Megan Connolly appointed Bristol City captain for WSL return

Megan Connolly will captain Bristol City Women for their return to the Barclays Women’s Super League - kicking off against Leicester City on October 1.

The Cork native signed from Brighton and Hove Albion once Ireland’s involvement at the World Cup ended.

She brought more than four years of top-flight experience, sufficient for manager Lauren Smith to hand Connolly the armband.

The Robins return to the WSL following a two-year stay in the Championship. Connolly’s Ireland teammate Chloe Mustaki was part of last season’s title-winning squad.

Both players are in Dublin preparing for Ireland's Uefa Nations League opener against Northern Ireland on Saturday, the first time for a senior women's international to be staged at Aviva Stadium.

“It’s a real honour and privilege to be named captain,” said Connolly.

“Since joining the club I’ve been taken aback by how great the culture and environment is throughout both the staff and players and it’s something I’ve told the players is so special and important in being a successful team in any league.

“I’ve tried to just be myself since joining the club and expressing my leadership qualities while trying to settle in and get to know all my new teammates. I look around the squad and staff and I feel so lucky and honoured to lead this team for the coming WSL campaign.

“I have been lucky to be in teams in the past where I’ve had amazing captains to look up to and learn from which has helped me to develop my leadership skills. I am surrounded by many other great leaders in this squad, who I know will also continue to drive this team alongside me.”