Casey Stoney MBE added to BWSL's Hall of Fame

Former player-turned-manager, Casey Stoney MBE.

Joining Chelsea Ladies at the age of 12, Arsenal took her to the red side of the capital in 1999 where she began her senior career with two league titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup and two Community Sheilds – while her performances earned her the first of 130 England caps in 2000.

Departing the Gunners in 2002 as a 20-year-old, Stoney moved to Charlton Athletic and again secured silverware during her time with the Addicks, including two League Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.

Coming full circle with a return to Chelsea in 2007, she hit the ground running and it was clear to see even then that she was destined for a career in management as she was named interim player-manager at the age of 27.

As the Barclays Women’s Super League that we know today came to fruition, Stoney made the switch to Lincoln Ladies, but after two seasons with the Imps, found her way back to Arsenal again, winning two FA Cups and one League Cup in two years with the Gunners.

Rounding off her playing career with a stint at Liverpool, Stoney moved swiftly into management in 2018 following her retirement, becoming the first ever head coach of a newly formed Manchester United side.

Leading the Red Devils to promotion in her first season in charge with 18 wins from 20 league games, she consolidated the club’s position as a top four WSL side over the coming years before moving to the States to take up the role of Head Coach at San Diego Wave.

Now heading up the Canadian women’s national team, Stoney’s impact on the women’s professional game – particularly during its formative years – was profound, while her position as a trailblazer on the managerial front has ensured that her name is firmly embedded in the league’s history books.