And our colossal former defender says Alex Greenwood has deservedly received the armband in the wake of her retirement at the end of last season.
After 242 appearances and eight major honours at the Club from 2014, and an illustrious career spanning 22 years, Houghton hung up her boots after the shutters fell on the 2023/24 term.
During that time, she expertly led City for over a decade following our professional relaunch and consistently raised and set standards across the women’s game.
Now, she has passed the baton onto Greenwood who will assume the role ahead of the 2024/25 Barclays Women’s Super League season.
And Houghton believes the England international is the perfect successor who will lead by example in her own way.
“Alex really deserves this role,” she declared.
“If I wasn’t playing last season, she pretty much took the captain’s armband every single game and led the team really well.
“Every captain is going to be different and I know that and I’ve said this to Alex, ‘everything is going to be different and it’s important you do it your way and you lead how you lead’.
“For me, Alex wears her heart on her sleeve, she plays how she plays every week. She’s so consistent and everybody follows when you’re like that. That consistency is key.
“Alex knows I’ll always be there for her if she needs any help with anything. But you’ve got another group of girls who are leaders in there.
“Alanna Kennedy who’s going to be a big personality in this group, the likes of Laura Coombs who was part of the leadership group.
“There are different people there who can help Alex, but ultimately Alex is the best person for this job and it’s the greatest honour you can get.”
Watch Houghton’s full interview in the video player above!
