FOOTBALL: STRIKER Kirsty Linnett has penned an emotional thank you letter to Birmingham City Ladies after coming this week that she has left the club.
The 23-year-old has agreed a move to Women’s Super League rivals Notts County after spending four seasons with the Blues.
Fan favourite Linnett started her career at hometown club Leicester City, where she spent six years before signing for Arsenal Ladies at the age of sixteen.
From Arsenal the striker joined Birmingham City ahead of the 2013 FA WSL season and made 72 appearances for the Blues in all competitions across fours seasons.
During her four years with the Blues, Linnett represented England at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-23 level.
“I just want to thanks everyone at Birmingham it’s not been an easy decision but I feel it’s best I have a new challenge at this time in my career,” said Linnett.
“It’s been an amazing five years I have some of the best memories paying for this club!
“Please don’t make the mistake of writing Blues off. They have such a talented bunch of players and I know Marc is the man for the job.
“He is an amazing manager who I would love to work with but it just wasn’t the right time for me personally.
“Thank you to the fans, you really are one of a kind and I will be forever grateful for always believing in me!”
There was good new for Blues fans this week after the club confirmed that ever present defender Kerys Harrop has committed her future to the WSL club.
The experienced 26-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a new deal that will keep her under contract until May, 2018.
Harrop, who is the Club’s longest serving player, has played in all 86 league fixture’s since the WSL began.
The former England Under-19 and Under-23 international came through the Club’s Centre of Excellence and has been with Blues Ladies for the past 16 years.
Harrop was a key figure in the Club’s 2012 FA Cup win and their run the to the 2013–14 UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final.
She has also featured in the 2011, 2012 and 2016 Continental Cup finals.
Harrop’s new contract is another boost for Marc Skinner’s side ahead of the forthcoming Spring Series.
The Wordsley-born defender is a leader on and off the pitch and has recently expanded the successful Sister club programme she established last season, working with the next generation of female footballers in grassroots clubs.
