Charlton Athletic have announced the signing of midfielder Kate Longhurst after her release from West Ham.
The experienced 34-year-old, who has been involved in Women’s Super League action since its inception in 2011, becomes Karen Hills’ first summer signing, penning a one-year contract with the club.
Hailing from Chelmsford, Longhurst’s career started in 2007 at local side Colchester United where she racked up an impressive 18 goals in 32 appearances. She then made the move across to Hertfordshire for a season with Watford, before moving to Millwall, where she netted 12 times.
Longhurst joined WSL outfit Chelsea in the summer of 2011 and was part of the Blues team that reached the 2012 FA Cup final.
The midfielder enjoyed a successful move to Merseyside and was part of the Liverpool side that earned back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014.
She returned to London in 2018 to join fellow WSL side West Ham, where she would go on to make 82 appearances and feature in the 2019 FA Cup Final.
A real fans’ favourite, Longhurst was also awarded the Fans’ Hammer of the Year on two occasions during her spell in east London.
In her first interview with the club, she said: “First and foremost I wanted to come to a club that was ambitious. I wanted to come somewhere where I had a genuine chance of getting some game time, but also trying to be a big part of the club and moving forward. I really liked the ideas that Karen came across with and just got a really good feel for the club.”
“I’ve played in a lot of positions and in a lot of games, so hopefully I can just bring that experience and help some of the younger ones.”
Head Coach Karen Hills is thrilled to secure the services of Longhurst. She added: “I’m really pleased Kate has decided to join Charlton. Kate brings a wealth of experience with her and will be a huge asset to the club this season.
“Bringing in a player of Kate’s calibre to Charlton shows the ambition of the club and I’m looking forward to seeing how Kate can help us this season to keep pushing in the right direction.”
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