Angharad James-Turner Explained

Angharad James-Turner
Fullname:Angharad Jane James[1]
Birth Date:1994 6, df=yes
Birth Place:Haverfordwest, Wales
Height:5 ft 7 in
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Seattle Reign
Clubnumber:6
Youthclubs1:Manorbier Girls
Youthyears2:2010–2011
Youthclubs2:Arsenal
Years1:2011
Clubs1:Arsenal
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2012–2015
Clubs2:Bristol Academy
Caps2:52
Goals2:4
Years3:2016
Clubs3:Notts County
Caps3:15
Goals3:0
Years4:2017
Clubs4:Yeovil Town
Caps4:4
Goals4:1
Years5:2017–2019
Clubs5:Everton
Caps5:35
Goals5:0
Years6:2019–2021
Clubs6:Reading
Caps6:36
Goals6:2
Years7:2021
Clubs7:North Carolina Courage
Caps7:16
Goals7:1
Years8:2022
Clubs8:Orlando Pride
Caps8:6
Goals8:0
Years9:2022–2024
Clubs9:Tottenham Hotspur
Caps9:33
Goals9:0
Years10:2024–
Clubs10:Seattle Reign
Caps10:3
Goals10:0
Nationalteam1:Wales U17
Nationalcaps1:10
Nationalteam2:Wales U19
Nationalcaps2:25
Nationalyears3:2011–
Nationalteam3:Wales
Nationalcaps3:102
Nationalgoals3:4
Pcupdate:29 March 2024
Ntupdate:4 November 2022

Angharad Jane James (born 1 June 1994), also known as Angharad James-Turner,[2] is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National Women's Soccer League club Seattle Reign and the Wales national team.[3]

James-Turner has previously played for English FA Women's Super League clubs Arsenal, Bristol Academy, Notts County, Yeovil Town, Everton, Reading, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as American clubs North Carolina Courage and Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Internationally, James-Turner has represented Wales since her debut in 2011 and was named Women's Players' Player of the Year for Wales in 2017[4] having previously been twice named Wales Women's Young Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014.[5]

At 28, James-Turner is the youngest ever Wales player to accrue 100 Caps for her country.[6]

On 11 December 2022 she reached the 150 mark for Women's Super League appearances.[7]

Club career

Arsenal

James-Turner joined the Arsenal Academy in 2010 at the age of 16, after playing for Manorbier Ladies in her native Pembrokeshire.[8] She made her senior first team debut on 5 October 2011 as a 63rd-minute substitute for Gilly Flaherty in a 6–0 home win over Belarusian side Bobruichanka Bobruisk in the UEFA Champions League round of 32.[9] [10]

Bristol Academy

Ahead of the 2012 FA WSL season, James-Turner was signed by Mark Sampson for Bristol Academy.[11] She made her Bristol debut on 22 April 2014 as a 60th-minute substitute for Molly Clarke in a 1–0 home defeat to Lincoln Ladies.[12] On 26 May 2013, James-Turner appeared as a halftime substitute for Alex Windell during the 2013 FA Women's Cup Final. Bristol lost 3–0 to Arsenal.[13] James-Turner played in 13 of Bristol's 14 league games during the 2013 FA WSL season as the team earned their highest ever finish, runners-up behind Liverpool. The two met on the final day of the season separated by two points with Liverpool winning 2–0 to clinch the title.[14] During the 2015 FA WSL season, James-Turner played in all 14 games as the Vixens were relegated.[15] She left following the team's relegation having made 83 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals. On her departure, Bristol manager Willie Kirk said, "You never want to lose top players, but following relegation it was inevitable that we would lose a few. Angharad played a big part in the club's successes over the past few seasons and at only 21 has bags of potential and can achieve a lot in the game... Angharad made her intentions to stay in WSL1 known to me very quickly so we have been planning for this for a while now."[16]

Notts County

Having stated her desire to remain in the top-flight, James-Turner signed for Notts County in March 2016 ahead of the 2016 FA WSL season.[17] She made 18 appearances in 2016. Two days prior to the start of the FA WSL Spring Series in April 2017, Notts County folded, leaving the players without a club.[18]

Yeovil Town

On 16 May 2017, following the folding of Notts County, James-Turner signed a short-term one month contract with newly promoted WSL 1 side Yeovil Town for the remainder of the FA WSL Spring Series.[19] She made four appearances and scored one goal in a 2–1 defeat to Sunderland as Yeovil finished bottom.

Everton

In July 2017, James-Turner left Yeovil to join newly-promoted Everton ahead of the 2017–18 FA WSL season.[20] She became an integeral part of the team, starting in 43 of her 47 appearances for the club during her two seasons as a Toffee.

Reading

In July 2019, James-Turner left Everton to join Reading.[21] On 17 November 2019, James-Turner scored her first Reading goal, and her first goal since scoring for Yeovil May 2017, in a 3–3 draw with Bristol City.[22] James-Turner captained Reading on 7 October 2020 in their 4–0 win over second division Charlton Athletic in the League Cup group stage in the absence of Natasha Harding.[23] James-Turner scored her only other goal for Reading on 23 January 2021 in the third minute of a 2–2 WSL draw with Aston Villa.[24] On 24 February 2021, Reading announced that James-Turner had agreed to join North Carolina Courage of the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) upon the completion of the 2020–21 FA WSL season in May.[25] She left having made 48 appearances and scored two goals. In her final season with the team, James-Turner led the FA WSL in successful tackles with 46 and was one of three outfield players to play all 1,980 minutes along with West Ham's Grace Fisk and Manchester United's Millie Turner.[26]

North Carolina Courage

Having agreed terms in February, James-Turner joined North Carolina Courage in May after the end of the 2020–21 FA WSL season. She was named to a matchday squad for the first time on 5 June 2021 as an unused substitute against Chicago Red Stars before eventually debuting two games later on 23 June when she started against Racing Louisville. The Courage won 2–0 with head coach Paul Riley commenting James-Turner, "has a great range of passing and a great engine. She plays intelligently with the ball, and for me, she was one of the highlights of the night".[27] James-Turner scored her first NWSL goal and only goal for the Courage on 25 September 2021 in a 3–1 defeat away to Gotham FC.[28] James-Turner made 17 appearances during her debut NWSL season including one in the playoffs.

Orlando Pride

Having been traded to San Diego Wave FC in exchange for roster protection during the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft on 8 December 2021,[29] James-Turner was subsequently traded to Orlando Pride along with a league record $275,000 in Allocation Money in exchange for Alex Morgan eight days later.[30] The move reunited her with fiancé Amy Turner, the first time since Notts County in 2016 they had been at a club at the same time.

James-Turner made her Orlando debut on 19 March 2022 at home to Washington Spirit in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. She would make four further appearances in the Cup competition that year ahead of the regular season opener on 2 May 2022 against Gotham FC where she would make her league debut for Orlando.

On 28 July 2022, James-Turner and Orlando agreed to mutually terminate her contract.[31]

Tottenham Hotspur

On 30 July 2022, it was announced that James-Turner had signed for English WSL side Tottenham Hotspur on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.[32]

Seattle Reign

On 31 January 2024, it was announced that James-Turner had signed for NWSL club Seattle Reign until the end of 2025.[33] [34]

International

Youth

James-Turner previously represented Wales at under-16, under-17 and under-19 level. The team automatically qualified for the 2013 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship as the host nation, their first appearance at the tournament. Despite the team losing all three group games and failing to score, James-Turner's performances earned her a place in 22-player the Squad of the Tournament, Wales' sole representative.[35]

Senior

On 27 October 2011, James-Turner made her senior international debut, aged 17, as a late substitute in a 2–2 draw with Scotland at Tynecastle Park during UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifying. She scored her first senior international goal on 29 February 2012, a 90+2 minute winner in a 1–0 victory over Portugal at the 2012 Algarve Cup.[36] James-Turner earned her 100th International Cap for Wales on 6 September 2022 in a World Cup Qualifier against Slovenia, a game which also saw her Wales team qualify for the World Cup play-offs for the first time in their history.[37]

Great Britain Olympic

In January 2012, James-Turner was named on the provisional Great Britain women's Olympic football team longlist for the London 2012 Olympics.[38] James-Turner had stated on numerous occasions that if she was selected she would accept a call-up to Team GB.[39]

Personal life

James-Turner speaks Welsh, viewing it not only as an expression of her identity but also a tactical advantage when playing English-speaking opposition.[40] Prior to focusing on football, James-Turner also played cricket and was capped internationally at under-15 level. She attended Ysgol y Preseli at the same time as fellow Welsh international footballer Joe Allen.[41]

James-Turner's father, Clive James, played rugby for, and later became head coach of, Narberth RFC.[42]

On 23 December 2020, James-Turner announced her engagement to fellow professional footballer Amy Turner.[43] They married in June 2023,[44] and James-Turner began playing under her married name in 2024.[2]

Career statistics

Club

[45]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational Cup[46] League Cup[47] Continental[48] Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Arsenal2011Women's Super League0000001010
Bristol Academy2012Women's Super League1213031182
2013Women's Super League1304030200
2014Women's Super League132105041233
2015Women's Super League141105020221
Total5249016161836
Notts County2016Women's Super League1502010180
Yeovil Town2017Women's Super League4141
Everton2017–18Women's Super League1603040230
2018–19Women's Super League1901040240
Total3504080470
Reading2019–20Women's Super League1412060221
2020–21Women's Super League2211030261
Total3623090482
North Carolina Courage2021NWSL1610010171
Orlando Pride2022NWSL605000110
2022–23Women's Super League2202040280
2023–24Women's Super League1101040160
Total3303080440
Seattle Reign2024NWSL300030
Career total20082604317127610

International goals

As of match played 30 November 2021. Wales score listed first, score column indicates score after each James-Turner goal.

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1Estádio Municipal Bela Vista, Parchal, Portugal1–01–02012 Algarve Cup
2[49] Stadion Veli Jože, Poreč, Croatia1–11–12015 Istria Cup
3[50] Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales1–12–2UEFA Euro 2022 qualifying
4[51] Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales1–04–02023 FIFA World Cup qualification
52–04–1Friendly
65 April 2024Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Wales4–04–0UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifying

Honours

Bristol Academy

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/01/2015 and 31/01/2015 . . 24 May 2015 . 5.
  2. Web site: Angharad James-Turner. 20 April 2024. Seattle Reign FC.
  3. Web site: Diamond . Drew . 14 August 2020 . Exclusive: Angharad James and Being an International Star . 7 November 2020 . Her Football Hub . en-GB.
  4. News: Former Arsenal midfielder wins FA Wales player's player of the year award . Daily Cannon . 3 October 2017.
  5. News: Double delight for Angharad . tenby today . 10 October 2014.
  6. News: Angharad James: Wales' youngest centurion . 5 September 2022.
  7. News: Angharad James made her 150th appearance in the Barclays WSL . 13 December 2022.
  8. News: Angharad is 'gunner' play for top academy . Western Telegraph . 18 August 2010 . 30 May 2012.
  9. News: Welsh debut for Angharad . Western Telegraph . 9 November 2011 . 30 May 2012.
  10. Web site: Arsenal 6–0 Bobruichanka . . 24 March 2012.
  11. Web site: More new signings . Bristol Academy WFC . 30 May 2012 . 13 March 2012 . 12 December 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131212152945/http://www.bristolacademywfc.co.uk/news/more_new_signings.html . dead.
  12. Web site: Bristol Academy vs. Notts County 0 – 1 . 29 September 2014.
  13. News: Arsenal win FA Women's Cup final . BBC Sport .
  14. Web site: Liverpool Ladies 2–0 Bristol Academy . The Guardian . 29 September 2013.
  15. Web site: Report: Bristol Academy 4 – 2 Liverpool Ladies . Bristol City . 5 October 2015.
  16. Web site: Angharad James To Depart Vixens . Bristol City . 10 March 2016.
  17. News: Angharad James: Notts County Ladies sign Wales midfielder from Bristol City . BBC Sport . 19 March 2016.
  18. News: WSL 1 club Notts County Ladies fold . BBC Sport .
  19. Web site: Angharad James: Yeovil Town Ladies sign Wales international midfielder . BBC Sport . 16 May 2017 . 16 May 2017.
  20. Web site: Angharad James: Everton Ladies sign Wales midfielder . BBC Sport . 24 July 2017 . 15 August 2017.
  21. Web site: Angharad James signs for Reading FC Women . Reading FC.
  22. Web site: Reading and Bristol take a point each on Women's Football Weekend . Reading FC.
  23. Web site: Team News Reading v Charlton . twitter.com . en-gb.
  24. News: Iwabuchi inspires Villa to Royals draw . BBC Sport .
  25. News: Angharad James: Wales and Reading midfielder to join NWSL side North Carolina Courage . BBC Sport . en-gb.
  26. Web site: Angharad James FBref Stats . FBref.com.
  27. Web site: Match Recap: Courage 2–0 victory over Racing Louisville . nccourage.com . 23 June 2021 . en-gb . 24 June 2021 . 24 June 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624212451/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1171149 . dead.
  28. Web site: Match Recap: NY/NJ Gotham FC . nccourage.com . 25 September 2021 . en-gb . 29 September 2021 . 29 September 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210929202424/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1185512 . dead.
  29. Web site: NC Courage Receive Expansion Draft Protection in Trades with Angel City FC and San Diego Wave . North Carolina Courage . en-us . 8 December 2021 . 17 December 2021 . 8 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211208232706/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1197852 . dead.
  30. Web site: Pride Acquire NWSL Record $275,000 in Allocation Money, Angharad James from San Diego; Trade Forward Alex Morgan . www.orlandocitysc.com.
  31. Web site: Orlando Pride, Angharad James Agree to Mutually Terminate Contract . www.orlandocitysc.com.
  32. Web site: Angharad James seals move . Tottenham Hotspur.
  33. Web site: Angharad James departs to Seattle Reign . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 4 February 2024 . 31 January 2024.
  34. Web site: Seattle Reign FC Signs Welsh Midfielder Angharad James . Seattle Reign FC . 4 February 2024 . 31 January 2024.
  35. Web site: UEFA Honour for Angharad . www.faw.cymru . 7 January 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211223173853/https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/honour-angharad/ . 23 December 2021.
  36. Web site: 19th Algarve Cup 2012 (Women's Tournament) summary . RSSSF.
  37. News: Angharad James Wins 100 Caps And Wales Attract Record 12,741 Fans . 7 September 2022.
  38. News: Angharad takes first Olympic step . Western Telegraph . 11 January 2012 . 30 May 2012.
  39. Web site: The Offside Rule WSL: Pancakes, Humble Pie and Welsh Cakes . offsiderulepodcast.com . 16 February 2021 . en-gb.
  40. Web site: Sport and Welsh Language . Sport Wales . 10 September 2019.
  41. Web site: Wales star footballer Angharad James was a special guest on the radio . www.pembrokeshiresport.co.uk.
  42. Web site: Welsh honours for footie star Angharad . Tenby Observer . 23 December 2021 . 23 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211223173850/https://www.tenby-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=1543&headline=Welsh%20honours%20for%20footie%20star%20Angharad&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2009 . dead.
  43. Amy Turner announces engagement to Angharad James. amy_turner4 . 1341833131972825089 . 23 December 2020 .
  44. Web site: Instagram . 2024-04-27 . www.instagram.com.
  45. Web site: Angharad James – Soccerway profile . Soccerway.
  46. [Women's FA Cup]
  47. [FA Women's League Cup]
  48. [UEFA Women's Champions League]
  49. Web site: Wales finish fifth following penalty shootout win . www.faw.cymru . 11 March 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211223173850/https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/wales-finish-fifth-following-penalty-shoot-out-win/ . 23 December 2021.
  50. Web site: Wales-Northern Ireland UEFA Women's Euro qualifying . UEFA.com.
  51. Web site: Wales-Estonia Women's World Cup quallifying . UEFA.com.
  52. Web site: FAW Awards Evening 2014 . www.faw.cymru . 2 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211223173851/https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/faw-awards-evening-2014/ . 23 December 2021.
  53. Web site: Vauxhall FAW Awards 2017 . www.faw.cymru . 2 October 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171008053434/https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/vauxhall-faw-awards-2017/ . 8 October 2017.