This summer has heralded a new era for Sheffield United women, despite a fourth-place finish in the FA Women’s Championship last season.
In his first season in charge of the Blades following the departure of former boss Carla Ward at the end of the 2019/20 season, Neil Redfearn will have been pleased with such a strong showing. Prior to his first full season in women’s football, Redfearn, widely experienced in the men’s game both on and off the pitch, has also seen short spells with Doncaster Rovers Belles and Liverpool.
The move was seen as a statement of intent from the club as part of their plan to achieve promotion, which would put them in the top-flight of the women’s game. Now, in his first summer of full control, Redfearn has clearly laid down his mark on the squad with seven new additions joining the club.
The new faces appear to have hit the ground running after the Blades enjoyed a successful pre-season which included six victories. An opening day defeat at the hands of fellow promotion rivals Blackburn did spoil the feel-good factor. However, Redfearn’s team have responded in style, recording two consecutive victories to propel the team to second in the table behind undefeated Sunderland.
Given the media spotlight following Sky Sports’ £24 million television rights deal, a spot in the Women’s Super League is now more lucrative than ever. This deal is a massive step forward for women’s football. Not only has it helped to improve standards in the game, but it has also made the incentive for clubs like United to strive for promotion even greater.
Manchester United loanee Tara Bourne was one of the new recruits this summer and is set to be an exciting watch for Blades fans. A defender who can also shift into midfield, Bourne is highly rated by her parent club, for whom she featured on several occasions last season.
Bourne, who has been a regular in the Lionesses youth teams, told the club’s website that she is relishing the opportunity to play senior football.
She said: “It’s such an important phase of my development. I can’t wait to push on. Getting game time is the most important thing and to get it at a club like Sheffield United, I’m just excited to push on, improve as a player and help push the team to where we want to be.”
17-year-old Lucy Watson, who is part of an exciting front three alongside Jess Clarke and Courtney Sweetman-kirk, is another name to watch out for. The youngster has already netted twice this season for the Blades. She has also recently received a call-up to the Lionesses Under-19 squad. Fans will hope that she will maintain her success and win some trophies for her club.
This season looks set to be an exciting one for a Sheffield United women’s side full of ambition and determined to achieve promotion.