For the second time in three days, The New Saints Women have made moves in the transfer market, and this time, it’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Haydn-Jones who signs for the club. 

The talented youngster, who today celebrates her 19th birthday, arrives at Park Hall from West Bromwich Albion in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.

A product of the Baggies’ academy, she first joined the club aged just eight and went on to become a regular performer in the various junior age groups.

After enrolling on the Albion’s football education programme at Sandwell College in 2019, the shot-stopper was called up to the under-18s team at just 15 years old and would go on to spend a further two years with the club. 

When her time at the Hawthorns came to an end, Haydn-Jones made the switch to Black Country rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

During the 2021/22 season, ‘Kenz’, as she’s known to her teammates, made 14 appearances for Wolves Reserves, lining up alongside current TNS players Chantelle Teare, Izzy Redding and Dani Staley. 

Impressive displays earned her a move back to West Bromwich Albion in July 2022 and she was a regular in the matchday squad throughout the course of last season.

On March 28th 2023, Mackenzie moved to Portishead Town on a short-term loan and started all five of Posset’s final league fixtures.

She kept a first clean sheet for the club in their 2-0 victory against Keynsham Town on April 19th. 

Speaking after her arrival at Park Hall, Mackenzie said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity and a new challenge going into the season.

“After chatting with Greg [Draper] it was an easy decision to join such an ambitious club that’s going in the right direction. 

“Arriving during pre-season has given me the chance to get to know the girls and the staff. It’s a talented group and I’m excited to get going in the league and see what we, as a group, can achieve.

Head coach, Greg Draper, was also pleased with the signing, adding: “Kenz is an extremely talented goalkeeper who comes from a fantastic background.

“She has slotted in fantastically well with the squad and her attitude has been top-notch since day one.

“Always striving to be better, she is a player who sets extremely high standards of herself and her teammates.”

Lead image: Andrew Donnison/F28.Online