Scandanavian star Maria Karlsson has swapped the UEFA Women’s Champions League for The FA WSL, to become Doncaster Rovers Belles’ newest recruit.The versatile 25-year-old impressed boss John Buckley during a trial period last month and becomes the first Swedish player to join a WSL club. Karlsson, who can operate in defence or midfield, helped top Swedish side Linköping to a league and cup double in 2009 and has played in the Women’s Champions League for the last two seasons.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to playing for Doncaster and to be the first Swedish player in The WSL. I was looked after really well when I visited the club and it’s going to be nice to meet the girls. I’m very grateful that I’ve got this opportunity and I’ll be doing my absolute best to help the team be successful this year.”
Buckley has cast his net far and wide in the search for new players and Karlsson, a Swedish youth international, joins Canadian capped Kylla Sjoman, Irish international Aine O’Gorman and former Buffalo Flash midfielder Katie Holtham in a new look Doncaster squad.
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“We’re delighted to get Maria on board because she gives us a number of different options,” said Buckley. “She came to us as a defender but she’s a player that can really get the ball down and pass it. It might be that she ends up in a holding midfield role.
“Maria is hoping to break in to the full Swedish side and playing in the WSL is a good career move for her,” he added.
“We’ve brought in a few girls from overseas but I’ve got no worries about them settling in quickly – they’re all very good players.”
Kim Mogg, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
