Durham have made their first new signing ahead of the 2017-18 WSL 2 campaign, with striker Abi Cottam joining from West Brom.
Cottam, 26, has previously turned out for West Bromwich Albion, IBV and Aston Villa, with the striker netting 40 goals in 58 appearances during her two years with Albion.
The Wildcats say that she was part of the Baggies side that won the FA WPL Northern Division in 2015/16 and featured in the play-off game against Brighton & Hove Albion which saw the Midlanders narrowly fall short of promotion.
The striker now joins the Wildcats and will study for a Masters Degree at Durham University, as well as representing the University side in BUCS competitions.
Speaking after agreeing her move, Cottam told durham.fawsl.com: “It’s really exciting to be here and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I think it’s a great opportunity and the setup here is exciting.
“Durham have a lot to offer in terms of football and the place itself so it’s an excellent opportunity.”
Manager Lee Sanders was delighted to capture the forward, saying: “Abi is a name that has kept cropping up over the last year or so and we kept an eye on what she was doing at West Brom.
“She has a very good goalscoring record, which is comparable with some strikers that have stepped up from the WPL to the Super League in the last couple of years.
“She’s also played abroad and has some experience in the Super League – including a memorable goal against Doncaster a few years ago – and gives the team an extra bit of balance being left footed.
“Hopefully she can come in and add an extra dimension to our attacking play.”
