Hearts Women is delighted to announce the signing of Emma Ilijoski who joins the club on a two-year deal.
A left-wing-back by trade, Emma most recently made 55 appearances for Canberra United in the Women’s A-League and has also been capped by Australia at youth level.
Emma now makes the long move to Edinburgh on a free contract, following the expiration of her contract in Canberra and will join up with Eva Olid’s squad as they continue preparations for the new SWPL season.
Ilikoski becomes the Jambos’ eleventh signing of the summer window.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Olid said:
“Firstly, with our style of play, we need technical players and Emma is exactly that. Primarily a left back/wingback she’s so comfortable under pressure with the ball but she can also play left centre back and midfield and that shows how much technical ability and game knowledge she has.
We know how important it is to have competition in every area of the pitch and Emma is certainly going to give that in a number of position, but I loved her determination to contribute in the final third for Canberra playing from left back and I think with our left side having a lot of balance she will be able to do that more than ever.
As a person she’s fantastic and has come across really well during the whole process. I think she’ll be a fantastic addition to the changing room.”
Women’s head of recruitment Sean Burt added:
“Emma’s the ultimate professional and is another player moving into her prime years but already has so much experience of 4 seasons of senior football and previously being in Australian national team set ups.
A naturally left footed wingback is rare in the women’s game but as we know with Eva’s style of play you have to be technically gifted and she’s extremely calm under pressure and in 1 v 1 situations.
It’s testament to Emma that she can play a number of positions I think it shows a level of football maturity for someone relatively young and I’ve no doubt that when she arrives she’ll thrive in this environment.”
Welcome to Hearts, Emma!
