Picture Special

#ThankYouNick: Cushing's final training session

There was an extra special focus to today’s training session as City’s Women prepared for Sunday’s crucial top of the table clash with Arsenal.

For once, as much of the attention was on Nick Cushing as the players, with our long-serving manager overseeing his final training session ahead of his move to become Assistant Manager of New York City FC.

READ: Caroline Weir signs new deal

WATCH: Weir targeting more worldies!

TICKETS: City v Arsenal Women | Sun 2 Feb

After six and half hugely successful years in charge of City, it’s the end of an unforgettable era.

And as our gallery shows, both Nick and the City squad were in great spirits ahead of what promises to be a hugely emotional farewell match at the Academy Stadium.

View the best of the images below…

1

1

CENTRE OF ATTENTION : For once the focus was on the boss rather than players as Nick Cushing oversaw his last training session in charge

CENTRE OF ATTENTION : For once the focus was on the boss rather than players as Nick Cushing oversaw his last training session in charge
2

2

AT ARMS LENGTH : Jess Park was full of smiles at Saturday's training session

AT ARMS LENGTH : Jess Park was full of smiles at Saturday's training session
3

3

HAIR WE GO : There was a strong breeze at the CFA as Tessa Wullaert and Co got down to work

HAIR WE GO : There was a strong breeze at the CFA as Tessa Wullaert and Co got down to work
4

4

A FOND FAREWELL : Assistant manager Alan Mahon embraces the boss ahead of Saturday's session

A FOND FAREWELL : Assistant manager Alan Mahon embraces the boss ahead of Saturday's session
5

5

FOCUS TIME : The boss oversees proceedings ahead of Sunday's huge game with Arsenal

FOCUS TIME : The boss oversees proceedings ahead of Sunday's huge game with Arsenal
6

6

HATS THE WAY TO DO IT : Some novel head wear for skipper Steph Houghton!!

HATS THE WAY TO DO IT : Some novel head wear for skipper Steph Houghton!!
7

7

ACTION STATIONS : The departing boss goes through his paces during Saturday's training session

ACTION STATIONS : The departing boss goes through his paces during Saturday's training session
8

8

EYES FRONT : Laura Coombs and Gemma Bonner contest possession

EYES FRONT : Laura Coombs and Gemma Bonner contest possession
9

9

WATCHING BRIEF : Nick was in great spirIts as he oversaw his final training session with the City squad

WATCHING BRIEF : Nick was in great spirIts as he oversaw his final training session with the City squad
10

10

FLAT OUT! Keira Walsh sees the funny side as hits the turf!

FLAT OUT! Keira Walsh sees the funny side as hits the turf!
11

11

FINAL FLOURISH : Nick Cushing sends out some final instructions to the squad as he prepares for Sunday's emotional finale

FINAL FLOURISH : Nick Cushing sends out some final instructions to the squad as he prepares for Sunday's emotional finale