The Vixens sign former Arsenal Youth team player Olivia Da Costa, while central defender Alarna Fuller is back after leaving the club in 2013, winning silverware in 2014 with Huddersfield Town (under current Manager, Glen Preston) and with Bradford City in 2016.
Da Costa commented;
“Guiseley just seems to have so much potential. The players that have come in this year are all top class and the support we have from John, the owner, is really encouraging. It just seemed like the right move as we will hopefully progress back up to the WPL and potentially, more long term, the WSL. It didn’t take much convincing for me to know it was the right decision,” said Da Costa
Olivia, who can play anywhere in defence and as a holding midfielder, has been away in the US for the last year plying her trade for South Carolina University, having previously been the captain of Leeds University.
Assistant Manager Tanya Rich gave her views:
“Liv Da Costa is a fantastic player who was a top transfer target for us, her footballing pedigree speaks for itself, not only is she a very commanding centre back but also a “baller” very composed on the ball with great technical ability, she will be a tremendous asset for the club, I speak for all the staff at Guiseley when I say how pleased and over the moon we are to add such calibre to our squad.”
Pictured – Alarna Fuller with Glen Preston.
Guiseley say of Fuller that she is one of the most feared presences in the penalty box having scored 7 goals from set pieces last year alone. Her tenacity and physical presence is a sight to behold and her qualities have not gone unnoticed.
Speaking on the transfer, Preston said: “We are so happy to have Alarna with us, she is one of the best pros I have worked with, she never misses a session, she’s a leader on and off the pitch and has a strong winners mentality…she leaves everything on the pitch and if you want to win a league title then you need players with her character, experience and quality.
Fuller (26), who has played for Leeds United, Guiseley, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City, added “The chance to work with former gaffa Glen Preston and the ambition of the club is what’s impressed me the most, they’ve brought in a top management team along with signing some of the best players in the region, it’s hard not to be excited about the future of this football club”
