Derby County Women midfielder Lara Miller has made the decision to step away from playing football.
Miller joined the Ewes ahead of the 2024/25 season to provide another option for Head Coach Sam Griffiths to call upon in the middle of the park.
She began her career with Manchester United’s academy before making the move across the city to Manchester City.
Her first move into senior football came in the 2021/22 campaign when Miller joined Lewes in the Championship, before signing with Sheffield United for the following season.
She went on to have a spell at Burnley in the 2023/24 campaign ahead of linking up with the Ewes and she made eight appearances in all competitions during the first half of the season.
She posted on her Instagram page: “I have made the tough decision to take a step away from the playing the game I love and have given everything to. I've taken time and space to come to this and although hard, it feels like the right thing right now and I feel a weight off my shoulders to be doing this on my own terms. Coming back from major knee surgery twice before the age of 22 while trying to break through in an unstable game has had its major challenges amongst many other things and those close to me know how hard I've worked to keep my dream alive. The reality has been frightening at times and I've realised this isn't my only dream, I have so much more to give and do and it's time to take a different opportunity.
“Playing has given me some unbelievable times with amazing people and invaluable life lessons which I will carry forward into my next adventures. Football will always remain a massive part of my life, just in a different way and who knows what the future holds! I'd like to thank everyone at Derby for their patience and understanding, I'll now be a fan! Also, to my family for standing by and supporting me all the way.”
Derby County would like to take the opportunity to wish Lara well in her future career and express its thanks for her efforts during the current season.
