GOALKEEPER Kayla Rendell has been voted Saints 2022/23 Player of the Year by supporters of the club after a sensational season between the sticks.

The 21-year-old shot-stopper featured in all but one game for Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s side as they competed in the Championship for the first time.

Rendell, who has been a crucial part of Saints rapid rise through the divisions, kept nine clean sheets and made a total of 89 saves – the second highest of any goalkeeper in the division.

Her fingertip save against Sunderland at St Mary’s in October also saw her be nominated for the Barclays Women’s Championship Save of the Season award.

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Speaking to the Echo back in August, Saints Women boss Spacey-Cale was full of praise for the young goalkeeper, saying:

“She has been here for a number of years and I think this season, working with Will our goalkeeper coach and bizarrely having more to do in games, is stepping up again.

“She trains really well. The goalkeeping union we’ve got here works really well to push each other and she just wants to learn and get better.

“Everything she is doing now, she is really embracing the full-time model and just wants to take everything on board to help her get better.

“She’s a credit to herself and it’s showcasing in the performances – how far she is developing and growing.”

Daily Echo:

Rendell’s form at club level has also seen her gain recognition on the international stage, being called up to Emma Coates England U23 side.

Saints fans also voted for their Women’s Goal of the Season, which was won by Laura Rafferty.

The Northern Ireland international’s looping strike against Lewes in August, which helped Saints record their first-ever point in the Championship, won out despite some fierce competition.