TWO former Bolton Wanderers Ladies players have become the first signings of Bury AFC's newly-formed women's team.

Goalkeeper Katie Kefford and midfielder Kiera Lynchey are the first players who have been brought to the club as it prepares for its inaugural season.

Kefford arrives having previously been with Brighouse Town Women in FAWNL North Division 1 (Tier 4), as well as spells at Wanderers Ladies (now Bolton Ladies) and Walshaw Ladies.

“I’m looking forward to this amazing opportunity and can’t wait to get started," said the 20-year-old. "It’s exciting to be part of the new women’s football team alongside Bury AFC men.”

Goalkeeping coach Kelly Boag is delighted to get a keeper with experience of playing at a higher level on board.

“She is a brilliant first signing for us and is a really talented young goalkeeper with good experience at some big clubs," said Boag. "She has an amazing work ethic and will be a great asset to the team.”

Lynchey has followed a similar footballing journey to Kefford, playing together at Bolton and Brighouse as well as playing for Bury Girls.

Playing in centre-midfield, she came to prominence during her time at Bolton, making her first-team debut away at Newcastle at the age of 16.

Her involvement with the U-19s and first-team squads during this phase of her career has led to trips to both Las Vegas and Milan respectively.

Head of Elite Women’s Team, Casey Lynchey, said that the hard work put in over the last few months to target recruits is starting to come to fruition.

“We are excited to welcome our first two new signings," she said. " We have had a lot of interest since the turn of the year and we believe there will be great things to come from the squad that is being assembled.”