Winchester City Flyers are delighted to announce the signing of creative midfielder Cesca Thornton.

The 28-year-old joins after two seasons with Farnham Town, where she enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the club.

Thornton is familiar with Winchester, with six seasons in the red and black under her belt.

From 2015-2020, the midfielder made 63 appearances and scored 36 goals for the Flyers.

Her footballing CV has also seen her be a part of Reading’s Academy and a season in the FA Women’s National League with Cornish side AFC St Austell.

The experienced midfielder now returns to a place she describes as a place she’s “always loved” and has a “strong connection” with.

Thornton said: “It feels nice to be back.

“I have so many great memories here from over the years, both on and off the pitch, so it feels special to return to somewhere that played such a big part in my football.

“It’s great to be back somewhere I’ve always loved and have such a strong connection with.

“I wanted to come back somewhere I knew I’d still love and enjoy playing football, but also somewhere that has the ambition to compete at the highest level.

“Emma (the manager), the coaching staff and the girls have a strong work ethic, and it’s a group full of talent.

“I know being around that environment will bring the best out of me.”

Settling in has gone well for Thornton as she links up with former teammates and gets to know the new era of Flyers.

She said: “It’s been nice seeing some old faces as well as getting to know some new ones.

“I’ve known some of the girls since I was 12, so I’m now 28, and to see them still here is a real testament to the club.

“The new signings have added so much quality too, and it’s a lovely group of girls who work really hard for one another.”

Thornton is full of ambition after two successful title-winning campaigns with Farnham and is eager to find more success with Winchester.

“The goal is definitely to compete for the league and give ourselves the best chance of winning it,” she said, “but we’ll take each game as it comes.

“On a personal level, I want to keep developing, enjoy my football and contribute as much as possible to the team, both on and off the pitch."