Stacey Little “We walked, we were not released!”
“I am deeply hurt and disheartened. It’s just not fair that I’m being blamed for everything,” the 28-year-old told BBC Sport.
Little said “We give all our time and money, we don’t get anything for it, and we’ve been treated like that. I’d like to reiterate we walked, and were not released, as has been stated, because it’s what we believe in,”
“That’s what hurts me most. I have put my heart and soul into that club. I’ve given blood, I’ve given sweat, I’ve given tears, it’s been my life for six seasons. It chokes me up just talking about it, but that’s what they’ve done to me, they’ve treated me so badly. I’m just heartbroken to be honest.
“I tried to get Julian Dicks in and that came off. I’ve spoken to him about things. He’s checked to make sure I’m ok and he’s given me support.”
Little said some players had been unhappy with the management, including changes in formation and selection, and she called on Nurse to quit at a team meeting. Six of them walked out when the captain was threatened with suspension, she added. West Ham Ladies, who receive support from, but are not affiliated to Premier League club, are expected to release a statement at some stage on Wednesday.
Joint chairman Hunt told BBC Sport: “A meeting was called by the manager for Tuesday evening to announce his decision to release a number of senior players, including Stacey Little, whom he deemed surplus to requirements.”
“The club is focusing its future on its main players such as Aditi Chauhan, the Indian international, and Giulia Ferrandi from Italy.
“We also have a number of new signings being discussed, including players from Women’s Super League teams.”