Leicester Women ended last WSL season in a 10th place. Despite having a difficult period with off field disturbance, seeing coach Willie Kirk being dismissed and also having a number of on field challenges, injuries and partly form dips, they managed to keep their focus and save themselves from relegation.
A good run in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-final, was also one major highlight, in the end losing to Spurs in extra time. A number of changes in the squad were seen in front and during last season, and more has happened since the season end.
Jutta Rantala (24) joined from Swedish top flight club Vittsjö GIK last summer. She was one of several players to be brought in to lift the quality of the squad. She is has this summer been involved in Euro qualifiers, lately playing in games vs. Italy (0-4) and Norway (1-1). She was voted player of the season at LCFC Women, but also nominated in the WSL competition, of course being special for a team ending in a 10th position.
Two Japanese players, Yoka Momiki and Saori Takarada, made their entrance in January, as well as young Swedish talent Emilia Pelgander. The young Swede was not the only youngster to shine in the Leicester team, also having Denny Draper showing early promise. The 17 year old has earlier in the summer signed a full professional contract with Leicester as the future looks bright for the player that last season made her first team league debut.
The summer has also seen a new head coach being named. The club have decided to, for the first time in it’s history, to name a foreign coach to take charge of the women team. Amandine Miquel (40) is the name of the new head, that in a way starts a new era at the club, that hopefully will see another climb in a very competitive league, sure among the best around.
A number of new faces are also to be seen in the team from next season, latest addition is Belgian international defender, Seri Kees. She arrives from OH Leuven, and hopefully bringing with her solidity and quality that will enhance the team defensively.
Seri Kees is not the only new arrival. Earlier on Chantelle Swaby has been added the squad. This is another experienced defender/midfielder arriving from French club, FC Fluery 91. The 25 year old Jamaican international is born in the USA and had her upbringing in West Hartford, Connicticut. She made her full international debut in 2018, and has since played 40 times for the nation of Jamaica.
The last of the new arrivals to announce is Asmita Ale, coming in from Tottenham. She spend last season on loan at the club, and has now put pen to paper on a two year deal. The young defender and previous England youth international have a past at Aston Villa, playing 50 league games and scoring two goals for The Villans.
Aimee Palmer, Remy Siemsen, Josie Green, Demi Lambourne, Monique Robinson and Aileen Whelan are all moving on. Palmer leaves Leicester City after spending just one season with the club while Siemsen has been with The Foxes for the last 18 months. Green and Whelan have both been Leicester City players for two seasons. The latter recently announced her retirement from playing professional football. Goalkeeper Lambourne and youngster Robinson both spent time out on loan in 2023/2024. Lambourne was a Barclays Women’s Championship title-winner with Crystal Palace.
Looking at the squad of LCFC Women at this point, we do believe the group looks stronger and more equipped to be looking for a stable and good season under new head coach, Amandine Miquel. To follow up on all activity, games, league standings and the lot, never miss out on our pre-season and season updates for the LCFC Women.
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