Why England team-mates’ glowing references excited Charles for City move | OneFootball

Niamh Charles says she can’t wait to join a City squad who are loving life at the Club and feel they’re ‘improving every day’.

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The 27-year-old defender joins the Blues on a three-year deal, bringing an end to six trophy-laden years at fellow Barclays Women’s Super League side Chelsea.

A regular for England and part of both their 2023 World Cup and Euro 2025 squads, Charles has already played with several of Andrée Jeglertz’s squad at international level since making her senior debut in 2021.

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And our new recruit explained how her new City team-mates’ glowing references about the standards and culture at the Club made her want to experience it first-hand.

“I’ve got a few good friends here from past times and internationals,” she said.

“I’ve spoken to them about it and they feel they’re improving every day as players in training and every game, and that is something I want to do.

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“They can see the project going on here, they’re happy here and they feel looked after on and off the pitch.

“That is where you get your best football out and that is what I’ve spoken to them about, and it’s what I think works for me and what I’ve been looking for.

“I’m really excited for that, and they really seem to enjoy the group together and that makes the good times even better and bad times a little easier. You can sort of get through and be even better, I think.”

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Charles also hailed the facilities on offer at the City Football Academy, describing them as some of the best in the country.

The Women’s First Team Facility officially opened in early May, with one of the earliest opportunities for players and staff to enjoy our new surroundings coming when we secured the WSL title.

And Charles was pleased to experience the facility for the first time on her signing day, though she admitted she’d already seen Lauren Hemp and Laura Coombs’ guided tour on our social media channels.

She added: “They’re unbelievable facilities. I think probably some of the best in the WSL and it’s nice to get a little tour.

“I did watch Coomby [Laura Coombs] and Hempy’s [Lauren Hemp] tour online, so I saw all the little bits they pointed out, but it’s unbelievable, the facilities, and hopefully that’s going to help [bring] more success.

“I’m excited to play with Hempy [Lauren Hemp] at Club level. It’ll be nice to be with her every day, but from the outside and playing against them, the likes of Bunny [Shaw] who’s a top-class player.

“Yui [Hasegawa], I think the way she controls the midfield, but there is such a good group here. I’m excited to get to know them as people and as players.”