SOUTHAMPTON FC Women have named defender Jemma Purfield as their captain ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.

The left-back missed just one game in all competitions during her first campaign on the south coast last season.

The 27 year old, who has a wealth of experience across the top two divisions, captained the side during pre-season and will now lead the team out on a permanent basis.

Purfield replaces former captain Rosie Parnell following the defender's retirement from football at the end of last season.

She said: "I'm honoured. It's a massive football club so it's a great honour to take the role and lead the girls out.

"We're a great team so I'm just excited to see what we can achieve together. It was a really positive conversation (with Remi Allen).

"It was nice to hear, we just want to work together to make sure we can achieve our goals this year.

"Nothing changes in the sense of turning up day in, day out and putting the work in and the girls all do the same, we've got so many great leaders in this team and we'll do it all together.

"We're just excited for the season to start now, to play in front of (the fans) again at home, and start the season off hearing them loud and proud."