Reds finding it difficult to add to squad says Stoney
UNITED manager Casey Stoney has revealed how her summer transfer plans were affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Reds’ first season in the Women’s Super League came to an abrupt end when competitive sport was brought to a halt, with Stoney’s side awarded fourthplace on a points-per-game system.
The next step for United is to try and break into the top-three with Chelsea, City and Arsenal ahead of the chasing pack in the English top-flight.
In order to readdress the balance, Stoney moved quick to sign new recruits Lucy Staniforth, Ona Batlle and Ivana Fuso, while she has also hinted more signings could be on the way.
United begin the new WSL season by hosting champions Chelsea on September 6 and Stoney has revealed just how difficult it has been to add new players over the summer months.
“We obviously set out with a list of targets that we really keep a close eye on throughout the year, to say we got all of them would be lying, we haven’t, but that’s not due to finance that’s down to player preference,” Stoney said.
“They might not want to move countries etc. The three we’ve gone after were a key part of our recruitment process.
“It’s been difficult in terms of not being able to have the players over, we couldn’t meet them, and bring them around the club, it’s not been easy.
“Budgets as well were uncertain for a while right in the middle of Covid but I think we went out and got what we wanted.
“I like to bring a player in and I like them to feel the club, and what we’re about, what I’m about as a person.
“That is a little harder when you’re doing it through a computer screen. I thought we did a great job to get the players that we’ve got.
“So far, so good and the window is still open. We will have to wait and see.”