Manchester City Women have completed their second deal of the off-season, announcing the capture of Chelsea goalkeeper Marie Hourihan on a two-year contract deal at Eastlands.
This follows the completed deal to sign Scottish forward Jane Ross, back in mid-November. Hourihan is believed to be seen as direct competition to current first-choice, Karen Bardsley, for the goalkeeping spot within the side - as current understudy, Alex Brooks, is not yet ready for regular first-team football.
Hourihan seen as direct competition for Bardsley
Hourihan, 28, has plenty of FA WSL experience with other clubs under her belt. Having played for Watford, Fulham, Doncaster and Birmingham as well as the title-winning Blues during her career, she is three years younger than Karen and will be hoping to prove her first-team credentials when the new season begins.
With the new season beginning in the early months of 2016, City will be eager to improve upon their excellent second-placed finish, with fixtures coming thick-and-fast as they've also qualified for the Champions League too.
Hourihan heaps praise upon her new club
The goalkeeper was full of praise for her new side, saying she's "really excited" to join, outlining the fact that it's a "fantastic opportunity" for her too.
When I came up here to speak to Nick [Cushing] and get a feel for the club, I knew this is the place to be - it's where I want to be. The massive progression the club has made in the last two years, and the infrastructure in place is second to none.
With pre-season fast approaching, the former England under-23 international admitted that she's relishing the challenge of training and competing with Bardsley for the starting spot within the side.
"At Chelsea, I was playing with the Swedish record caps holder [Hedvig Lindahl] - so I'm ready for the challenge. I can only learn from her [Karen] and we can help each other improve."
Cushing delighted by shrewd deal
Meanwhile, her new boss Nick Cushing, also had his say on the transfer - and he's justifiably pleased by the deal.
Saying that he was "really impressed" by her performances when City faced Chelsea previously, and also the fact that she was "unfortunate" to become the number two last term, he is now "delighted" to see her at Eastlands.
This is not only because she's a "great goalkeeper", but one that he feels is at a level to bring the club consistency and challenge Bardsley well - allowing both to improve their respective game.