Southampton FC Women sign England U-23 defender Tara Bourne | OneFootball

Will Hope / SPP

Southampton FC Women have signed 20-year-old centre-back Tara Bourne following her departure from Sheffield United.

She played 17 times for the Blades last season and has already made well-over 50 senior appearances, having had spells with Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, and Birmingham City.

With well-over 50 senior appearances under her belt, as well as international experience with England’s youth age groups up to the Under-23s, Bourne heads to the South Coast for the next step of her career.

Bourne told southamptonfc.com: “I feel like together we can work towards big things, I’m excited for [this season].

“The Championship’s a different ball game at times, you need different types of experience to win games – I feel like all my experience will come together to help the team.”

Director of Women’s Football, Marieanne Spacey-Cale added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure Tara’s signature, she brings a combination of youth and experience already gained in her career despite still being just 20-years-old.

“She already knows a few of the squad from international duty, and is well versed in this league as well which are both key factors for her hopefully arriving and adding a positive impact this season.”

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