27th July 2024
Cheltenham Town Women FC have snapped up young defender Lilly Wellesley-Davies from Southampton Women’s FC.
Despite the young age of 17, Wellesley-Davies was a regular in the Sirens’ side last season as the Hampshire side secured survival in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-West by three points.
Talking to Gloucestershire Live, the young defender couldn’t hide her excitement.
“The girls are really welcoming. I’m really enjoying my time here so far. They are all pushing me to be a better player, a better version of myself. I’m really enjoying it.”
The centre-back didn’t start playing until she was 12 years old before she signed for Andover New Street in the Junior Premier League. She was eventually called up to the Wiltshire County side and spent two years playing for Reading Women’s Development Team.
Wellesley-Davies then signed for Southampton in Tier Four of the Women’s Football Pyramid.
On her first full season in women’s football, Wellesley-Davies told Gloucestershire Live: “It was definitely a tough introduction to women’s football. But it was all learning experiences and I really enjoyed every moment of it.
“It’s going to be a different experience this year and I’m really looking forward to the challenge it’s going to bring.
“I’m a hard worker, love defending, really tenacious, like to get about.”
Manager Tom Davies was relishing the opportunity to work with his new signing, commenting: “Lilly has been great since coming in, she’s challenged herself both as a footballer and a young person coming into the environment which is wonderful to see.
“She’s had a good individual season last year in her first year at senior level and now looking to kick on working and learning from those around her.
“She’s someone I’m looking forward to working with and pushing as she continues her development within the game.”
Both Davies and Wellesley-Davies continue to build with the Robinesses, who open their season at home to Plymouth Argyle Women at Katye Lane on Sunday, August 18. For Cheltenham Town Women’s 2024/25 fixture list, click here.
