Ashleigh Neville Leaves Spurs For Leicester City

Ashleigh Neville playing for Spurs in the recent North London Derby against Arsenal

Keith Richards. Cockroaches. Ashleigh Neville playing for Spurs. Some things just feel like they will never come to an end. Well, today one of them has. The full-back has officially joined Leicester City, ending more than eight years in north London. 

In footballing terms, this is probably the right decision for all concerned. Spurs are looking to move forward and progress as a team. Neville will clearly want to play as much as possible in the latter years of her career. However, it is a hugely emotional moment. Neville is perhaps the embodiment of Tottenham's rise up to the top tier of English women's football, not least because it was her last gasp clearance that helped Tottenham get a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa and secure promotion back in 2019. 

Commenting on Ashleigh Neville's departure, Andy Rogers, Managing Director of Tottenham Hotspur Women, said: “Ash’s contribution to the Club has been immense. She has been influential on our journey to establishing ourselves as a Women’s Super League team, and she departs as an undisputed Club legend."

Rogers described Neville, rightly, as "a true pioneer of the Women’s game on and off the pitch". He added: "Ash has always shown love and care to her teammates, staff, and our supporters. From helping us break into the top flight, to representing us at Wembley Stadium in our first-ever FA Cup Final, we are forever grateful to Ash and wish her all the best for the future. Forever a member of the Spurs family.”

Ashleigh Neville Working for Spurs on and Off the Pitch

Neville has been a huge support after Spurt LGBTQ+ supporters group, Proud Lilywhites. On Instagram, the group said: "From joining us on a lockdown Zoom quiz on her birthday to proudly posing with her own Proud Lilywhites flag, Ash consistently shows up for our community. Those moments matter. They make people feel welcome, valued and part of Spurs. We’re going to miss her hugely, not just for what she gives on the pitch, but for the presence, generosity and care she brings off it too. We’ll miss you in Lilywhite, Ash. Thank you for everything."

The club have put out a video, saying goodbye. Tissues at the ready:

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Ashleigh Neville will not be away from Tottenham long. Leicester travel to Brisbane road on Sunday. I understand a goodbye is being planned for after the final whistle. She can expect a very affectionate reaction from the fans.