Rianna Jarrett and Laura Rafferty set to depart Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that Rianna Jarrett and Laura Rafferty are to be released by the club when their contracts expires on 30 June.
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland International duo are amongst of sizeable number in the squad whose time is up at the club.
An Albion statement read on Thursday morning 'Head coach Hope Powell has thanked the nine members of her squad whose contracts will not be renewed.
'Kirsty Barton, Jodie Brett, Cecilie Fiskerstrand, Rianna Jarrett, Nora Heroum, Hollie Olding, Laura Rafferty, Beth Roe and Rebekah Stott will leave the club at the end of their contracts on June 30.'
"We have had to make some tough decisions and it's always a difficult time when players are released," said Powell in the statement. "I’d like to thank all the girls who are leaving for their tremendous efforts during their time with the club, especially in the last year when the pandemic has challenged everyone.
"Unfortunately Jodie has had to retire because of injury and Stotty is back in Australia having treatment for cancer, as everyone is aware. We are in touch with Stotty and our thoughts are with her."
On twitter Jarrett said "I'd like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity first and foremost, but more importantly for being so welcoming and helpful. It was a short stint, but filled with some great memories and important lessons learned.
"I'd like to say a special thank you to all the players at Brighton, you guys are an amazing bunch and i wish you all the best going forward, both as individuals and as a club. I couldn't have asked for a better home away from home with you guys."
So my time at @BHAFCWomen has come to an end. I'd like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity first and foremost, but more importantly for being so welcoming and helpful. It was a short stint, but filled with some great memories and important lessons learned. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/uw8HCTB5SZ
— Rianna Jarrett (@RiannaJarrett) May 20, 2021
Meanwhile Laura Rafferty is also looking for a new club after she helped Kenny Shiels' side reach their first major tournament as she started the second leg of the Euro 2022 playoff clash with Ukraine at Seaview.
The defender spent the 2020/21 season out on loan with Bristol City in the Women's Super League as they suffered relegation to the Championship.
Rafferty played 13 times in the WSL for the Robins and claimed one assist in the process in a 3-2 win over Reading setting up Jemma Purfield who found the net.
As well as playing in the league, the 25 year old also featured in four Continental Cup matches as Bristol City defied all odds reaching the final before losing out to WSL champions Chelsea in the showpiece event.
This was Rafferty's first full season back from injury as she ruptured her ACL in the build-up into 2019/20 campaign, which saw her miss the entire season.
Rafferty has won 29 caps in total for Northern Ireland and will hope to be part of the squad ahead of the Euro's in England next summer.
Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris
WATCHLOI set to conclude at upcoming mid-season break https://t.co/dKUAWPTFb5pic.twitter.com/iYz8AKPb29
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