'Honour' to be inducted into WSL Hall of Fame

Kerys Harop is now a lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton [University of Wolverhampton]

Footballer Kerys Harop said it was a "real privilege" and an honour to be inducted into the Women's Super League (WSL) Hall of Fame.

The former England and Birmingham City defender was named as one of the newest inductees, along with Casey Stoney and late Liverpool manager Matt Beard, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to women's football.

Harop made over 180 appearances in the WSL and held the competition's all‑time appearances record until after her retirement.

"I never thought I would ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so it is a brilliant celebration of my career at Birmingham and Tottenham, and the great times I had throughout my career," she said.

While at Birmingham City, Harop helped secure victory in the 2012 Women's FA Cup and played in the UEFA Women's Champions League 2014, before later joining Tottenham Hotspur Women.

After retiring from football, she completed postgraduate study, including a PGCE, and is now a lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, teaching within sport‑related degree programmes.

Speaking of her fellow inductees, Harop said: "I looked up to Casey as a fellow central defender as she was a great leader on and off the pitch.

"Matt was so well thought of across the whole women's football community and helped push the game to new levels."

She added it was a "real honour" to be inducted alongside the pair and was looking forwards to the awards evening in May.

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