New Albion Women addition Naomi Powell says joining a club with 'good backing and history' was an easy decision for her.
The 27-year-old joins following a spell at three-time National Women’s Soccer League champions Portland Thorns in America.
Her experiences in the game have put her in excellent stead as she returns from stateside, and none more so than her 2022/23 FAWNL Northern Premier-winning campaign with Nottingham Forest.
Powell’s Reds weren’t promoted that year due to losing the play-off, but the American hopes to propel the Baggies into a similar position during the 2026/27 season.
“I want to leave the shirt in a better place.” 👊
Naomi’s first words as a Baggie! 💬 pic.twitter.com/mlcS07y9b3— West Bromwich Albion Women (@WBAWomen) July 23, 2026
She said: “I’m super excited, I’m happy to be back here in England, I’ve heard great things about the club. I remember being younger and watching the men’s team back home with my dad.
“I’ve had some great conversations with Siobhan Hodgetts-Still and Martyn. The conversations were around the vision of the club going forward. We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and I wanted to be a part of building that here.
“That piece was really big, but the footballing side, they have good backing and history - whatever environment I’m in, I want to grow. It’s also about helping the team and leaving the shirt in a better place at the club.
“I’m really grateful for all of the previous experiences I have in my career. I’ve been to different leagues all across the world and now I’m very grateful to have experienced all of these things. The different playing styles will help me and having won this league before is huge for me moving forward.
“I know what it takes in this league, every game is like a cup final. I’m hoping to help the team by having this experience and showing leadership on and off the pitch. It’s a long season, and we’ve just got to keep focused game to game, and we’ll be up there to challenge.
“I’m so excited to get the boots on. I’ve just got here but I’m ready and waiting for the opportunity. I can’t wait to be back on the pitch and to hit the ground running.”
