First Signing Of The New Season

07 December 2013 21:10
Glasgow City sign US national player Ella Stephan. She may have a lot to learn before she arrives like the full name of her new team

Glasgow City are not waiting till close to the start of the new season to boost their impressive ranks but have moved to sign American defender Ella Stephan.Stephan, who turned 24 years old last week, is a former US national team player at all youth levels from Under 17, Under 20 and most recently at Under 23. The Florida born player spent four very successful years at Florida State University, one of the top performing college soccer teams in the States, along with playing for W League side Pali-Blues before going to ply her trade with Russian side FC Ryazan.On joining Glasgow City, Ella said: "I am very excited about the opportunity to play for the Scottish team, Glasgow FC.  I have heard many great things about this team, and I look forward to being a part of this organisation." See link to Florida State University side for image of Ella.Commenting on securing the signature of Ella, Club Manager, Laura Montgomery said: "It is a fantastic piece of business for our club to have signed a player like Ella and I think highlights not only how ambitious we are as a club to keep pushing forward, but also how we can attract players of Ella’s capability to play for Glasgow City. Ella has spent her career so far in teams containing the likes of Alex Morgan, Kelly O’Hara, Lauren Chaney, Tobin Heath and Casey Noguiera both at international and club level and we look forward to benefiting from that level of experience at City. We had a very successful year this season, but we are already planning on how we surpass this for 2014 and having Ella on board will certainly help."City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said: "This post season I have had a little longer to target specific areas of the team I believe needed improved. Of course some players will look for new challenges abroad and some I had to make the difficult decision to let go, which in certain cases might have been surprising for those outside the club. This year I am determined to work with a tighter group of players and a more focused group. Knowing that we have to fill a few defensive positions in the team I am delighted that Ella has joined us for the season. She comes highly recommended and will be here for the start of the pre-season. I am looking forward to working with her and wish her well."

Source: ScottishFitba

Source: FOOTYMAD