Carla Humphrey is relishing the new WSL season starting, with the Charlton Athletic midfielder having two emotionally contrasting reasons for not playing much football in the previous two campaigns.
When the 29-year-old came off the bench at the start of extra-time in the Addicks’ play-off victory over Leicester City in May it was the first time she had featured in a competitive match since December 13, 2024.
Humphrey had an operation on her knee later that month and then it was announced the following April that she was expecting a baby with her partner Adam Coe, head of medical care at Charlton.
Humphrey used her Instagram account to provide updates on her pregnancy - the couple’s son Seb was born in September 2025 - but also the road to a playing return. She was an unused substitute against Birmingham City on the final day of the regulation WSL 2 season, 27 weeks post-pregnancy.
Carla Humphrey with Adam Coe and son Seb after Charlton’s play-off win over Leicester City in May
It was announced in the middle of July that Humphrey, who has Super League experience from her time at Arsenal, Doncaster Belles, Bristol City and Liverpool, had signed a new 12-month contract.
Despite minimal minutes as Karen Hills’ side ended their wait for top-flight football, promotion was still a milestone moment.
“I was trying not to get too emotional,” Humphrey told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition about coming on against the Foxes. “But knowing my family was there - Seb was in the crowd - it was a massive game for Charlton and it had been a long time since I played. Even before I was pregnant, I had knee surgery. The week I was due back in with the matchday squad was when I found out that I was pregnant.
“It was mixed emotions. We were obviously delighted to be having the baby, but I’d been waiting so long to get back playing and then you know that I’m going to be out for a long time.
