Southampton begin life in the Barclays Women’s Championship with a fixture against Charlton Athletic at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.
The Saints were promoted to the elite game in May after winning the FA Women’s National League’s Championship Play-Off Final at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park. Southampton have some superb financial backing from the club and they are expected to continue to grow during their time in the second tier.
Southampton boss Marieanne Spacey-Cale has recruited well in the summer transfer window with former Barclays Women’s Championship top scorer Katie Wilkinson being the one outstanding addition. She is likely to lead The Saints’ attack against The Addicks. Spacey-Cale could consider handing up to six other new signings their debuts this weekend.
Charlton Athletic turned full-time last season but their overall performance across the campaign was a little underwhelming. The South East Londoners finished the season in fifth and never looked like challenging for promotion. There has been a high turnover of players at the club this summer and head coach Karen Hills has made some solid signings. In total, 12 new players have joined Charlton Athletic and we can expect to see the likes of Sian Rogers, Elisha N’Dow, Lucy Watson and Melissa Johnson in the starting line-up on the South Coast.
The Barclays Women’s Championship fixture between Southampton and Charlton Athletic kicks-off at 12.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Tickets for the match remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
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