Yeovil Town captain Rachael Edwards is to announce her retirement after Sundays final Women’s Super League game of the 2014 season at Durham.
The 34 year-old, who has been a regular in the first team squad all season as a centre back, will play her final game in the green and white hoops up north, when her side play against Durham at New Ferens Park.
Edwards, who has been at the club for 8 years making close to 200 appearances, has been an integral part of the squad having also captained the side in the Womens Premier League over recent years before the club began life in the FA WSL.
Edwards who has made this tough decision said “I’ve been at the club for a very long time and I’ve loved every minute of my time here. The coaches, players and people who do everything behind the scenes are fantastic and I will miss each of them dearly. It’s been a difficult decision to make, however it’s just the right time for me and for my family, it’s time to spend more time with them and for the next chapter in my life. To finish my playing career being part of this squad and playing in the WSL 2 has been incredible and I will always remember it.”
“To say I have played in a team which is part of the top 18 women’s football teams in the country is amazing and an opportunity for me to finish on a high. The journey the club have been on since I started with them has been unbelieveable and they are only going to get better and really achieve things in the future.”
“I’m looking forward to being in the crowd and cheering them all on next season, I believe with the staff and players they have in place they can really go places. It’s hard to put into words how I’m feeling about playing my final game next weekend however I know I’ll be around my friends, playing the game I love and I’ll savour every minute.”
“There are a lot of people I want to say a huge thanks to and over the next week I’ll get the opportunity to do that, but just to say a huge thanks to everyone involved with the club and to the management team and my teammates, I’ll miss you all very much and I can’t wait to be your no.1 supporter next season.”
Club Chairman David Mills commented on Edwards announcement by saying “Rachael has been an outstanding player, Captain, Welfare Officer and role model for the Club. A few years ago Rachael almost retired but had a last minute change of mind. This proved to be a great decision as ever since, she has just got better and better as a player and I think this season has been her best ever. Great players should sign off at the top of their game and Rachael Edwards is a YTLFC ‘Hall of Fame’ level player”.
Manager Jamie Sherwood added “To lose a player of Rachael’s stature within the club, with be very difficult to replace. Her influence on and off the pitch has been crucial. Her leadership and enthusiasm for the game is second to none. The club has grown dramatically and Rachael has been integral to that growth and whoever wears her number five shirt in the future, will have a lot to live up to.”
Pictured – Rachel Edwards battles with Notts County’s Jess Clarke.
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