Man City confirm return of former player in first-ever executive role

Steph Houghton has been appointed as Manchester City latest club ambassador, and has become the first-ever female to hold the role.

As an ambassador, Houghton joins the likes of Mike Summerbee, Joleon Lescott and Shaun Wright-Phillips in representing City around the world and she was recently an attendee at the Ballon d’Or ceremony as Rodri scooped the top prize.

Houghton, the trailblazing centre-back who was City’s first-ever professional captain and record appearance holder, retired as a player earlier this year. The former England skipper also earned 121 international caps and is seen as one of the best players of her generation.

It’s therefore no surprise that City felt she was a great candidate to represent the club around the world.

“I’m really honoured,” she told the club’s website. “For me to be here in that capacity is something I wanted to do, but as soon as the club asked me, I was like ‘definitely’. I want to be here, I want to represent the club, what it stands for and its values.

“I feel I have the experience to do that but it’s about showing my support and representing the club to all levels, not just the women’s game but the men’s game [as well].”

In addition to her role as a club ambassador, Houghton will also work as a project officer and ‘gain valuable experience across various footballing departments over the next few years’. She will begin her role working with the ‘Insights Team’.

The 36-year-old is also expected to cross paths with her former team-mates and coaching staff, offering support when required.