Coventry United’s impressive summer of transfer activity has continued with the club acquiring the services of former Sheffield United centre-back Nom Hartley on a one-year deal.
The 19-year-old defender was released by The Blades at the end of her contract at The Technique Stadium and she has now opted to become a member of Coventry United’s ever-improving squad.
Coventry United announced the deal via a post on their official club Twitter account this morning.
✍️The club are delighted to announce the signing of Naomi Hartley from #FAWC side @sufc_women on a 1yr contract
The defender becomes our sixth permanent signing of the 2021/22 #FAWC season. #WelcomeNaomi #WeRise 🔴🟢 pic.twitter.com/WQD3CXHJx9
— Coventry United LFC (@CovUnitedLFC) July 6, 2021
Hartley started her career in the youth system of hometown club Burnley before spending time in the academies of Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Manchester United. Hartley re-joined Liverpool as a senior player for a brief spell in 2018 before returning to Manchester United for their debut FA Women’s Championship season in 2018/2019. Hartley made a small number of senior appearances for The Red Devils in their title-winning campaign.
In March 2019, the defender joined Sheffield United on a loan deal which was made permanent that summer. Hartley has gone on to make 41 appearances in the FA Women’s Championship for The Blades, helping the club to second place in 2019/2020.
Hartley is one of the most consistent defenders in the FA Women’s Championship and she will undoubtedly play a big part in improving a Coventry United defence which has been far too slack in the club’s first two seasons in the second tier.