Kim to call time on her famous career

Perth Glory can confirm long-serving defender Kim Carroll has announced his intention to retire at the end of the current Liberty A-League season.

The 35-year-old is in her seventh season with the club and has made a total of 91 A-League Women’s appearances, taking her career tally in the competition to over 150 this year.

Carroll joined Glory ahead of the 2015/16 campaign, winning a Premiership and two Championships with Brisbane Roar and immediately becoming a mainstay of the club’s defence.

Either side of a one-season return to the Roar in 2020/21, he moved into fourth position on the Glory’s all-time appearances list and scored his first goal in purple against Canberra United in December 2019.

As well as being one of the domestic competition’s greatest ever defenders, Carroll enjoyed an illustrious international career, winning 54 Matildas caps and being part of the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup squad.

Having started all but one of Glory’s ALW games this season, he admitted the decision to hang up his boots at the end has not been easy.

“The last two seasons, it’s been on my mind,” he said.

“I would like to play forever, but that is not reality.

“The intention was to stop when I stopped enjoying it, but it hasn’t been like that because I’m still enjoying it and I’m maintaining my level and being competitive.

“But I think it’s the right time.

“I wanted to finish on my terms, don’t play until I’m enjoying myself and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.

“Now I have a partner and I’m looking to enjoy life outside of football.

““Perth means a lot to me and it’s become home in a sense and the fans have been great over the years.

“I want to thank my partner and my family, the wonderful players I have played with throughout my career.

“There is also my boss at work, who has been very understanding and along the way there have been many coaches and support staff and clubs I have kept in touch with.

“Once the season is over, it will be nice to have a quiet holiday and then focus on my other career and hopefully a family.”

Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis praised Carroll’s contribution to his prestigious club and international career.

“Kim has served the women’s game and the wider Australian football context for a long time,” he said.

“His decision to retire at the end of the season is one I respect and I’m very pleased he was able to make this decision on his own terms and in his own time.

“He has been a huge contributor to the team and the club and over the last two seasons, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach him and rely on his experience and leadership.

“It’s definitely made me a better coach along the way.

“She’s definitely had a huge impact on the game, both on and off the field, and at the same time moving the women’s game forward.

“I will always be grateful to have been a part of his career and I hope he continues to be successful in other areas of his life away from football.

“Kim will always be welcome at the club and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Anthony Radich.

“Kim’s place as one of Glory’s greats is well and truly assured,” he said.

“Her contribution to the club, on and off the field, has been immense and it is hard to imagine our A-League Women’s team without her.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Perth Glory, I would like to thank Kim for his excellent service and wish him and his partner all the best for the future.

“He will always be a valued member of the Glory family.”

Carroll’s final appearance for Glory will come in Sunday’s clash with Melbourne City at Macedonia Park (kick-off 3pm).

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