Glasgow giants Celtic have completed the signing of defender Jodie Bartle from FA Women’s Championship club Coventry United according to official club reports.
The 27-year-old Peterborough-born centre-back becomes The Ghirls’ fourth signing of the close season with the player linking up with former Lewes manager Fran Alonso north of the border.
Bartle joined former club Coventry United from local rivals Loughborough Foxes last summer ahead of the club’s debut campaign in the FA Women’s Championship but the prospect of full-time football at Celtic was too good an opportunity for her to turn down.
It has been a swift rise up the footballing pyramid for Bartle. The defender was playing in FA Women’s National League North with Loughborough Foxes before making the jump to second tier club Coventry United in July. The player has helped the Warwickshire club remain outside of the relegation zone throughout the campaign and her performances have not gone unnoticed by new Celtic boss Alonso.
Bartle joins a Celtic side who are looking to challenge for the Scottish Women’s Premier League title this season after making the switch to full-time status during the close season. The Ghirls finished in third position last season behind Glasgow City and Hibernian.
