Albion Women could enjoy some distinguished backing after signing an 11-times champion, 125-times capped legend.

The Seagulls have secured former Arsenal goalkeeper Emma Byrne for the forthcoming WSL Spring Series followed by the 2017-18 campaign.

Byrne, 37, won the WSL 11 times, the FA Cup nine times and the Champions League during her 16 seasons with Arsenal, as well as setting a caps record with the Republic of Ireland.

Her arrival is a major coup for Albion Women, who start the new season with an FA Cup trip to Wimbledon on Sunday, February 5.

It follows the signing of Chelsea’s highly-rated 17-year-old prospect Alessia Russo for the Spring Series.

Albion’s transfer activity has caused a major stir in the women’s game with Team GB and England star Rachel Yankey OBE among those to be impressed.

Yankey tweeted: “Looks like I’m going to have to be an @OfficialBHAFC fan. They have only gone and signed my mate, the legend that is Emma Byrne.”

Byrne, who arrives on a free transfer, underwent a medical at the club’s training centre in Lancing yesterday before signing an 18-month contract.

She siad she was "blown away by the ambitions and prospects" at Albion.

Interim women's manager George Parris said: "We are absolutely delighted that Emma has agreed to join us ahead of the upcoming Spring Series and our debut season in the WSL.

"We've been keen to add experience and quality to the squad ahead of the new season and Emma brings both as one of the greatest goalkeepers to have graced the women's game.

"That pedigree will be vital for us in the upcoming season. She has a huge amount of experience at the very top of the game and has won a wealth of honours throughout her career.”

Albion’s first home game in the WSL is against Oxford United on Sunday, February 26, at Culver Road.

The series culminates in a date at the Amex when Sheffield visit on Sunday, May 21.