Exciting new faces on board as Wrexham AFC Women kick off third Adran Premier season
Wrexham AFC Women begin their third season as an Adran Premier club this weekend with a new head coach in place.
Following third and fourth-place top-flight finishes plus back-to-back Welsh Cup final defeats, the Red Dragons will be targeting silverware under new chief Jenny Sugarman, who took over this summer after Steve Dale brought his three and a half year tenure to an end.
Players to depart in recent weeks include Rebecca Pritchard, scorer of the play-off winning goal to earn the club promotion in 2023, longest-serving player Katie Sharp and forward Amber Lightfoot who averaged almost a goal every other game in Wrexham colours.
Five new signings have arrived in recent days:
KATIE BARKER
Former Newcastle United striker Barker, 24, has signed a contract until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, after departing from north-east England this summer.
The Magpies’ record goalscorer netted an impressive 67 times and earned back-to-back promotions during her time with the club.
The forward made history during her time in Black and White stripes, becoming the first female player to score at St. James’ Park, against Alnwick Town in May 2022.
In June 2023, Barker became a full-time professional and played a total of 120 times, writing her name into the history books as the club’s second highest appearance holder.
JODIE BARTLE
Ex-Newcastle United and Celtic defender Bartle spent the last two years with The Magpies. She arrives in North Wales with a plethora of experience within the game.
The 33-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, having departed the Magpies this summer.
She started playing football at 16 but turned a full-time professional at the age of 28, when she joined Celtic from Championship side Coventry United in 2020.
Her spell in Scotland brought great success, having played in the Champions League alongside winning the League Cup and Scottish Cup for Fran Alonso’s side.
MARIAM MAHMOOD
Mahmood, 21, is a talented Pakistan international who came through the ranks at West Brom, going on to play under Head Coach Jenny Sugarman, making a total of 80 appearances for the Baggies’ first-team.
She scored her first international goals against Kyrgyzstan, putting in an impressive performance to secure a 2-1 victory in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification action.
JOSIE SMITH
Originally from North Wales, Smith, 23, is a former Cymru youth international who earned caps at both U17 and U19 level, having come through the ranks at Everton’s academy.
A versatile player who is comfortable in defence or midfield, she joined Wolves and later became a FAWNL Division One Midlands title-winner with the Old Gold.
HANNAH SNAPE
Snape, 22, played for Loughborough Lightning, having also previously represented Solihull Moors.
The midfielder represented England Schools as a youngster, before making her senior debut for Chester, aged just 16, in December 2019.
RETAINED LIST
Already under contract for 2025/26:
Lili JONES
Offered new deals for the 2025/26 season:
Abbie IDDENDEN
Ava SUCKLEY
Carra JONES
Erin LOVETT
Keren ALLEN
Lili JONES
Liz CRAVEN
Mari GIBBARD
Natalie CLARK
Phoebe DAVIES
Rosie HUGHES
Continuing their recovery from injury with the Club:
Olivia FULLER
Louisha DORAN
TJ DICKENS
ADRAN PREMIER OPENING FIXTURES
Sunday, 7 September:
Barry Town United v Swansea City (2 pm)
Pontypridd Town v Aberystwyth Town (2 pm)
Briton Ferry Llansawel v Wrexham (2 pm)
The New Saints v Cardiff City (5.35 pm)
WREXHAM AFC WOMEN PHASE ONE GENERO ADRAN PREMIER FIXTURES 2025-26
Sunday, September 7 (2pm) – Briton Ferry Llansawel vs Wrexham
Sunday, September 14 (5:10pm) – Wrexham vs Barry Town United
Sunday, September 21 (2pm) – The New Saints vs Wrexham
Sunday, September 28 (2pm) – Wrexham vs Pontypridd United
Sunday, October 5 (2pm) – Swansea City vs Wrexham
Sunday, October 12 (2pm) – Wrexham vs Cardiff City
Sunday, October 26 (2pm) – Aberystwyth Town vs Wrexham
Sunday, November 2 (2pm) – Wrexham vs The New Saints
Sunday, November 16 (2pm) – Pontypridd United vs Wrexham
Sunday, November 30 (2pm) – Wrexham vs Swansea City
Sunday, December 7 (2pm) – Wrexham vs Aberystwyth Town
Sunday, January 4 (2pm) – Cardiff City vs Wrexham
Sunday January 18 (2pm) – Barry Town United vs Wrexham
Sunday, January 25 (5:10pm) – Wrexham vs Briton Ferry Llansawel