McLauchlan Arrives at Newcastle After Brighton Spell
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Scotland defender Rachel McLauchlan from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old right-back, who has 35 caps for Scotland, spent two seasons in the Women's Super League with Brighton, making 51 appearances and featuring in this year's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
"I'm really excited to get started. I'm raring to go, it's a big opportunity and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone," McLauchlan said. "I want to come here and help the team get promoted. [Manager] Tanya [Oxtoby] spoke so highly of what the club wants to do and that was a big motivation for me to come here."
A Decorated Career North of the Border
McLauchlan brings a winning pedigree to the WSL 2 side, having amassed five Scottish Women's Premier League titles and four Scottish Cups during spells with Rangers, Glasgow City and Hibernian.
Her experience at domestic and international level is seen as a major asset for a Newcastle team chasing promotion to the top flight.
Oxtoby's Vision Seals the Deal
Manager Tanya Oxtoby highlighted the defender's qualities and the club's ambition as key factors in the transfer.
"Rachel is an experienced player at both club and international level, and understands what it takes to compete for and win league titles," Oxtoby said. "She is a brilliant defender that adds versatility to the full-back position, while also possessing the ability to provide effective support to the attack."
McLauchlan is expected to slot straight into a Newcastle side that aims to build on last season's progress and mount a serious promotion challenge.
