Bolton Wanderers Women are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Kayleigh McDonald.
The former Blackburn and Stoke City player arrives at Wanderers with huge amounts of experience at higher levels, offering further competition to Myles Smith’s options in the Whites’ defensive line.
Hailing from Liverpool, Kayleigh started out her footballing career in the Everton School of Excellence and came through their pathway before signing for Blackburn Rovers back in 2016.
Kayleigh would excel in her time with Rovers, becoming a mainstay in their back-line as they lifted three consecutive FA Women’s National League North titles. McDonald would play a huge part in Rovers’ promotion to the Barclays Women’s Championship in 2019, beating Coventry in the Play-Off Final to secure their place in the second tier.
Her progress would continue at the club, named as the 2020/21 Player of the Year, with Rovers and Kayleigh settling into life as a Championship side.
After a seven-year stay with Rovers - making over 150 appearances and scoring nine goals in the process - the 31-year old moved to Stoke City ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Injury would hamper Kayleigh’s time at the Potters, however, suffering both an ACL and LCL injury in March 2024, but has worked tirelessly since that point to be in a position to make her return to the field, but now ready to do so in a Wanderers shirt.
With her recovery almost complete and back on the grass in full training, Kayleigh signs up with Wanderers looking to help the side as they continue to adjust to life in the fifth tier of Women’s football following promotion last year.
Kayleigh McDonald said: “I’m delighted to be signing.
“When I’ve come in and spoke to Myles about joining, and he told me about the ambition of the club and where he sees this team going - I’d be stupid not to come and be part of it.
“For the level we are at right now, you would not expect what we have at our disposal - I was gobsmacked. So with my experience now, I’d love to be able help push this team forward and help us get to where we want to be.
“As a senior player now, helping the girls along now is a big thing for me. If I can pass any of my knowledge to them, then I’m looking forward to doing so. I’m feeling fitter, stronger and sharper than I’ve ever been so I’m excited to showcase what I can do.”
Myles Smith, Women’s Manager, said: “We are thrilled that Kayleigh has decided to join us at Wanderers Women.
“She is a proven leader and carries huge experience at higher levels of the pyramid - including the Women’s Championship during her career with Blackburn. She has been in and around the environment in recent weeks and has fitted within the group seamlessly so made the decision easy for us as staff in terms of signing.
“Kayleigh has overcome so much in the last couple of years to get herself back on-the-field, emphasising to us of her drive and determination in wanting to now come and be part of our exciting journey.
“She is an outstanding ball-playing defender who will help to bring a calmness and solidity to our back-line, and we look forward to seeing what she can produce in a Bolton shirt.”