We are delighted to announce that Jackie Richards has penned a new one-year deal with the club.
The forward arrived last summer from Villanova Wildcats American University, where she scored six goals in 16 games.
Jackie didn’t take long to make an impact in Gorgie, scoring in front of the Dunbar End at Easter Road as the Jambos lifted the Capital Cup back in September.
She’d go on to make 22 appearances for Eva Olid’s side, scoring on five occasions and providing three assists, however it was a frustrating end to the season for Richards who hasn’t featured since the beginning of March due to injury.
Jackie will continue to call Edinburgh her home for the next year having put pen to paper on a new 12-month contract as she prepares to come back stronger next season.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, manager Eva Olid said:
“We’re really happy that Jackie has committed her future to the club. From early on, she’s shown she has something different to offer, a style and presence that gives us another dimension in the final third and we have seen that in numerous games.
“She’s continued to grow within the group and was becoming an important part of how we wanted to play prior to her injury. We’re confident there’s still more to come from her, and we’re looking forward to her reaching her full potential next season.”
Women’s Head of Recruitment Sean Burt added:
“We’re really pleased to have Jackie sign an extension. She came in and made an immediate impression, not just with her performances, but with how quickly she adapted to the environment here at Hearts.
“It’s not always straightforward settling into a new club, but she took everything in her stride and kept improving as the season went on. Given how difficult it can be to adjust to new surroundings and the contributions Jackie made on the pitch this season, we’re looking forward to seeing her perform even better next season.”
