FORMER Brighton star Fern Whelan has given fans a highly anticipated pregnancy update after posting an adorable snap on Twitter.
The ex-Seagulls defender, 32, is expecting a baby this year with Brighton striker and long term partner Aileen Whelan, 29.
The duo announced their pregnancy in October after Fern hung up her boots in September, having been dogged with long-term injuries.
Alongside a picture of her bump, Fern wrote on Twitter: “Patiently waiting for our new year with you!”
The couple arrived at the South Coast side in 2017, having played alongside each other at Everton and Notts County.
They helped the club gain promotion to the top tier in her first season.
And ensured Brighton retained their WSL status with ease last term, finishing ninth.
But Albion centre-back, Fern, was forced to called time on her career following advice from medics after battling knee and ankle injuries.
At the time, she said: “It is with a heavy heart that I can finally announce my retirement from the beautiful game.
“This decision has not been easy, and has not been taken lightly, but I feel that now is the right time to end the ongoing love-hate relationship that myself and football have.
“I am thankful for the amazing experiences the sport has given me, the players I have been lucky enough to play with and against, and the friends I have made along the way.
“Mo Marley and Hope Powell gave me highlights I will never forget, playing for England and winning my first FA Cup.
“But it’s no secret that my football journey is filled with anger, loss and what ifs due to having such a nasty injury that unfortunately kept me from the game for two years.”
Aileen juggles full time football with work as a child play therapist, having studied a masters in child psychology.
Brighton’s Fliss Gibbons is pleased to be a role model for woman’s football
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
