To commemorate an incredible cup double, the Club hosted an awards night in Tunnel Club, presented by Pioneer Group.
Four City stars were presented with awards for Player of the Season, the Nissan Goal of the Season, the Stax Rising Star and Community Awards.
More than 100 fans, staff and special guests turned out to party with the 2018/19 Continental Cup and FA Cup winners on a night filled with laughter and fond memories, as attendees reflected on the season highlights – on and off the pitch – and enjoyed food and a raffle.
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Captain Steph Houghton collected two awards, including the Player of the Year for her outstanding dedication and contribution.
“I’m really surprised!” she smiled. “I’d have voted for Nikita Parris, Georgia Stanway or Keira Walsh.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey from the moment we’ve been here, winning trophies and being a massive part of the team. To see the Club now, I’m really delighted.
“To have won the double this season is an unbelievable achievement and hopefully, we can beat Arsenal on Saturday to stay unbeaten domestically, which will mark an incredible season for us.
“We have a great bunch of girls in the squad and they make me work hard. There’s so much talent with the young and experienced players, who have helped the Club to be where we are today.
“We can go wherever we want to go. We have so many winners, who want to perform on the big stage and bring trophies back to this football club.
“There have been moments this season where we’ve shown great character. For example, even though we didn’t win against Bristol, we could have thrown in the towel and tried to do things on an individual basis but we stuck together as a team.
“Then there’s Chelsea away in the semi-finals of the Continental Cup – to go there and win was massive. We’d drawn Chelsea a lot in the semi-finals and we showed a lot about our team that night – we’d struggled in the first half but we were calm at half-time and players the way we always play, working as hard as we can and fighting for each other, and we got the goals to take us into the Final.
“Winning the FA Cup at Wembley was an unbelievable weekend for everybody. The girls showed that no matter what, we find a way to win.”
Houghton also bagged the Nissan Goal of the Season award for her spectacular curling effort, which rescued a late draw against Bristol City.
“I didn’t expect to win!” she admitted. “There have been some great goals this season.
“Our objective is to score as many goals as we can. Of course, we have Nikita Parris – our top scorer – as well as Georgia Stanway, who likes a shot and can score worldies, and Caroline Weir, who has got great technique.
“To be around those types of players and still win the Goal of the Season award is special.
“That goal was built out of frustration! We were trailing 2-1 against Bristol and we changed formation to try and get forward.
“I was screaming at Georgia to cut it back and although I score some of them in training, I never do in a game – and I thought I’d give it a try!
“It had been a hard week for us as a team and for me personally so it meant a lot at the time to score it and earn the draw. It was a crucial point for us in the season.
“See, centre halves can score!”
Teenage goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was named the Stax Rising Star, chosen by manager Nick Cushing. The shot-stopper enjoyed increased gametime to help City to an unbeaten league campaign between the sticks. In April, she earned her debut for England’s Lionesses squad.
“I’m delighted to be recognised and to get this award,” she declared.
“It’s still pretty surreal to be part of this team. It’s amazing. There are a lot of big players within this team. It’s special.
“There are a lot of good, young players and I’ve made a lot of friends, particularly with Georgia Stanway, Karen Bardsley and Fran Stenson.
“As a goalkeeper, there’s only one position but if we can push each other every day, it’s better for the team. Our special bond makes training a lot easier and more fun.
“The highlight of the season for me has to be winning the FA Cup.”
Megan Campbell picked up the Community Award for her work off the pitch, inspiring youngsters across the country.
“It’s a big thing,” she stated. “Growing up, I didn’t have role models so to be able to five back to those who look up to us is a very important thing.
“I think the work City do to promote youth and the community around us is fantastic. To see the smiles on the faces is great and it helps to promote our game.
“The kids then come to our games so while we give to them, they also give back to us.
“It’s important to have a relationship with the fans. They give their time and support so to give back is a great thing.”
