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Alli Murphy, Hannah Short and Lilly Pursey will return under contract to London City Lionesses for the 2021/22 FA Women’s Championship season.
Alli Murphy joined the Pride for the 2020 season following two years playing professionally in the Netherlands and Iceland. Murphy has also formerly played in the top women’s division in the United States, the NWSL, as well as in Sweden. She graduated as a student-athlete in 2015, after playing for Tom Stone at Texas Tech University.
The Irish-American played in 18 games for London City Lionesses this past season where she played a full 90 minutes in 14 of the matches. She netted her first goal of the season, a penalty against London Bees, in October 2020. Murphy also had two full 90-minute matches in Continental Cup group play against Tottenham Hotspur FC Women and Arsenal FC Women, where she received SETL Player of the Match award.
Murphy showcased her versatility this season finding herself playing at both fullback as well as in centre midfield for Head Coach Melissa Phillips.
Phillips spoke about Murphy's return and said, "Alli has proven to be such a versatile player for us this past year filling a role in two different lines. She always brings great energy and is eager to help the team succeed in every facet. We look forward to her presence on the team in the coming year."
The 27-year-old received her first Senior call-up after Vera Pauw, Republic of Ireland Head Coach, selected Murphy for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 qualifier against Germany. She made her Senior debut 11 April 2021 in Pauw’s starting 11 in Ireland’s 1-0 loss to Belgium in an international friendly.
On returning to London City Lionesses, Murphy said, “I’m excited to get started with my second season as a Lioness. I think we really found our stride in the second half of the season last year and I’m looking forward to building on that.”
Hannah Short joined the Pride for its inaugural season in 2019 after joining from Yeovil Town Women FC.
Short played in 14 games this past season with a full 90 minutes in 11 of the matches. She earned SETL Player of the Match after a top performance against Coventry United 7 March 2021 despite a 1-0 loss. The centre back was also part of a commendable team effort as she played alongside Harley Bennett in the Pride’s straight five-game clean sheet from 20 December 2020 until 28 January 2021.
On Short's role within the squad, Phillips said, "Hannah was a mainstay in our backline throughout some defensively resolute performances this past year. She has an exceptional awareness and understanding of her role in the unit combined with some gritty defending. We look forward to returning her experience and leadership in the upcoming year."
Short is also a member of Team GB Beach Football Team.
She spoke on her return for the new season and said, “I’m grateful for another season at London City. It is an exciting time with Mel at the helm, and I am ready to be a part of it.”
Lilly Pursey joined London City Lionesses in 2020 after coming from Chelsea FC Women. The 19-year-old’s signing with the Pride became her first professional contract.
The midfielder made her London City Lionesses debut in Continental Cup group play against Tottenham Hotspur FC Women where she proved both her talent and capability playing a full 90 minutes.
Phillips shared her thoughts on Pursey's return to the Pride and said, "Lilly is a bright young payer with a superb technical ability. We are looking forward to helping her grow and develop in the coming year to reach new levels with her performance. Delighted to have her back with us at London City as we push towards our goals."
Pursey also has represented England on their youth National Team where she comes to the Pride with international experience and a promising career ahead.
On returning for the 2021/22 season, Pursey said, “I’m looking forward to the season ahead, coming back strong after an injury-hit season. I’m buzzing to get back at it, coming back stronger than ever, working with Mel and Cori and helping the team to push for promotion.”
Head Coach Melissa Phillips spoke about looking ahead to an exciting and competitive upcoming FA Women’s Championship Season and said, “We have an excellent core of players returning to London City; ones who truly share ambitions, values and a like-minded approach to what we have built over the past season. We look forward to the challenge of an incredibly tough women’s championship division and the journey towards our goals.”
For latest news, follow London City Lionesses on Instagram and TikTok at the following handle @londoncitylionesses and on Twitter @LC_Lionesses
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