FORWARD Katie Wilkinson has sent a farewell message to Southampton FC Women supporters following her departure.

The 29 year old will leave Saints Women this summer at the end of her contract, bringing an end to her two-year stint on the South Coast.

Having joined Saints ahead of their debut Women's Championship season, Wilkinson made 46 appearances, scoring 17 times across all competitions.

The 2023/24 season saw her hit eight league goals, two of those coming in her final outing, a 5-0 thrashing of Reading.

The former Sheffield United forward was then forced to miss the final four games of Saints' record-breaking season through injury.

Marieanne Spacey-Cale's side finished fourth - their highest-ever finish - having earned a club-record points tally of 39.

On Instagram, the two-time Women's Championship top goalscorer wrote: "Goodbyes are never easy.

"Southampton very quickly became my home away from home, from the amazing people I’ve met along the way, the fans who became family and my teammates who I had the honour of playing alongside."

"To the fans, to my teammates, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making memories with me.

"I wore my heart on my sleeve and gave absolutely everything for you and that’s exactly what you gave me in return, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. I’ll always look back and smile."

Wilkinson has become the sixth player to leave Saints Women this summer, following Laura Rafferty, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Megan Wynne, Beth Howard and the retiring Rosie Parnell.

Northern Ireland international Rafferty has already landed a new club, joining Rangers days before Saints signed Rachel Rowe following her departure from the Scottish giants.

Saints remain in talks with Ella Morris and Sophia Pharoah over new deals ahead of the 2024/25 Women's Championship season.

They also continue their search for a new head coach following Spacey-Cale's decision to step away from the dugout to take on the role of director of women's football.