West Ham United Ladies have strengthened their squad still further with the signing of ELEVEN more players for the 2017/18 season!
The Hammers have been rebuilding this summer after formally becoming part of the West Ham family in October 2016, with general manager Karen Ray and first-team manager Greg de Carnys scouting far and wide in search of talented players.
The Ladies had already signed seven players ahead of the new FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division season, including a number who featured in Claret and Blue last term, before adding eleven more this weekend.
Two of those who committed their future to the Hammers – Kelly Wealthall and Chloe Burr – were on the scoresheet in a 5-1 pre-season victory at Harlow Ladies on Sunday, as were recent captures Amber Stobbs, Paige Anderson-James and Molly Peters.
Here, former West Ham midfielder and current general manager and first-team coach Ray introduces the latest arrivals:
Hannah Wheeler – A reliable and composed centre-half who will start her third season at West Ham after joining from Women’s Super League 2 side Millwall Lionesses in 2015. Wheeler has also represented Kent FA and currently studies at Kent University.
Jasmine Auguste – Another defender who made the move across the River Thames from Millwall Lionesses, Auguste is a strong, quick and tenacious player who initially joined the Hammers in summer 2016. She is a very well respected member of the team and someone who leads both on and off the pitch.
Lottie Ivison – A third former Millwall Lioness, Ivison also joined the Hammers in summer 2016. A goalkeeper, Ivison has shown great composure with the ball at her feet and a passion for taking on the responsibility of commanding the back line.
Demi Brown – A fourth former Lioness, Brown came through the Millwall Centre of Excellence before joining Long Lane FC 2nd season at WHUL after joining us from Blackheath-based Long Lane. She is a solid centre-back who is difficult to beat in a tackle, while her strength and composure makes her a very reliable player.
Charlotte Long – A versatile, creative and clever player who can play as a midfielder or defender, Long begins her second season at West Ham after joining us from fellow FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division club C&K Basildon.
Kelly Wealthall – A home-grown striker, Wealthall is joining the senior setup from the Hammers’ U16 Junior Academy team. A prolific goal-scorer, she finished the 2016/17 season with 58 goals in the Essex County Girls League.
Tia Bailey – A defender who is strong, quick and tenacious, Tia Bailey is a young player with an immeasurable amount of potential. She is starting he second season at West Ham after joining us from Charlton Athletic in 2016.
Whitney Locke – Another who has been at the Club from a young age, Locke is a talented and hardworking forward. Her blistering pace sees her skip past oppositions to provide goal scoring opportunities for herself and others.
Stephaney Bent – Bent is in her second season at West Ham after joining the Club from Women’s Super League 2 side Oxford United. A hardworking, versatile player who makes it difficult for defenders to play, she was voted Players’ Player of the Season last term.
Chloe Burr – Another player starting her second season at West Ham after joining the Club from Chelsea Ladies Academy, Burr is a versatile player who can play as a midfielder or forward. She is a very creative and smart player who dances through the opposition. She also finished as the Hammers’ leading goal scorer last season.
Andreya Ezekiel-Meade – A second forward joining the senior group from the U16 Junior Academy team, Ezekiel-Meade is another prolific goal scorer who finished the 2016/17 season with 43 goals in the Essex County Girls League. Added to her eye for goal, she will also create chances for others.