Ciara Watling is back in the red of Charlton and can’t wait to get stuck in to her second spell at the club.
The 27-year old began her career with the Addicks, scoring four goals in 54 appearances, winning the 2010/11 FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division title in the process.
Watling left SE7 for the Millwall Lionesses where her career continued to flourish as she became a Northern Irish international before captaining Crystal Palace following her departure from Champion Hill.
After four years with Palace, Watling is back where it all started, raring to go for a pivotal second half of the campaign.
Speaking earlier this week, the midfielder couldn’t hide her joy at linking up with Charlton again.
“I’m really happy and excited for the second half of the season.
“I started my footballing career here, it's a club that’s close to my heart and I owe them a lot, so I thought this was the best option for me.”
One decade on from the first, Watling could be in line for her second debut this Sunday when the Addicks take on Blackburn in a crucial FA Women's Championship clash at The Oakwood.
Riteesh Mishra’s side enter the weekend bottom of the table, although they have been a tough side to beat, drawing their last five in the league. The Addicks have up to three games on opponents where victory could take them up to 5th place.
Blackburn, meanwhile, sit one position and one point ahead of Charlton, losing their last two league fixtures.
Fresh off her first week training with the squad, Watling believes there is reason for optimism ahead of the massive game.
“I’m feeling really positive and excited,” she said. “Hopefully I'll get a chance to play, but from what I’ve seen so far I think we’ll put in a good performance against them.
“I’ve been really impressed with the standard and the intensity of training, so I think we can get something out of it.”
Following Blackburn, Watling and co take on Chelsea in the FA Cup 4th round before returning to league action against Aston Villa.
“First of all my target was to enjoy football, which I’ve started to do straight away,” Watling said of her aims for the rest of the campaign. “And now my target is to get into the team, help the team on and off the pitch, start winning some games, and hopefully get some goals and assists along the way.”
With the match likely to sell out in advance, supporters can make sure to get their tickets for the FA Cup tie against Chelsea at this link:
Article by Benjy Nurick