For Arsenal Women manager Joe Montemurro it was an easy decision to make to try to lure Jennifer Beattie to the Women’s Super League Champions Gunners from Manchester City. Likewise, it seems, it was an easy decision for Scotland defender Beattie to make the switch to the north London outfit.
After all, the Arsenal set-up is one with which the Beattie is all too familiar having spent four years at the club in a silverware-laden spell before leaving for new challenges in France with Montpellier and then Down Under in Australia. Now she is back where many feel she belongs and managing to persuade her to quit City is being seen as a major coup for the club.
Beattie, who is aged 28, has earned more than 100 international caps for Scotland and was a key player in their World Cup campaign over the summer in France. And coach Montemurro couldn’t hide his delight at her acquisition when he told the club’s official website:
“Jen is a strong and experienced defender and we’re delighted that she wanted to return back to Arsenal to help us take our success to the next level next season. She knows what this special club stands for, and she shares the same commitment and values. We are looking forward to working with her.”
Drafting in Beattie comes with the addition of another big name signing for the Gunners in the shape of German international Leonie Maier who arrives in London from German outfit Bayern Munich. And Montemurro has bolstered his squad even further by raiding Munich for Holland schemer Jill Roord and Austrian keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
Meanwhile, Liverpool Women have got some decent business done early ahead of the new season with the news that they have sealed new contract extension deals for keepers Anke Preuss — the ex-Frankfurt and Hoffenheim custodian — and former Chelsea stopper Fran Kitching.
And Reds keeper coach Craig Dootson says the understanding the duo have in terms of each other’s strengths is a major bonus. He added:
“It’s really great news for the club and for me. I enjoy working with both keepers. I think going forward it’s the continuity of keeping two keepers who are comfortable in each other’s company and who are competitive.”
Elsewhere, West Ham United Women have made a significant signing — snapping up defender Laura Vetterlein from German outfit SC Sand. And Vetterlein, who is aged 27, brings with her bundles of experience having won the Champions League twice with former side Wolfsburg. Hammers coach Matt Beard says the addition of Vetterlein to the squad is one which is exciting. He added:
“Laura has won trophies at one of the biggest sides in Europe at Wolfsburg. We wanted to bring in more competition and a quality left-sided player — she is also technically very good. We’ve also got a good leader and a fantastic defender who will be a brilliant addition to our group.”