Oxford United Women are delighted to announce the signings of Lauren Haynes, Daisy McLachlan, Emily Allen and Kayleigh Hines, who have all re-committed to the club ahead of the 2020/21 season this week.
Club captain Haynes was the first to re-commit to the club, as the tough-tackling 24-year-old explained how the decision to stay on for a fifth season with The U’s was a no-brainer.
“One of the biggest things that attracted me to Oxford in the first place was the whole family feel, and that atmosphere is carried all the way fr mthe academy up until the first team. That progression for players here, that’s what still keeps me here now. I love the club and I’m invested in the club in terms of my role here too.”
Daisy McLachlan expressed her enjoyment at being an Oxford player last season.“The team and coaching staff create a really good atmosphere; everyone is always so encouraging and motivating. I just think Oxford is a good all-round club to play for.”
McLachlan made 14 appearances for Liam Gilbert’s side last year, scoring 7 goals in a season which saw United finish third in the leaguen. However, the United winger has her sights set on silverware in the upcoming campaign.
“I’d like to win the league and get promoted, which is definitely the main goal, and for me as well it’s just about being consistent throughout the season - getting to the best that I can be.”
28-year-old Allen adds a wealth of experience as the squad takes shape for when football returns, having already made 77 appearances for The U’s.
"I had a pretty good season, chipping in with some goals and assists to help the team out" she said. "For the team as a whole, I thought that we had a mixed bag of results at the start and picked up some form before lockdown began and our games stopped. We had just started to click and play some really exciting football at times, so it will be exciting to get back together as a squad and put together the results that we were getting towards the end of last season.”
“Personally, I would like to try and finish as top goalscorer next season. I think that is always something that a wide player or forward player should try and achieve, and I’ll try and contribute as many assists as I can.”
Player’s Player of the Season Hines, winner of the Fan’s Goal of the Season award reiterated how the ambitions shown by the likes of Allen are echoed throughout the club:
“The ambition of the club was a huge factor in re-signing. This club deserves to play football in a higher league than we’re in now, but I can completely appreciate and understand that we have a job to do to get back to that.”
“The draw for me as a player to the club is what it has always been at Oxford; what we’ve demonstrated over time – the morals and values of the club, the staff that are in place and the ambition of where the club want to go.”