WOMEN'S TEAM ROUND-UP | Watling re-signs

Ciara Watling has re-signed for Charlton Athletic Women's football club for the 2020/21 season.

The midfielder begun her career with the Addicks and returned to South London for the 2019/20 season.

Speaking after signing the contract, Watling shared her delight in continuing her journey with Charlton.

"I’m delighted to re-sign for the club, I was really enjoying my new journey with Charlton however with the season being cut short due to the pandemic I only ended up playing a few games.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead, I feel fully settled with the club and it’s looking extremely positive with a few great signings and the players who have re-signed.

“It’s been a really refreshing pre-season, a great mood and vibe around the club. We are all working hard and bonding well, it’s a brilliant group including all of the staff. I can’t wait for the season to start now!”

Lewes FC duo Jess King and Ella Powell have also joined Riteesh Mishra's side for the campaign

Striker, King, joined Lewes in February 2019 from Norwegian side Kolbotn, while Welsh international winger Powell signed for Lewes in June 2019 from NCAA college side Georgia State Panthers.

Powell, 20, began her career with local side Cardiff City before leaving for university in Atlanta. She has racked up two appearances for Wales’ first team, having represented the national side at U17 and U19 level.

On signing for Charlton, Powell displayed her excitement and eagerness to play for the side.

“I am super excited to sign for a great club where I believe I will develop and be able to thrive. All of the staff and players have made me feel very welcome and I already feel settled here. I’m excited to continue the hard work and push for a strong season.”

King, 28, began her career at centre of excellence level with Liverpool, where she progressed into the senior set up, making appearances for their reserve and first teams.

She then moved to Canada for University, where she represented Trinity Western Spartans, before returning to Merseyside to join Everton. Since leaving the Toffees, King has played for Seattle-based ISC Gunners, Switzerland’s FC Basel and German side USV Jena.

King said she was excited to get the season going, after “lockdown has kept us out of football”.

“I’m really excited, as I’m sure everyone is, to get back into the swing of things.

“Charlton has had a lot of success and in recent years been challenging at the top so know what it takes to be there. They have high standards and expectations which is the type of environment I want to be in.”

King added she wanted to enjoy playing again and set herself a goal of “scoring a lot more goals than last season”.

“We have a lot of good players and want us to play to our potential. I want to contribute on and off the pitch to a successful season but more than anything, as most strikers would probably say, I want to contribute with hard work and goals.”

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