WOMEN NEWS: Ewes’ Squad Taking Shape Ahead Of 2025/26 Season

Derby County Women’s squad is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Since the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, Head Coach Sam Griffiths and Head of Operations Jenny Simpson have been preparing their squad for the upcoming FA Women’s National League (FA WNL) Northern Premier Division campaign.

Pre-season training commenced last month and, alongside a number of friendly matches in recent weeks, various players have been training with the squad with a view to linking up with the Ewes on a permanent basis.

Derby County Women and the Derby County Community Trust’s Female Talent Pathway (FTP) and Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) have played a crucial role in the club's plans for the upcoming season and its growth.

The success of these programmes has continued to show, with four players graduating into the first team from the Under-21s - including Lily Skeldon, who made the transition earlier this year and will remain part of the senior set-up this term.

Other players from the FTP have also gained experience among the first team squad throughout the Ewes’ pre-season training and fixtures this summer.

Derby will once again play in the third tier of English women’s football this season, following a ninth-place finish in the league last time out.

The Ewes will kick off the new campaign on the road with a trip to Rugby Borough on Sunday 17th August (3pm kick-off), before their first home game at the Don Amott Arena a week later, against Loughborough Lightning on Sunday 24th August (2pm kick-off).

With fixtures confirmed and the new season approaching the squad is beginning to take shape - with further announcements to come in due course as the squad continues to be built for 2025/26.

Influential Team Captain Emily Joyce and long-serving Club Captain Hannah Ward have committed their futures to the club, as have attacking midfielder Becky May, forward Kate Oakley and goalkeepers Lucy Jones and Sarah Morgan.

Megan Tinsley, who is recovering from a long-term ankle injury sustained in early 2024, shall carry on with her rehabilitation work at Moor Farm Training Centre as she continues to edge towards a return to fitness.

Defender Sarah Jackson, who was named as joint Player of the Season in 2024/25, will remain part of the set-up in a new analysis role as she transitions away from a playing career.

Players retained for 2025/26 season:

Becky May

Emily Joyce

Hannah Ward

Kate Oakley

Lily Skeldon

Lucy Jones

Sarah Morgan

Female Talent Pathway players graduating into the first team:

Eve Shepherd

Marnie Drake

Mia Wheeler

Players who have departed following 2024/25:

Becky Hogg

Bethan McGowan

Camille Jenkins

Charlotte Steggles

Chené Muir

Daisy Burt

Ella Hilliard

Emelia Wilson

Helena Meadows

Kira Rai

Paris Dalton

Sarah Jackson (remaining with the club on the first-team staff)

The club would like to express its sincere thanks to each player who has departed following last season for their efforts and contributions in black and white, and wishes them all the best for the future.