Lady Reds announced

Barnett looking to reverse last year's results | (Credit: Cam Wheeler)

Adelaide United Women’s coach Michael Barnett has announced several signings for the Lady Reds as they prepare for Season Three of the Westfield W-League.

Three weeks out from kick-off, Barnett has confirmed 13 players on his roster with seven spots still to be filled. Much speculation swirls around those signings with European internationals on the cards.

The Lady Reds have retained eight players from their Season Two squad including captain Christina Papageorgiou who will once again lead the side in Season Three. Five new faces will be wearing the Reds' colours with four of them sporting previous W-League experience.

Former Newcastle Jets defensive duo Stacey Day and Loren Mahoney join the squad while Queenslanders and former Melbourne Victory midfielders Katrina Gorry and Vedrana Popovic add some strength and experience to a young Adelaide midfield.

Locally promising 18 year old Georgia Macri has been picked up from the SASI squad joining fellow local products in Racheal Quigley, Sian McLaren and Donna Cockayne. In further positive news Matildas striker Victoria Balomenos will be fit and ready for another season as she returns from a knee reconstruction.

“The squad is coming together nicely, and if we can add a couple of internationals it will certainly lift the standard and profile of the team even more,” Barnett said.

“We have a nice blend of experience and youth, which will put us in good stead for the tough competition ahead, so we’re looking forward to a more successful season.”

Barnett will be hoping that with the younger players getting two seasons under their belt and the addition of experience, the Lady Reds will be able to rise up the ladder after two seasons in the bottom two.

Adelaide United’s Women’s Team will open its season against the Newcastle Jets Women’s Team at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Adelaide United Women’s Squad 2010/11

Players re-signed from last season

Sian McLaren (goalkeeper) – Vice Captain last season, the 19 year old has represented the Westfield Young Matildas and has been part of the Lady Reds’ squad since the W-League’s inaugural season.

Ruth Blackburn (defender) – After signing to the Reds from Queensland before the 2009 campaign, she unfortunately broke her foot and missed every game.

Racheal Quigley (striker) – Voted the Lady Reds’ Most Valuable Player of last season after scoring five goals, Quigley was again a prolific goal scorer at local level in the FFSA Premier Division during the winter season playing for Adelaide Olympic.

Victoria Balomenos (midfielder) – Played in United’s squad in the inaugural W-League season but missed the 2009 competition after undergoing a knee re-construction. Is currently part of the Matildas training squad.

Donna Cockayne (striker) – Another of United’s experienced campaigners having played in the last two seasons, Cockayne spent the winter playing with the Metro United Womens Football Club.

Christina Papageorgiou (midfielder) – Last season’s captain will be hoping to take the success of being part of Adelaide City’s 2010 League and Cup champion winning sides into this W-League campaign.

Kristi Harvey (goalkeeper) – Will vie for the number one goalkeeper’s spot with Sian McLaren in what will be her third W-League season. Spent the winter playing for local side Metro United Womens Football Club.

Angela Fimmano (midfielder) – One of the Lady Reds’ most talented and promising young players, Fimmano has been with United’s Women’s Team since the start and has also represented Australia at Under 19 level.