Four join Cardiff City ahead of new WPWL season

Cardiff City have signed four players ahead of the 2020/21 Welsh Premier Women’s League season.

Claire Skinner, Charlotte Hastings, Phoebe Poole and Sydney Tiiman have all put pen-to-paper with the Bluebirds.

Half of the signings are two goalkeepers with experience in the WPWL.

Claire Skinner is returning to Iain Darbyshire’s side after a spell with Cardiff City FC Ladies in England.

“I’m excited to comeback to a club full of potential to hopefully help us challenge in the league,” said the Wales international. 

“To play in the Champions League is a dream, and I’m going to try my best to help Cardiff City FC Women to get there.”

Providing opposition to both Ceryn Chamberlain and Skinner for the number-one shirt is Charlotte Hastings.

She is joining from Abergavenny Women, having spent a number of years between the sticks at Pen-y-Pound Stadium.

Commenting on her move to the capital, she said: “In all my years of playing football I never thought that I would get the opportunity to play for such a huge club like Cardiff City. To say I’m excited is an understatement!”

An outfield addition for the Bluebirds is Phoebe Poole, who joins from Welsh Women’s League runners-up Barry Town United.

Poole is described as a ‘creative attacking midfielder’ and is a Wales U17 international. 

“I am delighted to be joining a massive club like Cardiff City FC Women,” said Poole. 

“I am really looking forward to seeing what the season has in store, and to work with the coaches and see what the team can achieve.”

Rounding off the signings is ‘creative winger’ Sydney Tiiman who joins from the United States.

Her experience in football comes from playing at College level for Eckerd, a University in Florida. 

The Bluebirds have managed to maintain a majority of their squad with Ella Hilliard the only exception as she joins Women’s Super League outfit Bristol City. 

“I’m extremely excited about continuing my football career with Cardiff City F.C. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at a higher level and help contribute to a successful season.”

Meanwhile, forward Kate Jeremiah was named Cardiff’s Player of the Year.

The award was decided by the coaching staff, who nominated the forward in her first season at the club.