London Bees are delighted to announce three new signings ahead of the 2020/21 campaign. Lee Burch has added Marianne Taho, Charlie Estcourt and Sophie McLean to his squad, as we look to build on last years record FAWC finish.
Marianne Taho
The first of our new additions to the squad is striker Marianne Taho, who joins us having most recently played for FAWSL side Arsenal. The 19-year-old is a powerful centre forward who is one of the more highly-rated young players in the country at the moment and will look to build senior team experience in Burch’s side this season. Taho adds to the attacking options at our disposal with the likes of last season’s top scorer Lauren Pickett providing stiff competition for starting places.
Marianne said: “I’m really delighted and really excited about next season. I feel we are going to be really competitive and do really well next season. I can’t wait to get started and play! Lee has been really kind and welcoming, he has made me feel comfortable. I feel like I am part of the team now, I have been speaking to him and he has told me what he expects from me and I am excited to get started.”
Sophie McLean
Burch has added yet another player with WSL experience to our ranks, with the signing of former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sophie Mclean. McLean was an instrumental part of the side that achieved promotion from the FA Women’s Championship in the 2018/19 season and received a full-time contract in their inaugural FAWSL campaign. The 24-year-old will bring experience and quality to the Bees, having been with the Lilywhites since 2013. McLean has trained with us over the pre-season period and will look to highlight her talents when the new season kicks off in 11 days time.
Charlie Estcourt
Last but by most certainly not least, we are thrilled to have Welsh International Charlie Estcourt join the Club. Estcourt joins us having previously been at establish Super League side Reading, as well as previously playing for fellow top-flight side Bristol City on loan. The exciting 22-year-old creative midfield players, will most certainly add flair to the Bees ranks and will look to provide plenty of magical moments for the Bees faithful. Charlie has also featured for the senior Wales team on 29 occasions.
Charlie said: “I’m really excited to get going, the girls have all been very welcoming. I’ve heard great things about Lee (Burch) in the last few years, so I am really excited to get going. Having a good manager and coach is massive, so he was a really big pull in me coming here and I am really enjoying working with him.
“I am a box to box midfielder, I like to get on the ball a lot and create goalscoring opportunities. Hopefully, I will be able to be an exciting player to watch. I just want to help the girls try to replicate or improve on their season last year.”
All three signings are subject to ratification from the relevant regulatory authorities