Jemma Rose to retire from competitive football

Experienced Argyle midfielder Jemma Rose will retire at the end of the 2023/24 FA  Women’s  National League season, playing her final game in green this Sunday, against MK Dons. 

Jemma steps away from football following an exceptional career that began with Argyle in the 2007/08 season, where she featured on 16 occasions, scoring once under the side managed by her father, Kevin. 

Following spells with Bristol  City’s  Academy and Birmingham City she  made the move  to Arsenal,  where she continued to flourish, and helped the Gunners lift the  Women’s  FA Cup in the 2015/16 season.  

Prior to her departure from  the Gunners,  and subsequent sabbatical from football, Rose represented England in their Euro 2017 Qualifying campaign, where she came on as a late substitute in a 1-0 victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

After three years of life away from football, Rose would return to Argyle once more under the management of Ryan Perks, in 2021, racking up 50 further appearances and  scoring  on 11 occasions.  

Making her announcement on Argyle TV, Jemma said: “I  made the decision  earlier this year that this season will be my last for Argyle, and in football, so that I can focus on family and my own life as well. 

“This  wasn’t  an easy decision for me, as football has been a  huge  part of my life for so long.  From playing for Argyle when I was 16 years old to  then  moving away from home to pursue my dream of becoming a professional  footballer, it’s  been an incredible journey. To end  it in an Argyle shirt will be an emotional one this Sunday. 

“Although it will be sad to see an end to my time on the pitch,  I’ll  now have the time to  put my full  focus on my family.  Later this year,  my partner and  I will both  become mums, which  is  something  amazing to look forward to.  

“Hopefully,  I’ll  also look to get into coaching, as well as  continue to focus on my job, but my priority will be being the best mum I can be whilst making new memories with my loved ones.” 

Manager Ryan Perks added his best wishes to Jemma for the next chapter in her story.  

“It's  been fantastic to work with Jemma over the last  three  seasons,” he said. “She's  a tremendous person and player.  She's  had a great football career and  hopefully many more years to come, just on the other side of the touchline.” 

Thank you, Jemma.