Drogheda star hoping to repay City’s faith in her

MEGAN Campbell has spoken of her delight at securing a new one-year deal with Manchester City, extending her stay there into a sixth season.

The Drogheda native, who turns 27 later this month, is currently recovering after an operation on her foot and has been desperately unlucky with injuries, limiting her to just 42 appearances since signing her first professional contract in 2016.

The offer of a new deal will come as a relief and shows the esteem in which she is held, and she says she’s more motivated than ever to achieve more success after previously winning a domestic treble with City.

Speaking to the club website, Campbell said: ‘I’m really pleased to have signed a new contract, especially knowing I’m unfortunately injured at the minute.

‘It’s always a difficult situation when you’re coming to the end of your contract and you’ve picked up an injury or a niggle, but I’m glad City have given their full backing and support behind me to get back fit.

‘To have that faith is a nice gesture and I’m looking forward to getting back fit and playing again.

‘I don’t think anyone has seen the best of me yet - I don’t think I’ve seen it from myself as a footballer.

‘There were glimpses at the end of 2017 in the Spring Series and the FA Cup Final where I got to show what I’m about.

‘I’m more driven than ever to be back involved.’

After getting injured against Tottenham Hotspur in January, Campbell missed the final month of the 2019/20 campaign, but her rehab is on track and she is excited at the prospect of working with new the club’s new head coach Gareth Taylor.

‘I’m progressing well,’ she said. ‘I’m in constant contact with the strength and conditioning coach and the physio on Teams, Zoom and FaceTime – there are loads of outlets to keep in contact.

‘I’m on track with where I need to be and I’m meeting with the surgeon soon, so I’m looking forward to that to see what he thinks of my progress.

‘Hopefully, I’ll get back running soon - back on the grass.

‘Everyone is really excited and really looking forward to the new season and seeing what Gareth Taylor is about.

‘I’m itching to be around that, getting coached by him. He’s driven and passionate about the club and he’s going to bring something different to the team in terms of style of play and the way we approach things and I’m intrigued.

‘I don’t want to be known as the person who was always injured. I want people to know more about me as a player.’

City’s head of women’s football Gavin Makel added: ‘We’re extremely pleased that Megan has committed herself to Manchester City Women for another season.

‘She has proven herself to be an integral member of our set-up in recent years and despite her injury setback at the start of 2020, the positive attitude and resolute determination she has shown during her rehab has been admirable.’

Manchester City were top of the Super League table when the Covid-19 pandemic intervened and Chelsea, who were lying second, have since been crowned champions on a points-per-game basis as they were one point behind with a game in hand.

The new Super League season is due to kick off in September.