Ladies legend Steph set to hang up boots

SUNDERLAND Ladies legend Stephanie Bannon will bow out today after 15 years of loyal service to the Lady Black Cats.

Stephanie, 28, is retiring from professional football to focus on her career as a PE teacher.

But the Sunderland captain is hoping to go out in style as her side take on Reading at Hetton today (3pm).

“Having played for Sunderland for almost 15 years I am sure you will understand it has not been an easy decision for me to make, and it is not one I have just thought about overnight. But now is the right time for me to step aside and enjoy different parts of my life,” said Stephanie (pictured below).

“Football is very intense and takes up a lot of nights and weekends, and while I have loved each and every season with Sunderland, I feel the time is right for me to have some time off and spend time with my family and friends.

“It’s been a massive commitment and very difficult at times to do both teaching and football at the high standard that is expected, and I will now be focusing solely on my teaching career.

“I have made some amazing friends and memories that will last a lifetime and of course I will continue to support both the women and men’s teams.

“Sunderland is in my blood, and I guess they say, the hardest decision is sometimes the right one - all good times have to come to an end.”

Stephanie joined Sunderland aged just 14, going on to captain the side from the tender age of 18.

Highlights of her long career with the club include an FA Cup final against Arsenal in 2009, and three National Premier League titles.

In 2012-13, she was named the WPL Player of the Year.

Sonia Kulkami, general manager of Sunderland AFC Ladies, said: “On behalf of everyone at Sunderland AFC, I’d like to thank Steph for the commitment she has shown Sunderland Ladies over so many years.

“What she has achieved both as a player and person in her time here is phenomenal, and the club has benefited enormously from the leadership and dedication she has shown. She will be sorely missed by everyone associated with Sunderland AFC.”