Page 29 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.22 2021-22

Chloe signs new Man City contract

Manchester City Football Club is delighted to announce that
Chloe Kelly has signed a three-year contract extension at the
Academy Stadium.
One of the game’s brightest talents, the 24-year-old
joined the Club in the summer of 2020 from Everton and
enjoyed a highly successful first season, scoring 16 goals in
34 outings as City finished as league runners-up and lifted
the 2019-20 Women’s FA Cup. Unfortunately seeing her
maiden season at the Club ended prematurely by an ACL
injury in early May, the forward is yet to feature this term
but is nearing a return to first team action as the 2021-22
campaign heads towards an exciting conclusion.
Voted as City’s Player of the Season by supporters at
the end of 2020-21, Kelly was included in the PFA’s Team of
the Year and also scooped the Women’s Player of the Year accolade at the North West Football
Awards in November. Also a seasoned international with England, the forward follows in the
footsteps of teammates Lauren Hemp, Steph Houghton and Esme Morgan in committing her
future to Manchester City in early 2022.
Speaking about her extension, Kelly said: “I’m over the moon to finally put pen to paper
on a new deal. I’m really happy with the way I’ve started my time here at City, and long may that
continue.
“As soon as I came here, I felt so welcomed into the group – the girls are great. I know I’ve
still got so much to learn and the best is yet to come, but I want to win trophies and I believe that
we can do that here at City.
“During my rehabilitation, this has been a time where I’ve learnt so much about myself
off the pitch too. I’ve really enjoyed working with Gareth [Taylor] as well – he’s really brought out
the best in me so far and especially during my first season, he gave me the confidence I needed to
thrive as a player.
“It was a great start to my time here, but it was really unfortunate that I didn’t get to play
in front of our fans. That’s something I’m so excited for in my comeback – to finally play in front
of our amazing supporters at the Academy Stadium.”
Gareth Taylor, Manchester City Women Head Coach, added: “Having Chloe sign an
extension with us is fantastic news – given that we’ve been without her this season, her upcoming
return will be like having a new signing and that’s such an exciting prospect with a player of her
calibre.
“She’s an unbelievable talent, as she showed during her first season here, and is a player
with a very bright future ahead of her. We’ve definitely only scratched the surface of what she has
to offer so far.
“Her commitment and dedication, whether that be on the pitch or during her
rehabilitation, is clear to see and I’m thrilled that we’ll have the opportunity to continue to work
with her and hopefully enjoy success together in the years to come.”
England Women’s Deaf team hold camp
The England Senior Women’s Deaf team met at St. George’s Park last weekend, with the three-
day camp a valuable opportunity to bring the players and coaches together within the home of all
England teams’ world-class facilities.
The Staffordshire base welcomed the group on Friday evening, with the Hilton Hotel
providing the backdrop for some team bonding and squad meetings. The site’s breadth of pitches
played host to four extensive training sessions across the weekend, with the squad working
through physical drills, tactics, and small-sided games both outside and on the indoor 3G pitch.
Away from training, the squad spent time with Head Coach Samantha Leigh, Assistant
Coach Lauren Asquith and the team’s backroom staff to work through squad analysis, the players’
Individual Development Plans and a psychology workshop.
Issue no. 22 - 17 February 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk