West Ham have confirmed that midfielder, Katrina Gorry will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Gorry joined the Hammers in January 2024 and has gone on to score three goals in 49 appearances but has decided to depart the club when her contract expires on 30 June.
In an open message to fans on whufc.com, Gorry spoke of her sadness to depart the club but is proud of having built a big family after bonding with West Ham as a team and with fans, which has left her with happy memories.
“It’s emotional to be departing the Club. My family and I have built a life here. I came here with a two-year-old and I’m leaving with a bigger family: the West Ham family, the fans and the memories. I’m so grateful.
“I felt part of the family straight away. The amount of support we had was amazing. To be a part of West Ham for two-and-a-half years and to have created the memories that I have is really special.
“It was a massive honour to be appointed captain of the Club. It was a very special moment for me. As I’ve said many times, I never really thought of myself as a captain, but I’ve always tried to give my all to this Club and to have that honour was really special to me. I’m excited to see who takes my place and to be the biggest supporter of West Ham.”
The 33-year-old midfielder proceeded to speak about her personal development off the pitch and how fans have embraced her family, with her eldest child having learned how to criticise West Ham’s biggest London rival, Tottenham Hotspur at school.
“I’ve grown into a better person and a better player here. There are so many things you have to get right, balancing football with having a family, but West Ham have always supported that. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey but it’s been a special one with a lot of special memories.
“My family being taken in by the Club has also been so special. It’s things we talk about all the time at home.
“It’s things like the kids getting excited for gamedays at the weekend, Harper going to school saying, ‘Booo Spurs’ and coming home and asking me what that means! Those moments are something we will all cherish for the rest of our lives. The way the fans have taken them in is really special.”
Gorry also reflected on West Ham’s development throughout her time at the club as she praised the progress and changes that have been made to give players maximum possibility to try and achieve success.
“I’m also super proud of how much the Club has grown. When I came to the Club, there were a lot of changes happening. We weren’t doing very well in the league at that time, and to see how we’ve developed as a team and as a Club is special.
“I’m so proud to have been a part of the team and of the memories that we’ve made. I’ll always be their number one supporter.”
Gorry also addressed the impact that she hopes she has made across her time in East London and feels that she felt she could call West Ham her home.
“As I’ve got older, I’ve realised the impact you can have on people as a footballer. To be able to help people who are wanting to go through IVF or might have an eating disorder, and be a part of their journey is something I’ve never taken lightly, and I always want to be true and raw with my story.
“Hopefully I’ll forever be like that, and I’m glad I’ve had this platform to be able to help people on their way, and help myself in the long run as well.
“There are very few clubs that feel like home, where you’d do anything for anyone, putting your body on the line over and over again. This journey has been special, it’s taught me a lot, but the support we’ve had here is something I’ll always hold close to my heart.
“To sit on the couch with the kids in a couple of years’ time and go through photos of what we’ve done here will mean a lot. I’ll never forget it because Harper now has an English accent that she walks around with, which reminds me every day of the journey and life we’ve had here.”
Supporters in particular drew attention from Gorry as she credited them for their loyalty and passion throughout her time at the club, and called for them to turn out for her final match as the Hammers host champions, Manchester City on Saturday 16 May at 1pm BST in the Women’s Super League season finale.
“The fans have been massive for me. You always hear them in the games. It’s a special Club to play for and we have really special fans. It hasn’t been the easiest journey for them to stay on board with, but they’ve always shown up.
“Over the last two seasons they’ve seen so much growth in us as players, us as a team and us as a Club. Without them, the games wouldn’t be like they are and I’m so grateful for every loud noise they’ve made in the stands.
“Thank you to everyone who’s turned up to the games and supported me and my family – and thank you for making West Ham what it is.
“I can’t wait to see you all on Saturday. Thank you for all of the memories, all the loud cheers and for showing up, always.”
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