The Lady Imps are pleased to announce the signing of one of the biggest names in English women's football.

England international Amanda Barr has made the move from National Division side and last season's FA Cup runners-up Leeds United and this week put pen-to-paper on a contract to play for the Lady Imps this coming season.

"This is an absolutely massive signing for our club," said Lady Imps' chairman Geoff Adams.

"Amanda is a hugely talented international striker with a wealth of experience. She has played for some of the finest club sides in the country, but above all she is also a hugely experienced international player who has represented England many times.

"To gain the signing of an England international striker of this stature, who is still in her prime, must greatly increase our chances of attaining this club's holy grail of promotion to the National Division this coming season.

"I think the importance to our club, and the city of Lincoln, of signing Amanda Barr cannot be overstated."

Barr (26) was one of the first students to gain a football scholarship at the FA National Player Development Centre situated at Loughborough University, and scored an impressive 11 goals in 18 games with the National U18 side.

Her international career for England has seen her score against Iceland in a 1-0 victory that ensured her country progressed to the World Cup Play-off Semi-Final in 2002, and she played a major part in England's Euro 2005 campaign during which her goal against Holland helped Hope Powell's side gain a vital 3-2 victory over the Dutch in the opening game of the tournament.

"I'm really happy to be playing for Lincoln this season," said Barr.

"I feel this club has an excellent set-up and is a club with a great future in the game. They have an excellent set of players who I believe are good enough to win this division this season and hold their own in the National Division when they get there, and I will be doing my best to contribute as much as I can to getting us promoted this season."