Hepworth United Ladies squad is steadily building for the 2017/18 County Premier league campaign. With several new signings and a few returning to the club and the majority of last seasons league runners up squad all committing to the cause.
Captain Kirsty McCluskey and last seasons Top Scorer Abigail Iggleden along with Player of the Year Rebecca Purchon already signed on along with Lucy Pickles who has spent the last 18 months out through injury is bidding for a regular start. Last seasons squad players also resigned are Keeper Rebecca Harper, defenders Lauren Pashley and Becky Kirk here for her second season . Vice Captain Jo Forrest who missed several games due to injury at the end of last season has also re signed along with Amy Whiteley, Amy Thompson, Sophie King and tough tackling Hannah Nicholl. The club has a string of players re signing for a second season with Brigita Olisauskaite, Merita Prebrezova, joined by last seasons Most improved player Lauren Brown.
The team is bolstered for the coming season with the return of Nicki Halstead following a two year stint at Ossett Albion, Nicki who in her last season at Hepworth was voted Player of the season is joined by ex Ossett players Claire Berry and Claudia Cleary who bring a wealth of class and experience to the squad. The team have also secured the signings of young Chloe Hellawell who joins from Huddersfield Town and Laura Hirst who also joins from Huddersfield Town Ladies, two good signings to help bolster the team. Joining along with them is Amy Boulton who last played for Tranmere Rovers several years ago but is looking to return to the game after a few years out. The team is also awaiting on International clearance for Helen Booth who played last season in South Africa.
The teams season will commence on Sunday the 10th of September and are still awaiting the release of league fixtures however they have been drawn at home in the League cup first round against fellow Premier League opponents Tingley Ath that game will be played on Sunday the 10th of October. The quad is still hopeful of possibly a couple of further signings so keep your eyes and ears open and look out for further news.
Lets hope this larger squad can push on from last seasons second place finish and Supplementary Cup runners up spot. Hopefully with Steve Thompson on board to help John Field out with training and match days the team can win some silverware