"Thank you for sticking by my side": Mansfield Town captain Monica Bowley retires after 12 years with Stags
Long-serving Mansfield Town Ladies captain Monica Bowley has made the ‘hard decision’ to hang up her boots.
After a decorated 12-year tenure and more than 200 appearances in amber and blue, the defender has announced her retirement from football.
Her final season with Stags was a successful one, as Andi Bell’s side secured the domestic double to add to their growing trophy count.
Bowley helped Mansfield Town lift both the County Cup and League Cup in May. Her final appearance in the Nottinghamshire FA Women's County Cup final was a fitting farewell match for the skipper, as her side retained the silverware at the One Call Stadium.
“The decision was very hard. I found that the standard of the league and the players was getting better and better, and as much as my heart says I can match that, my body tells me otherwise. But it never stopped me giving my all when I did play,” Bowley told the Chad.
Bowley leaves the game after playing for almost two decades and hopes to continue contributing to the growth of women’s football post-retirement.
Along with her success on the pitch, she has played a key role in developing the grassroots women’s game through her support for the Mansfield Town Community Trust and West Notts College.
Bowley was recognised for her contributions when she received the PFA Community Champion Award in both 2025 and 2026.
Reflecting on her 12 years with the Stags, she pinpointed some milestone memories along the way.
“We became back-to-back County Cup winners – that was special because of how late in my career we won. Both were at the One Call Stadium under the lights, with all my friends, family and the supporters watching. That was a memory I’ll keep, especially as the last final was my retirement game, so that was special to me.
“One memory that really does stick out… I don’t do what I do to be noticed, but someone nominated me to the FA Grassroots and I won the opportunity to play at Wembley and nearly scored on that pitch.
“What a night that was, I was very nervous. I’ve played on some nice pitches but to play at Wembley – the one you see on the telly, the one the big teams go to – that was one to remember, that’s for sure. I’ve got a nice picture frame with my shirt, my wristband and my dirty socks all framed up!”
Bowley may be hanging up her boots but she remains invested in the growth of the Mansfield Town women’s teams and will continue to be tied to the club. Her husband coaches the women’s youth teams and her daughter Ruby is following a similar playing path, as she currently represents the Ladies’ U15s.
“Thank you for sticking by my side. Thank you for believing in what the women’s side of football can bring because not many people believed it, and I dare say I’ve changed a lot of opinions.” Bowley said, addressing those who have supported her throughout her career.
“We look at socials and the amount of people who didn’t even realise we had a ladies’ team… that’s fine, come down and we’ll change that. Come and have a look what we’ve got to offer.
“A massive thanks for everything. To every coach, every friend, every player, they’ve all made a stamp in my career.”