Casey Stoney

Casey Jean Stoney (born 13 May 1982) is an English professional football manager and former player who is the head coach of San Diego Wave.

Stoney joined Chelsea Ladies, aged 12, before moving to Arsenal Ladies in 1999.

A versatile defender, she was capped more than 100 times for the England women's national football team since making her debut in 2000.

Stoney came through England's under-age squads, making her debut for the senior team in August 2000 as a substitute against France.

She was named in the provisional 30-player squad for Euro 2001 but did not make the final list of 20 and remained on the standby list.

Already an England international, Stoney joined Charlton Athletic Ladies in the summer of 2002 in search of regular first-team football.

She also took up a scholarship at The Football Association's National Player Development Centre at Loughborough University.

In a successful first season Stoney captained Charlton to their first FA Women's Cup final.

She made her first start in March 2002 against Norway, and, after spells in central defence and at right back, went on to become England's first choice left back.

In February 2003 Stoney wore the captain's armband when regular skipper Karen Walker was substituted in a 1–0 friendly defeat by Italy.

She led Charlton to success in the FA Women's Premier League Cup in 2004, the FA Women's Cup in 2005 as Charlton beat Everton 1–0, and the 2–1 victory over Arsenal in the 2006 Premier League Cup.

After being a non-playing squad member at UEFA Women's Euro 2005, she was an integral part of the England teams which reached the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 final and the quarter finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2007 and 2011.

Her first senior international goal came as England beat Portugal 4–0 in the Algarve Cup in March 2005.

Stoney was named in the squad for Euro 2005, hosted in England, but remained unused as the hosts made a group stage exit.

Her disappointment was such that she considered retiring from international football.

When Charlton disbanded their entire women's section following the relegation of Charlton Athletic men's team in 2007, Stoney said: "I'm disgusted with the club – the men get relegated and we get punished. The club's only trophies in recent years have been won by the women's team – and in the last four seasons we were the only side apart from Arsenal to win major honours. Seven weeks ago we played in front of a record crowd at the FA Cup final – that's now our last match and I'm totally gutted for everyone involved on the women's side. I just hope that what has happened to us doesn't reverberate around the women's game – otherwise it will be in serious trouble."

In July 2007, she signed for Chelsea Ladies along with Charlton and England teammate Eniola Aluko.

But by the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China, Stoney, preferred to Rachel Unitt at left back, was one of four England players to play every minute of every match as they lost a quarter final 3–0 to the United States.

Stoney won the Nationwide International Player of the Year award for the 2007–08 season, ahead of Anita Asante and Alex Scott.

In February 2009, she became player-manager until the end of the season, following the resignation of Steve Jones.

At Stoney's recommendation, Matt Beard took over as manager for 2009–10.

In May 2009, Stoney was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by The Football Association (FA).

At the Euro 2009 final tournament in Finland, Stoney recovered from a red card in a 2–1 opening match defeat by Italy to help England reach the final.

Stoney explained that for many players this was not only the best moment of their careers, but possibly the happiest moment in their lives.

On 13 March 2010, Stoney announced on Twitter that she had signed for FA WSL rivals Lincoln Ladies to play alongside England stars such as Sue Smith and Jess Clarke.

Stoney stated that Lincoln offered the prospect of full-time training, which Chelsea were unable to match.

Keith Boanas, her manager at Charlton, revealed that Stoney is a Chelsea supporter so found the decision extremely difficult.

Stoney started all four of England's games at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, and converted her kick in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat to France.

In 2012, Stoney succeeded Faye White as the England captain and also became captain of the newly formed Great Britain squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

She ended her playing career at Liverpool Ladies.

When pregnant Faye White retired from international football in 2012, Hope Powell appointed Stoney as the new England captain.

"It's an absolute honour, the biggest privilege I've ever been given," was Stoney's response.

In 2013, Stoney became the first female member of the Professional Footballers' Association's management committee.

She led England into their Euro 2013 campaign but the team performed poorly and finished in last place, to her "bitter disappointment".

Stoney re-joined Arsenal on a two-year deal for the 2014 season, citing her desire to win more trophies.

On 13 December 2016, Liverpool confirmed that Stoney had signed with the club.

She was the first head coach of the newly-formed Manchester United Women from June 2018 to May 2021.In the inaugural season, United won the FA Women's Championship title and promotion to the FA WSL.

On 14 July 2021, Stoney was announced as the head coach of National Women's Soccer League club San Diego Wave, which began play in 2022.

She played her last match at the club on 21 February 2018.

She subsequently retired to take a role in Phil Neville's backroom team in the England women's national team.