Liverpool Ladies sign Casey Stoney ahead of FA WSL 1 season
Tuesday 13 December 2016 15:05, UK
Former England captain Casey Stoney has joined two-time champions Liverpool Ladies ahead of the FA WS1 season.
Stoney - Team GB's captain during the 2012 Olympic women's football tournament - left Arsenal Ladies in November after rejoining the Gunners in January 2014.
The 34-year-old helped Arsenal win two Women's FA Cups - including last season's Wembley showpiece - and the Continental Tyres Cup during her three seasons back in north London.
Stoney is Liverpool Ladies manager Scott Rogers' first signing during the off-season and the central defender will be reunited with former Arsenal team-mates Caroline Weir and Siobhan Chamberlain, who both ply their trade with the Reds.
Stoney has also turned out for Charlton, Chelsea and Lincoln Ladies during her distinguished 17-year senior career, and has made 129 international appearances for England.
"It was a big decision but for me this was the right one," Stoney told Tuesday's Sportswomen show on Sky Sports News HQ.
"This is a club with big, big ambitions and the manager Scott was keen to get me in, so for me I am really pleased to be here.
"This is such a big football club. It has got a really good one-club ethos in terms of the women's team being integrated in and I want to be a part of that.
"I know Scott wants to develop me as a player and no matter what your age you're always learning. I think this will hopefully extend my England career. We have the Euros next year and I want to be a part of that. If I can play well for my club it will put me in contention for that."
Liverpool Ladies boss Rogers added: "This is an absolutely brilliant signing for the club. Casey is an experienced international defender with over 120 caps for England which highlights what a crucial player she will be for us next season.
"Casey's reading of the game and ability on the ball is fantastic so I have no doubt that she will prove to be a great signing for us."
