Welsh international Helen Ward is returning to where her career began after signing for Watford Ladies.

The 31-year-old came through the Lady Hornets’ ranks before joining in Arsenal Ladies in 2009 and she will join up with Keith Boanas’ Women’s Super League 2 side after giving birth to her second child.

Ward told the club website: “It’s my club and I feel like I’m coming home. Keith being in charge is a big drawer as well as he’s well known in the game and has achieved so much. The plans and ambitions of the club have impressed me as well.

“Your hear rumours but once I had a meeting at the club, and spoke to Keith, I realised they’re unjustified and is just gossip, the plans of the club even this season go against what people are saying and I’m sure many will be surprised about what is going on in the background.”

The former Chelsea and Reading player, who has scored 42 international goals to date, continued: “Personally I want to get fit and playing well again, after having another baby, try and get as many goals and assists as possible for the club.

“On a team level it’s important to prove everyone wrong. We’re expected to struggle after the last few years, but we don’t see it as being a relegation battle this season, and we want to finish as high as possible.”

Describing Ward’s acquisition as “the most significant signing we’ve made since I’ve been in the job”, the Golden Girls boss said: "This signing shows true intent that the club are taking women's football seriously, and has ambition to be competitive at the top level of the game.

"The most important thing now is that she comes through healthily from the birth, and gets back to the field as quickly as possible for us.

"She's kept herself fit and it's now up to us to get all the resources and assistance she needs. If we can get her back fit to the player she was, we've got a real talent on our hands.”