Derby County have taken Andi Bell from East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, the prolific striker capping the Rams’ recent quartet of signings.
County boss John Bennett was delighted to secure the sought after goalscorer, telling DCLFC Media “We lost a good striker in Melissa Johnson, who earned herself a shot at the WSL with Sheffield and to sign a like for like replacement in Andi, completes the jigsaw for us this season I believe.
“Her goalscoring record is outstanding at this level and we believe she will be just what we need for the upcoming season and we’ve already seen her impact in the pre-season games, including getting on the scoresheet at the weekend against Sporting Khalsa.”
Bell scored nearly 100 goals for Nottingham Forest over 10 years in the Premier League and she told DCLFC Media “I’m delighted to have joined Derby County Ladies. I am thankful to Nottingham Forest Ladies for my time there and appreciate the efforts of those at the club over the past ten years but it was definitely time for a fresh challenge.
“The facilities available to us are excellent and provide the players with a really strong base for game preparation. The squad is looking strong with a good mixture of both experience and youthful talent.
“With further players coming back from injury, the quality will only improve and the competition for places will be a positive challenge to us all. Hopefully I can bring my experience, knowledge and passion on and off the pitch to help the progression of this squad and the club in general.”
Kennaugh (pictured above) is another to make the move from Forest to the Rams, with her new club all to aware of her danger from set pieces. She scored the crucial goal that secured Forest’s pathway though to the 4th round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup at the expense of Derby.
Sophie Bonser is another forward to switch between the local rivals, having previously joined Forest from Aston Villa Development Squad. She was earlier at Eastwood Town and Derby County Centre of Excellence before that.
Midfielder Shannon Weston is the fourth of Derby’s former Forest players to join in the last few days. Having spent time away from the game to pursue a career opportunity. The Rams hope to make the most of Weston’s desire to get back into football.
