Karen Bardsley returns to Man City in new role ahead of Reading FC trip in Women's Super League

The 38-year-old has rekindled her relationship with City after a series of lengthy injuries lead to a retirement

Danyal Khan Trainee Football Writer

15:05, 03 Nov 2022Updated 15:05, 03 Nov 2022

Karen Bardsley celebrates ending her international career with 82 caps during the women's friendly match between England and the Netherlands with a framed shirt

Karen Bardsley ended her international career with 82 caps during the women's friendly match between England and the Netherlands(Image: ANP via Getty Images)

Man City Women’s icon Karen Bardsley has returned in a new Project Officer role as Gareth Taylor’s side prepare for WSL trip this weekend to take on Reading.

Bardsley, 38, spent seven years in East Manchester where she was part of teams that won eight major trophies over her spell as first-choice goalkeeper.

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The former English international has been retired for six months after a number of injury lay-offs forced her to call it a day on her playing career.

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But now, ahead of the Reading FC trip this weekend in the Women’s Super League , she is now returning to Man City to oversee the operations of the women’s team in a new role as project officer.

The goalkeeper who boasts a degree in Sports Directorship commented on her appointment to in-house club media: “I can’t wait to get started–it is something that has been a long time in the planning.

“What is exciting is everything that sits alongside this role in terms of my personal career development.

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“I am in a place with amazing resources, incredible knowledge and talented people who are so open and willing to help.

“I feel like it’s so important to consider career pathways for retired professionals and getting people to understand that there is a life after retirement, so to have this opportunity in an environment that I’m so passionate about is amazing.

“It’s all so new, but hugely exciting. In football, you need to put yourself in environments that you’re not used to, to develop yourself and learn, and I will absolutely get that here, all whilst working to make a difference for the team in a variety of areas.

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“Manchester City has done so much for me, and I can’t wait to give something back, not only to the club, but to women’s football as a whole.”

Bardsley had made more than 100 appearances for City and was capped 81 times by England during her playing days.

Since her retirement, the 38-year-old has been making many media appearances, especially on The Athletic’s Women’s Football podcast. Her new role may mean the time for media activities may now be reduced significantly.

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