“I don’t like the sound of it,” says Bridie Hannon with a smile, chatting after calling time on her illustrious playing career.

“Do you know what, it is a bittersweet pill to take, I think. I have played football for such a long time, since I was eight years old. To play for a team like Leeds United has been, and I know it sounds really cliché, but it has been a dream come true.

“I have had some amazing opportunities that the club has provided me with and now it is moving onto the next step, I suppose, and handing over the baton.”

The long-serving defender, who has been at the club over a decade, made in excess of 150 appearances for the Whites, and scored 17 goals.

“I was more known for the slide tackles though,” she laughs. Her mood is one of pride; a Leeds United Women’s icon who has been a true pioneer for the sport in the city, through times before the team was brought back under the club’s name.

There is, however, an understandable tinge of sadness for the 35-year-old, who admits the decision to hang up her boots has not been an easy one but family commitments, amongst other things, meant she knew the time was right.

“I had two little babies last year. Things change, don’t they? I work full-time as well! This has always just been a hobby of mine, albeit an amazing hobby, let’s say. So, circumstances have changed but I am excited for what is to come.”

Bridie’s footballing journey began aged just eight, playing the game on the playground with boys at school, before going on to join a local girls’ team.

A move to more established clubs soon followed, with Hannon going on to represent Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers Belles and Bradford City, as well as enjoying a short stint across the pond in the States.

Then, just over 10 years ago, the central defender linked up with what would go on to become Leeds United Women once more, playing an instrumental rise in the club’s ascendency to where it is today and where it aspires to be in the future.

“I always say I wish I was born a few years later. For me growing up, I always wanted to be a footballer, and my dad used to always tell me that I needed to do something else.

“It was much more of a challenge back then but there are opportunities now, and this is why I like to do so much in the community and share my experiences, but also just to pass the knowledge on and try and inspire the next generation.”

Captaining the side on 41 occasions, Hannon led from the front on the pitch and played a crucial role in helping the club to lift silverware back in 2023, instrumental in the 2023 FA Women’s National League Plate success after victory over Stourbridge in the final.

Individual accolades followed too, notably Players’ Player of the Season in 2021 and also becoming the first woman to be nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season award.

“You play football, you want to win trophies and those situations don’t come around very often,” she continues, discussing the Plate victory and the lifelong memories made that afternoon.

“That is what we aspire to win at the end of the day and these are the moments that you cherish. We were at Elland Road a few weeks later, parading the trophy in front of all the fans and that was really quite special.

“I was really pleased that I managed to play a big part in that, as well as playing in the FA Cup and getting to the point where we played against Arsenal. Unfortunately, injuries hampered me a little bit and therefore I didn’t play as much as I would have liked to in that game, but still to go down to London and be part of something like that was quite special.”

After working her way back to fitness following maternity leave, Hannon made a number of appearances for the Whites’ Under-23s side this campaign, helping to pass on her invaluable experiences for those looking to break into the first team.

“I would like to see the Women’s team going on to get into the WSL and I think part of that is seeing the youth come through,” she continues.

“I think if I can do anything to inspire the next generation in terms of the academy girls coming through and hopefully representing the club, then I feel like that is my job done.”

The community aspect if something equally as important as pulling on the white shirt for Bridie who, throughout her years with United, has championed the work of the Leeds United Foundation and gave vast amounts of her time attending events run across countless different initiatives and programmes.

Her next venture comes with the club’s official charity with more information about the new exciting role to follow, continuing her longstanding passion of giving back to the region, something that saw her recognised as one of the most influential women in the city last Autumn.

Speaking to LUTV, with whom supporters will often see her pass on her expert analysis on co-commentary and punditry duties, Bridie sums up her stellar career in typically unassuming fashion, taking the time to firstly thank her coaches and teammates, before then reflecting on the journey she has been on.

“I would say fulfilling,” Hannon ends the interview proudly. “I never expected to have over 150 appearances for the club and to captain the team as well. That has been a real, real honour and I feel proud and privileged to be part of the club.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for everyone around me, so just a massive thank you to everyone that has contributed to that.”

Congratulations Bridie!