GREENHALGH ENJOYS ‘PERFECT ENDING’ TO CAREER WITH TURF BOW

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Striker retires on back of unforgettable first-ever Turf outing

2023-05-01T11:30:00.000Z

GREENHALGH ENJOYS ‘PERFECT ENDING’ TO CAREER WITH TURF BOW

Striker retires on back of unforgettable first-ever Turf outing

2023-05-01T11:30:00.000Z

Striker retires on back of unforgettable first-ever Turf outing

Sarah Greenhalgh says that Sunday’s victory against Liverpool Feds at Turf Moor was the ‘perfect ending’ to her career, and to a decade-long association with the Club.

The striker, who has seen an incredible transformation of Burnley FC Women over the last 10 years, announced before the game that it would be her last.

And after goals from Evie Priestley & Courtney Willis completed a turnaround to seal a historic 2-1 win, Greenhalgh reflected on a ‘dream day’ to bow out.

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“From when I first signed here 10 years ago, it’s been a massive journey of highs and lows, but there’s so many memories and so many good friends that I’ve made along the way.

“If I could’ve chosen back then how I’d go out of the game, this would’ve been it right here at Turf Moor.

“Coming here today and stepping out onto the pitch with the girls, with my kids by my side, I couldn’t have asked for anything more to be honest. It’s the right time for me to bow out now, and going out on a high like this is just a dream.

“To get the win too, I just felt like we couldn’t come away with anything less to mark this occasion, honestly it’s just been amazing.”

Pre-game, the forward – who is among the most decorated players in the history of the Claret Women – was presented with a commemorative shirt to mark her retirement.

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Affectionately known as ‘Buff’ by all at the Club, with her maiden name ‘Buffel’ still donned on the back of her shirt this season, Greenhalgh was withdrawn midway through the second half, leaving the field for the last time, and rapturous applause rang around Turf Moor from the near-3000 in attendance.

Reflecting on an emotional day, she added, “I’ve been so up and down with it all over the last few days, and I’ve had everyone asking how I’ve been feeling but I’ve just been saying ‘I’m not sure!’

“I obviously knew those feelings were there, but it was when I got called over and given the shirt that I really started filling up.

“When I came off, I wanted to give all of the girls hugs because I just wanted them to go on and finish the game off well. It’s been an absolute privilege to share the pitch with all of them, and that’s what I’ve said to them in the dressing room.

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“I’ve known some of them for years, like Lauren [Bracewell], and we go way back. Some of them have come in even just a few months ago, but they’ve slotted straight in, and it’s just really felt like a family.

“In the crowd here today, I had everyone you can imagine here, and they’ve all really come and shown their support for me too which is amazing. I think that’s what’s made me emotional as well, the fact that so many people have come here to show me their support.”

Having fallen behind early on against Feds, with a goal from ex-Claret Katie Thomas, Greenhalgh came close to marking the occasion with one of her own, though saw a strike ruled out for an offside call.

Instead, she watched on from the bench as Priestley & Willis grabbed the all-important goals to give the day the result it deserved. Nonetheless, the forward knows this will be a day she’ll always remember.

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“The only way it could’ve been better is if I’d got a goal myself! I mean I did, it was just ruled out for that offside. It would’ve been nice for that to stand, but I still feel like I have scored at Turf Moor at least, it just didn’t stand.

“I’ll leave that bit out when I tell the tale in years to come! Honestly though, what an amazing day. I couldn’t sit still on the bench watching our goals go in, especially the leveller from Evie P as she got that header.

“I’m standing here now laughing at it because when Evie first came to us as a youngster, she wasn’t the best at heading, and we always used to joke about it with her!

“This year especially though, she’s scored goals with her head and assisted them with it too, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. Then Courtney going on and getting the winner, I told her on the bench to go on and get a goal for me and she did just that.

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“That win today just epitomised these girls, we don’t give up, and I’m looking forward to supporting them next year just from the other side of the white line. I’ll be at their games for sure, nobody’s getting rid of me anytime soon!”

Thankyou for everything, Buff! Enjoy your retirement, and we will see you soon. Once a Claret, always a Claret.