Turns out if you speak things into existence they may just come true, at least anecdotally anyway. We here at SheGulls have been talking almost non-stop about the prospect of signing Fran Kirby since it was announced that she would be leaving Chelsea – AND IT’S ONLY GONE AND BLUMMIN’ HAPPENED!

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If you’d like to read the original article that I wrote way back in mid-May you’re welcome to do so here: Kirby to Brighton – Myth or Maybe

Here is the Official Press Release from the Club courtesy of James Boardman/BHAFC:

FRAN KIRBY SIGNS FOR ALBION

We are pleased to confirm the signing of England international Fran Kirby.

Managing director of women’s and girls’ football Zoe Johnson said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Fran to the club.

“She arrives as one of the most decorated English footballers of all time, playing an integral role in Chelsea’s recent dominance, as well as on the international stage having been a part of England’s EURO 2022 win.

“Her experience on the pitch will be just as important off it and we have no doubt that she will help us take a significant step towards our long-term targets.”

The decorated 31-year-old attacking midfielder began her career with Reading, where she quickly established herself as one of the hottest prospects in the game.

A move to Chelsea came in 2015 and a trophy laden nine-year spell would follow. Fran won seven WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two Women’s League Cups, as well as helping the Blues reach the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

She won the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year on two occasions, most recently in 2021, which proved individually to be the most fruitful of her career, as she was named the FWA Women’s Player of the Year, the FA Women’s Super League Player of the Year and Chelsea Women’s Player of the Year.

On the international stage, Fran has won 72 caps for England, scoring 19 goals. She was a part of the 2015 World Cup squad that finished in third place, before playing a key part in England’s EURO 2022 campaign, as they beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley to secure the championship.

ENDS

All of us at SheGulls are still processing this incredibly exciting information quite frankly and I can’t begin to explain how this will send levels of optimism amongst the fanbase through the roof.

We will of course have more information as this story develops and reaction across all social media channels as well as a special Shegulls Podcast recording tomorrow (Friday) night.