West Ham United defender Stapleton joins Reading on loan | OneFootball

West Ham United defender Jessie Stapleton has joined Barclays Women’s Championship club Reading on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Royals announced news of the transfer this afternoon via a post on their official club website.

Stapleton joined West Ham United from Shelbourne last summer. The teenager has had to wait patiently for first team opportunities in her career in East London to date. Stapleton has made two appearances for The Hammers in all competitions but she has often found herself an unused substitute.

West Ham United rate Stapleton highly, however, she needs game time to force her way into manager Rehanne Skinner’s plans. The player has therefore joined Reading in a bid to further her development.

After adding Stapleton to his squad, Reading manager Liam Gilbert said “We are thrilled to have Jessie join us for the remainder of the season. Her versatility, experience and abilities she possesses in the defensive third gives us a new dimension and makes her a valuable addition to our squad. We look forward to seeing her contribute to our team’s success.”

Stapleton could go straight into the Reading squad for Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against Lewes at The Dripping Pan.