Spartans stalwart, Alana Marshall, bid an emotional farewell to the club she has played for 11 years after she announced her retirement from playing.
Alana has captained Spartans through her time at the club, and she has enjoyed a 20-year career.
The 37-year-old has clocked up 262 appearances for Ainslie Park outfit and has 48 goals to her name.
She captained the side to a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen earlier today.
News of her retirement came yesterday when she posted the following statement on the club’s website.
In it he said: “When Sunday comes I will play my last ever game in the SWPL and for Spartans.
“This has not been an easy decision, and one that I have thought long and hard about, I’ve driven 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 have been so fortunate to play alongside some amazing players. 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. Emerson is four and there’s a lot of time I have missed out on living my dream, now I have some time to make up for.
“To all the fans, I just want to thank every one of you for all the support over the years, it has been absolutely incredible. To all the young girls that come week in week out and cheer for us non stop, we hear you and hopefully I will hear you all one last time on Sunday.
“To my teammates, where do I even start? Thank you for allowing me to always be myself, accepting me through my good days and my bad days. I have shared the changing room with a lot of talent but this group of girls are special and it’s honestly been a privilege leading you out onto that pitch every week. I have made lifelong friends at this club and we truly are a Spartans family.
“I also want to say a special thanks to Debbi, you allowed me to express my ability and be the best footballer I could be, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“Thank you to my family because without all the sacrifices you have made, I wouldn’t have achieved any of this. I love you all and hope I’ve made you all proud.
“It’s now time for me to move on but Spartans will forever be in my heart and to the SWPL – it’s been a pleasure.
“Your captain Alana Marshall #11”
