Sydney FC have strengthened their attacking options ahead of the Liberty A-League title defender with the re-signing of Shea Connors for the 2024-25 season.
Fresh off bagging the winner for Sydney FC in their 1-0 Grand Final victory over premiers Melbourne City last season, Connors returns for the new campaign in what will be her second in Sky Blue.
“Winning the Grand Final and scoring the crucial goal was one of the best moments
of my career and I’m so happy to be returning in Sky Blue,” said Connors after sealing her return to the Liberty A-League champions.
“They are a wonderful group of girls at Sydney FC and I have fostered such great relationships with so many of them, that I had no hesitation in re-signing.
“I’m so excited to defend our Championship and win our third consecutive title.”
Battling back from a broken foot which left her sidelined for more than two months, the American forward proved to be the difference maker in the club’s biggest game of the season as Sydney FC claimed a record fifth Liberty A-League Championship.
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“Shea unfortunately suffered a major injury last season, which impacted her season,” said head coach Ante Juric as he discussed Connors’ re-signing.
“However she showed great character to get back on the field and lead us to Grand
Final success, with some great performances in the Finals Series.
“She showed what she is capable of in a special moment for her and the club in the Grand Final. We will be looking forward to more of this throughout the upcoming
season.”
He added: “I’m delighted to be welcoming her back to Sydney FC.”
The re-signing of Connors is seemingly the latest piece of the puzzle for Juric as he looks to mount another assault on the Liberty A-League in 2024-25.
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With the 28-year-old now tied down to a new deal the Sky Blues are set to unleash a new-look attack this coming season following the arrivals of English forward Millie Farrow, who joined the Sky Blues from Perth Glory earlier in the off-season, and NPLW NSW goal machine Amber Luchtmeijer.
One player who won’t be running out for Sydney FC in Season 2024-25 though is English striker Fiona Worts.
The 2021-22 Julie Dolan Medallist and Liberty A-League Golden Boot winner started last season well but saw her campaign come to an abrupt end due to a devastating knee injury.
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Initially bagging three goals from six Liberty A-League starts as well as scoring four goals in the Sky Blues’ AFC Women’s Club Championship, Worts then sustained a lateral collateral knee
ligament injury, ruling her out of action for the rest of the campaign.
“Fiona scored some very important goals for us last season and we wish her all the
best for the future,” said head coach Ante Juric after the decision was made not to re-sign Worts for the upcoming campaign.
The 28-old-year English forward now follows the likes of Matildas star Cortnee Vine, defender Charlotte McLean and young gun Jynaya Dos Santos who have all left the club during the off-season.
Meanwhile first-choice goalkeeper and fan favourite Jada Whyman is also expected to depart the club in the coming weeks following head coach Ante Juric’s recent comments about a proposed move.
“We are still in negotiations with Jada and would like to be able to sign her, however she is expected to agree terms with an overseas club.” said Juric in a recent address to fans.
However, Whyman’s impending exit will be softened by the fact the club has signed a ready-made replacement in the form of New Zealand international Brianna Edwards, who officially joined the club earlier this month after leaving Wellington Phoenix.
