- Demi Lambourne claimed the Players’ Player of the Season prize on Monday
- The goalkeeper’s four clean sheets helped LCFC Women stay in the WSL
- She was delighted to be chosen by her peers after an impressive 2021/22
- Shannon O’Brien and Lydia Tilbury-Hall also won awards on Filbert Way
Recognised by her peers for a solid campaign between the sticks in 2021/22, Lambourne kept four clean sheets in 14 Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches to help LCFC Women secure another season in the top-flight.
Speaking after receiving her award from Leicester City legend Gerry Taggart at King Power Stadium on Monday evening, the Oxford-born goalkeeper revealed that it came as a shock for her to be selected by the squad.
"I wasn't expecting it and for the girls to vote for me is brilliant,” City's No.1 exclaimed to LCFC TV. “Thanks to all my team-mates. I'm glad I was able to play a small part in keeping the team up in the WSL, so I'm really happy.”
Making 20 appearances across all competitions following an injury to fellow shot-stopper Kirstie Levell, the former Oxford United ‘keeper has also become the Foxes’ record appearance holder within the current squad, playing 57 times for the Club to date.
"I always knew that I was going to be ready when I got that chance,” she continued. “I was grateful when that opportunity came and I just wanted to take it, so I made sure I was ready. I'm glad I took that opportunity.”
Picking out her moment of the season, Lambourne chose the closing moments of the final home game of the season on Filbert Way, making an important late save which preserved a draw and clean sheet to all-but seal WSL survival.
"I would say the last five minutes of the Reading game,” the 26-year-old explained. “It was a crucial point at King Power Stadium. To keep a clean sheet then, I was really happy with that game. Honestly, I was just thinking: ‘Don't concede’ and you put that pressure on yourself. Thankfully I didn't in that game.”
Lambourne looks back fondly on her time at City so far, which began in the summer of 2018, and has spanned the team’s transition into full-time football and promotion from the FA Women’s Championship.
She is hoping to create more memories in the year to come, adding: "Leicester have given me a lot of my firsts - first professional contract, first start in the WSL and I'm so grateful to the Club for everything they've given me. Hopefully we can push on next year and head towards mid-table.”