Ladies strengthen keeper department

Arsenal Ladies have completed the signing of England international keeper Siobhan Chamberlain from Bristol Academy, with long-term No.1 Emma Byrne also signing a new contract with the Club.

Chamberlain is an experienced stopper, with 26 caps for the Three Lions. Last term she was selected in the Super League Team of the Year, as well as being voted Bristol’s Players’ Player of the Year. A consistent and reliable last line of defence for the Vixens over the past three years, Siobhan is the only Super League player to have played every minute of every game since the league’s inception in 2011.

She joins Byrne at the Club to add experience and competition to the Ladies goalkeeper department.

Now in her 13th year as Arsenal’s first-choice keeper, Byrne has helped the Gunners to 11 league titles, nine FA Cups and, in 2007, the UEFA Women’s Cup.

The 34-year-old enjoyed an excellent season in 2013, conceding just three goals in the final 10 games of the Super League campaign.

A Republic of Ireland international, she also reached 100 caps for her country in September.

General Manager Vic Akers said: “We’re really pleased to be both welcoming Siobhan to the Club, and extending Emma’s contract. The pair are both talented, experienced keepers and I know they’ll provide valuable competition for each other in the seasons ahead.”

Chamberlain said of her arrival: “I’m really excited to be signing for such a massive club, in Arsenal. The club have got a fantastic history and so many talented players, including Emma of course. I’m looking forward to working with her, and think the competition between us will help push us both on, as we prepare for the 2014 season.”

Byrne added: “I’m delighted to have signed an extension to my contract. With Siobhan’s arrival we’re looking really strong in the goalkeeper area. I’m looking forward to working with her in the coming months.”