August 6, 2024
Cheltenham Town Women FC have added Esme Moran to their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The 24 year old defender joins from the West Midlands club and is very excited to work with Manager Tom Davies and new Assistant Manager Mike Harris, having worked with them at previous clubs.
“It’s been really refreshing, the girls have been very welcoming, it’s surprised me how quickly everything has clicked with new players coming in,” she said, talking to Gloucestershire Live.
“I’ve worked with both of them [Davies/Harris] previously, coached by Tom when I was at Stoke, and worked with Mike closely at Stourbridge the last few years, so it’s nice to reconvene, and be together again, like at Stoke a few years ago!” Moran explained.
Moran’s time with Stourbridge saw the Glassgirls climb the Women’s Pyramid to reach and secure survival in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier, Tier Three of the system.
She has nothing but positive memories from her time in the West Midlands, which saw the Club rise from the regional leagues to just below the Women’s Championship.
“When I joined in tier six, and then we had loads of successful seasons consecutively.” She told Gloucestershire Live.
“We worked hard to get to tier three, and staying up was massive from us. I’m looking forward to the different challenge now, last season was staying up, this year it’s seeing how far we can get.”
Moran won’t have long to wait for competitive action, as the Robinesses welcome Plymouth Argyle Women to Kayte Lane for the season opener (August 18), followed by trips to Milton Keynes Dons Women (August 25), and newly-promoted FA WNL Division One Midlands side Worcester City Women in the Determining Round of the FA Women’s National League Cup (August 29).
Moran is chomping at the bit to get the season underway, commenting: “It’ll be nice to get going, and play some new teams, because in the Northern Division, it felt like I was playing the same teams all of the time.
“It will be nice to get to know the new teams, try to work out the different styles of play, work how we’ll play against them. Hopefully able to hit the ground running.”
Manager Davies was pleased with the capture of signing number seven, telling local media that Moran is “another great option for us within the team.”
“She offers something slightly different to the midfield with her ability to break up play both higher and lower with her high work rate and tenacity.
“She’s developed a lot since we worked together at Stoke and I’m delighted she’s here, adding competition for places and depth to a strong group.”
Cheltenham Town Women’s league campaign gets underway on August 18, as they welcome Plymouth Argyle Women to Kayte Lane (2:00PM Kick-off). A complete list of The Robinesses’ 2024/25 fixtures, can be found here.
