Matildas veteran Katrina Gorry named West Ham captain ahead of new Women’s Super League season

One Matildas veteran has replaced another as West Ham captain, with Katrina Gorry taking over from Mackenzie Arnold for the new Women’s Super League campaign.

Arnold departed the English club at the end of last season after a four-year stint that included leading the side in 2023-24.

Gorry’s nod caps off a rapid rise after the 32-year-old only arrived at West Ham in the January transfer window, playing seven games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

“It’s a massive honour to be named captain of West Ham United and to be given the opportunity to lead such an incredible group of people,” Gorry said in a club statement.

“It was a special moment when I had the conversation with Rehanne (Skinner, head coach) and she asked me to be captain. I was really emotional as it is something that I don’t take lightly.

“It feels as if my whole career has led me to this point.

“When I gave birth (in 2021) to my daughter, Harper, I didn’t know whether I was going to play football again. I didn’t know whether we’d be able to find a club that would support me and my family.

“But since I walked through the door at West Ham for the first time, I have felt fully supported by everyone at the club. I feel really happy in this environment, and I can represent my best self here.”

Gorry will captain the side despite former skipper Dagny Brynjarsdottir returning for her first full season since giving birth to her second child in February.

Gorry herself became a mother for the second time in June when partner Clara gave birth to their son, one of several milestones for the Australian this year.

Her breakthrough move to the WSL, considered one of the best leagues in the world, in January arrived after 15 years playing at home alongside stops in Canada, the US, Japan, Norway and Sweden.

Having so often led by example in the middle of the park, Gorry will now step up as captain beginning with West Ham’s season opener against Manchester United at the iconic Old Trafford venue this weekend.

“I understand that this captaincy brings a huge amount of responsibility,” she said.

“I’ve experienced a lot of team cultures throughout my time in football and have played under some great captains. There is a lot of positive energy within this group, and I think I can use all of my experience to help the team move in the right direction and reach our full potential.

“Off the pitch, I’m a people person. I love speaking to people, I love problem solving. I know there will always be different personalities in a team, but I like to help get the best out of each individual.

“On the pitch, I work hard and give everything for the team. I hope I can continue to show that in a West Ham shirt and encourage others to follow my lead.

“To step out at Old Trafford wearing the captain’s armband for the first time on Saturday will be a great honour, and I’m really looking forward to this next chapter in our famous Claret and Blue.”

Shelina Zadorsky, another recent recruit, has been named vice-captain.

West Ham finished 11th in the 12-team WSL last season, with a 2-1 win over title challengers Arsenal in February proving the highlight.