Defender joins as Sawiuk’s first addition
Burnley FC Women are delighted to confirm the signing of Alethea Paul, following her departure from FA Women’s Championship side Sheffield United.
The defender becomes the Claret Women’s first new addition under the management of Rebecca Sawiuk, as they ramp up their preparations for the 2023/24 FA Women’s National League North season.
The 24-year-old began her career in the Manchester United Regional Talent Centre before moving across the city to Manchester City at the age of 16, where she won the league and cup double in their youth system.
Paul made her Citizens first-team debut at the age of 17 and moved to Sheffield United in 2018, where she spent five years and became the club’s longest serving player.
The defender was voted Player’s Player of the Season for the Yorkshire club in 2021/22 and was an ever-present for the Blades last season.
Paul left Sheffield United at the end of the campaign and has joined the Clarets ahead of the new season.
Upon joining the Club, Paul said: “I’m delighted to sign for Burnley, it’s a club with great ambition and something that I’m excited to be a part of.
“I can’t wait to get the season started and hopefully have an extremely successful campaign.”
New boss Sawiuk only joined the Claret Women herself last week and is very happy to have got her first signing through the door.
She added: “Thea is an exceptionally talented all rounder, she is exciting on the ball and hard to beat out of possession.
“For Thea to choose Burnley Women is a real statement of intent and she will add quality to our performances on the pitch and our standards off the pitch.
“From the minute we met I could see she is all about the team and is a great fit in terms of quality, character, values and goals.
“I’m really looking forward to working with her this season.”
Head of Women’s Football Lola Ogunbote also added: “We are really pleased to add a player of Thea’s quality to the squad.
“She has settled in quickly and is a natural leader.”
