Wrexham AFC Women are pleased to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Shannon Lear, who returns to North Wales having been at Tranmere Rovers.
Lear returns to Wrexham, having previously played for the Under-16s and been a part of the Wrexham AFC Women team when the Club was originally reformed in 2018.
Lear – who played both as a goalkeeper and outfield in her initial time with Wrexham, before settling between the sticks – left the Club to join Tranmere Rovers.
But she returns to provide competition to Del Morgan and bolster Steve Dale’s squad, and could make her debut in Sunday’s NEWFA Cup match at home to Connah’s Quay.
Manager Dale said: “I'm delighted to add Shannon to the group, she is a player I have worked closely with before during our time together at the U16s group.
“Shannon will add healthy competition to compete for her place alongside Del Morgan. She will bring a lot of quality to the team with her ability, and I look forward to working alongside Shannon going forward.
“She had a good session during the week and has certainly given me a headache selection going into the cup game on Sunday. We're pleased to have Shannon back in a Wrexham shirt after her time away from North Wales.”
Wrexham AFC Women can also confirm long-serving goalkeeper Kat Jones has left the Club.
Jones has been with the Club since 2018, playing a big part in re-establishing the women’s team at her beloved Wrexham.
She played six times this season, three times in the league and three times in the cup, and kept a clean sheet against Denbigh Town in her most recent appearance.
Also leaving the Club is Lauren Reese, another of the Club’s long-serving players since the team’s reformation in 2018.
Attacking midfielder/striker Reese was Wrexham’s top scorer in the COVID-shortened 2019/20 season, and also enjoyed prolific form in front of goal during last summer’s friendly matches.
She played 15 games this season, scoring twice in the league and twice in the cup.
Manager Dale added: “After four years of her service at Wrexham, we would like to wish Kat all the very best in her future away from Wrexham AFC Women.
“Since the club reformed, Kat has been ever-present in her three-year spell at the club, showing great commitment and passion to be representing Wrexham AFC Women week in week out.
“During my spell as interim manager she played a big part in the pre-season schedule when the team were preparing for our first season in the Genero Adran North competition.
“I would like to take the time to thank Kat personally for all her efforts in playing an integral part in getting the team to the position we find ourselves in currently. Good luck in your next chapter.
“Another member of the team who helped reform Wrexham AFC Women is Lauren Reese; after four years at the club Lauren has moved on to face a new challenge in football.
“She has played a key part in shaping the team to be in the current position we find ourselves in. Lauren was a real match winner on her day, scoring vital goals over the years.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lauren for the effort and contribution she has made to Wrexham AFC Women. I wish you all the best in your future chapter away from the Club.”