Lauren joins United women for new season
Oxford United Women are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Lauren Haynes from Aston Villa.
Lauren, from nearby Bicester, began her career in the Arsenal Centre of Excellence and represented England at under 15 and 17 level, competing in the European Championships. At 16 she linked up with England Manager Mark Sampson at Bristol Academy and was soon part of their WSL 1 side, also going on to play for England under 19s. Last season she joined Villa and played 15 times in WSL 2.
Lauren said
“I’m excited to be signing for Oxford as I feel it will give me the foundation and settlement I need to progress not only as a footballer but as a coach too.
“ I feel the club will give me all the tools needed to ultimately become the best footballer I can be. I feel I am at my best when I am comfortable and here is a place I feel I will be. The whole set up of the club really excited me and the opportunity is one I couldn't turn down. I am really excited to get started! I'm a bit of a fighter, willing to go through rain or shine in order to be as successful as I can be.
“I’m really looking forward to reporting for training and hopefully settling into the team and starting the season well
“ The gap from the end of last season and start of this season seems way too long and I can't wait to get going again. The female game is developing each year, teams will be a lot stronger, a lot fitter and competition will be a lot tougher so I'm excited to play and see what the season brings out. “
Manager Les Taylor told us:
“Lauren has fantastic experience for one so young and has played at a very high level for most of her career. She has been part of the England set up and we believe will do a great job for us in the middle of the park.
“Things are starting to take shape now and it is going to be exciting to see a young, talented squad report back for pre-season ready to work hard and build a strong team for the season ahead.”