Guiseley Vixens delighted to announce the signing of Sophie Walton from Doncaster Belles. The 28-year-old midfielder joins the club after a successful spell with the Belles which saw her lift the WSL2 trophy less than 3 months ago. She is described as “a combative midfielder who likes to dictate the play in the middle of the park”.
Walton boasts an exceptional CV, having played for a host of WSL clubs (inc Notts County & Lincoln Ladies) and represented England as a youth international at u17, u19, u20 and u23 level. She has played in 3 Women’s FA Cup Finals and 4 League Cup Finals, and successfully returned to high-level football after the birth of her son in 2016.
Sophie issued the following statement on joining the club:
“I am delighted to have signed for Guiseley for the new season. After the unfortunate circumstances with Doncaster Belles, I’ve had a couple of options to weigh up including offers from WSL2. I decided joining Guiseley would be the best suited for me and my family. I know a bit about the club having watched my partner Jake play for them in the 2016/17 season and having one of my best friends (captain Alarna Fuller) play and it is a club that I believe is going places.
“I can’t wait to get started and see what this new challenge will bring.”
Assistant Manager Ash Thompson said “Sophie is a superb acquisition and a real coup for the club, signalling our intentions for the coming season. Whilst avoiding relegation last season was a substantial achievement for the club, we are looking continue our progression and move to another level.
“Sophie will complement our playing style and I believe our midfield unit can be considered among the best in the league. We have so many options and tools to hurt our opposition that we are putting no limits on what we can achieve this season.”
Walton joins Bethan Davies, Ella Hartley and Shannon Durkin, as well of a host of successful trialists who will join the club ahead of the 2018/19 season. The Vixens will kick off their Women’s National League campaign on Sunday 19th August. With the fixtures still to be confirmed, we’ll bring you news on when you can see the team at Nethermoor in the near future.
