Derby County Women has confirmed its retained list ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Manager Sam Griffiths and her coaching team are shaping their squad for the upcoming FA Women’s National League - Northern Premier campaign and have collectively they have worked hard to maintain the vast majority of the squad from last term.
Trials for the 2023/24 season have taken place in recent weeks, as well as a number of behind-closed-doors friendly matches, and additions to the squad will be announced in due course.
First-team players retained for 2023/24 season:
Imogen Maguire
Sarah Jackson
Ella Hilliard
Megan Tinsley
Camille Jenkins
Hannah Ward
Amy Sims
Emily Joyce
Emeilia Wilson
Molly Sutherland
Becky McGrother
Kira Rai
Mari Rhodes Andrews
Sarah Morgan
Jess Camwell
First-team players currently in discussion about their future:
Anita Gaspar
First-team players returning to parent club after loan:
Kiera Barry
First-team players announcing retirement:
Megan Clarkson
Reacting to the retained list, Griffiths said: “We’re really pleased to have maintained most of the squad as we head into the new season. The team did exceptionally well last year, in what was a difficult time for the whole club, however the girls didn’t let that phase them and gave their all, week in week out, to finish in a very respectable fourth spot, behind the ‘big three’.
“We were always going to lose a couple of players, we knew that Keira Barry would be returning to her parent club and that Megan Clarkson planned to retire at the end of the season. They were both really valuable to us last year and I want to thank them for their commitment and effort and wish them well in the future. However, having the rest of the same young squad playing in their second season together will be a big advantage.
“The fact that we have Megan Tinsley back in the team, who didn’t feature at all last season due to her injury, is like a new signing and will provide great cover for the loss of Megan Clarkson, we’re excited about that.
“With the addition of a few new faces, which we will be announcing shortly, we feel we are in a strong position for the season ahead.
“That said we know this campaign is going to be tough and much tougher than last year. We have two, new, strong teams in the league, one of who will almost certainly be challenging for the title as well as the likes of Burnley, Forest and Wolves who have all strengthened in the close season. On top of that Stoke have made significant investment into their team and they will much stronger than before. There are certainly no pushovers in the league and every game will present a challenge.
“Despite all of that we are in a strong position, we have been working hard in pre-season and we feel confident that we will do ourselves proud.”
