Southampton have signed 27-year-old goalkeeper Beth Howard from FA Women’s National League side Bridgwater United.
Howard kept 15 clean sheets for Bridgwater last season and previously played in the WSL for Yeovil, as well as four years in the US with Rider University where she was Conference Goalkeeper of the Year during her time there.
Howard told southamptonfc.com: “It’s unbelievable, really. There aren’t any words to explain it.
“When you’re growing up, it’s hard because there aren’t those role models of what it looks like to be a female professional footballer.
“But then here, it’s literally Premier League standard; That changed my perspective and made me realise I could have the opportunity. You can’t say no to that.”
Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football Marieanne Spacey-Cale commented: “Beth is a GK we have watched and admired for a good while and we are delighted that she has come to us. She has a really positive mindset and is eager to learn and continue her development within our GK Union led by Will Britt.”
Goalkeeper Coach Will Britt added: “It’s great to have Beth on board. She’s a keeper that stood out to us last year with her ability to defend the goal. She helped Bridgwater hold us to a draw last season, making some terrific stops which put pressure on us going into the latter part of our 21/22 campaign. We’ve had a few sessions now and Beth’s settled in quickly and I look forward to seeing how our full-time model will help her develop further.”
