According to Liverpool manager Matt Beard, the retirement of Women’s Super League all-time appearance leader Gilly Flaherty is a “sad day for football.”

Following the passing of her father, Flaherty, who joined with Liverpool last summer, has given up football at the age of 31.

With 177 outings, the former England international holds the record for most appearances in WSL history.

On Friday, Beard added, “We are fully supportive. We hope she can mourn now and move on, to be there for her family.

After winning four WSL championships, seven Women’s FA Cups, and a UEFA Cup, Flaherty announced her retirement on Thursday.

The defender, who in 2011 while representing Arsenal against Chelsea scored the first goal in WSL history, said “losing my dad just before Christmas has left me distraught.”

It’s a sad day for women’s football, Beard stated at his press conference prior to the WSL match against Manchester United on Sunday.

“She is a wonderful person, and we fully respect and support the decision. She was deeply affected by the death of her father and believes that now is the ideal time for her to retire.

After serving as captain of West Ham for four years, Flaherty joined with Liverpool in July 2022.