Wrexham: Former Burnley, Man United, and Stoke City midfielder makes transfer switch

Wrexham have signed a midfielder from Stoke City, prompting the Potters to bring in a former Cardiff City player from West Brom as her replacement.

The Red Dragons are continuing to prepare for their upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign and have once again recruited from Stoke, with Bella Reidford making the move from the FA Women’s National League North Premier Division to the Adran Premier.

Reidford becomes Wrexham’s fourth summer arrival at The Rock as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new campaign.

Lucy Farrell, Natasha Thomas and Mikayla Cook had all joined the Red Dragons before Reidford’s arrival, with the quartet already beginning to build a connection during the club’s pre-season preparations in Cork.

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Former Burnley and Man United midfielder makes switch to Wrexham

An experienced midfielder with a strong grounding in the English game, Bella Reidford arrives at Wrexham having already represented several clubs across the North West and Staffordshire regions.

Her journey began at Tranmere Rovers, where she came through the academy ranks before catching the eye of Manchester United.

Despite her young age, Reidford quickly earned responsibility at one of the biggest clubs in world football, taking on the captaincy of their U21 side and featuring in an WSL Academy League Cup final. In the 2022/23 season, she won the Player of the Year award with the Red Devils.

The midfielder made the step into senior football with Burnley in the summer of 2023, marking the beginning of an impressive spell in Lancashire. She now returns to Wales with Wrexham, where she will reunite with Rebecca Sawiuk, the Wrexham assistant coach who managed her during her time at the Clarets.

“I’m really excited to be here,” said the former Wales youth international to the official club website.

“When the opportunity came along, it was one that I didn’t want to pass up on. Out of the options that I had, it was definitely one of the most exciting opportunities.

“I certainly think that I will keep my development going under Jenny’s management. Everyone that I’ve spoken to has said so many positive things about her, and I’ve definitely seen that firsthand.”

Reidford also arrives with international pedigree, having represented Wales at both U17 and U19 level, while sharing the pitch with current Wrexham players Maria Francis-Jones, Lucy Farrell and Ava Suckley during her time in the national setup.

And despite only recently arriving at the club, Reidford has already been impressed by the connection between Wrexham and its supporters.

“I’ve only been here a short period of time, but I’ve already experienced just how passionate the fans are and how enthusiastic they are.

“I know that this club is so community-driven, and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to building on and being a part of.”

Stoke City sign ex-Cardiff City star from West Brom

Stoke City have moved to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Bella Reidford by signing Seren Watkins from West Brom.

Watkins arrives at the club after making her name at Cardiff City Women, where she enjoyed a hugely successful spell and established herself as one of the standout players in Welsh domestic football.

During her time with the Bluebirds, the midfielder helped secure the Adran Premier title and Bute Energy Welsh Cup in the 2022/23 season before playing a key role in Cardiff’s historic domestic treble during the 2023/24 campaign.

Her impressive performances were recognised as she was named both Cardiff City Women Player of the Season and Adran Premier Player of the Season.

Watkins departed Cardiff in the summer of 2024, joining West Brom alongside Rhianne Oakley. She went on to make 54 appearances for the Baggies, scoring once — a stunning strike against Cheadle Town during her first season at the club.

The 22-year-old was also part of the West Brom side that lifted the Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup in the 2024/25 season.