Minsterbelles announce new signings

York City Ladies have announced a number of new signings as they continue preparations for the new season in the North East Regional Premier League.

The Minsterbelles have brought in the ex-Leeds Ladies’ quintet of attacking midfielder Martha Ohr, right winger Rachel Landricombe, and central midfield trio Zoe Doherty, Erin White and Vicky Fytche.

Manager Dale Holt has clearly taken advantage of connections with his former club while turning to a number of players he’s previously worked with – all five newcomers having made appearances for the fifth-placed Women’s Premier League Northern Division One outfit last season.

“We had a strong side last season and we wanted to compliment those we already have at the club. And I have no doubt that these signings will do that,” he told us. “All come with strong pedigree in the game and I’ve worked with most of them before, they’ll add extra quality to a very strong group!”


Photo: Ian Parker

York City Ladies manager Dale Holt has raided his former club

Seventeen-year-old midfield prospect Martha Ohr was originally developed through Leeds’ Academy and featured eight times for the club last season. She is currently studying for ‘A’ levels and already looking forward to her latest challenge: “I’m really excited for my new beginning at York City and hopefully taking them on to promotion.”

Another former Leeds midfielder joining the Belles is Erin White, who made her senior debut for the West Yorkshire side at the age of just sixteen having been with them since she was nine-years-old.

Erin has only just completed a Sports and Exercise Therapy degree at Leeds Beckett University, and now fully recovered from a back injury which restricted her to eight appearances last term, is another who can’t wait to return to action: “York are an upcoming club with great potential after watching them a few times last season and I have decided it’s a great opportunity for me to get back playing and I can’t wait for the season ahead to push for promotion.”

Meanwhile, right-sided winger Rachel Landricombe made thirteen appearances and scored twice for Leeds last season. She includes an earlier spell with Guiseley and was also at the North Yorkshire Centre of Excellence. “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead, and enjoying football under great management,” she commented on her move.

Similarly linking up with the highly-rated promotion hopefuls are midfield pair Zoe Doherty, who scored six goals in 23 games for Leeds last season, and Vicky Fytche, who completed nine appearances.

City Ladies begin their latest campaign with a visit from Harrogate Railway in the League Cup next month, before hosting newly-promoted Wallsend Boys Club Ladies (formerly Gateshead Rutherford Ravens) in their opening league game on 4th September.