Ahead of their potentially FA WSL title-deciding game against Chelsea this weekend, Manchester City have announced that Demi Stokes has penned a new deal to keep her at the CFA until the end of the 2017-18 season.

Sky Blue through and through

The England international signed for the Citizens straight after finishing her time at the University of South Florida, growing her game as part of the South Florida Bulls squad. Already used to the pace of football in England having come through the notable Sunderland CoE and graduated to the full team before leaving for the States.

Having been with City since their revamp, Stokes has featured in all WSL games for the Citizens so far this season and is as settled at left back as Steph Houghton is at centre back. Consistently on the team sheet, Stokes has repaid Nick Cushing’s faith in her by delivering a high standard game in, game out, an important cog in any City starting XI.

When speaking to ManCity.com, Stokes spoke of her "excitement" over committing herself to another two years in Manchester, "grateful" for the chance to play for a "great team". Sure from her first day at the Academy, Stokes has never thought about leaving, eyeing plenty of silverware in the near future.

Playing higher up for England, Stokes has been keen to test out opposing goalkeepers
Playing higher up for England, Stokes has been keen to test out opposing goalkeepers

Roaring for the Lionesses

Having featured at both the U19 and U20 World Cups for England, Mark Sampson was quick to draft her into his senior team for the 2014 La Manga tournament. Despite featuring heavily in the qualification stages for the 2015 World Cup, Stokes was omitted from the squad that travelled to Canada to claim a historic bronze.

However, since the tournament Sampson has recalled Stokes into every subsequent training camp, opting to deploy her higher up the pitch, on the left side of midfield instead of her regular left-back spot. Currently third choice left-back behind Chelsea’s Claire Rafferty and Liverpool’s currently injured Alex Greenwood, Stokes has gladly accepted her newer role if it means time spent in an England shirt.

City boss, Nick Cushing was also keen to note her international achievements, when talking to the Man City website. He spoke of her attitude and application on and off the pitch, the ideal full-back; hungry in attack and a faultless in defence. Prioritising her football, Cushing has full confidence that if Stokes can continue on her upward curve she’ll leave Sampson no option but to elect her as first choice left-back over the competition.  

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About the author
Sophie Lawson
Neutral football fan travelling around Europe, covering matches and bothering footballers for interviews