Bolton Wanderers Women are delighted to confirm the signing of four exciting new players, as Tom Cunniff continues to further strengthen the squad heading into the latter stages of the season.
Over the last few weeks, four players have joined the First Team as part of the club’s ongoing development and progression. Molly Philpott, Maddie Leigh, Aimee Woodward and Cerys Neil have all been added to the squad, strengthening the group with quality and experience as the team moves forward into the remainder of the season.
We are pleased to welcome Molly Philpott to the club on dual registration from Tier 3 side Sporting Khalsa. A dynamic and direct winger, Molly brings experience from a strong development pathway, having come through Stoke City’s academy from the age of seven through to sixteen, before spending two years with Everton Under-21s.
She has since gained valuable senior experience, featuring for Stoke City’s first team and Sporting Khalsa, before joining Wanderers last month.
On joining Wanderers Molly said: “I’m really excited to join Bolton — it’s a great club with big ambition and I’m looking forward to working with the staff and players to help contribute this season. There’s a really positive environment and I’m happy to develop as a player and as a person here.”
Defender Maddie Leigh joins the club from AFC Fylde Women until the end of the season. An exciting prospect, Maddie offers height, pace and athleticism at the back and will provide valuable depth and competition within the defensive unit. Maddie said: “I am really happy to have joined Bolton, and I’m really excited to further gain experience in women’s football to help with my development.”
We are also delighted to announce the signing of Aimee Woodward, a versatile defensive player who joins the club from Wigan Athletic Women until the end of the season.
Aimee has developed through the youth system at AFC Bournemouth from Under-10s to Under-16s and representing both Dorset and Somerset at youth county level. She gained senior experience in Tier 5 with Sherborne Ladies from the age of 16 where she gained FA Cup experience, before moving north to attend Everton Football College, where she also competed in the Dallas Cup.
Aimee said: “Since joining the club, the girls and coaching staff have been really welcoming and supportive, and I believe this type of environment is what will help me develop as a player. I am really excited to get started, show what I can do and contribute to the team.”
Completing the quartet is Cerys Neil, who joins on dual registration from Everton Women. Currently in her fourth season with Everton, Cerys made her senior debut against Liverpool in the League Cup in December 2024 and has also spent time within the academies at Manchester United and Liverpool.
A quality and exciting full-back, Cerys brings experience from professional environments and adds pace, composure and attacking intent from defensive areas.
Cerys said: “I’m really excited to dual sign for the club. I feel the style of play is suited well to me and will help me develop as a player, but I’m also excited to see what I can bring to the team.”
On the new additions Tom Cunniff said: “We’re delighted to bring Molly, Maddie, Aimee and Cerys into the squad. Each player comes from a strong background and brings different qualities that will strengthen the group.
They’ve all settled in well and shown great attitude and commitment, and we’re looking forward to seeing them continue their development and contribute on the pitch for the remainder of the season.”