New Everton Women signing Poppy Pattinson admitted she was 'hugely impressed' by the blueprint of manager Willie Kirk for future success.
England under-21 international Pattinson arrived from Bristol City this summer and has been joined by high-profile French international Valerie Gauvin.
Norwegian defender Ingrid Moe Wold and Danish international duo Rikke Sevecke and Nicoline Sorensen have also arrived and the full-back is hoping to reach the top with her team-mates.
“The club sets high standards day in, day out,” 20-year-old Pattinson said.
“We’ve got competition in the squad and there’s a desire every day to improve and get the Club where we want to be, which is at the top.
“I spoke to the manager before I joined and I was hugely impressed by his plans to drive this team on and build a strong group of players who pride themselves in being motivated to work hard and achieve big things.
“The ambitions of the club are set really high and I want to be a part of that journey.”
Pattinson, originally from Sunderland, has moved in with Everton team-mates Sandy MacIver and Molly Pike - friends from international duty - as she settles into life on Merseyside and praised the atmosphere at Finch Farm.
“I've got a strong winning mentality,” she added. “I enjoy contesting one-v-ones in defending but I’m quite an attacking full-back – I like to get forward and support attacks.”
"I've settled in really well and I am enjoying it up here a lot.
"I’ve just been for a walk with Molly at Sefton Park, it was lovely! It’s helped knowing a few of the girls, of course, but as a whole they’re such a great group. I feel comfortable, everyone’s been really welcoming.
“There’s a great atmosphere at the club and I’m excited to be here.”
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