Swaby ‘excited’ about Crystal Palace challenge
Published:Tuesday | February 4, 2025 | 12:07 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL defender Allyson Swaby is excited ahead of making her debut for new club, Barclay’s Women’s Super League (WSL) outfit Crystal Palace.
Making the switch from Milan to London, Swaby joined the Eagles on a two-year deal which was announced last week.
Her contract will see her staying with the London-based club through to June 2027.
In her first interview since signing on the dotted line, Swaby said she hopes to make an immediate impact on the pitch.
“I’m really looking forward to be being able to step on the pitch with the team and get straight to work,” the centre back stated.
Crystal Palace’s next assignment will be a home game at the VBS Community Stadium against Newcastle in the Adobe Women’s Football Association’s (WFA) Cup competition on February 9.
The fixture could see Swaby lining up against international teammate, Shania Hayles, who plies her trade as a striker for the Magpies.
Swaby said she hopes to bring her experience to the squad as she prepares for the new challenge.
“[I want] to help add quality defensively within the team and to bring leadership and some experience to the group that will help us be where we want to be at the end of the year,” she said.
Her arrival marks a crucial gamble for Crystal Palace as the team will be hoping they can turn their season around.
The club sits at the foot of the WSL standings with just six points from 13 games and holds the worst defensive record in the league this season.
Despite the club’s standing, Swaby said she is ready for the relegation battle and believes the club has the ability to survive in the top flight.
“I think I am most excited for the challenge to enter a new league, that’s number one. Number two, to really help the team fight to maintain their WSL status,” she explained.
“I am a super aggressive defender. I want to be on the front foot and I want to be able to invite attackers into physical duels; it is something I pride myself on. I am looking forward to the pace and the speed and the strength of the game.”
Swaby adds to the growing number of Reggae Girlz playing in England as her sister, Chantelle Swaby, along with Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Drew Spence, Rebecca Spencer, and Taylor Hinds are all employed by WSL clubs.