When Rachel Simkin joined Yeovil Town Ladies in the summer of 2009 manager Steve Phelps described her as the final piece in the promotion jigsaw, and so it came to be with the former Premier League player playing a massive part in the 2010 championship success with a string of outstanding performances.

Dodge, as she is known by her teammates, is a massive talent, and is arguably the best goalkeeper in the region, and one of the top in the country.

She is obviously a good shot stopper, but it’s her superb aerial agility and lack of fear that stands her apart from most other ‘keepers. She also has a tremendous presence in the box, organising her defence well, and is a great attacking goalkeeper, able to pick out players with pinpoint kicking and throwing.

Dodge started her career with Dorchester Ladies at the age of twelve, and incredibly played in their senior side from the age of thirteen. When she was fifteen She joined then Southern Premier League AFC Bournemouth Ladies, where she enjoyed good success winning the League and Cup double, and gaining promotion to the South West Combination.

She continued to progress well in the higher league, and played a massive part in the Cherries enjoying a top four finish in 2008. She almost joined the Glovers in the summer of that year, but instead chose Premier League Bristol Academy.

She played for a season with the Robins, did well, but never entirely settled, and in the end decided to join former AFC Bournemouth teammates Lindsey Roe, Claire Heydon and Janie Morgan at Yeovil Town Ladies.

Rachel Simkin’s whole life revolves around football, and in describing herself as a bit of a “nutter”, she is a real live wire, and the life and soul of the changing room.

However, when on the pitch, she is deadly serious, and shows this with top class performances – ones that will stand the club in great stead in the Premier League.

Rachel Simkin is the First Team captain.