Western United can confirm that defender Angie Beard has completed a permanent transfer to Swedish powerhouse Linköping FC.
The 26-year-old departs United having made a significant impact at the Club, both in her 12 appearances on the pitch and in her influence off the pitch.
Ahead of making the switch, Beard thanked the Green and Black faithful for its support and said she will keep an eye on the Club’s progress.
“To the Club and the girls – thank you for welcoming me into the team and allowing me to play a small part in your historical inaugural season,” she said.
“Although my career takes me back to European football, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Western United and I wish the team the best of luck for the upcoming season.
“To the fans – thank you so much for your support during the past season and the Women’s World Cup. Just like you, I’ll be a fan of the Western United women for the next season and wishing them all of the best from afar.”
Linköping FC is a three-time Damallsvenskan champion – Sweden’s top division – and has won the cup twice but is currently without silverware in the past six years.
Beard will arrive hoping to change that, with Linköping currently in second place on the league table and approaching a cutthroat UEFA Women’s Champions League play-off match against English heavyweight Arsenal.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said while Beard’s presence would be missed, the Club was pleased to allow her to return to Europe and pursue opportunities abroad.
“Angie has been outstanding for our Club since she joined in January and we are incredibly grateful for her contributions to our entire organisation,” he said.
“We were delighted to see Angie performing at a high level at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and we are equally pleased to see her move to a world class league in Europe.
“We wish Angie all the very best in Sweden and thank her for playing a significant part in our successful inaugural season. We will be watching and supporting all the way.”
Beard will join up with her new teammates ahead of a huge week with a top of the table clash against league leaders BK Hacken on Saturday before that Arsenal tie on Thursday.
She will remain a Western United icon and will continue to work with Mark Torcaso in the Philippines squad, which is preparing to play against the Matildas in Perth in October.
