CLARE Shine received a standing ovation at Petershill Park after being substituted 14 minutes from time in Glasgow City's 2-0 win over Hearts. It was her final match for the club after announcing her retiral from football on Saturday.
“It was emotional – I don't think I have a tear left inside me,” the 27-year-old Republic of Ireland striker admitted. “It wasn't an easy decision to retire, but it's something I've been thinking about for quite some time now.”
Shine, who admitted to addiction and mental health issues in her recently published book, failed to add to her 70 goals for the club but came very close on four occasions, including an attempt from the edge of the box which rebounded back off the bar. Jenna Clark, with a powerful header from a Hayley Lauder cross, and Lauren Davidson got the City goals.
“I'm in a good place at the moment,” Shine said. “I'm sober, I'm happy and it's just the emotional and physical aspects to football that I struggle with, especially professional football.
“It's taking its toll and I need to put my happiness and wellbeing first. I love football, and I love my team-mates and the club, but I struggle with that balance between the highs and the lows.”
Despite six wins from six, City remain third behind leaders Rangers and second placed Celtic on goal difference. Rangers, who travel to Portugal tomorrow for the second leg of their second round Champions League tie, beat Motherwell 4-0 at Broadwood, while Celtic were 3-0 winners over Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium.
Partick Thistle got their first win of the season with an 8-1 demolition of bottom club Glasgow Women. Dundee United beat Hamilton Accies 3-2, and in the other SWPL game Spartans and Hibernian drew 2-2 at Ainslie Park.
