Derby County Women’s new signings are raring to get going as the Ewes prepare for the 2024/25 FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division season.
Sam Griffiths has sought to bolster her options with four new additions to her squad ahead of the new season, with Lucy Jones, Paris Dalton, Lara Miller and Kate Oakley all signing on the dotted line.
The Ewes have primarily strengthened in the centre of the park. Midfielder Dalton has signed for Derby after five years in the United States with the University of New Mexico, she also gained some league experience in the second half of last season with Burnley.
“It has been a pretty incredible last five years,” Dalton said. “I was living all over the US and living the life out there, it was a great experience.”
Derby-born Dalton is eager to shine for the Ewes in the centre of the park; after previously playing for the club at Under-10s level, she was keen on a return.
“It’s nice to be back, and to experience the professional side of things,” she said. “As a kid, you dream of making it and being in the Women’s first team one day, so it’s nice to be back.
“I’ve known Sam Griffiths since I was a kid, so I’m excited to be coached by her.The squad also seem really tight-knit and a good group - so let’s see what we can do together!”
Miller also joins after experience with the Clarets last term. Griffiths will be hoping Miller can add some steel to the midfield, as the former Lewes and Sheffield United player brings her Championship experience to the Ewes.
“I’m more defensive,” Miller admitted. “But I don’t mind making a run forward; I like to think I’ve got good legs on me! I want to be around the pitch and dictate the game, but I’ll do whatever I can do to help the team and whatever the manager asks of me.”
Highly-rated young goalkeeper Jones has linked up with Derby from Birmingham City. She was able to get a feel for the league after impressing on a dual registration to West Bromwich Albion in the Northern Premier Division last season.
“There are very good competitors out there (in the league),” Jones admitted. “Every team is competitive. It could be seen as a difficult season, but Derby are a great team.
“The girls have been amazing, and Sam’s been brilliant so I’m really looking forward to the season.”
The fourth and final addition is Oakley, who has made the move north from Lewes to add another attacking option to Sam Griffiths’ team, alongside Kira Rai and Isabel Sheridan.
The striker has already proved capable of finding the back of the net in a pre-season friendly against Doncaster Rovers Belles and was impressed by the culture within the squad.
“The atmosphere is very welcoming here so I’m looking forward to the season,” she said. “There’s more of a community feel. Sam Griffiths got to know me as a person as well as a player (before signing), and I appreciated that from her side.
“I’m here to score goals, I want to score goals – and as long as I can help the team out, I’ll be happy.”
The Ewes will begin their 2024/25 campaign on the road against Sporting Khalsa on Sunday 18th August (2pm kick-off).
