Oxford United Women are delighted to announce the arrival of defender Riva Casley ahead of the new season.

Riva returns having progressed through The U’s academy sides as a young player and represented the club in the FA Women’s Super League 2, now known as the FA Women’s Championship.

The former England Under-17 international has since played at Millwall and Charlton Athletic, but told us:

“The excitement be able to wear this kit again is next to none. I’m back loving my football and I’m absolutely buzzing for the new season to start.

“Even just putting the shirt on as a trialist at the end of last season felt so surreal, I remember stepping up into the First Team at around 17 so it’s like re-living a childhood memory.

“Right from the start, Liam [Gilbert] told me exactly what he wants to do at this club and I knew straight away that this is the right move for me. After a rough couple of years with injuries, he had definitely persuaded me to re-join by the second conversation which I had with him. This club is going in the right direction and it’s something which I want to be a part of.

“I started playing in the Championship when I was 17, so I’ve got quite a bit of experience playing at that higher level. A few of the other girls in this team have played at that level too, some even higher, so it’s good to have that experience walking into a team which is so ready to make that step up.

“I’ve struggled with injuries over the last couple of years, but now I’m back loving my football and my enjoyment this season is probably one of the most important things for me.

“We’ve got such a strong group here, ready to push on this season.”