Doncaster Belles' off-season business shows no signs of slowing, as they confirmed that talented teenager, Sam Tierney, had extended her stay with the Yorkshire side.
Another defensive reinforcement
The 17-year-old was part of the Doncaster squad that gained promotion to the WSL 1 last year, and this is the latest in a line of deals to be done by the club in order to ensure they remain in the top division. Nicola Hobbs and Rhiannon Roberts both signed new contracts, while Anna Moorhouse arrived from Durham. This doesn't look to be the end of boss, Glen Harris' dealings as he aims to keep up his impressive record as Belles manager.
A centre-half by trade, Tierney is making a big impression in her time with the club. Her performances have earned the acclaim of the national youth squads and Harris was quick to commend her on the achievement, "Sam did really well in her first season of senior football and her performances gained her call ups to the England Under-18s and Under-19s training camps."
He added that she is a "great player to work with" and always looks to "learn and improve". Harris has "challenged her to earn herself a starting spot in the team" in the upcoming season, and all signs would point towards the youngster doing just that.
Tierney delighted to stay with the Belles
The Sheffield starlet commented on the news, saying: “I would like to thank Glen and all at the club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity last season to make the step up to FA WSL 2." She also said it was "an amazing experience" and one which she has "learnt so much" from. Tierney remained focused, however, stating that she is keen to push herself "as far as possible in training" so that she can hit Harris' target of earning a starting spot.
Tierney finished by admitting her excitement at the "challenges ahead both as a team and individually in FA WSL 1". She concluded, “It is a pleasure and huge honour to be able to play for Belles.”