Jill Scott will take her first steps into coaching after signing a new 2-year contract extension which will see her playing for Manchester City until 2022.
Scott, 33, was City’s first professional signing – arriving at the club after starting her career at hometown club Sunderland before spending seven years at Everton.
Scott has scored 24 goals in 167 appearances in all competitions and during siz years at the club during which she has lifted three Continental Cups, two FA Women’s Cups, and a Barclays FA Women’s Super League title.
A seasoned England international, Scott made her national team debut in 2006 and has gone on to win 149 caps for England, just 23 behind record appearance holder Fara Williams.
And her dedication to the game was recognised with an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List for services to women’s football.
Scott will work with City’s new management team of Head Coach, Gareth Taylor, and assistant manager Alan Mahon to develop her coaching for at least the next two years in Manchester.
Speaking about her extension and dual-role, Scott said: “It feels fantastic to have everything sorted and to know that I’m going to be at the Club for the next two years is something I’m really looking forward to.
“Although I’ve been named as a player-coach, I want to reiterate that I’m a player first and foremost – I still want to play for this team and achieve success.
“It’s been a journey from the beginning – six years – and every year, there has been a new chapter to the story and I’ve enjoyed every single part of it.
“I’m so excited to continue that journey. Coaching might bring new aspects for me, but it’s about working hard on the pitch and putting in the hours off it, trying to grow my knowledge of the game to help the team in any way I can.”
Head Coach Taylor added: “I’m sure I speak on behalf of everybody at the Club when I say that I’m absolutely thrilled to have Jill not only sign a new contract, but also begin her professional coaching journey here at Manchester City.
“She is without doubt a true ambassador for the women’s game and we are extremely fortunate to have her with us.
“She still has a lot to give out there on the pitch as a player, but alongside that, myself and our staff are really looking forward to helping her with her coaching education as much as we possibly can.”
Head of Women’s Football Gavin Makel echoed Taylor’s sentiments, saying: “Back in 2014, Jill was the first signing in what was then a new era for women’s football at Manchester City and I knew then just how important she would be in the Club being able to reach its overall ambitions.
“Fast forward six years and the same remains true. Jill is a fantastic ambassador, not only for Manchester City and England, but also for the game of football overall, whilst serving as the perfect role model for any aspiring footballer.
“I’m thoroughly delighted that Jill has committed her future to Manchester City, not just as a player but in her additional role as a coach supporting our new look management team as we embark on another new era for the Club.”