Durham Women FC have announced the signing of goalkeeper Rachael Laws for the FA WSL Spring Series.
The former Sunderland stopper joins the Wildcats as Helen Alderson prepares to undertake charity work in Africa for a three-month period.
Laws, 26, moves to New Ferens Park having made 18 appearances for the Lady Black Cats in FA WSL 1 last season. The goalkeeper has spent her entire career at Sunderland, bar a loan spell at Liverpool Ladies which saw her pick up an FA WSL winners medal in 2013.
Her fine form in recent years has seen her gain England honours, with the stopper included in several training camps and a tour to China.
She now joins the Wildcats for the FA WSL Spring Series as they look to build on a 1-0 win over Millwall Lionesses in their opening game.
Speaking after joining the club, Laws said: “I’m really excited to be here. I’ve had a few conversations with Lee (Sanders, manager) and it’s a club going in the right direction and I’m really excited to be a part of that.
“I can’t wait to start with a new club, Obviously it is a bit strange for over ten years but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to getting started with. Durham are a club going in the right direction and I’m looking forward to helping them keep going in that direction.
“I’m hoping to be involved as quickly as possible but I know I have to work hard for that. I want to have an impact whether I play or not and help the team during games.”
Manager Lee Sanders added: “We’re really happy to have signed Rachael for the Spring Series.
“She’s a great goalkeeper with excellent experience and knows a lot of the team already as she’s a local girl so it’ll be an easy transition for her.
“When we found out Helen Alderson was going away for three months we had to act fairly quickly because it’s not long before she leaves.
“Megan Borthwick has been fantastic when she played down at Millwall last season and in friendlies, but we need two senior goalkeepers as its the sensible thing to do. This means we again have the option of two great goalkeepers for the Spring Series – one up and coming and one more experienced.
“When the opportunity came up to sign Rachael for the Spring Series we would have been negligent if we didn’t take it.
“We’re looking forward to her getting involved with the squad and working with Mark Bell (Goalkeeping Coach) and being in contention for the FA Cup tie on Sunday.”
Rachael will wear squad number 30 for the Wildcats.
Report courtesy of Durham Women FC Media Office
