Sheffield United midfielder Sophie Walton has confirmed that she is retiring from playing at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a 17-year playing career which has seen her represent Leeds United, Notts County, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Guiseley Vixens, Nottingham Forest and latest club Sheffield United.
Walton took to her personal Twitter account earlier today to confirm her retirement. The player is in-line to make her final career appearance when Sheffield United face Crystal Palace in an FA Women’s Championship fixture at the New York Stadium in Rotherham tomorrow.
End of one chapter & the start of another… thank you ⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/2LswU29cxH
— Sophie Walton (@SophieWalton14) April 30, 2022
Walton joined The Blades in 2020 and she has gone on to make 31 appearances for the club in all competitions. The midfielder has made 13 appearances for the South Yorkshire club in this season’s FA Women’s Championship.
Reflecting on the player’s decision to retire, Sheffield United head coach Neil Redfearn told the club’s official media sources “I would like to thank Sophie for her hard work and dedication over my periods with both Belles and Sheffield United. A leader and a winner that has great technical ability will be sorely missed, but we all wish her well in her retirement.”
Walton is one of two Sheffield United midfielders to be retiring this summer. Kasia Lipka also announced her decision to hang up her boots earlier this week.