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Farewell and thanks to Debbie Burgess

- 10/01/2010

Sunday afternoon's women's league game against Eastbourne Borough would have marked the final appearance of Debbie Burgess in City's colours. Sadly the game fell foul of the weather so it is only right that today we recognise the contribution made by Debbie to the club over the past three years.

Debbie joined City having played for Canterbury Christ Church University and Ashford Town where she had already demonstrated her prowess in front of goal. Pushed up front by team manager Lorna Shilling, Debbie developed an almost telepathic partnership with Avril Spary which saw the pair score almost 100 goals between them in the side's first season which resulted in immediate promotion to the Premier Division as unbeaten League Champions. Not surprisingly Debbie won the club's inaugural Golden Boot Award.

It came as no surprise to anyone at the club when Debbie repeated her success in the Premier Division the following season. Although playing against far superior opposition than the previous season, she once again won the Golden Boot Award and secured the club a respectable fourth position in the table.

Sadly Debbie missed much of the early stages of this season due to travelling commitments but her return to the side in the autumn brought with it an immediate improvement in performance as her experience added to the enthusiasm of the younger players brought in by new team manager Mick Santer. Fittingly Debbie scored five goals in her final outing for City in a League cup fixture against Island Eagles.

Debbie leaves for warmer shores with the very best wishes of all at the club. Her contribution to the team and the club has been immense and we all hope that she will one day return to grace our colours again.

Thanks Debbie - enjoy your travels and come back soon!