Lauren Davey received dual recognition as she bade an emotional farewell to her playing career at Watford Ladies during the club's annual awards last night.

The Golden Girls’ popular captain and goalkeeper hung up her gloves at the end of the Women’s Super League 2 season, having decided to call time on her career following a succession of injuries. And her considerable contribution to the club was recognised with the Player’s Player of the Year and manager John Salomon’s own honour, as well as a host of tributes from her teammates and the club’s coaching staff.

Salomon said: “Thank you for being such an excellent captain and a role model for everybody at the club.”

Talking about her retirement, Davey admitted it had been a “really difficult decision”, adding “[It was] not one I wanted to make but I have to be a bit sensible if I wanted to be able to walk by the time I am 30.”

The former goalkeeper is hoping to stay involved with the club in some capacity though, and she explained: “I will try and stay around as much as I can. I’m not sure in what form yet but I will try and stay around.”

A total of eight awards were handed out at the awards ceremony, held in Elton’s at Watford FC, and Megan Wynne was crowned the club’s Player of the Season.

The Golden Girls have benefited from the vocal backing of The 1881 movement this season and Roy Moore from the supporters’ group presented the Goal of the Season award. That went to Kate Natkiel for her powerful strike against Yeovil Town and she also shared the top goalscorer honour with Jo Wilson; both players having netted eight times in all competitions last season.

Another goalkeeper, Shayla Burgess, won the Most Improved honour, while Renee Hector was named Community Ambassador of the Year.

Watford Ladies also inducted two more people into its Hall of Fame – former manager Sian Williams and club founder Doug Hewish, who has also become the Golden Girls’ president.