West Ham United can confirm that Kate Longhurst will depart the Club in the summer at the end of her contract.
A lifelong Hammer, Longhurst joined her childhood side in 2018 as part of the first-ever professional women’s team at West Ham United. Over five seasons, the midfielder has made 129 appearances in all competitions, including 92 in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Longhurst will cap a sensational half-decade with the Irons in the 2022/23 season finale, when Paul Konchesky’s team welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Saturday.
Prior to Saturday’s game, supporters will be invited to show their love and appreciation for Longhurst’s years of service in Claret and Blue as part of a pre-match presentation.
“It has been an honour to be a part of West Ham United over the last five years,” Longhurst told whufc.com. “While I can’t hide my sadness at moving on, I am leaving full of pride. I am so proud of my time here and my role in the founding years of a professional women’s team at this Club.
“West Ham United has been my whole life. In my younger years, that was solely as a fan. But in the last few years, I have also had the immense privilege to play for the Club I love so much.
“I have so many wonderful memories of my time with the Club, both on and off the pitch, but the biggest thing for me is the people I have worked with and met during my time here. Whether it has been players, staff, community groups or fans at our games, getting to know each of them has been my personal highlight.
“During my time here I’ve heard some very kind comments from the Claret and Blue Army. All I can say is that I hope I’ve been able to make you proud. Every time I’ve stepped out onto the pitch, whether that is in training or in matches, I’ve just wanted to give my very best.
“At this moment, I am uncertain as to what my future looks like. What I can guarantee though is, although my time as a player with West Ham is coming to an end, I will always love this Club. Come On You Irons!”
Longhurst joined the Hammers from Liverpool in 2018 and helped the side reach the FA Cup final in the team’s first professional season, beating Reading in an unforgettable penalty shoot-out in the semi-final to set up a tie with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
The versatile midfielder has played a pivotal role in a host of memorable West Ham outings, including league wins over Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as a late equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur last season; a moment which captured the imagination of fans across the country thanks to Longhurst’s passionate celebrations.
Manager Paul Konchesky said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Kate during my time in the women’s coaching team at West Ham United. I have met few players who bring as much passion, desire and tenacity as Kate both in matches and in training sessions.
“I know myself what it means to play for the club you grow up supporting and I am sure Kate has pinched herself in doing so every single day over the last five years. But, as fortunate as she might have felt to be here, it is us who should feel immensely lucky to have had her with us.
“Kate has been an excellent servant for this Club. She will be hugely missed in our squad and, no matter what she chooses to do next, I know she will be a huge success and I wish her nothing but the very best.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to sincerely thank Kate for her incredible contributions to the Club, and wish her every success in her future career.
