Rachel Furness, our first goalscorer in the WSL, announces retirement

Rachel Furness, who carved her name in club history as our first goalscorer in the Women's Super League, has announced her retirement from professional football.

Signed on loan from Reading in September, 2019, the legendary Northern Ireland international started our first WSL game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before scoring that landmark first goal to secure our first WSL win against Liverpool at The Hive, Barnet on 15 September.

Recalled by Reading that December, Rachel made 11 appearances for us in the WSL and League Cup and played in some of the team's biggest-ever matches including that WSL opener at Stamford Bridge, a win against West Ham at the London Stadium and our first NLD in the WSL which attracted a then-record WSL crowd of 38,262 to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 17 November, 2019.

Her country’s record goalscorer, Rachel netted 38 times in 95 caps for Northern Ireland, helping the nation reach their first major women’s tournament at Euro 2022.

Starting her career at Sunderland, she also had spells at Newcastle United, Grindavik, Sunderland again, Reading, Spurs, Liverpool, Bristol City and finally back to Newcastle. After departing the Reds in February 2023, she wrapped up her career with Bristol City and then a second switch to Newcastle.

Rachel said: "I've been in football a long time and I'd like to think over the years I've made a difference, especially with Northern Ireland. That's all I ever wanted; I wanted to make a difference and help pave the way for all you coming through."