Durham forward Jess Clarke has made the decision to take a step back from professional football after this weekend’s Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against Sunderland at Maiden Castle.
The Wildcats announced the news via a post on their official club website this afternoon.
It has been reported that Clarke has been offered a job opportunity away from the game and she will therefore end her spell as a player at Durham after the club’s A690 derby against Sunderland. The former England international will continue her involvement with The Wildcats in an alternative capacity.
Speaking about her decision to pull away from the professional game, Clarke said “I’ve been offered a job role in a field I’ve worked in before and it is something I’ve always wanted to pursue.
“It’s something that allows me to have a career path after football. It was a very difficult decision, but I had to be realistic and look at life after football.
“Durham will always be in my heart and I’m glad it’s not a complete goodbye and I can stay involved and support the club and the girls.”
Clarke joined Durham in summer 2022. The player has gone on to make 36 appearances for the club in all competitions while she has scored five goals. Durham fans will look back fondly on the forward’s spell as a player at Maiden Castle.
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