Whelan retires with immediate effect

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The defender has called time on her playing career.

Bruce Talbot

2020-09-07T10:58:00Z

Whelan joined Albion in 2017.

Albion defender Fern Whelan is to retire from football with immediate effect on medical advice.

The 31-year-old defender joined the club in 2017 and has played a big part in helping to establish Albion in the FA Women’s Super League.

Fern, who won three England caps earlier in her career, had two spells with Everton and also played for Liverpool and Notts County. She won an FA Cup winners’ medal and played in the quarter-final of the Champions League.

She said, “I have made the tough decision to retire. After a long hard battle with injury, I am now ready to close the amazing chapter of playing football and move on to my next challenge.

Whelan finishes her career having won the FA Cup, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion for the making last three seasons so special, especially my amazing team-mates and the coaching staff. And as always my thanks to the fans, your support has been fantastic.

“I look forward to staying involved with the club through Albion in The Community and will continue to support the women’s game in the future.”

Paying tribute to Fern, head coach Hope Powell said, “Fern has been an outstanding professional during her time with the club and we’re going to miss her ability on the field and her experience in the dressing room. She has played a big part in our development over the last three years.

“I know from speaking to her that the decision to retire was not easy for Fern, but she is embarking on a new phase of her life and everyone at Brighton wishes her all the best for the future.

“I’m sure she will still come and watch our games in the future when it is safe to do so and she will always be welcome at the club.”