WITHAM'S Kate Longhurst made the ideal start to life at West Ham United after bagging a brace on her debut.

The former John Bramston scholar, who joined the Hammers last week from Liverpool, scored twice in their 5-0 friendly win over Lewes.

Longhurst brought to an end her five-year spell with the Reds to join West Ham.

The 29-year-old Women’s Super League-winning midfielder says she is excited by the move.

Longhurst told whufc.com: “It’s so exciting for me to join West Ham.

“It’s really exciting. I’ve been a West Ham fan my whole life and a lot of my family are West Ham fans as well.

“Ever since I can remember I’ve been obsessed with West Ham.

"I’ve been a season-ticket holder for as long as I can remember and I feel at home already in this team. I’m a Hammer and I can’t wait to get going.”

Longhurst started her career with Colchester United Ladies before moving into the top flight with Watford, at the age of 20.

She spent a year with the Hornets before joining Chelsea in 2011, scoring in the Women’s FA Cup Final against Birmingham City the following year.

Longhurst then moved onto Liverpool in 2013, helping them lift successive WSL titles in her first two seasons with the club and representing them in the Champions League.

West Ham head coach Matt Beard, who previously coached Longhurst at Chelsea and Liverpool, said: “It’s the third time I’ve signed Kate now and I’m delighted to bring her to West Ham.

“Kate is a great professional and she has played in the top level in England now for many years. She will bring experience and a bit of versatility.

“She’s a West Ham fan too, so this will be a dream move for her as well.

"She’s a great player who will be brilliant for the dressing room.

"She’s a leader and her personality will rub off in a positive way on the rest of our team.”