Parker describes Villa as perfect fit

Lucy Parker has described Aston Villa as a perfect fit after putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal.

The defender joins the club from West Ham United with the option of extending her new contract for a further year.

Born in Cambridge, the 24-year-old spent several years playing and studying in the United States at Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Parker returned to the United Kingdom in 2021 and penned her first professional contract with West Ham United.

Following two seasons with the Hammers, the versatile defender has committed her future to Aston Villa.

And Parker has earmarked the aspirations held within the club as key attraction that led to the switch.

“It feels really good and I’m excited for the challenge," said the central defender.

“The biggest thing for me was the ambition of the club. I’m looking to take that next step in my career and the club fit perfectly.”

Villa turned heads during the 2022/23 campaign, finishing the Barclays WSL season in fifth place.

And with marquee names continuously coming through the doors at Bodymoor Heath, Parker is keen to keep improving.

“For the club I want to help in any way I can and hopefully finish as high up the table as we possibly can.”

You can watch Lucy's first interview as an Aston Villa player, in full, below.