'Grateful, inspired and itching to get started': Coffey's Joie Stadium journal | OneFootball

New signing Sam Coffey shares her experience of City’s 2-0 win over Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Women's Team

Coffey: City stood out from the start

The US international midfielder has become our first signing of the January transfer window, moving to City with an impressive reputation at club and international level.

SHOP THE SAM COFFEY RANGE

Some of our eagle-eyed supporters might have spotted her at the Joie Stadium on Sunday, with Coffey watching her new team-mates in action for the first time.

Sam enjoys journalling in her spare time, so with that in mind we asked her to write down some of her thoughts and feelings from across the day.

Here’s what she shared from her first Joie Stadium experience…

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Women's Team

Sam Coffey: 10 things you may not know

11:00

We pull up to the Joie Stadium, passing the Etihad on the way. It’s a classic cold and rainy Manchester day – what better way to start? I get chills as I pass the crowds, families bundled up as they wait to step into the stadium. There’s definitely a buzz in the air.

11:30

I walk into the suite at the Joie Stadium, filled with many warm and kind people. They include club legend Steph Houghton, and it’s such an honour to meet her. Everyone who I speak to greets me with such love and generosity.

Interviews

Coffey excited to fit into unique City system

12:00

Kick-off… let’s go, City! I’m huddled up in the stands and ready to cheer on the girls. The Joie Stadium – I can already tell it will be such a great atmosphere to play in. It truly feels like a community, a family.

12:45

Half-time… we’re 1-0 up and I’ve instantly noticed a distinct playing style that I love and admire. It’s rhythmic and intentional, with an aggressive counter press when it’s time to win the ball back. So many players stand out to me, Jade Rose’s composure out from the back, Bunny Shaw and Viv Miedema’s lethal connection, Alex Greenwood’s leadership, plus so much more. I also respect Everton’s ability to build out from the back and break out of high press situations.

14:00

Full-time… City win 2-0 and we’re six points clear at the top of the table! I head back to my hotel feeling grateful, inspired and itching to get started. I can’t wait.

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Chelsea Etihad tickets on general sale

Tickets for our WSL clash with Chelsea at the Etihad are on sale, with Under-16s able to attend for just £5!

A meeting between the WSL’s top two, it’s one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures of the season and gets under way at 14:30 (UK) on Sunday 1 February.

Our last Etihad fixture more than delivered, with City beating Manchester United 3-0 in November, so make sure you don’t miss out this time!

Tickets are available from just £5 for Under-16s, with Adults starting from £15, or you can save your spot in our Kits Bar for an incredible £35 per adult and £20 for Under-16s.

If you make a group booking, you’ll also be automatically entered into our competition to win fantastic prizes, such as being part of the team photo at the Etihad or enjoying our ‘Blue Carpet Experience’ at the game.

Or make it an afternoon to remember with hospitality packages starting from just £35 per person and a wide range of experiences available to suit your budget.

Make sure you don’t miss our final WSL Etihad match of this season!

Get your tickets for City v Chelsea at the Etihad!