Six new arrivals as ambitious Watford Ladies bolster the squad

Lucy Gillett, Sophie Cheadle, and Republic of Ireland U19 international Caoimhe O’Reilly, 18, are the three goalkeepers to join the Women’s Super League 2 side.

Midfielders Georgia Miller, 19, and Natalie Richardson, 23, have also signed for the Lady Hornets.

Stanley, 26, was an almost ever-present for Oxford United Women over the last two seasons in WSL2, appearing in 34 out of 36 games.

She also proved to be a threat in front of goal last campaign, netting four times as she played a big part in helping her side to a sixth placed finish.

“I’m an attack minded player, I like to get forward and try to create chances in the final third,” Stanley said.

“Luckily being an oldie means you bring a bit of experience as well! So hopefully I can bring that to the squad this year.”

Cheadle, meanwhile, joins the club from Queens Park Rangers Ladies. She said: “I’m really excited to be joining Watford Ladies.

“It’s a massive challenge, a lot of knee injuries have set me back in the past which made me think I would never get a chance in the Super League.”

Former West Ham midfielder Miller added: “I am really excited to be here. Watford Ladies are a high profile club, with a group of good players and supportive staff.

“The club is very ambitious, they have made exciting links with the Watford men’s team. There is a positive future to look forward to here and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Ex-QPR midfielder Richardson explained how her move came about, saying: “I originally got an e-mail asking me along for the trials.

“I did well and they asked me back. Then I took part in another session and they asked me to sign, so it was quite straight forward really!”

O’Reilley, meanwhile, already has experience of playing on the international stage, having featured at U19 level for the Republic of Ireland.

“I’m excited to be here,” she said. “To play in WSL2 is definitely a big step for where I want to get to, it’s going to help me with internationals.

“I’ll get to play with top quality players so I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

Last but not least, Gillett has spent much of her career playing in the USA, turning out for Springfield College and Hofstra University.

After finishing her collegiate career at Springfield, she decided to move to Iceland, winning the Player of the Season award for Knattspyrnufélagið Fram.

The next step of the career will now be at Watford.

“I just wanted to get away and have a little change in life,” Gillett says of the move. “I do have family that live in England and both of my parents are English. It just seemed like the right decision to come over here and play.”