West Ham United is delighted to announce that Kate Longhurst has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Club.
The Witham-born midfielder – and lifelong West Ham supporter – played 29 times in all competitions this season, including 19 appearances in the FA Women’s Super League.
Longhurst is thrilled to have signed a new deal with the Irons and is looking forward to returning to the pitch with her teammates in the new season.
It was an easy decision to sign this new contract...I had a great first year with the team and made some amazing memories.
Kate Longhurst
“I’m really happy to sign my new contract with West Ham,” Longhurst told whufc.com. “I had a great first year with the team and made some amazing memories. I’m really looking forward to getting back out there in the new season now.
“We have a really good group here. We all get on excellently and I’ve never known a team spirit like it. It was an easy decision to sign this new contract and now I’m just looking for improvements, individually and for the entire team.”
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Longhurst’s passion and personality makes the 30-year-old a vital player in the West Ham women’s dressing room, according to head coach Matt Beard, who believes the No12 will continue to be an important character for the Hammers in the new season.
“Kate is a fantastic character, a top professional, and someone who has been excellent for us both on and off the pitch,” Beard said. “I’m delighted she has extended her stay with us at West Ham.
“Kate’s experience of winning titles in this division was very important for us last season and I have no doubt she will continue to be an important player for us in the new campaign.”
A two-time league winner with Liverpool, Longhurst secured her place in the West Ham United history books by scoring the side’s first ever goal in the Women’s Super League.
Longhurst would net three times in all competitions and played in the FA Cup Final at Wembley against Manchester City in May.
Longhurst, having helped West Ham to a fruitful first season in the top tier of Women’s football, has confidence the side can improve in a successful second campaign.
She added: “Last season was unbelievable. Reaching the FA Cup Final was the stuff of dreams, something that no one saw happening in our first professional season, and we can be satisfied with our league efforts as well.
“We want to go even better though. We have the players, the ability and the personality to keep growing and finish even higher in the new season. I can’t wait to get started!”
