FC Kilmarnock player Julie hangs up her boots

Jun 12 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

A FOOTBALLER has finally hung up her boots after 27 years with the same team.

Julie Smith, 35, retired from FC Kilmarnock at the end of the season after helping the side avoid relegation.

The Kilmarnock-born defender has had a glittering career with the team, which started off as Stewarton Thistle ladies and changed to FC Killie in 1999.

She has also earned an amazing 75 caps playing for Scotland, and has been all over the world with the national team.

Julie, a development scientist in Edinburgh, said: “It’s all still feels quite new. It was a sad moment when I realised that was it as far as playing football goes.

“Football has been such a big part of my life since I was a young child, so it may be hard to give it up all together. I’ve basically been with the same club since I was nine.

“I’m going to take my time before I decide what my next move will be, but I may go into coaching in the future.”

Julie retired from international football in October 2006 and initially was going to retire from club football as well.

Julie said: “I thought I still had more to give to the club, so I decided to carry on.

“I still wanted to help out, and this year has been difficult, fighting relegation, but in the end a strong finish meant we finished eighth.

“I’m going to have a lot more time on my hands now and it certainly is a new chapter in my life.”

Julie’s parents, who stay in Kilmarnock, have been keen supporters of their daughter and have followed her career all over the world.

Dad John said: “You couldn’t find prouder parents. Julie’s career has given her mum and me so much pleasure over the years, and we’ve made such great friends along the way.

“One of my proudest moments was seeing her being presented with her 50th cap for Scotland at the Ukraine game at Livingston.

“Julie deserves to be recognised for her achievements and it’s not often you hear of a player who stays loyal to a club for nearly 27 years.”