Two new faces join Swindon Town Women's Team as squad takes shape

Two new signings have been announced so far, with Poppy Dearlove and Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts joining the side. 

A number of last season's players have also re-committed to playing for the Reds into the new season, including prolific goalscorer Annie Colston, who has signed a new deal pending approval from the FA. 

Joining Annie in signing new deals are a number of players, including Helena Diaz-Butcher, Steph Bent, Gipsy Viveash, Mia Mugford, Taylor Macdonald, Tia Rees, Kayley Drury and Alice Seddon.

The new signings and returning players will be hoping for success under the stewardship of also-returned manager Richard Wood.  

Poppy Dearlove signs for Swindon (Image: Swindon Town Football Club) Poppy Dearlove's signing announcement was the team's most recent, with Swindon Town welcoming her to the club on July 3. 

The 18-year-old winger has joined Swindon after departing Oxford United Development where she spent 6 seasons. Poppy would go on to make four first-team appearances at tier four side Oxford, and with her experience at Oxford and two seasons spent at Reading previously is ready to kick on within tier four, first-team football at Swindon. 

Poppy links up with former Oxford United player, Katie Sherwood who joined the club at the backend of the 2023/24 campaign.

Upon joining, Poppy said: "I’m very excited to join Swindon Town Football Club as I’ve heard it’s a great club."

Swindon stood out to me as they have great goals set and have a great team atmosphere and conversations with the manager, Richard have been great. He’s told me how he wants to get promoted to tier three and has displayed a clear vision and growth for the club within the next 2 years and I’m really excited to help be a part of that at Swindon."

Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts has also signed for Swindon Town (Image: Swindon Town Football Club) Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts' signature was confirmed in June. 

The 33-year-old defender arrived having most recently played for fellow tier four side Abingdon United, a campaign in which she played against Swindon Town both home and away. 

Sahara arrives at SN1 having played over 300 career games for Watford, Abingdon United, and Oxford United, where she captained that side in the Women's Super League. 

She said: "Firstly, I'm excited to be here and I'm excited to get started."

"Rich has made me feel welcome and we've had really good conversations. He explained to me his vision and project ahead of next season and where he wants the club to go and with the women's side it doesn't seem like they are separate from the club, it's a one-club environment and that is something I'm excited to be a part of."