One of our longest-serving players, the 33-year-old joined City in January 2014, having started her career with her hometown side of Sunderland before a seven-year spell with Everton, and is now regarded as one of the stalwarts of the women’s game.
An integral figure for City from the beginning, the industrious and popular midfielder has made 167 appearances in all competitions so far, scoring 24 goals.
She has been a crucial component in City’s success, securing three Continental Cups, two FA Women’s Cups and one Barclays FA Women’s Super League title in her six seasons with the Club.
Her dedication to the game was recognised in late 2019 as she was awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List for her services to women’s football.
On the international scene, Scott boasts 149 caps for England, having made her debut in 2006 – a statistic which makes her the current Lionesses squad’s most-capped player; just 23 games behind record appearance holder Fara Williams.
Ahead of the upcoming 2020/21 Barclays FA Women’s Super League season, City’s No.8 has agreed a new contract with the Club – one which will see her figure as a player-coach until at least the summer of 2022.
Scott will work alongside newly appointed Manchester City Women Head Coach Gareth Taylor and assistant manager Alan Mahon.
Speaking about her extension and dual-role, Scott said: “It feels good to have got things sorted and to know I’m going to be at the Club for the next two years is a great feeling. It’s something I’m really looking forward to.
“I’ve been named as a player-coach but I want to reiterate that I’m a player first and foremost – I still want to play for this team and get success.
“The coaching role is good – it means I can access the coaches a bit more. I get to learn from the likes of Gareth Taylor and Alan Mahon and it keeps that side going as well as playing.
“It’s been a journey from the beginning – six years – and every year, there has been a new chapter to the story and I’ve enjoyed every single part of it.
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“It’s important and I want people to know that I’m first and foremost concentrating on playing – I don’t want to be judged on my age, which sometimes people tend to do when you hit 30.
“I feel great. I like to turn things into a positive and having this period, it’s been good to mentally and physically refresh and use the time to look at parts of my game I can improve on.
“I’m feeling good and I can’t wait to get back with the team. I’m excited to continue the journey.
“Coaching might bring new aspects for me but it’s about working hard on the pitch and putting in the hours off it, trying to grow my knowledge of the game. If I can help the team in any way, hopefully, I’ll take on that role as well.”
Head Coach Taylor added: “I’m sure I speak on behalf of everybody at the Club when I say that I’m absolutely thrilled to have Jill not only sign a new contract, but also begin her professional coaching journey here at Manchester City.
“She is without doubt a true ambassador for the women’s game and we are extremely fortunate to have her with us.
“She still has a lot to give out there on the pitch as a player, but alongside that, myself and our staff are really looking forward to helping her with her coaching education as much as we possibly can.”
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Head of Women’s Football Gavin Makel echoed Taylor’s sentiments, saying: “Back in 2014, Jill was the first signing in what was then a new era for women’s football at Manchester City and I knew then just how important she would be in the Club being able to reach its overall ambitions.
“Fast forward six years and the same remains true. Jill is a fantastic ambassador, not only for Manchester City and England, but also for the game of football overall, whilst serving as the perfect role model for any aspiring footballer.
“I’m thoroughly delighted that Jill has committed her future to Manchester City, not just as a player but in her additional role as a coach supporting our new look management team as we embark on another new era for the Club.”
