Sophie Ingle

November 19, 20232 yr

Yesterday Sophie became the player to have made the most appearances in the Women's Super League. Maybe she doesn't get the plaudits that the likes of Sam, Guro, Millie etc get but for me one of those players you can rely on to do a good steady job week in, week out. Reminds me a bit of John Bumstead and Claude Makelele in the way they played the game.

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/ingle-its-an-appreciation-of-hard-work

With an appearance against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Sophie Ingle holds the Barclays Women’s Super League all-time appearance record with 184 games to her name.

Having first joined the club back in 2012, Ingle went on to represent Bristol City and Liverpool before returning to Chelsea ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, where she has enjoyed plenty of success on the domestic front.

Last year, our Welsh midfielder was awarded an OBE for her contributions to football and role as Wales captain. News of the award came shortly after Ingle had signed a contract extension until the summer of 2025.

16x9 Thumbnail Singer CM Sophie Ingle play video

VIDEO

COACHING | SOPHIE INGLE | SINGER CAPITAL MARKETS

Sophie Ingle is already investing in her future and preparing for life after her playing career comes to an end. We join the Welsh international, who has begun obtaining her coaching qualifications, as she coaches the Chelsea U12 Girls team.

Although milestones are significant to some, footballers are often blissfully unaware of such statistics and Ingle is no different. Ever the professional, the 32-year-old is primarily motivated to win as a collective rather than focusing on individual recognition.

‘Last year, Barclays put something on Instagram about top 10 appearances at the time. There was Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Millie (Bright), myself and a few other players.

‘I knew I was in the top 10. You just turn up and play games, it’s not something I focus on individually. We’re in a team environment and we’re trying to win trophies for this club.

‘I didn’t realise until last week!’

Sophie Ingle equaled the all-time WSL appearance record against Everton last weekend

Days, months and years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice have made Ingle the player she is today. Reaching this milestone is testament to the character, resilience and determination she has shown to build the successful career she has enjoyed.

‘It’s more about realising how far I’ve come, the commitment I’ve put in over the years and the hard work it has taken. It’s not easy to get to these type of records. It’s more an appreciation that I’ve worked hard over the years.

‘It’s been tough and all the support off the pitch I get from my family and friends to help me reach that because if you don’t have that support system, it’s even harder.

‘There are ups and downs throughout your career, but to consistently play for the clubs I’ve played for and to get the game time I have over the years is something I’m really honoured to achieve.’

Our Welsh midfielder is honoured to have played this amount of games for the clubs she has represented

Another landmark is on the horizon with Ingle nearing 200 appearances in a Chelsea shirt. There isn’t much time to reflect in a culture driven by success and Ingle believes she may only realise the size of her achievements once her playing days come to an end.

‘As the person I am, I will probably reflect after my career. At a club like Chelsea, you win one trophy and you are onto the next. You don’t always get the chance to appreciate it at the time and all the hard work that comes with winning a trophy.

‘We’re involved in a lot of trophies each season and it’s always about the next one, the season finishes, you have a little break and go again.

‘It’s always a quick turnaround so I don’t think I will truly realise until I sit down at the end of my career and see what I’ve achieved over the years.’