SAINTS Women have confirmed the departure of seven players ahead of their debut season in the Championship, with the team becoming full-time.

Alisha Ware, Caitlin Morris, Katie Rood, Kirsty Whitton, Sara Luce, Shannon Sievwright and Shelly Provan will all be departing the club.

Talks are ongoing with forward and all-time top goalscorer Ella Pusey to see her remain with Saints, with an update to come in due course.

A Saints statetment on the club website reads: “Southampton Football Club would like to thank those players departing for their hard work, dedication and commitment which helped see the Women’s team promoted to the Barclays Women’s Championship, and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Saints Women reached the Championship under Marieanne Spacey-Cale this season after defeating Wolves in the promotion final at Stockport.

They had already won their National League South division, securing the title with a victory over bitter rivals Portsmouth at St Mary's.

The new season will likely start towards the end of August or beginning of September.

The full retained list is as follows:

Megan Collett, Georgie Freeland, Alice Griffiths, Lucia Kendall, Ella Morris, Milly Mott, Rosie Parnell, Sophia Pharoah, Laura Rafferty, Kayla Rendell, Leeta Rutherford, Ciara Watling, Phoebe Williams.

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