Town have announced their retained list ahead of the 2021/22 FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division season.
Nine players will depart the Tractor Girls this summer, including three retirees, and one further player is set to join Town's newly formed development team when formally launched later this summer.
Retained
First-Team Players:
Lindsey Cooper
Lucy Egan
Anna Grey
Eva Hubbard
Eloise King
Abbie Lafayette
Paige Peake
Natasha Thomas
Blue Wilson
Joining Town's New Development Team:
Olivia Billson
Academy Graduates:
Zoe Barratt
Maddie Biggs
Maria Boswell
Abbie Jackson
Leonie Jackson
Kyra Robertson
Sophie Peskett
Academy Players:
Sarah Brasero-Carriera
Issy Bryant
Summer Hughes
Nina Meollo
Lucy O'Brien
Sara Smith-Walter
Departing
Amy-Leigh Abrehart
Sasha Adamson
Nikita Runnacles
Molly Sutherland (University)
Lucy Williamson
Emma Wallis (University)
Retiring
Georgia Allen
Amanda Crump
Paige Wakefield
Retained
First-Team Players:
Lindsey Cooper
Lucy Egan
Anna Grey
Eva Hubbard
Eloise King
Abbie Lafayette
Paige Peake
Natasha Thomas
Blue Wilson
Joining Town's New Development Team:
Olivia Billson
Academy Graduates:
Zoe Barratt
Maddie Biggs
Maria Boswell
Abbie Jackson
Leonie Jackson
Kyra Robertson
Sophie Peskett
Academy Players:
Sarah Brasero-Carriera
Issy Bryant
Summer Hughes
Nina Meollo
Lucy O'Brien
Sara Smith-Walter
Departing
Amy-Leigh Abrehart
Sasha Adamson
Nikita Runnacles
Molly Sutherland (University)
Lucy Williamson
Emma Wallis (University)
Retiring
Georgia Allen
Amanda Crump
Paige Wakefield
Amy-Leigh Abrehart
Amy-Leigh joined Ipswich Town in the summer of 2018 as part of Town's WSL Academy setup and was part of the young Tractor Girls side that reached the semi-finals of the WSL Academy Cup in consecutive years.
She broke into the first-team during pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 season and made her competitive debut for the club in the Blues' league cup defeat to Southampton before scoring her first senior goals for the club against AFC Sudbury in the Suffolk FA Women's Cup.
The 19-year-old found herself in and out of the senior side during the 2019/20 campaign but returned to the starting lineup in emphatic style in March 2020 as her first career hat-trick helped the Tractor Girls to a 7-0 victory over Stevenage.
She played a more prominent role during the 2020/21 season, starring in Town's 10-0 victory over Peterborough Northern Star in the Women's FA Cup before being involved throughout the Blues' post-season schedule of friendlies including starting against Southampton at St Mary's.
Amy-Leigh departs for pastures news having scored 8 goals in 13 appearances for the Tractor Girls.
Amy-Leigh joined Ipswich Town in the summer of 2018 as part of Town's WSL Academy setup and was part of the young Tractor Girls side that reached the semi-finals of the WSL Academy Cup in consecutive years.
She broke into the first-team during pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 season and made her competitive debut for the club in the Blues' league cup defeat to Southampton before scoring her first senior goals for the club against AFC Sudbury in the Suffolk FA Women's Cup.
The 19-year-old found herself in and out of the senior side during the 2019/20 campaign but returned to the starting lineup in emphatic style in March 2020 as her first career hat-trick helped the Tractor Girls to a 7-0 victory over Stevenage.
She played a more prominent role during the 2020/21 season, starring in Town's 10-0 victory over Peterborough Northern Star in the Women's FA Cup before being involved throughout the Blues' post-season schedule of friendlies including starting against Southampton at St Mary's.
Amy-Leigh departs for pastures news having scored 8 goals in 13 appearances for the Tractor Girls.
Sasha Adamson
Sasha joined Ipswich Town last October after initially joining the club on trial. She made her debut in the Tractor Girls' 10-0 victory over Cambridge United shortly after and went on to feature against Peterborough Northern Star and Norwich City before the season was curtailed. Sasha was also heavily involved in Town's post-seasons schedule of friendlies against Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Latterly, she has been representing London Helvecia in the FA Futsal League, reaching the upcoming finals as part of the UK's most successful futsal side.
Sasha departs Ipswich Town to relocate to London having made 3 competitive appearances for the club.
Sasha joined Ipswich Town last October after initially joining the club on trial. She made her debut in the Tractor Girls' 10-0 victory over Cambridge United shortly after and went on to feature against Peterborough Northern Star and Norwich City before the season was curtailed. Sasha was also heavily involved in Town's post-seasons schedule of friendlies against Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Latterly, she has been representing London Helvecia in the FA Futsal League, reaching the upcoming finals as part of the UK's most successful futsal side.
Sasha departs Ipswich Town to relocate to London having made 3 competitive appearances for the club.
Nikita Runnacles
Nikita joined Town in the summer of 2019 and quickly established herself as the Blues' number one. She made her debut on the opening day of the 2019/20 season against AFC Wimbledon and went on to play a prominent role in the Tractor Girls largely successful season, including starting all but one game of Town's historic Women's FA Cup run.
Her most memorable performance came against Huddersfield Town in the fourth-round of the Women's FA Cup, where Nikita's outstanding display helped keep the hosts at bay despite an onslaught of attacks.
Latterly, the experienced shot stopper has been in the role of first-team goalkeeping coach at Championship side London City Lionesses, limiting her to just one appearance for the Tractor Girls during the disrupted 2020/21 season.
Nikita departs Town having kept 8 clean sheets in 16 appearances for the club.
Nikita joined Town in the summer of 2019 and quickly established herself as the Blues' number one. She made her debut on the opening day of the 2019/20 season against AFC Wimbledon and went on to play a prominent role in the Tractor Girls largely successful season, including starting all but one game of Town's historic Women's FA Cup run.
Her most memorable performance came against Huddersfield Town in the fourth-round of the Women's FA Cup, where Nikita's outstanding display helped keep the hosts at bay despite an onslaught of attacks.
Latterly, the experienced shot stopper has been in the role of first-team goalkeeping coach at Championship side London City Lionesses, limiting her to just one appearance for the Tractor Girls during the disrupted 2020/21 season.
Nikita departs Town having kept 8 clean sheets in 16 appearances for the club.
Molly Sutherland
Molly joined Ipswich Town from Leicester City in the summer of 2019 initially as part of the Blues' WSL Academy side but was quickly thrusted into first-team football, making her debut against Kent Football United just two games into the league season. Since then she has been a dependable figure within both Town's first-team and academy squads.
In the summer of 2020, Molly succeeded Lucy Egan as captain of Town's academy side and subsequently led the young Tractor Girls throughout a successful, though very disrupted campaign.
She also featured regularly for the Blues' first team, playing in 6 of a possible 8 games for Joe Sheehan's side.
The club announced last month that Molly had signed a four-year scholarship with UTEP (University of Texas El Paso) in the United States. As a result, Molly will depart the club this summer having scored twice in 13 appearances for the Tractor Girls.
Molly joined Ipswich Town from Leicester City in the summer of 2019 initially as part of the Blues' WSL Academy side but was quickly thrusted into first-team football, making her debut against Kent Football United just two games into the league season. Since then she has been a dependable figure within both Town's first-team and academy squads.
In the summer of 2020, Molly succeeded Lucy Egan as captain of Town's academy side and subsequently led the young Tractor Girls throughout a successful, though very disrupted campaign.
She also featured regularly for the Blues' first team, playing in 6 of a possible 8 games for Joe Sheehan's side.
The club announced last month that Molly had signed a four-year scholarship with UTEP (University of Texas El Paso) in the United States. As a result, Molly will depart the club this summer having scored twice in 13 appearances for the Tractor Girls.
Emma Wallis
Emma joined Town from the Essex RTC (Regional Talent Club) in 2018 initially as part of the Blues' WSL Academy setup and went on to establish herself within the young Tractor Girls side.
Emma suffered a torn ACL against Arsenal in October 2018 which kept her out of action for just over a year. Unfortunately, she suffered yet another ACL injury in her other knee during her first non-contact training session back with the squad and Emma was ultimately sidelined for another lengthy spell.
Emma returned to full fitness in March and made her inspirational return to pitch after an 878 day absence in an academy friendly against Chelsea before featuring in academy games against Reading, Tottenham and West Ham before getting her first taste of first-team football in the Blues' friendly against Southampton at St Mary's.
The defender will spend pre-season with the Tractor Girls before departing for Durham University in September, where she will study Sport & Exercise Science in addition to continuing her playing career in the North East.
Emma joined Town from the Essex RTC (Regional Talent Club) in 2018 initially as part of the Blues' WSL Academy setup and went on to establish herself within the young Tractor Girls side.
Emma suffered a torn ACL against Arsenal in October 2018 which kept her out of action for just over a year. Unfortunately, she suffered yet another ACL injury in her other knee during her first non-contact training session back with the squad and Emma was ultimately sidelined for another lengthy spell.
Emma returned to full fitness in March and made her inspirational return to pitch after an 878 day absence in an academy friendly against Chelsea before featuring in academy games against Reading, Tottenham and West Ham before getting her first taste of first-team football in the Blues' friendly against Southampton at St Mary's.
The defender will spend pre-season with the Tractor Girls before departing for Durham University in September, where she will study Sport & Exercise Science in addition to continuing her playing career in the North East.
Lucy Williamson
Lucy joined Town from Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2019 after two-years with the Sussex side. She made her Ipswich Town debut just two days after signing for the Blues, keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty against Cambridge United.
Lucy backed up Nikita Runnacles during her early days at the club but took over as first choice goalkeeper early in the 2020/21 season, starting in 7 of 8 competitive games for the Tractor Girls before the season was once again brought to a halt. Her last appearance for the club came in April as Town bowed out of the Women's FA Cup at the hands of Billericay.
Lucy departs Town for her second year at UEA (University of East Anglia) having kept 7 clean sheets in 11 appearances for the club.
Lucy joined Town from Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2019 after two-years with the Sussex side. She made her Ipswich Town debut just two days after signing for the Blues, keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty against Cambridge United.
Lucy backed up Nikita Runnacles during her early days at the club but took over as first choice goalkeeper early in the 2020/21 season, starting in 7 of 8 competitive games for the Tractor Girls before the season was once again brought to a halt. Her last appearance for the club came in April as Town bowed out of the Women's FA Cup at the hands of Billericay.
Lucy departs Town for her second year at UEA (University of East Anglia) having kept 7 clean sheets in 11 appearances for the club.
Georgia Allen
Georgia joined the Tractor Girls upon graduation from Syracuse University in the United States last summer and went on to play in seven of Town's eight competitive fixtures during the 2020/21 season.
After spending time at Arsenal and in the United States, Georgia's career came full circle as she rejoined Ipswich Town last summer and became Joe Sheehan's first summer signing ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
She suffered an injury in pre-season which kept her out of the season opener against Hashtag United but returned to the side a week later, making her debut as a substitute in Town's 3-0 victory over Billericay Town.
Georgia scored on her first start for the club the following week as her header from Anna Grey's cross opened the scoring in the Blues' 4-0 victory over Cambridge City. She would go on to be a mainstay in the Town squad and would contribute a further 4 goals and 2 assists before the season was brought to an abrupt end.
Earlier this month Georgia announced she would be retiring from football to pursue a career outside of the game. She departs the club having made 7 appearances for the Tractor Girls, scoring 5 goals.
Georgia joined the Tractor Girls upon graduation from Syracuse University in the United States last summer and went on to play in seven of Town's eight competitive fixtures during the 2020/21 season.
After spending time at Arsenal and in the United States, Georgia's career came full circle as she rejoined Ipswich Town last summer and became Joe Sheehan's first summer signing ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
She suffered an injury in pre-season which kept her out of the season opener against Hashtag United but returned to the side a week later, making her debut as a substitute in Town's 3-0 victory over Billericay Town.
Georgia scored on her first start for the club the following week as her header from Anna Grey's cross opened the scoring in the Blues' 4-0 victory over Cambridge City. She would go on to be a mainstay in the Town squad and would contribute a further 4 goals and 2 assists before the season was brought to an abrupt end.
Earlier this month Georgia announced she would be retiring from football to pursue a career outside of the game. She departs the club having made 7 appearances for the Tractor Girls, scoring 5 goals.
Amanda Crump
Amanda calls time on her career after a 21-year association with Ipswich Town Football Club, during which she amassed 216 appearances for the Tractor Girls.
Amanda's history with the club dates back to the year 2000, when she joined the club's former centre of excellence as a 10-year-old. After progressing through the Blues' youth ranks, Amanda made the transition into senior football and went on to make her first-team debut as a teenager in the summer of 2006.
She took a short break from football on the eve of her twenties but returned to the side to become an ever present in the Town midfield not long after. Amanda was named club captain by former manager Ralph Pruden in 2014 - a title which she had held until her retirement.
Crump missed most of the 2016/17 season due to falling pregnant with her first child but remarkably returned to the training pitch just three weeks after giving birth and was able to feature in the season finale. Amanda's return sparked life into the Tractor Girls, with her 13 goals in all competitions helping to secure a third-placed finish for Town in her first full season back on the pitch.
She took another short break from football at the tail end of 2018 but quickly returned to the side following the appointment of current Town boss Joe Sheehan in February 2019. Amanda would be an ever present under Sheehan as he transformed the Blues into a serious promotion contender.
Amanda enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2019/20 season and clocked up her 200th appearance for the club in Town's Women's FA Cup tie with Royston Town in October 2019.
She was subsequently honoured at Portman Road during the men's home game against Rotherham, where she was the guest of honour and presented with a commemorative shirt at half-time. Amanda continued to lead the Tractor Girls throughout a memorable campaign in which Town were flying high at the top of the league in addition to making Women's FA Cup history by becoming the first fourth-tier side to reach the fifth-round.
Town would ultimately exit to eventual winners and WSL giants Manchester City, where Amanda would lead her side out against some of women's football's biggest names.
She would feature one more time that season before announcing that she was expecting her second child. Following her pregnancy and the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Amanda's return to the squad was delayed but she made her long-awaited comeback after 14 months as a substitute in Town's Women's FA Cup defeat to Billericay in April.
That would be Amanda's final appearance in an Ipswich Town shirt as she decided to hang up her boots at the end of the season. Amanda retires as the Tractor Girls all-time leading appearance maker with 216 games played, during which she notched an impressive 72 goals from midfield.
Amanda calls time on her career after a 21-year association with Ipswich Town Football Club, during which she amassed 216 appearances for the Tractor Girls.
Amanda's history with the club dates back to the year 2000, when she joined the club's former centre of excellence as a 10-year-old. After progressing through the Blues' youth ranks, Amanda made the transition into senior football and went on to make her first-team debut as a teenager in the summer of 2006.
She took a short break from football on the eve of her twenties but returned to the side to become an ever present in the Town midfield not long after. Amanda was named club captain by former manager Ralph Pruden in 2014 - a title which she had held until her retirement.
Crump missed most of the 2016/17 season due to falling pregnant with her first child but remarkably returned to the training pitch just three weeks after giving birth and was able to feature in the season finale. Amanda's return sparked life into the Tractor Girls, with her 13 goals in all competitions helping to secure a third-placed finish for Town in her first full season back on the pitch.
She took another short break from football at the tail end of 2018 but quickly returned to the side following the appointment of current Town boss Joe Sheehan in February 2019. Amanda would be an ever present under Sheehan as he transformed the Blues into a serious promotion contender.
Amanda enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2019/20 season and clocked up her 200th appearance for the club in Town's Women's FA Cup tie with Royston Town in October 2019.
She was subsequently honoured at Portman Road during the men's home game against Rotherham, where she was the guest of honour and presented with a commemorative shirt at half-time. Amanda continued to lead the Tractor Girls throughout a memorable campaign in which Town were flying high at the top of the league in addition to making Women's FA Cup history by becoming the first fourth-tier side to reach the fifth-round.
Town would ultimately exit to eventual winners and WSL giants Manchester City, where Amanda would lead her side out against some of women's football's biggest names.
She would feature one more time that season before announcing that she was expecting her second child. Following her pregnancy and the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Amanda's return to the squad was delayed but she made her long-awaited comeback after 14 months as a substitute in Town's Women's FA Cup defeat to Billericay in April.
That would be Amanda's final appearance in an Ipswich Town shirt as she decided to hang up her boots at the end of the season. Amanda retires as the Tractor Girls all-time leading appearance maker with 216 games played, during which she notched an impressive 72 goals from midfield.
Paige Wakefield
Paige joined Ipswich Town from C&K Basildon (now Hashtag United) in the summer of 2018 after a successful trial with the club. She made her debut against Crawley Wasps on the opening day of the 2018/19 season and soon established herself as a key figurehead within the Town squad.
Paige enjoyed a terrific first season with the Tractor Girls, scoring 9 goals in all competitions on the way to winning two player of the year awards courtesy of her teammates and Town supporters.
Paige also played her part in Town's largely successful 2019/20 campaign that was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, featuring in both league East Anglian Derby victories over Norwich City as well as throughout the Tractor Girls' historic Women's FA Cup run.
She came off the bench against Manchester City in Town's biggest game in history to date and soon made her trademark physical presence felt with some strong challenges on some of England's top international players.
Due to the ongoing disruption with the Covid-19 pandemic, Paige was restricted to just 2 competitive appearances this season before featuring regularly throughout the Blues' post-season schedule of friendlies including Town's trip to St Mary's to face Southampton.
Overall, Paige made 41 appearances for the Tractor Girls during a three-year stint, scoring 12 goals.
Following her retirement, Paige will join Joe Sheehan's coaching staff ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Ipswich Town Football Club would like to place on record it's gratitude to the departing players for their immense commitment, dedication, hard work and contribution throughout their time at the club.
They will always be held in the highest regard and be recognised for playing their part in largely successful time for Ipswich Town. We wish them the utmost success in the next chapter of their lives and hope to see them again in the near future.
Paige joined Ipswich Town from C&K Basildon (now Hashtag United) in the summer of 2018 after a successful trial with the club. She made her debut against Crawley Wasps on the opening day of the 2018/19 season and soon established herself as a key figurehead within the Town squad.
Paige enjoyed a terrific first season with the Tractor Girls, scoring 9 goals in all competitions on the way to winning two player of the year awards courtesy of her teammates and Town supporters.
Paige also played her part in Town's largely successful 2019/20 campaign that was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, featuring in both league East Anglian Derby victories over Norwich City as well as throughout the Tractor Girls' historic Women's FA Cup run.
She came off the bench against Manchester City in Town's biggest game in history to date and soon made her trademark physical presence felt with some strong challenges on some of England's top international players.
Due to the ongoing disruption with the Covid-19 pandemic, Paige was restricted to just 2 competitive appearances this season before featuring regularly throughout the Blues' post-season schedule of friendlies including Town's trip to St Mary's to face Southampton.
Overall, Paige made 41 appearances for the Tractor Girls during a three-year stint, scoring 12 goals.
Following her retirement, Paige will join Joe Sheehan's coaching staff ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Ipswich Town Football Club would like to place on record it's gratitude to the departing players for their immense commitment, dedication, hard work and contribution throughout their time at the club.
They will always be held in the highest regard and be recognised for playing their part in largely successful time for Ipswich Town. We wish them the utmost success in the next chapter of their lives and hope to see them again in the near future.
