Brighton & Hove Albion re-sign New Zealand international defender Stott | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of New Zealand international defender Rebekah Stott on a two-year deal.

FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from Brighton & Hove Albion this evening.

Stott returns to the Sussex club for a second spell after previously turning out for Brighton & Hove Albion during the 2020/2021 campaign. The centre-back made eight appearances for The Seagulls in her first spell before the player returned home after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The defender successfully won her battle against the illness and has since resumed her playing career. Now, 16 months on from her Brighton & Hove Albion departure, Stott is making an emotional return to the club to make up for lost time.

After securing the signing of Stott for a second time, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Hope Powell said “The circumstances around Stotty’s departure in 2021 were really difficult for everyone, no one more so than for her. She had only been with us for a short period of time, but was already a popular member of the squad before she headed back to Australia for treatment.

“We were all absolutely delighted and relieved when we found out her treatment had gone well and that she was on the mend.

“Now she’s back to full fitness and wants to have a proper go at the WSL and we are happy to have her back. Taking the emotions out of the signing, we know we’re getting a really good player with proven international experience and a knowledge of the league.

“We’re really looking forward to working with Rebekah again.”

Stott is Brighton & Hove Albion’s third signing of the summer transfer window.