Michelle Hinnigan has left Everton after the club’s recent switch to professional status after election to WSL 1 and Dan Turner takes her place as captain.
The Blues say that with a heavy heart, Hinnigan has decided she is unable to commit to a full-time, professional football career, owing to her occupation as a teacher.
The 27-year old joined Everton when she was 11 and made her first-team debut in 2007.
The midfielder was part of the Blues team that won a thrilling FA Cup final 3-2 against Arsenal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground in 2010.
Hinnigan then became Everton captain in 2014 and was on the score-sheet when the Blues won 4-0 at London Bees to seal their WSL 2 Spring Series triumph in May.
Meanwhile, Dan Turner is looking forward to leading Everton as their new captain, starting with the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on Friday.
The wing-back takes over from Hinnigan and after 10 years with the Toffees, she admitted she was honoured to be asked to skipper the side.
“I’m delighted,” she told evertontv. “I’m very honoured to be chosen. This club means a lot to me, it’s been my home for over 10 years so I’m absolutely honoured and proud to be the new captain.
“Obviously I’ll be captain for the first time in the derby. There is no bigger game to start with but I’m really looking forward to leading the team out. I’m really excited, and hopefully all my family are there in the crowd so it will be a real proud moment for them as well.”
Featured photo – evertonfc.com
