Southampton FC Women have signed defender Amy Goddard after her departure from fellow Barclays WSL2 side Sunderland.
The centre-back is the Saints’ first summer signing and has experienced the top tier with Yeovil Town, with spells also at Aston Villa, Bristol City and Crystal Palace.
Once a player at the Hampshire Centre of Excellence. Goddard told southamptonfc.com of her return to the county: “I’m buzzing, instantly when I had my first conversations I just thought it’s home to me as well.
“I’m a leader on and off the pitch so to bring that to the team and to lead from the back and dominate is what I’m about – I know the fanbase here is great and that’s what made me come here as well.
“For me to come back home and be near my family, and also be part of this great, historic club is everything I want to do and be part of in my career.”
Meanwhile, Jemma Purfield, Molly Pike and Benedicte Haaland are all departing the Saints, after discussions this summer did not lead to any contract extensions.