Watford Ladies are pleased to announce the addition of Ellie Mason from Chelsea Ladies on a permanent deal.
Ellie has been a regular in the FA WSL Development League, making 23 appearances over the last two seasons for Chelsea, scoring six goals.
The 19-year-old is capable of playing in a number of different positions but it’s her ability as a striker where she’s expected to shine.
“It feels really good to be a Watford player,” Mason says. “I just can’t wait to get started now, it’s an exciting opportunity for me.”
“Coming back to the club, I know a little bit, however I’ve still got a lot to do in terms of getting to know the team and the coaches but I’m excited to learn loads of new stuff.”
It’s not the first time she’s wore the yellow shirt, having previously been part of the Centre of Excellence.
“If it wasn’t for Watford originally I wouldn’t have been able to go to Chelsea,” Mason explains. “I played football here for quite a while when I was young, which was a huge part of my career. Then I went to Chelsea, which helped me improve as a player, however I’m excited to now come back to Watford.”
Ellie is available for selection this weekend against Everton, where she could make her first team debut.
Mason can’t wait to get started: “I definitely want to make an impact on the game. I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch and hopefully scoring as many goals as I can.”
“It would be amazing to make my debut against Everton, I would love it. Even if I just go on for ten minutes, it’ll be great to play with the team and be involved.”
The arrival of the former Chelsea striker will increase the competition for places in the forward ranks.
Manager John Salomon was delighted to seal the signing: “I’m absolutely delighted to have brought Ellie back to the club because she’s a fantastic prospect and offers something different to what we’ve already got in our strike force.”
“She’s strong, powerful and can score from anywhere with the range of strike that she’s got on her. Also, she can hold players off and likes to play, so she’ll get the ball down and want to link in with the midfielders.”
“That’s something we’re trying to develop as well, getting more players into those attacking areas and she’ll encourage that because she’ll be looking to bring the midfield into her play. I have every faith in her to now step up to Super League level and be able to perform on this stage.”
