Sheffield United have signed defenders Naomi Hartley and Grace Riglar, both from fellow Barclays Women’s Championship side Coventry United.
Hartley returns for her second spell with the Blades, the 21-year-old having not missed a single minute of league and cup action before departing Sheffield 12 months ago.
The ball-playing centre-back said: “I’m buzzing to be back. It was an easy decision and obviously it’s like a second home for me, so I’m buzzing to be back and get started with the girls again.
“It’s good to be back and see some familiar faces, and definitely some new ones as well. It feels like home and it feels like I’ve never been away.”
Head coach Neil Redfearn commented: “Nom is an outstanding talent and genuine person that wants to improve. Our demographic has changed towards younger players that we can shape and develop to play in the top flight, that will get us where we want to be and Nom coming back fits into that.”
Riglar – also 21 – had a previous spell with Leicester City, whom she helped win promotion to the WSL.
She said: “I’m really excited to be here for this season. Sheffield United is a great club, it’s been established in the league for some time now and they’re always pushing to be in the top half and pushing for promotion. I’m excited to continue my footballing journey with Sheffield United.”
Redfearn added: “Grace has the potential to be one of the best centre-backs in the game and she’s come to the right club to reach that potential. We are viewed by other clubs as player developers and Grace is another player who fits into what we want to do here.”
