Charlton Athletic Women

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic have signed midfielder Leah Davidson from A-League Women's side Melbourne City.

She joins on a two-year deal having spent the last six seasons in Australia, winning three consecutive league titles.

The 25-year-old made over 100 appearances for Melbourne City after joining from Brisbane Road in 2020.

She has four caps for Australia and becomes Charlton's second signing this week following the arrival of goalkeeper Anna Koivunen from Djurgardens IF.

"I am so excited to be here and be a part of something so special," said Davidson.

"I spent six years at Melbourne City. I loved it, grew as a player and a person, but I thought: 'I can't say no to this opportunity.'"

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic defender Charlotte Newsham says manager Karen Hills is a "legend" of the club after guiding them to the Women's Super League.

Hills' side beat Leicester City in a play-off tie at The Valley on Saturday to earn promotion to the WSL for the first time in the club's history.

She was a former player at the club and has spent five seasons there as the manager, building a squad capable of reaching the top tier.

"Karen Hills is a legend at Charlton. She played here then managed us back to the WSL where we belong," Newsham told BBC Sport.

"She is an unbelievable manager. The way she has built the culture at this club has helped us get over the line. I have nothing but good things to say about her."

Newsham was absent on Saturday having picked up a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in their final WSL 2 game against Birmingham City.

The Scotland international had started 20 of their 22 matches but had to watch on agonisingly, crutches in hand, as her side came through in a penalty shootout.

"It's not sunk in yet but it's a surreal feeling. It's a big relief. It's something this team has worked for all season so it's nice to get it over the line.

"There will be a party tonight then after that, everyone will go home to their families and get a big rest. It's been a big few weeks.

"The club have been striving towards it for a while and we've been close before but to now get it over the line, I can't describe how it feels.

"Hopefully we can show why we should be there in the WSL [next season]."