Women's football: Goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis announces retirement from football

Everton Ladies goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis has announced immediate her retirement from football.

The 34-year-old has spent the last 12 seasons with Everton, winning the FA Women’s Cup in 2010 and helping the club finish runners-up in the women’s top-flight five times.

Brown-Finnis, who has had several serious knee injuries during a career which has also seen her play in America and Iceland, insists retirement is something she has been contemplating for some time.

She said: “It was a tough decision. To be honest, it is something that I have been considering over the past 18 months or so and it is simply down to the amount of pain I suffer with my knee and back over the course of a season.

“It’s down to whether I can continue to withstand that pain after every training session. It is emotional for me but I think now is the right time.”

Brown-Finnis, who was named as Everton Ladies’ Player of the Year in 2012, made her England debut at the age of 16 and went on to win a total of 82 caps for her country.

She has worked for the club’s official charity Everton in the Community for seven years as a coach and will stay on at Everton Ladies as their first ever ambassador.

She said: “We are in new territory. A former player staying on at the club as an ambassador has never been done before.  I am really proud to say that role has been offered to me by Andy Spence and Everton Football Club.

“I’ve played for the club for over 12 years and I also spent seven years with Everton in the Community, so I do have a massive affinity with this club. Anything I can do, with my experience on and off the pitch, I would just love to give that back to a club that has given me so much.”

England Women assistant coach Marieanne Spacey said: “Having played alongside and against Rachel, I am more than aware of her drive and willingness to be the best and these, I am sure, are qualities that Rachel will take into the next stage of her career.

Kelly Simmons, FA head of national game and women’s football, added: "Rachel has made a huge contribution to women's football on and off the pitch throughout her career and her undoubted talent and professionalism has been invaluable to England over the years.

"We would like to thank Rachel for all of her service and dedication to England over the years. I would personally like to wish her every success for her future and I know she will continue to be a fantastic ambassador for the women's game."