Steph Houghton signs new deal with Manchester City to see her into 10th season | OneFootball

Manchester City have announced that Steph Houghton has signed a new one-year deal with the club. The upcoming season will mark the centre-back’s tenth in the sky blue colours of City.

Joining the club back in November 2013, Houghton was made captain ahead of the team’s relaunch the following year.

The 35-year-old is City’s all-time women’s leading appearance maker, with 233 in all competitions. Bagging 21 goals throughout her time with the club — with two coming in her last six games — Houghton has become synonymous with the club. Captaining the side to four League Cups, three FA Cups and a Women’s Super League title, the defender has undoubtedly written her name in the history books.

Houghton ‘over the moon’ with extension

Speaking on her new deal Houghton said: “I’m over the moon to have another year to look forward to at this amazing Club. Manchester City has been my home for almost ten years, and I love everything about it. It’s my club, and to sign for another year, I’m absolutely buzzing.

“When I first joined, I just wanted to be here as long as I could, and to play at the top level, so I never really put a number on it. Once you get closer to that decade mark though, you do think about the idea of hitting that milestone. I feel good in myself and my body, and I’m really enjoying my football, so it was an easy decision for me in all honesty.

“Both on and off the pitch, I feel as though I’ve got a lot to give in terms of my expertise and experience with the rest of the girls, and I’ll be continuing to support everyone as much as I can. Ultimately though, my happiness has always been the most important thing for me in my career, and I am so happy to be sitting here with another year in City blue to come.”

Image courtesy of Manchester City

Gareth Taylor delighted with new deal

Head coach Gareth Taylor is also thrilled to have secured his captain’s future with the club and has described it as “fantastic news.”

He said on Houghton: “She is such a huge part of the Club as a whole and the impact she has had during her time here so far — whether it be on or off the pitch — is testament to that. Steph is such an important member of our squad and her experience is invaluable. She is the consummate professional, with her team mentality at the forefront of everything that she does.

“Over 230 appearances and eight trophies show exactly how important she has been to the growth of this Club, and the fact that she will surpass a decade of service with this new deal is thoroughly deserved. Her hunger and desire to win and succeed is something that makes her one of the game’s legends, and having the opportunity to work with her for another year is something we’re all thrilled about.”

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