Howard ‘Extremely Happy’ To Remain At LCFC
- Defender Sophie Howard is to remain a LCFC Women player
- Scotland international signed a new contract until 2024
- The team’s progression in the WSL will continue, she says
- Centre-back also spoke of her desire to keep on learning
The defender is about to enter her third season with the Club and after a signing an extension to her current contract, to remain at LCFC Women for at least another two years, it is full steam ahead for the upcoming campaign.
Previously at Hoffenheim in Germany, Colorado Rapids in the USA and Reading in the UK, Howard revealed that she feels settled in Leicestershire and ready to tackle the challenges ahead in 2022/23.
“I am extremely happy to have extended my contract,” the German-born centre-back told LCFC TV. “I think it is the foundation of anything, that you are happy, and for me, this is the place to be at the moment.
“This Club has huge potential and we've shown that in the last couple of years. I think that makes it even more exciting to be part of such an amazing Club and just see how far we can take it.
“We have come a long way on the pitch and off the pitch. In general, we’ve made huge improvements and steps forward and it’s just very exciting to see that we’ve made these steps, but also look at how much further we can go.”
An experienced player with prior experience in the division, the Scotland international played 27 times in 2021/22, including 21 of City’s 22 Barclays Women’s Super League matches.
Negotiating some tough periods along the way, retaining WSL status ensured a tricky first term in the top-flight ended on a high and with plenty of positives to take into this season.
She reflected: “I think the first year is always about staying up, we have to be honest about that, and it was from day one. For us, it was always that we needed to stay in [the league]. The first year coming up from the Championship was always going to be tough.
“The league is incredibly competitive. We’ve achieved the first target and now it’s about being better, starting off better and finishing higher in the table.
“I think you have to go through those phases in football to come out stronger, to become a stronger person and player. Hopefully it doesn’t, but if that hits again, we know how to deal with it, we’ll be ready, but that can be our foundation to go above and beyond.
“You’re never too old or experienced to learn. I’m always learning, and I always want to learn. You’re never outlearned. Even last year, I learnt loads and I’ll continue to learn this year.”
With manager Lydia Bedford also tied down to a new contract, alongside three other players, and several new signings through the door, there is plenty of room for optimism as the squad continue their pre-season preparations at Belvoir Drive. Howard herself has set personal goals and targets to reach.
“Pre-season is always tough,” the 28-year-old added. “It has to be tough as it sets the foundation for the season. Everyone dreads it, but it’s a nice thing to look forward to as well because we’ve got a lot of friendlies, a lot of team bonding.
“It’s a point for us to come together as a team, build on and off the pitch, take that into the season and hopefully be successful. I feel like I have a lot to give and I just want to make sure I can do that every day to hopefully help the team and improve myself.
"I want to make sure that I score at least another goal from a set piece and turn that into one of my strengths."