A true stalwart of the game, our captain’s new deal will see her surpass a decade of service for City later this year having initially made the switch to Manchester in November 2013 from Arsenal following the professionalisation of our women’s side.
The Club’s all-time women’s appearance holder –with 233 games under her belt in all competitions–the defender has also scored 21 goals during her time in sky blue to date, including two in her last six games.
In her nine-and-a-half years at City so far, the 35-year-old has lifted eight trophies as skipper including four Continental Tyres League Cups, three Women’s FA Cups and one Barclays Women’s Super League title.
An iconic figure and one synonymous with Manchester City, the Barclays WSL and English football, Houghton has committed herself to the Club for another year following the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on her new deal, she 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.”
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Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “Having Steph sign a new deal here at Manchester City is fantastic news.
“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.”
CITY’S COLOSSAL CAPTAIN
They tag ‘legend’ is perhaps often overused in the modern era of football, but the description certainly fits the bill for Steph Houghton’s contribution to the sport.
Not just for City, but she has established herself as one of the most iconic names in the women’s game across the globe and her reputation as a pioneer for the women’s game is certainly well founded.
Following a trophy laden spell at Arsenal between 2010 to 2013, where she won seven major honours, the immense central defender joined City’s maiden professional team ahead of our inaugural Barclays Women’s Super League campaign in 2014.
In a phenomenal career which has brought tremendous personal success alongside team accolades, Houghton is our record appearance holder with an impressive 233 outings for the Club.
Since her arrival on January 1 2014, the England international has guided us to eight major honours – including the 2015 WSL title.
Across her nine years at the Academy Stadium, players and coaches alike have come and gone, but she has remained the one constant and our shining light when it comes to achieving our aims and objectives.
In 2016, she was awarded an MBE for services to football and also became the first player to reach 100 WSL wins and surpass 200 City appearances.
Throughout her time in Manchester her commitment, desire and superb character has always been on show.
After suffering an Achilles injury in January 2022, which prematurely ended her 2021/22 season, she impressively put any disappointment behind her to focus on returning to wearing sky blue.
What’s more, Houghton continued her rehabilitation for full fitness and showcased her versatility to return to the starting XI of Taylor’s side, making 24 appearances in 2022/23.
Her influence on the team was perfectly reflected when scoring in consecutive games against West Ham United and Reading towards the end of the campaign.
Extending her illustrious stay at the Club until 2024, the next chapter of Houghton’s marvellous story at the Academy Stadium is about to be written.
