Aston Villa Women midfielder Lucy Staniforth will retire from playing professional football at the end of the season. The Villans announced the news via a post on their official club website this morning.

What happened?

Lucy Staniforth started out with Sunderland where she enjoyed two spells. She has also turned out for Lincoln Ladies, Bristol Academy, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Manchester United and latest club Aston Villa.

Career highlights

The midfielder has clocked up well over 250 appearances at club level while she won the old FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division and FAWSL titles. On the international stage, Staniforth was capped by England on 17 occasions in which she scored two goals.

Reaction from the club

After Staniforth’s retirement was announced, Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers said “Having played alongside Stan, I know the qualities she brings both as a player and a person.” Aston Villa will honour Staniforth ahead of this weekend’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal at Villa Park.

Current context

As of 28 Jun 2026, Aston Villa Women are 9th in FA WSL, with 20 points from 22 games, and a recent form of LLLLW. They have scored 28 goals and conceded 48, with a goal difference of -20. The team is 35 points behind leaders Manchester City W.

CategoryValue
League standing9th in FA WSL
Points20
Games played22
Recent formLLLLW
Goals scored28
Goals conceded48
Goal difference-20
Points behind leaders35