Ipswich Town Women forward Natasha Thomas has become the club's record appearance maker. Ross Halls looks at how she got here...

The 28-year-old made her 217th appearance for the Blues in the goalless draw with Watford on Sunday to beat the previous record holder, former club captain Amanda Crump. 

Natasha Thomas celebrates one of her many goals.Natasha Thomas celebrates one of her many goals. (Image: Ross Halls)

JOINING THE CLUB AND IMPRESSING FROM THE OFF

Thomas was signed by then manager Ralph Pruden from Lowestoft Town in October 2015, after starting her career at grassroots level with Waveney.

She scored twice on her debut in a 9-0 home win against Bedford and enjoyed a strong first 18 months at the club but took her form to a new level in the 2017/18 season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. 

Natasha Thomas celebrates another goal.Natasha Thomas celebrates another goal. (Image: Ross Halls)GOLDEN BOOTS AND PROMOTION 

The fan favourite is the club's longest serving player and has played a crucial role in the club’s upward trajectory.  She finished the Covid-curtailed 2019/20 campaign on 26 goals in all competitions, winning the club's golden boot award for a fourth successive season.

Her performances in a Town shirt attracted interest from Championship sides but the forward remained at the club and helped Town win promotion to the third-tier in 2021. 

Natasha Thomas celebrates her 100th goal at Hounslow.Natasha Thomas celebrates her 100th goal at Hounslow. (Image: Ross Halls) JOINING THE 100 CLUB AND BECOMING A TRUSTEE 

Thomas didn't take long to score in the division above after netting on the opening day at Hounslow, her 100th goal for the club. 

She was also made a trustee for Ipswich Town's Foundation alongside men's star Conor Chaplin in 2021 and has appeared many times on Town TV. 

Natasha Thomas celebrates her goal at Portman Road.Natasha Thomas celebrates her goal at Portman Road. (Image: Ross Halls) MILESTONES AND RECORD GOALSCORER 

Thomas became just the third female player in the club's history to make 200 appearances in February and was the first women's player to score a league goal at Portman Road, netting twice as the Blues beat Chatham Town 5-0 in front of 10,173 fans in March..

The forward netted 25 times in 29 appearance last season, which saw her finish with the league’s Golden Boot. She is the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 152 goals so far.