Dan Lawlor bolsters his defensive options with a Tier 3 signing.
Peterborough United Women are delighted to announce the signing of Derby County defender Ella Hilliard for the rest of 2023/24 FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands campaign.
Hilliard, who began the first half of the season at Derby County Women, becomes Dan Lawlor’s eighth signing of the 2023/24 campaign and adds further depth to his defence.
The defender, who has spent the majority of her football career climbing the ranks of the Welsh National Teams (including being a part of their U19s squad), is looking forward to joining the Posh after a difficult start to the season due to injuries.
Hilliard said: “After speaking to Dan, I think he’ll really push me on as a player, the girls are lovely and I feel like this will be a great opportunity for me to get back in the swing of things and to really enjoy football again.”
“It meant a lot how Peterborough were really interested in me. It’s important when it comes to a club that you feel valued, that they know your strengths and what you can bring to the squad.”
“I already know Emily Brett from playing with her in our university squad. We work quite well together so I’m looking forward to us linking up, but I’m also looking forward to playing with everyone and helping the team.”
“Even though I’m a defender, I also love attacking and getting involved. I was a striker when I was younger so I know I’ll bring that attacking football, always give one hundred percent on the pitch and I’m not someone to back down from a challenge.”
Lawlor said: “It’s a massive opportunity to have Ella here. She’ll kick us on- she’s a brilliant player to bring in at this stage of the season for us.”
“Her background is great and in my opinion she’s good enough to play Tier 3 football. I’m absolutely delighted to have her here- she’s going to really solidify our team.”
Hilliard will wear the number 19 shirt for the FA Women’s National League campaign and will be involved in this weekend’s fixture against Leek Town Ladies.
Written by Lucy Bloxham.
Photo Credit: Darren Wiles