Scottish international Leanne Ross announced her retirement this past week from football. During her career she amassed 133 Scotland caps, participating in both the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2017 UEFA Women’s Championship.
At the club level she had spent a significant portion of her club career at Glasgow City FC. After joining Glasgow in 2007, she went on to win fourteen consecutive Scottish Women Premier League titles, becoming Scotland’s most decorated player in the process.
In total she made 354 starts for the Glaswegian side scoring a remarkable 264 goals, the club’s record. Of these appearances more 50 were in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Glasgow made it as far as the quarter-finals twice during her fourteen seasons, most recently in 2019-20.
Speaking of her retirement Ross stated, “It hasn’t been an easy decision to call time on my playing career but I feel now is the right time.
“I have spent 14 happy and successful years at Glasgow City and have been privileged to have played with and captained so many amazing people and footballers. This club means so much more to me than just football, it has become my extended family. I have so many special memories and have made lifelong friends, it’s a journey I wouldn’t change for the world.
“I am excited to embark on a new chapter of my career and am delighted it is with Glasgow City, a place that I call home.”
Her journey in Scottish football with Glasgow City FC is therefore not over yet. Ross will continue on with the club by taking up a role as an Assistant Coach with the first team. Ross’ experience will be invaluable to Glasgow, especially considering the recent change in management. Former head coach Scott Booth recently departed to join FAWSL side Birmingham City. Grant Scott has since been appointed interim head coach and will welcome Ross by his side.
Despite the legacy of winning the upcoming season will prove difficult. The SPLW has undergone many changes in the last few years. On top of changing to a winter schedule last year, it has seen increased professionalization. More than 70 players are now full time across the league. This has lead to a the rise of competition, Rangers and Celtic in particular. All are vying for Glasgow’s crown.
