LONDON CITY LIONESSES have confirmed the departure of Ireland international Ruesha Littlejohn.
The midfielder’s future at the Championship outfit had been in doubt following her absence from back-to-back matchday squads.
The 85-cap international confirmed on social media last Sunday week that she was not injured, fuelling rumours that she had been released to allow for another arrival.
London City Lionesses announced Littlejohn’s early exit this evening. The 34-year-old joined on a two-year contract in August 2023.
“London City Lionesses and Ruesha Littlejohn have mutually agreed to part ways,” the club posted on X.
“This decision allows Ruesha to focus on the next chapter of her playing career and explore new opportunities within the game.
“The club recognises Ruesha’s contributions during her time with the team and wishes her success moving forward.”
London City Lionesses and Ruesha Littlejohn have mutually agreed to part ways. This decision allows Ruesha to focus on the next chapter of her playing career and explore new opportunities within the game.
— London City Lionesses (@LC_Lionesses) January 21, 2025
The club recognises Ruesha’s contributions during her time with the team… pic.twitter.com/i6A0JjFSHJ
Her Ireland and London City Lionesses team-mate Grace Moloney shared her thoughts on the exit on Instagram. “Ooh Ruesh. You deserve so much better,” the goalkeeper wrote on her story.
“Hope ya find somewhere that values you,” Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan posted separately.
Littlejohn is now on the hunt for a new club, days after the appointment of Carla Ward as Ireland women’s national team head coach.
The Girls In Green return to action next month following their failure to qualify for Euro 2025. They open their Nations League campaign against Türkiye at Tallaght Stadium on Friday 21 February, before a trip to Slovenia four days later.
Littlejohn has had a colourful club career across England, Scotland and Norway, stretching back to 2006. Her other recent clubs in the WSL and Championship have included West Ham United, Leicester City, Birmingham City and Aston Villa. She played for new Ireland boss Ward at Villa and Birmingham.
Although hampered by Achilles injuries of late, Littlejohn has been a key player for Ireland since making her debut in 2012.
It was a cracking 40 alright. The improvement in accuracy vs their form in last couple of games was amazing. Thought young Coughlan brought a great tempo to the game and the backrow response to it was a delight to watch.
It was a very very good 40 ,
We have struggled to out teams away and points in the right direction
Diarmaid Kilgallon was on fire, particularly in the first half. Many thanks to Dian Bleuler who was outstanding for every game.
Strange going for a 6-2 split against the Dragons.
@Fagin Strauss: have we any other backs that were actually fit to go on the bench?
@Fagin Strauss: Shows how important a game it was imo. Going into any game you cant prepare for cr€pness.
@Thesaltyurchin: completely agree ,
This game had the potential to be a rough night
Against the worst team in the league. Then lost the second half 19-7. Take the points and move on but not a good 80 overall
@adizlack93: Nobody said the 80 was good but there is more context to the 2nd half.
@adizlack93: praise be the oracle has spoketh
@adizlack93: with a backrower in the centre, another backrower on the wing, a winger in the centre, and an academy hooker at blindside flanker. And they damn near got another score right at the end. Calm down.
Burns was excellent. Munster look much better with him at 10.
@Justin Robinson: Was average imo, some sloppy passes at crucial times, looks tired after 20, glorious open kicking tho, talk of Flannery coming back but after tonights game I’d keep Billy just where he is lol! If Tony B isn’t going to grab it Munster need cover there.
@Thesaltyurchin: has flannery delivered the goods at 10 for ulster?
@Brenda Collins: Not by a long shot imo, but has been dogged by injury AND they’re not playing great rn, tho I still fancy Ulster to make playoffs and potentially be a problem. Ben Brownlee the next player for a potential move to Munster.