Charlton Athletic Women announce three new signings

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic Women have made three signings – Alice Griffiths, Rachel Newborough and Jaime Gotch.

Welsh midfielder Griffiths joins after a treble-winning season with Cardiff Met, who last season scooped the Welsh Premier Women’s League, FAW Women’s Cup and Welsh Premier Women’s Cup titles.

 The 18-year-old Aberdare-born player began her career with AFC Llwydcoed.

 Griffiths said: “Charlton were very successful last season and Riteesh [Mishra, manager] has given me the opportunity to show myself so I’ve been given a great opportunity and hopefully I can take it.” 

Mishra said: “Alice has moved over here and I’m excited to work with her. She has a great attitude, really driven and has already pleased me in training.”

Northern Ireland international Newborough arrives from Boston College. She said:“It’s been a great pre-season so far, I’ve been getting on with the girls really well and the management and everything so I’m just really excited for the season to start now.

“Everyone in women’s football was impressed last year with how amazing Charlton did, especially after only being promoted the season before. I think that says a lot about the club, their philosophy and the way they’re set up that they managed to do that.

“They were so close to promotion last year so I’m hoping this year we can go the full way and get promoted.”

Mishra said: “Rachel has had a fantastic impression. The first week the feedback from my staff is some of the best I’ve received for a new player with getting the ground running and being a leader.

“She comes with good pedigree, experience at this level and I’m glad to add her to my squad.”

Versatile defender Gotch had been in the Reading academy.

“Coming up into women’s football is a big step from academy football where I was playing last season” said Gotch. 

“Charlton seems an intense club so I’m looking forward to playing throughout the season. I saw the progress they made last year and the season before with getting promoted and Charlton seemed the best club to join.”

Mishra said: “I’m pleased that players from strong WSL academies are choosing us as their side to step up to the main women’s game with. I’m pleased with how Jaime has started and she has a lot of potential stepping up into first team football.”