Bristol City FC has announced the departures of five players following the 2023/24 season close.

The Robins were originally promoted to Women’s Super League at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The team has now faced relegation to the Women’s Championship after ending this season at the bottom of the table.

Crystal Palace will replace Bristol City in the WSL next season.

Players Lisa Evans, Rachel Furness, Sarah Stratigakis, Maddi Wilde, and Brooke Aspin will make their departures ahead of the club’s return to the Championship next season.

Brooke Aspin

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Aspin has been on loan from Chelsea for the 2023/24 season and will now return to her parent club.

After originally going through the Bristol City Academy, Aspin has now captained England’s U17 and U19 teams, and has represented England in the U23s.

Aspin has proved herself to be a valuable player for the Robins, ultimately scoring the winning header for the club in their match that saw them beat West Ham United this season.

Maddi Wilde

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Wilde originally joined Bristol City with the U11s.

She debuted on the first team in November 2021 in a match that saw the Robins beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in the Women’s Championship.

Wilde has been on a season-long loan with the London City Lionesses, signing with the club in July 2023.

Lisa Evans

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Evans signed a contract with the Robins in January this year.

A forward for the Scottish National Team, Evans began her career in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

She signed for Glasgow City in 2008, winning the Young Player of the Year Award with the club in 2011.

Evans spent the 2021/22 season on loan with Arsenal, signing for West Ham in June 2022 before joining Bristol City.

Sarah Stratigakis

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Like Evans, Stratigakis put pen to paper to join Bristol City in January this year.

The Canadian international was named MVP at the 2014 CONCACAF Girls’ U15 Championship, which Canada won.

She later went on to captain Canada at the 2016 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Stratigakis made her senior team debut at 16.

Rachel Furness

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A midfielder for the Northern Ireland National Team, Furness signed for the Robins in January 2023.

Having helped Bristol City to reach promotion to the WSL last season, Furness has now made 23 appearances for the club.

Head coach Lauren Smith said of Furness: “Furney has been a credit to the club and a brilliant leader on and off the pitch. In a short space of time, her impact has been inspirational, and it’s been a privilege to work with her.”


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