Ipswich Women's Blue Wilson to leave the club
She's leaving to focus on opportunities outside of football
Ipswich Town Women's captain Blue Wilson is leaving the club.
The 21-year-old says it's to focus on opportunities outside of football.
Wilson joined Town from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, becoming Joe Sheehan's first signing as manager of the Tractor Girls.
She then took the captain’s armband in 2021.
After suffering a serious knee injury later that year, Blue spent two seasons on the sidelines but made a long-awaited return against Plymouth in March of this year.
However, another setback soon followed as she was forced to undergo a third surgery, which ultimately saw her miss the start of the 2023/24 season.
Now the Norfolk-born midfielder, who is training to become an accountant, has made the difficult decision to leave the club and focus on life outside of the game.
"I smile as I leave"
She explains: “This is a decision I haven’t taken lightly and it’s reached the point I need to be honest with myself, take a step back and review the path for me and how football falls into that.
“It hasn't always been easy and it’s been a roller coaster for sure, but I wouldn’t change it. There have maybe been more downs than ups for me but I have been surrounded by great people and we’ve had so many highs and good times.
"I’ve really enjoyed it and look back on my time positively.
"I smile as I leave.
“It was very difficult to tell my team-mates but everyone has been so supportive, as have the fans, who have been amazing with me.
“Everyone has stuck by me and I will never forget that, so a big thank you to an incredible group.”
Blue departs Ipswich Town having made 22 appearances for the Tractor Girls, scoring twice.
She also played a key part in the Club’s run to the last 16 of the Women’s FA Cup in 2020 and scored the Blues’ Goal of the Season against Crawley Wasps in 2021/22.
Town says it expects to name a new club captain prior to Sunday's fixture away at Billericay.
"Nothing but admiration"
Discussing Blue’s exit, Manager Joe Sheehan said: “This is a really sad moment for me because Blue is someone I’ve known for a long time and has been a huge part in formulating the vision and aspirations which we are still processing today.
“Despite being away from the pitch for so long due to injury, Blue has continued to be our leader off the pitch and has always been an integral part of our group.
“I have nothing but admiration for the way she continued to overcome hurdle after hurdle over such a long period of time and, whilst I am sad she will not be visible in and around our training ground for the foreseeable future, I know a break from football will help her pursue other things in life.
"I know whatever path she chooses she will be destined for success.
“We look forward to welcoming her back to our training ground and the AGL Arena whenever she wishes and she knows our door is always open for her should she need us.
“We wish her nothing but the best for her future and we are all more determined than ever to succeed in the vision that she helped create.”