Watford Ladies have continued the strengthening of their squad ahead of the new Women’s Super League 2 season by signing two Welsh internationals.

Highly experienced defender Kylie McCarthy joins the Lady Hornets following a club career that includes Fulham, Millwall and Chelsea – where she was captain and known as Kylie Davies before her marriage – while she also spent two seasons in the USA W-League with Richmond Kickers.

Midfielder Laura May Walkley has also moved to the Kings Langley FC-based club following spells at Reading Women with whom she won the league.

"I spoke to a few players I know at the club and they spoke highly of the set-up at Watford," McCarthy told the club website.

"Keith (Boanas) is a manager I have known for years and who is highly regarded in the game. I've also worked under (assistant) Alberto (Kurti) at Millwall too. With the signings the club has made and the vision for the future, I think we can beat anyone on our day and challenge.

"The people and facilities are great and I can't wait for the new season to kick-off now."

McCarthy’s fellow new signing said: "I'm looking forward to the new season and I think the league will be competitive from top to bottom this season, we have to hit the ground running," she explained, speaking after signing for the club.

"We are in a transition period, in terms of new players coming in, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I have a winning mentality whether it be in training or in matches.

"I always want to win, and I think I have good experience having played in WSL1 and played a big part in the title winning season at Reading, I know what it takes to win the league.”

McCarthy and Walkley have joined the Golden Girls after fellow Welsh international Helen Ward returned to the club where her career started in what Boanas described as “the most significant signing we’ve made since I’ve been in the job”.