Oxford United Women are pleased to reveal the signing of exciting playmaker Abbie Bensted.

The former Spurs Ladies attacker links up with Liam Gilbert’s squad ahead of the season opener at Gillingham this Sunday, having already got to grips with her new surroundings by featuring most recently in United’s final pre-season fixture against Wimbledon.

“When I spoke to Liam [Gilbert] I had one or two clubs to decide between, and he said to me, "look, where are you going to improve? Where are you going to find yourself pushing your game and developing?"

’“It was quite clear to me from the training sessions and the standard and intensity of everything surrounding Oxford, this was just a much better setup for me to improve my game than the other options I had.

“I’ve always thrived in very professional setups and very intense environments; I like the high intensity of training, the commitment and what the coaches expect of you. I think that it definitely pushes the best out of all the girls in the team and that helps you develop as a player as well.”

With the experience of playing football in America after her Spurs exit as well as England, Bensted has been able to explore exactly where her strongest attributes as an attacker lie:

“I like to get on the ball, I’d say I’ve got quite good pitch vision, and make those passes to link up the play. I’ll just work hard for the team, making sure that I’ll do the defensive work as well as the attacking work.”

Bensted joins the club in time for the FA Women’s National League opener at Gillingham on Sunday, and The U’s newest addition has certainly been impressed with her new teammates.

“I think the squad is absolutely quality. Even training with them, I’ve felt myself improve already. The intensity and pace at which they play at helps my game and helps me to think on my feet.”