The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and Opinions
Former Arsenal defender Steph Houghton has put pen to paper on a deal that keeps the England captain with Nick Crushing’s Manchester City Women’s Football Club.
“It was a very easy decision. There was no doubt in my mind and those close to me agreed,” the 27 year old told the club’s official website.
“I feel so at home at Manchester City. I know I’ve developed as a player over the last 16 months and as a team, we’ve got a really good philosophy and really good people who all want to play a part in helping the club to become the best it can be.”
Houghton is seen as an extremely versatile player. She broke into the Sunderland team as a striker before moving back into midfield and later into defence. Houghton came to prominence at the 2012 London Olympics, scoring three goals in Great Britain’s four games, including winners against New Zealand and Brazil.
Since joining Manchester City from Arsenal Ladies in January 2014, Houghton has become an integral part of the side since and has excelled for the international side too.
Reflecting on the news, Crushing said; “We’re ecstatic Steph has decided to sign a new contract with us and commit her future here. We see the real value she offers – not only on the pitch but off it as well.”
With her future now confirmed, Houghton, since her debut in 2007, has played over 50 times for the England and can now look forward to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada which kicks off in June.
