Summer signings will take City to ‘next level’, insists Fifer Weir

Fifer Caroline Weir believes Manchester City are ready to launch a renewed assault on the top prizes in the women’s game after an impressive summer of recruitment.

City were forced to settle for the runners-up spot in the Women’s Super League for a third successive year when last season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The team had been top of the table when the campaign was halted but lost out to Chelsea when the title was decided on a points-per-game basis.

The club have responded by bringing in American World Cupwinning duo Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle and England forward Chloe Kelly.

City midfielder Weir, who hails from Dunfermline, said: “To have players of that calibre come in is only a positive thing.

“The experience Sam and Rose are going to be bringing in, having won a World Cup and been so successful, is hugely important. It’s going to drive us on to the next level.

“Their strong mindset and winning mentality is what we need to reach where we want to go. It’s great to have players like that in the changing room and on the pitch.”

It has been a difficult year for the WSL, but Weir feels the commitment of City’s owners to the team has shone through.

The 25-year-old Scotland international said: “I think we have always had such good backing from people at the club. As a player it has always felt like the women’s team is a huge priority.”

City launch the new campaign as they face champions Chelsea in a Community Shield double-header with the Liverpool and Arsenal men’s teams at Wembley today.