West Ham have confirmed that Kate Longhurst will be leaving this summer at the end of her contract after 5 years at her childhood club. 

Life long hammer Kate Longhurst will play her last game in claret and blue on Saturday after contract is due to expire at the end of the season.  Longhurst joined in 2018   from Liverpool and she was part of West Ham’s first professional women’s team.  In those 5 years, the midfielder was able to make 129 appearances in all competitions with 92 of those being in the WSL.

Kate spoke to West Ham’s website about her journey with the team, and what it has meant to her to be part of a team she has dreamed of playing for.  

“It has been an honour to be a part of West Ham United over the last five years,” she 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.”

There is no doubt that Kate Longhurst has been a vital part of the team, with the midfielder helping her club to many finals over the years.  Some memorable ones include the FA Cup Final in her first season, after the team were able to beat Reading in a penalty shootout, sending them through to the final against Manchester City.  

Another memorable moment for Kate was her late equaliser last season against rivals Tottenham Hotspurs, which will be forever unforgettable for the fans after she proudly celebrated with her team mates.  With the hammers meeting Spurs again this weekend for their last game, Kate will be hoping she can do the same again for her final time with the team.  

“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!”

As a little girl, Kate had dreamed of joining West Ham, and she spoke on how her whole life has and will always be West Ham United.  Reflecting on when she first joined the club, she told whufc.com “I can remember joining West Ham like it was yesterday.” 

Kate has had the pleasure of working with some West Ham legends, with the likes of Mark Noble and Gilly Flaherty, but now she has earned the title herself.  

“I’ve heard some very kind comments about me being a West Ham legend, but I wouldn’t put myself in that bracket at all. I would just say I’ve given everything I’ve got while I’ve been here.” she added, 

“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 for West Ham United. I can honestly say I’ve never not given all of myself to this Club. For me, that’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

West Ham manager Paul Konchesky also spoke to West Ham on his time with Kate since he joined the club at the start of the season.  

“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.”

All of us at The West Ham Way wish Kate all the very best in her future career!

Written by Katie Vine