West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Women’s Super League-winning midfielder Kate Longhurst from Liverpool.
Lifelong Hammers fan Longhurst moves to the club after a five-year stint on Merseyside, and once again links up with Matt Beard, having played under the head coach at the Reds and Chelsea.
“It’s so exciting for me to join West Ham,” Longhurst told whufc.com. “It’s really exciting. I’ve been a West Ham fan my whole life and a lot of my family are West Ham fans as well.
“Ever since I can remember I’ve been obsessed with West Ham. I’ve been a season-ticket holder for as long as I can remember, and I feel at home already in this team. I’m a Hammer and I can’t wait to get going.”
An experienced battler in midfield who has claimed two FA Women’s Super League Championships in her career, Longhurst becomes the latest signing for West Ham in an ambitious summer of recruitment for the club.
Beard is delighted to reunite with Longhurst at West Ham and believes the midfielder will prove to be a fantastic acquisition for the Irons.
“It’s the third time I’ve signed Kate now and I’m delighted to bring her to West Ham,” Beard said. “Kate is a great professional and she has played in the top level in England now for many years. She will bring experience and a bit of versatility.
“She’s a West Ham fan too, so this will be a dream move for her as well. She’s a great player who will be brilliant for the dressing room. She’s a leader and her personality will rub off in a positive way on the rest of our team.”
Born in Witham, Longhurst grew up as a fierce West Ham United supporter, and initially made the move into football as a youngster with Colchester.
A first taste of top flight football followed at 20-years-old, as Longhurst made the switch to Watford, playing for the Hornets for one season.
I’ve been a West Ham fan my whole life, and I feel at home already in this team. I’m a Hammer and I can’t wait to get going.
Kate Longhurst
The versatile midfielder made the switch to Chelsea in 2011, spending two years with the Blues, and scoring a crucial goal for the side in the 2012 Women’s FA Cup Final against Birmingham City.
Having worked under Hammers coach Beard for her first season with Chelsea, the pair were brought together once again at Liverpool, as Longhurst made the move to the North West in 2013.
The 29-year-old would establish herself as a crucial cog in the Reds’ line-up for five seasons, including helping the club to lift back-to-back WSL titles in her first two campaigns with the team.
Liverpool’s achievements saw the club play Champions League football, with Longhurst representing the side during their European tests.
The midfielder links up with former teammate Claire Rafferty, having played alongside the defender at Chelsea.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Kate and her family to the Club and wish her every success for her career in Claret and Blue.
*Season Tickets for West Ham United's first season in the Women’s Super League are now on sale, starting from just £15!
Come and enjoy the top tier of the women's game at Rush Green with the Hammers this season. Pick up your Season Ticket from the link here!
