NewsAshley Hodson announces retirement from football

As a Reds academy graduate, Hodson rose through the ranks to make 135 appearances for Liverpool across a spell of almost a decade on Merseyside.

Hodson made her Reds debut in 2014 and was the club’s record appearance holder in the professional era until last November, when her tally was surpassed by Gemma Bonner.

She was part of the Liverpool squad that won the Barclays Women’s Super League title in her first campaign, before later adding the FA Women’s Championship title in 2022 by helping the Reds back into the top tier.

Having spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Birmingham City, Hodson went on to join Sheffield United on a permanent basis in the summer of 2023, though will now bring her playing career to a close.

Hodson said in a statement on social media: “Football has been the biggest part of my life since the age of five but it is time to announce my retirement from professional football.

“It has filled me with so much joy for so many years and given me some of the proudest moments throughout the past 11 years and there are so many people to thank for that (too many to name).

“However, special thanks to my previous clubs Liverpool, Birmingham and Sheffield for putting up with me, my agent Steve for your help throughout the years and my family (especially my dad, no.1 fan) for the countless hours of travelling and support they have given me over the years.

“I have made some of the best memories, met amazing people along the way and made friends for life and for that I will be forever grateful.“Thank you football, you will forever have my heart.”