Pearse signs for City.

The 20-year-old defender lands in the West Country to bolster Lauren Smith’s defensive options ahead of the second half of the Barclays Championship season.

Pearse arrives from a Barclays Women’s Super League mainstay in Spurs, where she has made three first team appearances to date.

The former Arsenal Academy product has also had previous loan experience in the second tier with Crystal Palace during the 2021/22 season.

Head Coach Smith is looking forward to seeing how Pearse can make an impact, saying: “We’re very pleased to bring a player of Gracie’s quality into our squad this early in the window as we prepare to tackle a busy schedule in the coming months.

“Our defensive group have been extremely solid throughout this season and Gracie’s addition will add an increased level of competition as well as provide us with the option for rotation.

“She possesses strong physical attributes and an ability on the ball that can hopefully contribute to our success on the pitch.”

Pearse added:“I’m really excited! I think it’s going to be a great experience for me to come to a new club, meet new people and live in a different part of the country.

“Bristol City are doing really well at the moment in the Championship with the results they have picked up so far and it’s a progressive club which can hopefully benefit my development as a player. 

“Only being 20-year-old and a centre half it’s important that I can get as much pitch time as possible and hopefully that’s something I can do here at Bristol City, and contribute to a successful season for the club.”

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The Robins High Performance Centre plays host to a thrilling January triple-header, kicking off with Coventry United on Sunday, January 15th (3pm).

Lauren Smith's side will then welcome league leaders London City Lionesses (January 22nd, 3pm) followed by Oxford United in the Vitality Women's FA Cup (January 29th, 3pm).