‘End of an era’ as boss Powell bids farewell to Albion quartet
Albion head coach Hope Powell faces a mini-rebuild this summer as four players anoounced their exits this summer.
Aileen Whelan, Fliss Gibbons, Dani Bowman and Emily Simpkins will depart when their contracts expire in June.
The quartet have been part of the squad since Albion won promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2018, and have made more than 200 appearances between them.
Head coach Hope Powell said, “It feels like the end of an era as we say farewell to these four players who have been such fantastic servants for the club.
“Aileen, Fliss, Emily and Dani have been with us since promotion to the WSL and their professionalism on and off the pitch has been exemplary.
“Not only have they been great pros for Brighton they are also wonderful human beings.
“We will miss not having them around the squad but
I’m sure they will be successful in whatever they do in the future.
“We wish them every success and they will always be welcome back at Brighton.”
Inessa Kaagman and Danique Kerkdijk will also leave Albion this summer, with the pair heading back to the Netherlands.
Defender Danique Kerkdijk will also be on her way the club when her contract expires at the end of June to join Dutch club FC Twente. Kerkdijk joined Albion in 2019 from Bristol City and went on to make 56 WSL appearances to help establish the club in the Women’s Super League. The 26-yearold is returning to Twente for a second spell, having played there between 201317.
Head coach Hope Powell said, “We’re really sorry to be losing Danique but totally understand that she wants a fresh challenge at a club she knows well. “It has been hard for all our overseas players during the pandemic not being able to spend more time with their families. Danique has always been a brilliant professional on and off the field and everyone around the club will miss her.
“We wish her all the best for the next stage of her career. She knows she will always be welcome back at Brighton.”
Powell’s Albion finished seventh in the WSL last seasonon 26 points from their 22 matches. Chelsea led the way at the top with Arsenal second.