Q&A: Manchester City duo Toni Duggan & Steph Houghton speak about the new FA WSL season

Ahead of their first game of the new season against Liverpool Ladies on Thursday night, Manchester City Women held a press day at the Etihad Stadium to allow their key players to talk about the new season, their expectations and the new challenge ahead of them at a revamped Manchester City. We posed several questions to Toni and Steph that our Twitter followers came up with over the course of the weekend and you can finally read the Q&A session at The Offside Rule.

(@MCWFCFANS) – How are you both finding life in Manchester?

SH: We’re really enjoying it aren’t we? Manchester is beautiful like today but most of the time it rains so…

TD: I’m loving life here; I’m only half an hour away from home so if I do get homesick I can fly off back down the road.

 

(@Houghton2Fan) – What have you learnt about yourself during your career? We’ll let Steph go here considering the tweeter’s name…

SH: It’s my Mam!

Erm….personally, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in terms of being injured and missing football and I’ve learnt how you get through those moments. When you get to play for your club and country it’s important you go and enjoy it. I can honestly say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every session we’ve done since joining Manchester City and you try and appreciate the chance to play football. It’s important to try and improve yourself in all areas of the game and not get too settled with where you are.

 

(@Kelco7) – What are your aims for the new season?

TD: We can’t really set any aims, we’re a new team and we can’t really go off the back of last season but we’re excited about the new challenge and hopefully it can be a successful season.

SH: The same really. Being able to train every day and now the season is starting its all just pretty exciting.

 

(@GambleNiamh) – If you could sign one player from Liverpool before Thursday’s game who would it be?

TD: …Amanda DaCosta

SH: ….I’d have….Gemma Davidson

 

(@xlJasonxl) – Are you nervous about your debuts against the league champions?

TD: I’m not nervous, it’s more excitement. You know we’ve played in these games before, my first game last season was Liverpool as well, I remember it like yesterday and I couldn’t wait to get out on that pitch. It’s no different on Thursday, league debut or not, the season is starting and I don’t care who I’m playing or who I’m playing for I just want to get out on that pitch.

SH: I think this week is going to be a little bit exciting, I think we all want to get out there. I’m always a little bit nervous before a game but I try not to think about it. As Toni says we’re all looking forward to it, it’s been a long pre-season and we can’t wait for Thursday.

 

(The Podcast) – What aspect of the others game would you adapt into yours if you could?

TD: Erm, on the pitch I’d definitely say heading.

I can’t head the ball to save my life. It’s a good attribute that Steph has. Off the pitch she’s professional and being on time – I’m always late. I got told off in training last night for being a bit stupid during yoga but that’s just me. I’m sure Steph would love to have a little bit of banter about it.

SH: Toni’s got the banter and I’ll be on time!

RL: Well Steph has her chance now…

SH: On the pitch for Toni she’s tricky with the ball. If I was facing Toni I’d be frightened every time she got the ball and she gets her shots away early which is always hard to judge and defend against.

Off the pitch, she’s paid us to say banter…no, she’s really lively and she brings the squad together and it’s a key ingredient for our squad.

 

(@Emma042198) – Who would be in your ideal FA WSL 5-a-side team?

SH: Apart from ourselves?

RL: You can leave each other out if you want!

SH & TD: KB (Karen Bardsley) in goal…

TD: It’s difficult, 5-a-side’s difficult to judge, it’s really tricky.

RL: You want someone good and getting up and down quickly.

TD: I’d say Alex Scott, she’d be quick, short and sharp and I’d have Karen Carney myself.

SH: Yep, I’d definitely have Karen…

TD: Are we putting ourselves in? That’s the final two if so.

SH: We’re not tricky or anything but we’ll put ourselves in anyway.

TD: Jill (Scott) can be sub…

SH: She’s water girl….

 

(@GambleNiamh) – What advice would you give to a young girl like me wanting to follow in your footsteps?

SH: It’s important that you focus on what you want. Don’t let anyone stop you from getting there. It doesn’t come easy and people will knock you down but listen to your coaches and if you love playing football then just do it and follow it.

TD: For me when I was younger as a female footballer there were a lot of barriers to overcome but once you do it’s definitely worth it. Stick at it and if people judge you let them judge you but they’ll be back wanting to be your mate let me tell you that. So yeah, enjoy it and take every opportunity.

 

Interview conducted by Rich Laverty.