Birmingham City sign former West Ham United defender Cooke | OneFootball

Birmingham City have completed the permanent signing of former West Ham United defender Shannon Cooke.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from the Blues this morning.

The 25-year-old returns to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park following a successful loan spell with Birmingham City in the second half of last season. Cooke made eight appearances for the Blues, helping the club to maintain their promotion challenge until the very final whistle.

Cooke started her career with Arsenal before moving to America to combine playing football with her studies at Louisiana State University. The defender then spent two-and-a-half years with West Ham United before departing upon the expiry of her contract last month.

After completing her permanent move to Birmingham City, Cooke said “I thoroughly enjoyed my time here on loan, so it felt right to make it a permanent.

“I loved the direction that the club’s going in and I genuinely believe in the ambition of the club. I think it’s a great group of girls, and a great staff group as well where I believe that I can progress as an individual and as a team.”

Cooke is Birmingham City’s second signing of the summer transfer window.