SAINTS Women have completed the signing of prolific striker Katie Wilkinson from Championship rivals Coventry United.

A proven goalscorer, 27-year-old Wilkinson won both the Championship Player of the Season and Golden Boot for two consecutive seasons at previous club Sheffield United.

She scored an impressive 33 goals in 34 matches for the Blades, before moving to Coventry United – where she then helped the side avoid relegation last campaign.

On her move to Saints, Wilkinson said: “I’m really excited. A few of the girls have shown me around and it’s an amazing environment to be in.

Daily Echo:

“I’d kept an eye on Southampton for the past few seasons and the club has been going from strength to strength.

“Now I’m just really grateful and excited that I’m a part of it. I hope that I can now be a part of the growth too.”

Wilkinson started her career at Aston Villa Centre of Excellence before catching the eye of Birmingham City, where she made her senior debut in the Women’s Super League at just 17-years-old.

A move across the midlands saw Wilkinson spend time on loan at then second tier Aston Villa, establishing herself as an important member of the squad that secured a fourth-place finish during the 2014 campaign.

Wilkinson also spent time with London Bees, ahead of a move to Sheffield United in 2019 that saw the forward help the Blades climb the table to second place and narrowly miss out on promotion to the WSL due to COVID halting the season.

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