Former Bristol City pair available for free after Aston Villa and Liverpool exits

Carla Humphrey and Natasha Harding are both available to Bristol City Women this summer after leaving Liverpool and Aston Villa.

The Vixens are back in the Women’s Super League, and two of their former players are on the transfer market after their clubs pushed their retained list. Harding was let go from Villa with her one-year deal not extended. The 34-year-old has not played since November after she ruptured her quadricep tendon.

Harding played six times for the Villains this term and played a small part in securing their highest league finish in the WSL. Her one and only goal came in the Conti Cup in a 1-1 draw with Everton. The 100-cap Wales international plans to run coaching sessions for children in the South Wales area before announcing her next career move.

"Thank you @AVWFCOfficial," posted Harding on her Twitter account.

"Not how I planned my season but I have made some amazing friendships, met amazing people at the club and worked with incredibly talented individuals. This team has a great future ahead of them. My next chapter awaits…"

Harding was at City from 2012 to 2014, having been brought to the club by former England manager Mark Sampson. She got to play in the Champions League and featured in the side that beat Barcelona at Ashton Gate when the club was known as Bristol Academy.

Liverpool meanwhile have let Humphrey go after two seasons at the club. The 26-year-old helped the Reds win promotion last year at the expense of City, and the midfielder turned out 11 times for them in her first season back in the top flight. She made the move from Bristol City in 2021 and spent four seasons in the West Country, making 76 appearances.

Posting about her departure, Humphrey said: "After 2 years at LiverpoolFCW it’s the right time to move on & say goodbye. I’ve made the best friends, who will always be a part of my life. I’m so grateful for the amazing group of people - players, and staff - that we have at this club and proud that we achieved our goal last year of winning the league together.

"I’m excited for what is next in my football career and wish the best of luck for next season and beyond."