West Ham United women’s team are delighted to confirm the signing of Republic of Ireland international, Megan Walsh.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper joins the Hammers after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion at the expiry of her contract at the end of June, becoming our fourth signing of the summer.
The experienced shot-stopper has made over 100 appearances in the Barclays Women’s Super League and will provide strong competition for Australian international, Mackenzie Arnold.
Having represented England at youth level, Walsh changed her international allegiances to the Republic of Ireland in November 2021 and earned her first cap for the Girls in Green at the Pinatar Cup in February 2022. She was also part of Vera Pauw’s 23-player squad that travelled to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
After signing on the dotted line, Walsh, who will wear the No25 shirt, spoke of her excitement at joining West Ham United and working with new manager, Rehanne Skinner.
“I’m really pleased to be joining West Ham United,” she told West Ham TV. “It’s an amazing Club with a great history.”
“I’m excited for something new and to be working with Rehanne [Skinner] for the first time. I’m looking forward to seeing what she will be able to bring out in my game.
“The WSL is one of the best leagues in the world - it’s tough and it’s getting even more competitive year on year. I have played against West Ham a number of times and were always very physical clashes.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and putting in the work over the rest of pre-season as we prepare for the new campaign.”
West Ham United women’s goalkeeping coach, Chris Pipe shared his excitement in expanding the goalkeeping resource at Chadwell Heath:
“I am really pleased that Megan has joined West Ham.
“Her experience both in the domestic and international game will add value to our goalkeeping group.
“She has strong qualities both in and out of possession that will be a real asset to the team and our style of play, and I am really looking forward to helping Megan to develop this season."
Skinner spoke of her delight in adding Walsh to the team and hopes that Walsh will help improve competition within the goalkeeping department.
“We are delighted to bring Megan to the Club,” she told whufc.com.
“Megan is an experienced goalkeeper who has played in the WSL for a long time.
“I think it’s fantastic to have two goalkeepers of such a high quality and Megan is a player that, alongside Mackenzie, will help us to set and drive high standards every day.
"Having been in Australia with Republic of Ireland at the World Cup this summer, I am sure Megan is full of positivity going into this new season and we’re all really looking forward to working with her.”
A star between the sticks! 🍀
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) August 18, 2023
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Republic of Ireland international, Megan Walsh! ⚒️
Born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Walsh began her career with Aston Villa. She spent two seasons with the Villains before making the step up to the top division with Everton in 2013.
Having found consistent game time difficult to come by on Merseyside, Walsh joined Notts County in 2015. After a two-year-spell in Nottingham, Walsh made the move south to join Yeovil Town for the rest of the WSL Spring Series.
The following season, the WSL was reformed into its current set-up and Yeovil struggled at the foot of the table. Walsh was one of the standout players during a difficult season for the Somerset based outfit, who were relegated at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Walsh left Yeovil at the end of her contract and moved to Brighton & Hove Albion where she would be first choice under manager Hope Powell for three seasons - making a total of 76 appearances for the Albion across four seasons at Broadfield Stadium. She departed Brighton at the expiry of her contract in the summer of 2023.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Megan to east London and we wish her well during her time at the Club.
Want to watch Walsh in action for West Ham United throughout the 2023/24 Barclays Women's Super League season? Purchase a season ticket by clicking on the graphic below!
