Lucy Rushton (born 1 June 1985)[1] is an English football manager and sports analyst who serves as a special advisor to National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club Portland Thorns FC.
[6] While at Reading, Rushton worked alongside Nick Hammond, who was later appointed head of football operations at Celtic F.C.
[7] Her analysis contributed to the club signing Hector Villalba as its first Designated Player[11] and also credited with scouting Miguel Almirón.
Initially also tasked with scouting, by 2020 Atlanta had narrowed Rushton's focus to data analysis, including creating player recruitment profiles by performance on club targets, contract status, and transfer value.
Rushton was hired to work alongside club sporting director Dave Kasper, who had served as the team's general manager since 2007.
[17] On 7 January 2024, NWSL club Portland Thorns FC announced Rushton's hiring as a special advisor to new general manager Jeff Agoos.