Whitton originally departed in the summer of 2019 as she joined the Saints where she was part of the squad that moved into the FA Women's National League Southern Premier.

She made 38 appearances across three seasons - two were impacted by the pandemic - and featured as the team won the treble to gain promotion to the Barclays Women's Championship.

Southampton fans will remember her as her debut season for the Reds was during the title winning campaign in the Southern Region Premier Division which saw the team promoted to the Premier League (now National League).

Manager Aaron Smith was delighted to bring Whitton back to Southampton.

He said: "Having lost Kirsty to Saints a few years ago the club lost a great character and true professional.

"With the wealth of experience she brings to our squad from playing in the higher leagues I'm so happy to welcome her back into our family.

"She is a born leader and I finally have someone at the club who hates losing in training as much as I do!"