Sheffield United have signed striker Mel Johnson ahead of the new FA Women’s Championship season.
Johnson was the top scorer for Aston Villa last season as they beat the Blades to promotion to the Women’s Super League on a points-per-game basis.
The signing means the Blades now possess the three top scorers from the 2019-20 FA Women’s Championship season , with Katie Wilkinson and Jade Pennock also hitting double figures.
The striker scored an opening day hat-trick against the Blades and proved to be influential in Villa’s march towards promotion before departing at the end of the campaign.
The forward joined Leicester City after leaving Sheffield FC in 2018, before joining Villa in time for the new season last year.
Speaking to the club website Johnson said “I’m excited to be a part of this club,” said the striker. “I’m around some familiar faces and I want to help build on what the team did last season.
“I’m here to work hard on and off the pitch and give my all to the club every game and I believe this is the best decision and the right place to begin a new journey.”
“I have a lot more to give and achieve and I feel I’m surrounded by the right people. The club’s aspirations to succeed are exactly the same as mine, it’s a strong team who work hard for each other. The club has shown interest in me over the past two seasons and have now strengthened the team tremendously since then”.
The aim is back-to-back promotions now,” Sheffield United as a club is determined focussed and pushing for promotion which I’m hoping to achieve with this club. I’m looking forward to the start of the season.”
“i’m looking forward to linking up with Katie and Jade. They’re good players, they create, score and are ruthless in and around the goal. I’m happy to be playing alongside them this season.”
Johnson linked up with her new team mates last week for the team’s initial return to individual Phase One training after a lengthy period away from Shirecliffe and is excited to get her career started at the Blades.
“It has been a long off-season but one that’s been important for the safety of each other. I am enjoying being back on the training pitch and it’s now about being prepared and ready for the season. I have been made to feel very welcome from everyone at the club and I can’t wait to get going.”