Doncaster Belles have continued their non-stop transfer business with two more signings today - Katrin Omarsdottir and Becky Easton arriving at the club from Liverpool.

The duo, who won back-to-back WSL 1 titles in 2013 and 2014, did not have their contracts renewed on Merseyside, with the Reds undergoing a huge transformation following the departure of manager Matt Beard, already bringing in Laura Coombs and Siobhan Chamberlain in this transfer window.

However, they have found a new home in Doncaster, with Easton returning to the club she spent four years with at the turn of the century as Omarsdottir begins a new chapter in her career.

The former will also be taking on a director role alongside her playing duties too, becoming the club's Assistant General Manager having completed a Master's in Sport Directorship.

Easton thrilled to return

Speaking to Doncaster Belles' official website, Easton said she is "delighted" to be back with the club, having left in 2004 following four years as their captain.

She described her previous stint at Doncaster as one during which she was "extremely happy," adding that she is "fully aware" of the "great history, traditions and values of the club."

Easton continued, saying that the Belles have "always had a special place in [her] heart," meaning it "wasn't a difficult decision" to make after she had "spoken to" manager Glen Harris about "the plans and ambition of the club."

"I’ve followed [the team's] results and kept in touch with people at the club since my time there," the defender added, with her keen to get started once again with the Belles.

Omarsdottir excited about switch

Omarsdottir, on the other hand, is joining the club for the first time, but admits she is "very happy" after hearing "a lot of good things" about them.

"It was a no brainer to come here," the Iceland international added, with her 60 plus caps bound to add some extra experience to a team looking to establish themselves in the top tier following promotion from WSL 2.

Omarsdottir is already confident that the Belles can adapt to the top flight too, saying that she believes they are "well equipped to do well in the league" and that she is "confident" that they can "be successful next year" and "a difficult opponent to play against."

Easton (left) and Omarsdottir (centre) both arrive after a spell with Liverpool. (Liverpool Echo)
Easton (left) and Omarsdottir (centre) both arrive after a spell with Liverpool. (Liverpool Echo)

"I am looking forward to a new challenge," the 28-year-old midfielder continued, as well as admitting she is hopeful of sharing "what [she has] learned thus far in [her] career." 

She is still keen to learn herself too though, Omarsdottir adding that she wants to "learn from the likes of Sue Smith and Leandra Little" as she takes on the task of helping a youthful side make it in WSL 1.

Manager delighted with business

Speaking about the two new arrivals, Belles' boss Harris was full of praise for both players.

He described Easton, a former England international with 44 caps, as someone who has "done just about everything in the women's game," applauding her "enthusiasm to continue to play football at the top level" at the age of 41, calling it "tremendous" in general but especially "brilliant" for the team.

He continued, saying he is "delighted" to have the defender "on-board" as she is "the ultimate professional" and someone who can be "great for the dressing room" as she will "help the younger players with her experience."

Omarsdottir, on the other hand, brings "quality in the middle of the pitch," as well as "experience of FA WSL 1" - the latter of which Harris believes will be particularly "vital" for the Belles in 2016.

He described the Icelandic international as "technically excellent" and a player who can "influence games" for Doncaster. Furthermore, he is also happy about her enthusiasm for the club, as they were her "first choice" Harris revealed, "despite interest from other[s]."

Following the signing of Anna Moorhouse from Durham and countless new contract agreements - with the securing of Courtney Sweetman-Kirk's services the stand-out deal there - the manager believes this business further shows "the determination of the club to prove [themselves]" in the top flight, with both arrivals being of a very "high quality."

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]