End of an era in WSL as Bright, Kerr, McCabe, Mead and more move on

Titans on the move: The end of an era in the WSLBy Charlotte Marsh, Sky Sports' senior football journalistEvery summer brings change in football - teams move leagues, players move clubs, but this year has a different feel in the WSL.A raft of legendary names are changing their futures. Some are retiring, some are leaving after long, successful spells at one club and others are looking for pastures new.Without a doubt, it is the end of an era. The players that built the league, spearheading the way for women's football in England, are starting to make way for the new generation.Transfer Centre LIVE! | WSL latest newsGot Sky? Watch WSL games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺Watch FREE match highlights from every WSL gameMillie Bright (Chelsea)Millie Bright announced her immediate retirement from football and departure from Chelsea in April, choosing to pursue new opportunities rather than continue playing or take up an ambassador role with the club.The defender had been struggling with injury for years, as well as the mental toll, and abruptly retired from international football ahead of Euro 2025.But she will go down as one of the WSL’s best, having broken the league’s appearance record earlier this year, and helped guide Chelsea through 12 years of unprecedented success.She is a legend and she’s left the game in a better place… she’s bubbly and has so much energy. You feel safe around her very quickly. She helped me a lot and was always there to encourage me and lift me up in moments that I needed it. What she's done at Chelsea and over the course of her career is incredible.England teammate Alessia RussoShe is the Blues’ record appearance holder (314), scoring 19 times on the way to winning all eight of the club's WSL titles to date, with two of those forming part of domestic trebles in 2021 and 2025. Overall, Bright won a total of 20 trophies.Bright was key as England won the Euro 2022 title and led the t...