Parker’s emotional return to York Road
Former Magpies goalkeeper Ellie Parker will make an emotional return to the club on Sunday when visits with her new side Southampton Women’s FC.
Ellie made 197 appearances over 10 seasons for Maidenhead United Women before moving to the south coast club in the summer.
Ellie kept goal for the Magpies team which won the Southern Regional Women’s Football Premier Division in 2014-15 and fondly recalls her time with the club: “My first couple of seasons were brilliant. We won the Chairman’s Cup, had our best FA Cup run and got promoted to the National League”.
The 30-year-old stopper is eagerly anticipating stepping out onto familiar turf on Sunday
“I am looking forward to returning to York Road,” she said. “I spent a long time at the club and built some great relationships with both players and staff, so I'll definitely enjoy seeing everyone again.
“The only strange bit will be sitting in the away changing room for the first time!”
Eight-time Women’s FA Cup winners Southampton WFC find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season.
They’re currently in the bottom half of the FA Women’s National League Division 1 South West table but Parker is confident they’ll start to climb the table again after a challenging start.
She said: “We've had a tough start to the season with some challenging opening fixtures.
“But I am enjoying it all so much.
“Every person at Southampton Women's FC works unbelievably hard and with this support behind the team I'm confident we will ensure a high finish in the table.”
No spectators can watch Sunday match at York Road (2pm kick-off), however, the club is providing a free live stream for all who want to watch.
Further details will be published on the club’s website.