Page 6 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.35 2021-22

Jill Scott to depart Manchester City

Manchester City Football Club can confirm that
midfielder Jill Scott will depart the Academy Stadium
this summer when her current contract ends.
Bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden eight
seasons in sky blue, the 35-year-old has firmly left her
mark on the Club, with her contributions to the team’s
successes undoubtedly earning her legendary status on
the terraces.
Signing back in late 2013 from Everton after
spending seven years with the Toffees and cementing her
position as one of English football’s brightest stars, Scott immediately settled into life in
Manchester and quickly became a stalwart in City’s midfield. Winning the Continental Tyres Cup
in the team’s first season as a professional outfit, more trophies followed in the years to come
including another three league cups, three Women’s FA Cups and one FAWSL title.
She also quickly became a popular figure not only with her team mates, but with the club’s
supporters courtesy of her amiable and larger-than-life personality.
During the latter stages of her time at the Club, the midfielder enjoyed brief loan spells with
fellow Women’s Super League sides Everton (2020-21) and more recently Aston Villa (2021-22).
This summer however will see Scott move onto pastures new, with her set to leave City at
the end of June when her current contract concludes.
She will be honoured at a to-be-confirmed Manchester City Women home game next season
for her contributions to the football club, with fans set to be able to show their appreciation to
her with a special presentation.
Speaking about her departure, Scott said: “In a way, I never thought I'd be here saying
goodbye to Manchester City, but all good things come to an end eventually and I’ve had so many
amazing memories along the way.
“I’ve had some great opportunities over the last couple of seasons too with my loan spells,
but I’ve always missed everyone here and that will definitely be the case again this summer.
“It’s been a real journey over the last eight or so years – I remember sitting down and
hearing the plans of what the Club were going to do, and I was so excited to be a part of that.
“Looking back at what we’ve achieved in that time in terms of trophies and generally as a
team, I can’t really believe it. I’m forever grateful that I’ve been surrounded by such talented
players and coaching staff who have enabled me to develop and grow as a player.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to our supporters too – they’ve just been incredible,
especially for me personally, and I feel as though we’ve built a special relationship over the years.
“I’m sure we’ll stay in touch wherever my next step takes me and they know, as with so many
people at City, that they’re always welcome for a coffee!”
Omar Berrada, Chief Football Operations Manager at Manchester City, said: “It has been an
absolute pleasure to have had Jill, a player who has done so much for the women’s game as a
whole, here at Manchester City for the past eight seasons.
“She has played a hugely influential part in our women’s team’s various successes during
that time, but has also endeared herself to everybody at the Club as well – she is one of football’s
finest characters and we’re incredibly proud to have had her represent us for such a length of
time.
“Jill has firmly written her name into our history books for what she has achieved while at
City and on behalf of everybody here, we’d like to wish her all the best in the future, wherever her
next step in the game may take her.”
Gavin Makel, Manchester City Women Managing Director, added “It has been an honour
and a privilege to have had Jill at the Club for the past eight-and-a-half years.
Issue no. 35 - 19 May 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk