Former captain and long-serving centre-back Georgie Rafferty will depart the women of steel after five years in claret and amber.
The former SWPL, SWPL Cup and SWF Scottish Cup champion, joined a newly-promoted Motherwell side in the summer of 2019 following a productive spell in Glasgow with Celtic, as the Lanarkshire side prepared for their first season of top-flight football.
Five seasons in claret and amber followed, with the defender facing the highs of the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and the lows of a serious injury which ruled the 27-year-old out of action for over two years.
“It’s been a really difficult decision to leave the club this summer,” Rafferty noted.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent the club for a few years now and it’s been extremely special, particularly getting to wear that armband on several occasions throughout the years.
“I’ve came to a bit of a crossroads between my personal and football career. I’m now a qualified paramedic, and it feels the right time to move on from the club and onto the next chapter in my footballing and personal career.”
Since making the switch to North Lanarkshire in the summer of 2019, Rafferty played a pivotal role in etching the women of steel into the history books; guiding the club to two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances. The latter proving to be an historic occasion for the side, becoming the first Scottish women’s team to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at the national stadium, Hampden Park.
“I think I’ve really matured as a person and as a player throughout my time at the club,” Rafferty explained.
“The club has been a big part of my career and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Motherwell on many occasions. Without a doubt, the most special moment was playing at Hampden in the Scottish cup semi-final. I think most of the girls involved in that day would say the same, not everyone can say they’ve played at the national stadium so it definitely was a special moment walking out onto that pitch.
“I think the clubs came on massively since I joined. Paul and Leanne work tirelessly to make the club a more professional environment on and off the field.”
The experienced defender had to face a tough injury setback throughout her time in claret and amber, with a major knee concern ruling Rafferty out of action in her debut season at the club.
“I’ve had a really difficult time with injuries, Rafferty detailed.
“Unfortunately in my first season at the club, I had a bad knee injury which had left me out for just over two years. I had a couple of operations and unfortunately at the time support had to be very limited as a result of covid. The club was going through a new management change at the time, so mentally it was really difficult for me as I wasn’t sure what the future held.
“I was told due to the severity of injury that I may not play again, so I’m very grateful for the club and staff to have given me the opportunity to get back onto the pitch and kicking a ball again.”
Despite the tough injury setback, Rafferty thanked the club staff for supporting her return to action and will continue to support the club whilst starting the next chapter of her footballing journey.
“I need to give massive praise to the club physio at the time, Aileen,” Rafferty said.
“I can’t thank her enough for all her support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without her encouragement and assistance.
“I’d just like to say thanks to Paul and all the club staff for their support throughout the years at the club. I’ll still be supporting and cheering the girls on and I wish everyone involved at the club all the best going forward!”
The club would like to thank Georgie for her efforts and dedication throughout her time at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.
