Unitt Exits Everton

England left-back Rachel Unitt has left Everton Ladies to join hometown side Birmingham City.

Unitt, 29, has been at Everton for the majority of her senior career with only a brief hiatus in London where she was one of few players to play professionally for Fulham Ladies.

She returned to Everton for the 2004 season and has been an integral part of the team ever since.

The full-back expressed a desire to move clubs at the end of last season and, after lengthy discussions, her request has been granted.

During her long career with the Toffees Unitt became a stalwart in the back four and was regularly selected as England's first choice left-back.

Manager Mo Marley recognised Unitt's contribution and said she had left the club on positive terms.

"On behalf of everyone at Everton Ladies I would like to wish Rachel the best for her future and thank her for her commitment to the club over the past eight years," Marley told evertonfc.com.

Unitt will be returning to Everton with her new club, Birmingham, on Sunday, April 22 (2pm), when Everton kick-off their home campaign for the 2012 WSL Season.