Doncaster Rovers Belles have signed experienced striker and playmaker Leah Hardy, who has recently left Lincoln City Women.
The 27 year old is no stranger to Doncaster or the Belles, having played in the Belles Reserves side that won the FAWNL Reserves Division Two championship in 2012/13, as well as being a member of the legendary Balby Carr teams that won the U18 English Schools Trophy in 2013 at the Keepmoat and then again the following year in 2014.
Leah said: “During my time playing for Belles Development I got the chance to play in the first team alongside Sue Smith, Millie Bright and Jess Sigsworth, which was fantastic. With Balby Carr being one of the top schools in England for girls football, being part of both provided me with lots of avenues to train and play with top class players and develop myself,
Hardy started her career at Handsworth FC in Sheffield, and after she left Belles and Balby Carr she went to the USA where she played college football for Davenport University. On her return to England she played for Worksop Town, and then moved to her most recent club Lincoln City, where she spent the last two seasons.
“Leaving Lincoln was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make and it wasn’t done on a whim or on the spur of the moment. I’ve really had to think this through and I just want to wish everyone at Lincoln all the best and thank them for everything they have done for me, but in many ways I’m rejoining the Belles and going back to my roots.
“I’ve followed Belles’ progression over recent seasons, and having met the girls they seem to be a tight knit bunch – hopefully I’ll have them laughing with my one-liners! Day to day I’m a fairly relaxed person and I take this onto the pitch in my style of play and approach. I love being both a playmaker and getting on the scoresheet, though I don’t like coming second in a challenge! My goals for the season at Belles are simple: to settle in quickly and help the team gain promotion.
Belles manager Nick Buxton said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have signed Leah. She’s a player I’ve been keeping my eye on and have liked for a long time. Her awareness and reading of the game is superb and she will be a massive, massive addition to the team.
Belles CEO Russ Green agreed: “Leah is just the sort of player who will really compliment and enhance our squad. She is an experienced and proven goalscorer and hopefully the quality of her signing shows both her ambition and ours in wanting to play at a higher level. We’re really looking forward to the contribution that we know Leah can make, and we hope she enjoys being back at the club where it really all started for her - we’re delighted to have her join us.
Leah will have the squad number 27, and her home shirt is sponsored by HTF Transport.
Leah could make her debut in the County Cup game away at Rotherham United this coming Sunday.
Leah's away shirt is available for sponsorship at £195 + VAT
To order a player sponsorship, or for any other commercial enquiries please email commercial@clubdoncaster.co.uk
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