Kiernan aims for promotion with new club

Leanne Kiernan is targeting promotion having signed for Newcastle United for the new season of the Women’s Super League 2.

The transfer for an undisclosed fee sees the Bailieborough native open a new chapter in her career after a successful spell with Liverpool.

Leanne made 76 appearances during her time on Merseyside, scoring 23 times in all competitions. She spent the second half of last season on loan at Super League 2 side Nottingham Forest.

In her first interview since signing, Kiernan said the Newcastle Manager Tanya Oxtoby’s approach was a major factor in moving: “I felt like it was time for a change,” she began

"Speaking to Tanya and the game philosophy she had and where I fit in, I was really excited with the whole idea. I’m just looking forward to a new chapter and it’s not too far away from home - my family’s looking forward to coming over, and I have a lot of friends here too so that helps."

Asked where she would fit in with the game plan, Leanne said: “I would say I’m a quick attacker in behind, so I feel like I can bring my strengths and hopefully score loads of goals to help the team out.”

She noted Oxtoby’s focus on promotion and assured she would try to secure that.

Manager, Tanya Oxtoby, said: “Leanne brings a wealth of experience from the WSL, WSL2, and her national team to our squad and has shown in all those experiences the quality that she has.

“She adds versatility to the forward line, with her pace and intelligent movement making her a threat in the way we want to play.”