Stanley, Low and Franklin-Fraiture stay with the U's
Oxford United have bolstered their midfield options ahead of the start of the 2015 FA Women’s Super League 2 season, by securing the services of Katie Stanley, Laura Low and Ella Franklin-Fraiture. Wingers Stanley and Low were both among United’s key performers last season and have signed additional one-year deals, while talented 17-year-old Franklin-Fraiture has been granted a two-year deal with an additional year’s option.
Having joined the club in January 2013 following a spell in America, Stanley quickly established herself as a vital member of the side during last year’s debut season in WSL 2. She said she’s looking forward to continuing where she left off last season: “I am delighted to sign for Oxford for the new season. We are looking to build on everything from last season and push to be a competitive team in the league which is great to be a part of.”
On the opposite flank, Low quickly impressed during her debut season with the club last season, following spells with Westfield and Aldershot Town. Having gained valuable experience of WSL 2 in 2014, Low is feeling optimistic about the season ahead. “As a player I feel I know what to expect from the league this season and I know the team as a whole feel the same way,” she said. “I feel confident that this season my individual performance will be much better and all of us as a team are looking forward to progress together. “
Franklin-Fraiture came through United’s youth system, having joined the club aged 10. She progressed from the highly-productive under-17 side in the early stages of the 2014 season and went on to make several first team appearances, being rewarded for her fine form with several call-ups to England under-19 training camps. “I'm really pleased to have a new contract at Oxford,” she said. “I enjoyed last season very much and I'm thankful I've been given another opportunity to develop in WSL 2.”
Manager Les Taylor added: “We are extremely pleased that all three players have accepted contracts for this season. I’m looking forward to working with them all.
“Katie plays wide right and has the ability to go inside or outside of the full back. She was one of our more consistent players last season, she’s technically very clever on the ball and can cause problems for the opposition.
“Laura is an old fashioned winger. She has tremendous pace, playing preferably wide left and on occasions as a striker. She can be a really exciting player to watch.
“Ella is a technically very good player who plays in central midfield. Having been more of a squad player last season I am really looking forward to seeing Ella performing week-in, week-out in the starting eleven.”