Portsmouth Women given boost as former Arsenal ace Emily Pitman signs new deal
Portsmouth Women have been given a boost having agreed a one-year professional deal with Emily Pitman.
As confirmed by the club’s official website [3 July], the 19-year-old becomes the latest player to turn pro with Pompey, following the women’s team’s transition from a semi-professional model this summer after promotion to the Championship.
The young forward scored seven goals in 29 appearances in her debut season after arriving from Arsenal’s Under-21 setup.
Pitman said of the deal: “It’s a surreal thing to happen to me and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I can’t wait for the season to start.
“This has always been a dream since I was young this has been a goal of mine, but for it to actually happen at this stage of my career is a great feeling.”
Jay Sadler backs Emily Pitman to excel with new Portsmouth deal
Portsmouth women’s head coach Jay Sadler – who steered the club to a National League title in style last season – also heaped praise on his young attacker following her professional terms being agreed.
“We’re really pleased that Em has signed a professional contract with us,” he said.
“She’s a player who made the transition from academy to senior football last season and adapted superbly.
“So we’re looking forward to supporting her development as the club steps up into the Championship.”
Pompey are still in the process of agreeing deals with players as Sadler and his newly full-time coaching staff and general manager reshape the squad for the task ahead, with midfielder Georgie Freeland recently agreeing new terms on a two-year contract.
The Blues’ Women will now compete in the second tier, joining the hugely ambitious Newcastle United who came up through the Northern section of the National League.
Pitman will thankfully be part of that journey and remains a massive asset for the club going forward in this exciting new era.
In other Portsmouth news, David Norris has backed the Eisners’ investment into Fratton Park.
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