Crystal Palace’s final signing of the summer in centre-midfielder Ashleigh Goddard, following on from Réa Laudat’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
Goddard represented England at U-15 and U-17 level, playing her club football with the likes of Lewes, London Bees and Reading. She joins the Eagles from Cypriot club Apollon, with whom she earned qualification for the Champions League.
Goddard has captained several sides and most recently led London Bees, where she was both the joint-top goalscorer and Manager’s Player of the Year for 2017.
Speaking on the latest addition, Palace manager Dean Davenport told the club’s website: “Knowing Ashleigh was coming back to England after playing for Apollon Ladies FC in Cyprus, we made contact early on and we’re delighted that she came to take a look at us. Ashleigh has trained with us for a couple of weeks now and is a great fit with the team. I know she will bring the experience we need and help bring on the younger players.”
Réa Laudat joins after spending two and a half seasons with Spurs. Prior to this the forward played for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. During her time at the university she was awarded MVP, along with captaining the team in her senior year.
Meanwhile, forward Nikita Whinnett has left the Eagles and joined London Bees after a successful pre-season in front of goal for Palace’s Championship rivals.
