Spartans captain Marshall to retire

Spartans captain Alana Marshall has announced she will retire from football at the end of this season.

The 37-year-old has scored 48 goals in 261 appearances for the club, and has worn the armband throughout her time with Spartans.

"When Sunday comes I will play my last ever game in the SWPL and for Spartans," she said.

"This has not been an easy decision, and one that I have thought long and hard about - I’ve drove myself crazy for a while thinking about it. I have spent 11 fantastic years at this club and made some amazing memories along the way.

"The last few years have been very difficult for me, I have struggled mentally with my illness and have been spinning a lot of plates trying to keep up with the demands of playing in the Premier League.

"I’ve grown up playing football and been really lucky to do what I have for the last 15 years in this league; not a lot of people can say they get to live out their dream.

"I’m now looking forward to spending my Sundays with my little girl, as I feel it’s now her time to lead the way. I got to make her proud, seeing her little face light up when she sees me on the pitch and when she shouts for me is honestly the most amazing feeling."