Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of promising forward Lucy Watson on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The 18-year old joins the Addicks from the reigning Women’s Super League (WSL) champions, having joined the Blues in July following a successful spell with Sheffield United that saw her net eight goals in 22 Championship matches last season.
Watson arrives in south London with a significant amount of first-team experience, having made her senior debut for Doncaster Rovers Belles at the age of just 15 before signing for the Blades midway through the 2019/20 season.
In her first interview as an Addick, Watson said: “I am really excited to now be a Charlton player. I can’t wait to meet the fans. Obviously I have been in with the players recently and I am excited to see what this season can hold.
“Being a Charlton player now is a step-up. It is my first full-time club that I am coming into, so it is definitely going to be different. I am really excited to see how I can develop here.
"I have got quite a bit of experience in this league already but it is changing as the years come. It is only getting better and we need to keep doing that as well."
An England U19 international, Watson joins Lionesses teammate Mia Ross at Charlton. The duo were both part of Gemma Davies' squad for Euro 2022.
"Having Mia has helped me settle in," she said. "I am living with her as well so I think we will be sick of seeing each other by the end of the season! She has really helped and it has been good having a familiar face.
"It was an incredible experience just to be in the squad but I did play some minutes as well," Watson added. "It was an unbelievable experience and I will remember it for the rest of my life. We didn't go and do what we wanted to do, but nonetheless it is still an experience I will always remember."
Karen Hills' side kick off their 2022/23 campaign against newly-promoted side Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday, August 20th (12.30pm).
"I am really excited to put on the shirt and show everyone what I can do," said Watson. "Hopefully, we can kickstart the season with a win. It will be tough against a newly-promoted side but I am just really excited to showcase what I can do as an individual and what we can do as a team."
Don't miss a kick of the Addicks' 2022/23 Barclays Women's Championship campaign. Purchase your season ticket by clicking on the graphic below.
