DEFENDER Tara Bourne insisted she is aiming for promotion in her first season at Southampton FC Women.
Bourne, an England youth international, joined the club this week after spending last season at Sheffield United.
The 20 year old centre-back, who is an England under-23 regular, is already vastly experienced in the Championship.
She has racked up 51 appearances in the second flight across her stints at the Blades, Blackburn and Birmingham.
Bourne made her Women's Super League debut during her time at Manchester United and is now hoping to help Saints reach the top flight.
She said: “Sometimes I forget that I’m still just 20. The Championship is a different ball game at times. You need different types of experience to win games.
“At United, it was more about me developing myself as a player and a person. Now it’s more about winning games.
“I’m here to win games. I want to win the league. I hope that all of my experiences can come together to hopefully help the team.
“I’m so excited. Being here, it’s becoming a reality. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming. I can’t wait to get kicking a ball now.
“Knowing the girls as players was another huge pulling factor. That really persuaded me to come to the club.
“My aim this season, firstly and lastly, is to win promotion. That is it really. I want to win games, get promoted and have a good season along the way.
“I can’t wait to see all the fans out in full force. I can’t wait to entertain you all.”
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Bourne is the third addition at Saints Women this summer, following Welsh international Rachel Rowe and Aston Villa's Freya Gregory, who has joined on loan.
Saints are yet to confirm the appointment of a new women's manager following Marieanne Spacey-Cale's decision to step into a more senior role as director of women's football.
The squad have already reported to Staplewood to start preparations ahead of the 2024/25 Women's Championship campaign.
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