Millwall Lionesses manager Katie Whitmore is excited to “continue the journey” ahead of a “huge test” as the club this week announced their retained list for the 2021-22 campaign.
Millwall will be playing in the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division, the fifth tier of the women’s football pyramid, and those retained for the Lionesses include: Sian Fitzpatrick, Libby Stubbs, Lois Smith, Abbey Dell, Daniella Correra Colorado, Kelly Webster (above, left), Molly Hawkins, Kira Wealls, Shannan Drewe and Chloe Eastwell (above, right).
Whitmore said: “I am delighted with the players who have committed to the club for next season, one which will be a huge test for us.
“All of the squad last year worked tremendously hard, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their efforts and contribution to the promotion to tier five, and I am thrilled to be working with those who have been retained next year to continue our journey.
“It is an exciting time for everyone connected to the club, from players and staff, to our fans who have always been a fantastic support to us.”
Although the Lionesses have had their last two seasons impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak, Whitmore does not think this will faze her side. She and assistant Alex Russell are also determined to improve the squad with new recruits to make an impact in the fifth tier.
Millwall were recently promoted from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Division One South after the Football Association reviewed their application.
Whitmore added: “This squad have been through a lot over the past couple of years, both on and off the pitch, and they would not be here if I did not think they were capable of playing at the next level.
“With that said, I know that there are areas of the squad that will need strengthening and more depth, and these are key areas that Alex Russell and I will be looking at during the pre-season before our league season starts.”
With current restrictions easing and with fans returning to stadiums across the country, Whitmore said that she would love to see Millwall supporters back in force and backing her side, as they take on teams such as Dulwich Hamlet, Fulham, Dartford and New London Lionesses.
“The Millwall fans, to me, are without doubt the best in the country,” she said. “The backing we as a team have received from them has been amazing, and I know the squad and us in management can’t wait to see them back at St. Paul’s.
“I cannot thank them enough for their support over last season, and I for one will be over the moon to have them in the stands and cheering us on a match-day.”