Birmingham sign Emily Whelan and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle to bolster Irish contingent at club
Emily Whelan is congratulated by teammates after scoring the opening goal of their 2-1 win over DLR Waves in the WNL on Saturday, 1 May 2021. Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
Birmingham City have unveiled the double signing of Emily Whelan and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle from Women’s National League rivals Shelbourne and Peamount United respectively.
Both Whelan and Ryan-Doyle join the Super League side after impressing on the domestic scene for several years.
They also join the Blues who have a number of Irish players within their ranks already.
Louise Quinn and Mari Hourihane are included, with Jamie Finn there too having joined in recent weeks from Shels.
Whelan leaves Shelbourne after impressing for the Reds’ first-team in recent years.
She leaves Noel King’s side who are locked in a title race with Peamount.
“I am really excited for the upcoming season and I will do my best to help the team,” Whelan said after joining Birmingham this afternoon.
“I will do everything I can to help us get to where we want to be.
“It's a big step up but I am willing to work hard and give it everything I've got.”
And Ryan-Doyle also leaves Peamount having recently played in the Champions League with James O’Callaghan’s side.
“I am excited to start my professional career at Blues and excited to see where it will take me and how I will progress with my football.
“Scott has told me about his plans for the season and what the team’s ambitions are, which is something that I wanted to be a part of.”
to help the team. I will do everything I can to help us get to where we want to be.
"It's a big step up but I am willing to work hard and give it everything I've got."
Both players are available for selection tomorrow against Tottenham Hotspur.
