Leicester City signs Tottenham defender Ashley Neville

Leicester City have signed experienced Tottenham defender Ashley Neville on a one-and-a-half year contract.

The 32-year-old has been with Tottenham for nearly a decade and has played a key role in the team’s development as a Women’s Super League side.

She was part of the team when they first joined WSL 2 in 2017-18 and helped them gain promotion to the top level in 2019.

The full-back also started Tottenham’s first women’s grand final when they were runners-up to Manchester United in the 2024 FA Cup.

Speaking to Foxes Hub, Neville said: “This is a new challenge and I want to help the team put as many points on the board as possible.

“I hope the experience I have on and off the field will help me.

“Now is the time for a new challenge, and I look forward to seeing what this new chapter will bring.”

In total, Neville appeared 191 times for Spurs and gained extensive experience in the WSL, which was an attraction to Leicester manager Rick Passmore.

She joined Leicester following the loan arrivals of Swedish midfielder Emma Jansson from FC Rosengård and Aston Villa full-back Sarah Mayling.

“She went from amateur football to the professional era and saw the game and Tottenham evolve. She was part of it,” former England striker Ellen White told BBC Women’s Football Weekly.

“Maybe she wants more game time and Passmore is looking for more experience to help. Leicester have a young squad at the moment.

“It’s probably a sad and emotional time for her to leave the club she grew up with. I’m sure the fans and her team-mates really appreciate what she’s done.”

Passmore’s team ranks ninth in the WSL table after two wins and three draws in its first 11 matches.