New deal for Percival

We are delighted to announce that Ria Percival has signed a new contract with the Club which will run until June, 2025.

The 33-year-old, who joined us from West Ham United in July, 2019, has made 60 appearances in all competitions for the Club so far.

Last season, with her versatility to operate at either full-back or defensive midfield, Ria was a constant presence in our side as we achieved our highest-ever finish in the Women’s Super League.

Her tireless and battling performances also helped us take points from the more established top three for the first time, including a memorable victory at Manchester City in September, 2021.

In November that year, she then found the target in the league for the first time, spectacularly curling home a free-kick from over 40 yards out in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure us a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Unfortunately for our number 12, in the following April, her season was cut short when she sustained an ACL injury in an international friendly against Australia. She is working hard to get back to full fitness and reached an important milestone in her progress earlier this month when she made a welcome return to the pitch.

Accomplished on the international stage, Ria made her senior debut for New Zealand at just 16-years-old and is their record appearance holder with 160 caps to date.

Ria has played in four World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019) and is preparing for her fifth with the Football Ferns this summer with her home nation set to host the tournament.