Why this Lioness has returned to where it all began – at Bristol City | OneFootball

England’s Katie Robinson gestures as she attends a training session at Spencer Park in Brisbane on July 21, 2023 ahead of their match against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP /AFP via Getty Images)

Katie Robinson has signed for WSL2 side Bristol City from top-tier Aston Villa – meaning she returns to the club where she began her career.

“It’s nice to be back,” Robinson said to the club’s official website. “It’s the club that I started my career at so it’s lovely to be back here again.

“I’ve had some good discussions with Charlotte [Healy, City’s head coach] and [ownership group] Mercury13.

“Our visions align and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be a part of it.”

She added: “The goal for everyone is promotion and hopefully I can help us to do that. It is a massive next few months ahead for us and hopefully I can bring some goals and assists to the team.”

For her part, Healy added: “Katie is a fantastic player. She’s young, she’s quick and she’s so exciting to watch, I know the fans will be delighted to have her back at Bristol City.

“Over the past couple of seasons Katie has gained some fantastic experiences both domestically and internationally playing in the WSL and being part of the England Seniors World Cup squad.

“She’s grown as a player and knows what it takes to play at that level. Her experience will be really important to our team for the second half of the season, so I’m delighted that she chose to join us and be a part of what we’re building here at Bristol City.”

Bristol City are currently third in the WSL2 table and travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Katie Robinson: Her career so far

The 23-year-old Robinson progressed through the Robins’ academy system and made her senior debut in 2018.

The forward then signed her first professional contract with Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2020, joining Aston Villa in July 2024.

She has also spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic and most recently Everton.

Born in Cornwall, Robinson’s first senior Lionesses call-up came in November 2022, making her debut in a friendly against Norway later that month, and was part of the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She has now agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with Bristol City.