago.” She is aiming for an immediate return to the top flight as she explained It gives us something to aim for, something to chase,”“. “It’s not going to be an easy season, it’s a difficult league to get out of”. “But I think we’ve got a good group who will work hard through the good and the bad, and it’s about picking points up along the way and sticking together.” Reds manager Vicky Jepson was delighted with the signing as she said “This signing is great news, Rachael is an experienced WSL goalkeeper, who actually had her WSL debut with our club back in 2013, so it’s great to welcome Lawsy back”. “She’s got the characteristics we expect from a goalkeeper, to demand and drive our outfield players to retain and build attacks and hopefully keep many clean sheets in the future”. “I’m sure many LFC fans will be delighted to welcome her back and I’ll look forward to watching her contribution to our team over pre-season.” Laws is from the North East and started her career at Sunderland before staying on Wearside until 2018 as she made the Reading.In 2019-20 Laws played five games in the Women’s Super League for the Royals before the season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Goalkeeping coach Jen Herst said: “We had a great first session with Lawsy. Her positive attitude, work-rate and experience shone through. I’m really looking forward to working with her over the coming season. Manchester City announce Chloe Kelly signing. Manchester City Women have announced the signing of England striker Chloe Kelly.(Photo: Manchester City.com)
Kelly joins City on a two-year deal following the conclusion of her contract with Everton, for whom she scored nine goals in 12 Women’s Super League appearances in 2019-20. The 22-year-old made her senior international debut in November 2018 and has four England caps to her name so far. Kelly said on mancity.com: “I’m unbelievably excited. I’m just so happy to have the deal sorted and I can’t wait to get going – I’m honoured to be a City player. “Manchester City are a hugely ambitious club whose aspirations match my own and as soon as I had my initial discussions with the staff, I knew there and then that it was the place I wanted to be.” City boss Gareth Taylor said: “We’re thrilled that Chloe has put pen to paper to join us here at Manchester City. “She is an incredibly exciting young talent who has broken onto the scene in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and the England set-up in recent years, but there’s still so much more to come from her. “I’m delighted that we now have the opportunity to help Chloe in the next part of her development journey as she continues her growth as a player on the way to fulfilling her potential.” Megan Wynne completes Bristol City move. Welsh international Megan Wynne has completed a move on a permanent basis from Tottenham Hotspur to Bristol City. Wynne who comes from Welwyn Garden City has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the club having impressed in her loan-spell last season.(Photo: BBC Sport)
Speaking to the Robins website on her move she said “In my short loan spell at Bristol City I really felt at home. It was an easy decision for me, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” said Wynne. “I feel in this environment, surrounded by great players and under Tanya’s guidance, I can really push myself and take my game to the next level – I believe I’ve got a lot more to show. “I have been working hard during lockdown to make sure I’m in the best shape possible to return. I cannot wait to get back into training with my teammates now and I know we will be ready and raring to go when the season starts. “I’m really grateful for this opportunity, it feels like there is something special being built here and I’m very excited to be a part of it.” Wynne was part of the FA Women’s Championship promotion-winning group as Spurs reached the Women’s Super League for the first time in 2019-20. She made three appearances for the Lilywhites In the WSL in 2019-20 from the substitutes bench. Her contract expired last month and that freed her up to make the move to the Stoke Gifford Stadium. Bristol City manager Tanya Oxtoby said: “We’re delighted Megan is going to be a part of our group again for the upcoming season. The energy, high standards and work rate she brings to our environment is exceptional, and she’s an exciting talent. “She has valuable experience at international level and I’m looking forward being able to work with her daily to watch her grow and develop as a player next season.” West Ham to move to new training ground. West Ham United Women have a new training base ahead of the 2020-21 season. The Hammers have announced their new women’s state-of-the-art training base at the Academy of Football at the clubs iconic Chadwell Heath training ground. The facility is now amongst the most modern and advanced in the women’s top division and was redeveloped as part of the Board’s wider strategy around the growth and development of the Club at all levels, including a £22m investment on infrastructure. Managing Director Jack Sullivan told the club website “The relocation of our women’s training facility to the redeveloped Chadwell Heath, the historic home of West Ham United, is a fantastic show of our Club’s commitment to providing a platform of excellence for our women’s team to grow, develop and excel. With this new training base, we want the players to enjoy their work environment and treat it as a home away from home. “It has always been a long-term goal to have a dedicated, purpose-built West Ham United women’s training facility and I am thrilled that we have now achieved this. These uniquely crafted facilities, alongside the already excellent resources available at Chadwell Heath, will hopefully help our women’s team to continue to progress and strive to reach the next level, as we head into our third season as a professional team in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.” Head coach Matt Beard said: “It is a great pleasure to begin work ahead of the new Barclays FA WSL season at our new base at Chadwell Heath. “The significance of this move is not lost on any member of our team. It is a privilege to work at the same location that bought West Ham some of the most iconic names in football, including the legendary Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, and more recently Mark Noble and Declan Rice. “Our ambition now is to honour the legacy of Chadwell Heath with our hard work, attitude and ability as we seek to write the beginning of our own history here. Captain Gilly Flaherty who also signed a new contract on Monday added “It has been a privilege to be a part of West Ham United women’s journey as a professional team since the first day of our first season in the Barclays FA WSL, and to have the opportunity to work at Chadwell Heath is the next huge step in our progression. “The facilities built and developed at our new base at the Club’s historic home have all been implemented with player development and welfare at the forefront of the priority list, and I can speak for every member of our squad when I say we are excited to begin work for the new campaign in our new base.” West Ham will use it for the first time this week as they return to pre-season ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign. Arsenal bring in Malin Gut. Arsenal Women have completed their second summer signing as 19 year old Switzerland International Malin Gut has put pen to paper in north London. The 19-year-old midfielder started her career at FC Zürich before making the switch to Grasshopper Club Zürich in 2019. She made her senior debut at the club at just 15 , and during her five year spell she won the Nationalliga A and the Swiss Women’s Cup three times each. At just 19 she has already won eight caps for Switzerland where she has played alongside new Arsenal teammate Lia Wälti. She plays as a defensive midfielder but can also slot into the centre-back role when required.(Photo: Arsenal.com)
It gives Joe Montemurro more choice and cover in midfield as Leah Williamson who is predominantly a centre-back had to play that role when Wälti was unavailable with injury. Jill Roord has also played in that position but she is used mainly as an attacking midfielder so the signing gives her more freedom to push higher up the pitch. “It’s a very big honour for me to be able to play and represent this club in the future,” Gut told Arsenal.com. “From the beginning it felt like everything fitted perfectly. I talked to Joe a lot which helped because he was really able to convince me from the first second and I felt that he’s the kind of coach I really want to play with. I’m very, very excited to play with the Arsenal shirt for the first time.” “She’s a player that I noticed about a year ago now in the Swiss national team that is very, very mature for her age,” said head coach Joe Montemurro. “She’s someone that I think is really going to flourish in our environment around the players that she’s going to be around. She’s a very exciting prospect for the club.” Arsenal sign Lydia Williams. Arsenal Women have announced their third summer signing as goalkeeper Lydia Williams has completed her move to north London.(Photo: Arsenal.com)
Wiliams is an Australian international and joins the Gunners from Melbourne City filling the void left by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin who departed for Atletico Madrid. In an unveiling video Williams said “My journey started in Kalgoorlie, Australia, it was there I discovered my love for the game, and spent every waking moment pushing myself to be the best that I can possibly be.” “I’d spend countless hours, out in the back yard, dreaming of playing for my country and going all the way to the top”. “In 2005, the Australian national team gave my my first big break, and I haven’t looked back since, I’ve played in finals, I’ve won titles, I’ve played on the biggest stage and shown what I can do with the whole world watching” “But now I’m ready for a new challenge, a new chapter in my career, I’m Lydia Williams and I’m proud to call myself a Gunner”. As Australia’s Number one , Williams has made 88 international appearances and will now join up with international teammates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in north London. Speaking to Arsenal.com the shotstopper said To be given an opportunity to come over and play with some of the best players in the world is really exciting”. “I remember watching Arsenal as a young kid, so It’s amazing to be a part of this team. I can’t wait to meet all of my teammates.” Manager Joe Montemurro went on to add This is another really important signing for us,”. “With the wealth of experience that Lydia brings, she can help the younger players that we’ve got, but more importantly she’s a big game player that will be solid and really contribute to the group”. Williams will add further competition for the number 1 jersey at Arsenal as she will battle it out with Manuela Zinsberger and Fran Stenson to claim that spot. The 32-year old has also featured for Canberra United, Chicago Red Stars, Pitea, Western New York Flash, Washington Spirit, Houston Dash and Reign. Jemma Purfield links up with Bristol City. Bristol City Women have completed the signing of Jemma Purfield on a two year contract.(Photo: liverpoolfc.com)
Purfield signs from Liverpool after her contract expired last month on Merseyside. She becomes the clubs fourth summer signing with Ella Mastrantonio, Faye Bryson and Aimee Palmer all penning deals at the Stoke Gifford Stadium. Purfield is an attacking left full-back and made an instant impression by scoring a spectacular goal on her Liverpool debut. She has also had spells with Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham and a stint playing at college level in America with the Arizona State Sun Devils and South Alabama Sun Belt. “I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol City. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to work with the staff and players at the club,” said Purfield. “I’ve heard great things about the club and city, I can’t wait to get on the training pitch and prepare for what is shaping up to be an exciting season ahead.” Robins manager Tanya Oxtoby said: “After my first conversation with Jemma, I knew the environment she was seeking for her next challenge matched perfectly with what we provide at Bristol. “We are about developing, challenging and providing opportunities for young English talent in one of the best leagues in the world. “Jemma is going to be a fantastic addition to our squad. She is a bright young English player who is looking for the opportunity to earn game time, and her mentality fits the Bristol ethos perfectly. I’m really looking forward to working with her on a daily basis and watching her develop as a footballer.” Purfield has also represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level.AVAILABLE FROM THE REDMEN TV SHOP – HERE
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West Ham announce new contracts. West Ham United Women have announced extended contracts for five of their players leading into the 2020-21 season. Captain Gilly Flaherty, forward Alisha Lehmann, Korean midfielder Cho So-hyun and Canadian attacker Adriana Leon have signed new two-year deals with West Ham United, keeping them with Matt Beard’s side until 2022. All five were key players as the Hammers finished eighth in the Women’s Super League winning five of their 15 games, drawing one and losing eight. French international midfielder Kenza Dali has penned a new one year deal in east London until 2021.
(Photo: Griffiths Photographers)
Head coach Matt Beard told whufc.com: “I am thrilled to secure the futures of Gilly, Cho, Alisha, Adriana and Kenza at West Ham United. “The five players who have committed their futures to the Irons have proven themselves to be key individuals in our team, both on and off the pitch, and help to form the spine of a side that I am confident can challenge for honours in the new season and beyond. “It has been a pleasure to work with Gilly, Cho, Alisha, Dri and Kenza during their respective careers with West Ham so far and I am looking forward to continuing our good work together through pre-season and into the new campaign.” Flaherty moved to the Hammers in the club’s first summer as a professional women’s team, joining the Irons from Chelsea and becoming the team’s first captain. The centre-back has made 48 appearances in all competitions for the side, scoring one goal, and led the team to the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in May 2019. Swiss International Lehmann joined the east London team from BSC Young Boys Frauen. She has been of the leagues bright sparks as she scored 13 goals in 48 outings in all competitions for West Ham. Cho signed for the Irons in January 2019 and has made 23 appearances since switching to West Ham, while Leon was arguably the standout performer for the Irons in 2019-20 and has scored nine goals in 26 showings in all competitions since her transfer from Seattle Reign. Dali joined West Ham from Dijon last summer and finished as the team’s top scorer in the curtailed 2019/20 campaign, netting seven times in 19 appearances. Lucy Staniforth pens Manchester United deal. York born midfielder Lucy Staniforth has completed her move to Manchester United Women from Birmingham City.(Photo: Manchester United)
The England International was announced as a Red Devil on Thursday afternoon ahead of the new 2020/21 that is planned to start in September. She spent the last two seasons at Birmingham City but decided not to take up a new offer last month as her contract expired. The 27-year-old made 43 appearances for the club in all competitions after joining the Midlands side from Sunderland in 2018. The midfielder played 10 games for the Blues last term, scoring once and claiming three assists. Staniforth has made 16 senior appearances for the England women’s national team and was part of the squad for the recent 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2020 SheBelieves Cup. She made her World Cup debut in England’s 3-0 win over Cameroon in Valenciennes last June. On signing for Manchester United she told the club website “I’m really happy to have signed with Manchester United; it’s the biggest club in the world and I’m so proud to be part of it. I’ve been impressed with the performances from last season and the club’s future ambitions. I wanted to come here to win trophies and make history with this club, and I’m just excited to get started.” Manager Casey Stoney added “I’m thrilled to have Lucy join United; she is a fantastic player who will add great depth to the strong midfield department we have built at the club. Lucy has so much experience in the women’s game, having made her senior debut at 16 years old, and I know she can utilise that experience for us both on and off the pitch. “We’re really looking forward to working with her ahead of the new season.” Manchester United finished the 2019/20 season 4th in the table before it was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. West Ham United sign Mackenzie Arnold. West Ham United Women have announced their first summer signing in the form of Australian international goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. Arnold moves to east London from Brisbane Roar ahead of the 2020-21 season following the departure of Anna Moorhouse to Bordeaux.(Photo: BBC Sport)
I am delighted to join West Ham United,” Arnold told whufc.com. “I feel like this move has been something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time and I don’t think I could have ended up at a more perfect team for me. “Matt Beard the staff and the girls have been so welcoming already and I can’t wait to get over to England to start training all together. I’ve heard some really good things about the Club and the incredible West Ham fans. I hope I can contribute to that and that West Ham will be somewhere I can call home for a long time to come.” Arnold is a three-time winner of the W-League Goalkeeper of the Year award and has won 23 caps for Australia, making her debut in November 2012, when the goalkeeper earned a debut clean-sheet over Chinese Taipei. Arnold was included in the Australian squad for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada and the 2016 Olympic Finals in Brazil, and was the her country’s starting shot-stopper in the 2017 Tournament of Nations, which Australia won with a 6-1 thrashing of Brazil. The shotstopper was also a part of the Australia squad that won the inaugural 2019 Cup of Nations. Manager Beard added “Mackenzie has played at the top level in Australia and she knows the mentality it takes to get to tournament finals. She’s an excellent goalkeeper who is very brave and very good with her feet. She’s a good shot-stopper too” “Mackenzie comes with W-League and NSWL experience and she’s got a fantastic personality as well. Her winning mentality and experience will be huge for us and she’s definitely going to bring a lot to the table for West Ham United”. Everton bring in Norwegian international. Norway defender Ingrid Moe Wold is to join Everton Women on a two-year deal.(Photo: BBC sport)
The 30-year-old right-back will move to Merseyside after her current deal at Madrid expires. Wold joined the Spanish top-flight side in January after leaving LSK Women in her homeland but the season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic. As well as playing at two World Cups and the 2017 European Championships, Wold won seven Norwegian League titles and five Women’s Cups with LSK. Poppy Pattinson joins Toffees. Everton Women have signed England Under-21 international Poppy Pattinson following her exit from fellow Women’s Super League club Bristol City.(Photo: Copyright EMPICS Sport)
The left-back, who has also played for her country at under-17 and under-19 levels, has agreed a two-year contract. Durham-born Pattinson, 20, started her senior career with Sunderland before joining Manchester City. Pattinson joined Bristol City in August 2018 and moves to Everton at the end of her contract. Carla Ward leaves Sheffield United Women. Sheffield United Carla Ward have parted company with immediate effect. Chief executive officer, Stephen Bettis, told sufc.co.uk: “On behalf of the owner, board and everyone at the club, I’d like to place on record our thanks to Carla for the four years of service. “Carla was instrumental in the club achieving FA Championship status in 2018 and also in the women’s team reaching their highest ever position in the pyramid before the 2019-20 season was curtailed. “However, both parties have opted to go down a different path. We will announce a new head coach in due course to be ready for the start of the 2020-21 campaign.” Ward added: “I want to place on record my thanks to everyone at the football club for the opportunity to work at what’s been a very special club. From the moment I walked in, every single department has been so supportive and fully backing of the women’s team and I can’t thank them enough for that, it gave me an opportunity to learn and develop in my role and allowed us to achieve what we have on the pitch. “For now a new fresh challenge is needed and I wish everyone at the football club the very best of luck.” Aston Villa Women bring in Anita Asante. Aston Villa Women have signed 35-year-old England international defender Anita Asante from Chelsea. Asante makes the move after her second spell at Chelsea, having also played is USA and Sweden, while racking up 71 caps for the Lionesses playing for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics. Villa Head Coach Davies told avfc.co.uk: “Anita will be joining us from Chelsea Women with an already tremendous amount of experience in the FA Women’s Super League, having also represented England at major tournaments. “Anita’s on-ball ability lends itself superbly to that of a modern-day centre-half – happy to play in tight spaces, play under pressure and creative passes between lines. “This is what a centre-half at Aston Villa looks like. But it’s her character and desire to be the best that sets her apart.” Hayley Raso signs new extended deal at Everton. Australia forward Hayley Raso has signed an extended contract with Everton Women, keeping her at the Women’s Super League club until 2021. The 25-year-old joined from Brisbane Roar in January but has yet to play because of injury and the season ending early after the coronavirus outbreak. Raso made her Australia debut at the age of 17 and has been a regular since. Everton finished the season in sixth place after the final positions were decided on a points-per-game basis. Ramona Bachmann departs Chelsea. Ramona Bachmann has left Chelsea and signed for French club Paris St-Germain. The 29-year-old had been with the Women’s Super League side since 2017. She scored 19 goals in 88 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. “Ramona has been an important player of our journey for the past three seasons and will always be part of the history books of this club after scoring twice at Wembley in the 2018 FA Cup final,” said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. She told the club website: “I wish Ramona all the best for her new challenge at PSG and thank her for her hard work and commitment during her time at Chelsea.” Gemma Bonner signs new contract at Manchester City. Gemma Bonner has signed a new contract at Manchester City ahead of the 2020/21 season Bonner told mancity.com: “I’ve had a really good two years at the club so far and especially last season, I felt like I played some of my best football so far with some incredible players around me, so I can’t wait to continue that journey. “With the appointment of Gareth Taylor as our Head Coach too, it’s a really exciting time for the club and we’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead.” Head of Women’s Football, Gavin Makel, commented: “Gemma is the type of player and person that any team would love to have in their squad. “Last season, we saw just what she is capable of, with a host of outstanding performances by utilising her wealth of experience.” Brighton make first summer signing. Goalkeeper Katie Startup has become Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s first summer signing after joining from Charlton Athletic. The 21-year-old former England U-19 international signs for the WSL side after being a regular in the Championship for the Addicks. Albion head coach Hope Powell told brightonandhovealbion.com: “We’re delighted that Katie has agreed to join us. She has established herself as a top goalkeeper at Championship level and this is an opportunity for her to push her career forward in the WSL. “She’s got all the attributes to succeed at this level, wants to improve and I think she will fit into our squad really well on and off the field. “With Megan Walsh and Cecilie Fiskerstand here as well, we have real competition going forward for the goalkeeper’s shirt and I’m sure all three will push each other on when we start pre-season training later this month.” Sheffield United announce new contracts. Sheffield United Women’s Veatriki Sarri, Chloe Dixon and goalkeeping duo Becky Flaherty and Emily Batty have all signed new contracts ahead of the 2020/21 season. Flaherty started every league game until a hip injury curtailed her season, while Batty was a regular starter in the Continental Cup but kept a clean sheet on her league debut away at Coventry United in January. The versatile Dixon, a regular in several positions over the past two seasons, said: “I believe we have the capability to be going places … I hope we can really compete this year.” Greece international Sarri shone in the club’s academy and was fast-tracked into the first team early in the 2018-19 season, then played all 21 games of the last campaign.” Written by: Josh Bunting (@buntingfootball)