Stacey John to retire after 14 years with Swansea City
Swansea City Women forward Stacey John has announced her retirement from football, and will bring the curtain down on a 14-year career at the end of the current season.
John, who made her debut during the 2012-13 season against Cardiff City Women, currently sits on 247 appearances for the Swans and has scored 161 goals across a career in which she has served the club with tremendous distinction on the domestic and European fronts.
The former Newcastle Emlyn and Manorbier Ladies striker was the Swans’ top scorer in 2016-17, netting 23 goals across all competitions. She also finished as the Welsh top-flight's top scorer in consecutive seasons, with 14 goals in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns.
During her time at Swansea, John has lifted four Genero Adran Premier titles, two Welsh Cups and the Adran Trophy, and could yet add to her trophy haul in this season's Welsh Cup final on April 19.
John also represented the Swans in the Champions League across four continental campaigns, beginning with the 2017-18 season and also including the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns, facing teams of the calibre of CSKA Moscow and PAOK along the way.
“After 25 years, it is time for me to close a chapter on a sport that I have given my life to," said John as she confirmed her retirement.
"Fourteen years at Swansea City has been nothing short of an incredible journey. From every ball kicked and every game played, to all the highs, the wins, the trophies and the unforgettable experiences — but also the lows, the tough times and the resilience we have had to show along the way.
"Now, though, it is time to close the curtain on the sport that has given me so much, and more importantly, to step away from a club that I have had nothing but pride in representing.
"It has been an honour every single time I stepped onto the pitch to play for the badge.
"It has been a very difficult decision to make. There have been plenty of calls for one more year, but I know now is the right time to bring this chapter to a close.
"I will forever be grateful to the fans, my family and friends — both in and out of the game — for their support through the toughest moments.
"So thank you, Jack Army. Once a Jack always a Jack.”
Swansea City Women head coach Yzzy Taylor said it has been an absolute pleasure to coach John, and believes she will always be one of the first names that comes to mind when people think of Swansea City.
“When you think of Swansea City, you think of Stacey John. For us, it’s a huge loss, but it’s also a huge thank you for everything she has done for the club and for the person she is within this environment," said Taylor.
“She should be incredibly proud of the 14 years she has spent here and the success she has achieved — not only in the trophies she has won, but also for the impact she has had on this club and the role she has played in its development.
“She will be hugely missed, but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her over the past couple of seasons.”
Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Stacey for her incredible contribution to the club over the years and wish her all the very best for the future.