Former Crystal Palace midfielder Leeta Rutherford has joined Southampton according to reports on the club’s official website.
The 33-year-old was one of 12 players to leave The Eagles this summer with a major overhaul in playing staff currently ongoing at Hayes Lane.
The experienced midfielder spent two seasons with Palace after joining the club following a spell with their FA Women’s Championship rivals Lewes. Rutherford made 28 second tier appearances for the South Londoners, scoring one goal.
With Rutherford on the market, it was yesterday confirmed that the player has agreed a move to third tier side Southampton. The midfielder will use her experience to help the club adapt in their debut campaign in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier.
After sealing her move to The Saints, Rutherford said “It’s amazing to be here. The set-up, the people, it’s a really nice club and it’s a great feel when you walk through the door
“I’ve played in this league before with the team down the road and obviously the league above too. Experience is one of my strong points, leadership too and being an all-round character to be around the girls.
“They’ve got a really young squad here, which is amazing to see. They train well, they’re fit, they’re strong, you wouldn’t think that they are playing in the league they are in.
“Of course you’ve got to strive for promotion; we’ve just joined this league but the squad we’ve got here are more than capable of being promoted again.”
Southampton are a team with big ambitions. Having been successful in their bid for upward club movement from Tier 4 to Tier 3 over the summer, The Saints are continuing to look up towards the FA Women’s Championship, a target which is well within their capabilities.
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