Notts County have agreed to release defender Maja Krantz from her contract before the season finishes.
Brief spell in Nottingham
Having only joined in January, Krantz started her league career with a strong first-night performance against Manchester City and has been a constant figure for the side either on the pitch or the bench. Originally brought in to replace Liverpool-bound Alex Greenwood, Krantz offered stability at the back although not as much punch going forward as Greenwood.
With opposite full-back Sophie Walton sitting out this season due to her pregnancy, the Notts back-line hasn’t always looked too sure and settled. With defenders and midfielders routinely subbed in and out during second-halves, Krantz always offered composure and a steady-head and her loss will come as a blow to the Lady Pies.
Opportunities outside of football
Although specific details haven’t been released by either player of club, Krantz has been offered an opportunity outside of the sport and is unable to see the season out. Both manager Rick Passmoor and chief executive, Matthew Alexander were full of praise for the Swedish defender, unwilling to stand in her way.
Alexander explained that whilst at first the club was reluctant to let Krantz go before the season drew to a close, after he and others had sat down with the defender it became clear that it was in Krantz’ best interests to be released. He spoke of a duty of care to players, keen to aid those with a pathway after their playing time, either in or outside of the football world.
Speaking to the club website, Krantz spoke of the difficulty in deciding to leave the Nottingham club, having enjoyed her time in England, thoroughly appreciative of both the club and fans. Krantz has been candid about the opportunity that was offered to her, but has already received a strong outpouring from the club and fans, wishing her well in the future.
Krantz will be available to Rick Passmoor for Notts’ home tie to Arsenal this weekend as well as the away trip to Chelsea in the middle of next week, but will leave with the Pies still to play four league matches.
The news comes just a day after Sophie Bradley-Auckland posted on social media to update people about what appears to be her third ACL injury, and a month after recent signing Lizzie Durack was ruled unable to play in the FA WSL. The Notts squad starting to look a little thin on the ground.