End of an era? Millie Bright on Chelsea retirement, Bunny Shaw links & Growing the game

0:02This is a Global Player original podcast. I think it's finally sunk in that I'm not going to be playing again. Or maybe I will, just in a different way, you never know. The future looks bright, sorry for the pun. Yeah, I've been a little bit lost for words, which is a little bit unusual for me. I'm normally the fog on yelling at everyone. Definitely not going into coaching at the moment, Millie. Quite like my freedom at the minute, to be honest. I don't think coaching is for me. I've sacrificed too much for the last 12 years. The way we speak about it and call it a main stadium, it is just now Chelsea's stadium.

0:34And, you know, I don't call it the men's stadium, I call it the main stadium.

0:48Hi, I'm Gabby Logan. Welcome to a very special episode of The Sports Agents. We're coming to you today live from the Barclays Clubhouse at Stamford Bridge. Barclays have been supporting football for the last quarter of a century, but particularly today we're focusing on the women's game. They were the inaugural headline sponsor of the WSL and in that time have given 2.6 million girls the chance to get into the game and play at grassroots level. So we're going to talk about the legacy that they have left in the game and we're going to talk about the future of the game with two very important guests.

1:20Millie Bright has spent much of her professional career here at Chelsea and she's just announced her retirement, having won eight WSL titles, many other trophies in the domestic game. But of course, the big one, the 2022 Euros title with the Lionesses. Alongside her, we've got Carla Ward, who will come at this from the head coach's perspective. She's coached at Birmingham City and Aston Villa, where she talked about the juggle, the challenge of being a mum in such a high profile job. And she is now currently the Republic of Ireland head coach. So plenty to get into with those two. Millie, Carla, welcome to the Sports Agents.

1:53Millie we greet you on a day which I imagine is going to be full of emotion for you and it's kind of already started hasn't it tell us what happened before you came in here yeah it's been a hell of a morning yeah obviously today is officially my retirement day which is a little bit weird I think it's finally sunk in that I'm not going to be playing again or maybe I will just in a different way you never know local pub in Sheffield 5-0's we're setting up 5-0's in Sheffield but yeah I've been very very fortunate and lucky that the club have you know kept me on as an ambassador and a trustee for the foundation which are two things that are extremely close to my heart and yeah they've put me on the shed wall next to the legend herself Emma Hayes so I feel very grateful and lucky for that and Emma surprised me outside so that was very emotional and then I went and got taken to the sensory room obviously here and it's been named after me which is incredible it's something very close to my heart obviously with my nephews and representing everybody else out there that you know um uses that room and needs that little bit of boost to know that you're welcome and you know it's inclusive and it's something that I'm very very passionate about so I feel very very lucky um yeah I've been a little bit lost for words which is a little bit unusual for me I'm normally the the foghorn yelling at everyone so um yeah it's been crazy and I'm sure there's going to be some more surprises which she'll probably get me so bear with me today I think um obviously you're going to be on the pitch aren't you everybody's going to see you out there later you don't know what's coming are the tears going to come yeah definitely I've been fine up until this morning and then as soon as I saw a shed wall and then I had a little fan she made a t4 flag which obviously is me guru erin sam and it was Carly which she's still in there um and she set me off she was just bawling her eyes out bless her and you know I think it was her dad and he was like she's not stop crying since she announced it and it's the fans you know it's I think it's the people that I'm going to miss the most like I can go and kick a ball about in the garden and that's fine I've got my horses now but I think the people are it's really underestimated it's you know these people I've known over a decade and they're my everyday reason you know you're going to training you're laughing you're joking you know what it's like the relationships that you build I've got to say I'm almost saying goodbye to those people so it's like okay what do I do now like who do I go into I'm gonna have to FaceTime and do trips and stuff like that but it's um yeah I'll definitely be emotional I've got my niece as well my sister reminded me she's the only my only niece and nephew that's not been on the picture as a mascot so she is you know she's very very young but she's going to be a mascot today and and my little nephew Albie.

4:36So it's going to be very special. There's going to be a lot of tears. Yeah, but I think... I don't know how you prepare for that, to be honest. No, no, I think you've just got to absorb it all and enjoy the day. And Carla, I'm sure you would want to add to the weight of accolades of what Millie has done here and how important she has been to this club. Yeah, look, I actually met Millie, would you believe, when I went to Don Casterbells and she was a number 10 in the middle of the park and I was thinking, hold on a minute, she's playing in front of me in there. But yeah, no, me and Millie go back to the Doncaster Bells days.

5:08And even then, you know, you knew full well she was going to go on and have an unbelievable career. Not just a top player, but a top person and a great character and a role model. I was telling her just now that I told my daughter I was going on stage with her today and all she wanted to do is jump up and down on the bed singing Millie, bright, bright, bright. So, yeah, no, that's the impact she's had on not just my daughter, But I think every single young girl growing up watching England and Chelsea, she's been an unbelievable servant. And I don't think she has to this day got the credit that she deserves.

5:41And I think that hopefully today will be the start of that. And yeah, look, you've got to stay in the game somehow, right? So what that looks like, I don't know. But she'll be sorely missed, that's for sure. Yeah, I know you're going to hang around the club a little bit, aren't you, over the next few years in terms of your role as an ambassador. but definitely not going into coaching at the moment Millie? Quite like my freedom at the minute to be honest. They say never say never but no listen I'll be honest I think there's other avenues that I'm more passionate about when it comes to staying in the game and I like to be in the background conversations making sure everything's where it needs to be and that the women's game has still been pushed in the right direction but I think for me it'd be helping the youngsters that have been working with the academy my work with the foundation is extremely important but I think just helping the next generation come through and remember where the game was because I think that's, for me, that's a massive thing.

6:31And I'm blessed to have experienced both sides of the game where we went from having nothing to everything. But I think when you just come into it where you've got everything, you forget what came before and how hard it was to get to where we are. Have you really seen that with young players coming through? And what do you see in terms of their attitudes and behaviours that are different? Listen, they're unbelievable players. But I think when you walk into a system where everything already exists, you don't have to go that extra mile you don't have to do that extra little bit of recovery or you don't have to do that extra little bit of work or go and have that meeting or check in with your teammate maybe a little bit because they have everything you think oh everyone's got everything they're fine like it's good whereas when I started we didn't have a we had a shed as a gym and you were doing your sled pushes outside you put your raincoat on but there were not one moan about it no one no murmur you just got on with it and did it we had lunch in a paper bag and you pick your lunch up when you left home and that's it now we've got a canteen in some days oh the food's not good enough and I'm like the food is very good like trust me it's good but and I think that's that's nothing on the players it's just the system that you come into and I think it's good because the game's come a long way and you know I'm people say to me you've retired at the wrong time like now you've moved to Stanford Bridge fully for your home and that no because I'm passing the baton on now it's like I've ended my era and I'm proud to be a part of that era and Now the next one, they get this luxury.

7:53And I think then I feel like I've played my part in the game and on a wider picture, I've always said you have a responsibility to leave the shirt in a better place, but to keep growing the game, it's not where we want it to be. There's still hurdles to overcome. There's still things that exist in the game that we don't want and we still get overlooked in certain situations in the women's game and there's still work to be done. And as a player, it doesn't matter if you're competing for a quadruple, you have to do the work. So it's that side of it that I really want to push to the next gen is you can make it what you want it to be really.

8:21We've got the game to the women's game to where it is now but that's not through just, it doesn't just happen. You have to play a part as a player. So yeah, there's many ways but I don't think coaching is for me. I've sacrificed too much for the last 12 years and yeah, I'm ready for home. The Lionesses' success has obviously brought so many people into the game but of course the WSL had to sustain that and the product on the pitch had to be a quality that people wanted to stay and wanted to keep watching and we've seen those numbers grow and this season after 10 years Manchester City have wrapped up the title for the first time in 10 years in kind of quick time.

8:58They've got it sorted, they've got it done but also they've I think importantly kind of broken a bit of a deadlock haven't they because the league has to look competitive, it has to look like there's jeopardy. As many teams as possible have to feel they can win this title. Yeah and I think it's been really competitive you know I've enjoyed watching Manchester City this year. I have, they've played with an air of freedom and they've looked very different to what they have in previous seasons. So look, I think that what we have seen this year is everybody can beat everybody. And I think, you know, expanding it with a couple of teams coming up, two teams that are well-backed as well.

9:32Never know, there might be a third one depending on what happens next weekend. But I think overall, I think every club, most clubs, should I say, are investing. I've taken the women's game seriously. And I think those that continue to do so So we will continue to see the league getting better and better. Yeah. But for Chelsea, obviously, a trophy-less season is an unusual thing. And it's been a long time. So what was the mood like in the dressing room over the last few weeks? Well, we did get the League Cup. Yes. So we did have one trophy. Did you get a Subway after the game? No, I didn't get a Subway.

10:06And that's something I'm actually going to feed back. Maybe that's my first job as a retired player. Yeah, listen, it's difficult. I think for us, we get used to winning. Like I said, anything less than winning is not acceptable. Anything less than two, three trophies is not acceptable for us. I think this season, more than ever, we've had to learn to appreciate the little wins and the League Cup and only having one trophy to take home. But it's still a trophy. We're still in a very good position. I think maybe we need a season like this to grow. It's a reset season. Yeah, I think it is. I think we're in a little bit of a change still.

10:46And listen, I think you have to have a dip to then push on. I said it previously in my retirement interview and I'm very grateful when we lost that Champions League final because I think without that, we wouldn't have pushed on and gone on to greatness, which we did after that. But I think we've won for so many years and City winning now, that gives us a big boost. We don't like that. It doesn't sit well at all. And it leaves a bit of a sour taste, but I think it is good for the game. I think it'll be good for us next season. I think, you know, we go away, everyone resets, you refresh your mentality, have nice holidays and then everyone comes back in pre-season and we get going again.

11:22We look to strengthen and we push on because we don't have the Champions League and that is the one that we want and that ambition stays the same. And yeah, I guess my role now is not on the pitch, but it's off the pitch and pushing the club forward to do that. You're not the only big name leaving. There's going to be new faces coming in, presumably as well. Sam Kerr this week has said she's off. there's going to be a different look to this Chelsea side. We don't know yet whether or not that will include Bunny Shaw. And obviously Sonia Bonpastor gave a really kind of non-cryptic answer, actually, when she was asked about Bunny, that she, of course, would love to have a player of her calibre.

11:58Is she a signing that you can see the club making in the closed season? Listen, Chelsea want to win. Chelsea want the best players. So any best player is up for grabs and Chelsea are going to go for them. And that is just part of the game. It's part of being at this club. And that's part of their ambition. And I think you've seen Bunny's talents this season and what she's achieved. I think she's had a fantastic season. And she puts the ball in the back of the net. But just to go back to the legend before that, Sam, I think it's one of the greatest to pull on a Chelsea shirt. I think one of the greatest in the game and certainly the best striker that I've ever played against and played with.

12:32And I think she'll definitely be missed. And I think when you're losing that calibre of player, you have to at least attempt to fill that hole because you look at her stats, they're ridiculous. They're like no other. And I think players like her, she is the one and only. So I do think, yeah, of course, if Bunny's available, then my question would be why would they go in free? But why would Manchester City want their best player, one of the best players in the league, to go to one of their biggest rivals? I don't think they would. I think it's probably about maybe the length of contract financials there'll be lots of different contributing factors Bunny might you know Bunny might want a different direction after the last few years there'll be lots of different moving parts in the background and look if Chelsea can pull that one off I think that puts them in a really strong position but yeah going back to Sam I think she's probably the best forward that the WSL's ever seen you know she's up there with the best in the world and I think she'll be massively missed not just from Chelsea but the WSL as well I was going to say that the league will miss the calibre of player that Sam Kerr is.

13:38It's really important for the WSL to keep attracting the best players in the world. Yeah, I think it's something that we've done really, really well over the years. And I think the WSL is the best women's league out there. I think it's the most competitive. I think the range of players that we have and the players that we attract from overseas is incredible. I think it speaks for itself. So losing any sort of player like that, but also the character that Sam is and what she brings to the women's game and every room she walks in, she lights up and you know what she's like she's a cheeky chap and I think she the crowds love her the fans love her like I mean who does a backflip when they score at Wembley like who loves Sam Kerr here she was like Millie try a backflip I was like no I'll be in A and E I don't think I'll be doing that but yeah I think it's obviously it'll be a massive hit for the league but you know hopefully there's other big names coming over

14:35Speaking of the league and its record breaking, which continues in attendance terms this week, the announcement that Arsenal's average attendance over their WSL games was close to 35 ,000. That was a big moment, I think. And that puts them, I think, about 13th in all English football across Premier League championship in terms of attendance. How important are those landmarks to you, Carla? Huge. That's massive for anybody. But what they've done over the last five or ten years has been massively important for the women's game. They've invested, they've put Arsenal women at the forefront. It's incredibly important because you can see the stadium people want to go to at the Emirates and watch football matches.

15:17I think bringing football here next season will, I think, will increase, you know, Chelsea's attendances. And the more that young boys and girls can, you know, go and experience days like this, the better. But incredibly proud, I guess, of the way that the women's game's going. And yes, Arsenal are leading the way in that aspect. But I can see Chelsea following suit. It has been a debate, hasn't it, for some time about, and you have obviously the international break weekends when traditionally the women's teams have gone and played in the men's stadiums. But, you know, should they be? Should they be playing in a stadium that's half full, half empty?

15:51We've got to a stage now where you look at Arsenal, you know that those kinds of attendances can be sustained by a club like that. It's obviously another direction of travel for Chelsea to play every game, as Carla just said here next season. Is that an exciting move for you? And what is it like playing here? You know, the first time you actually went out at Stamford Bridge. Yeah, it's amazing. I think as players you want to play and you know I don't call them the men's stadium they call it the main stadium because the men shouldn't get that Well the reason why I said that was because of what Brighton have actually done because I think that's a really interesting move as well isn't it to have a women's stadium Yeah and I think that's really really good but I think if you don't if you're not able to get a complete separate stadium I think you know redirecting the the way we speak about it and calling it a main stadium it is just now Chelsea's stadium the bridge is Chelsea's and the men's and the women's both represent it which I think is amazing for us and going back to the point of I always see that debate should we go to the main stadium will it be half full but I think as players we understand that it might not be sold out immediately, I don't think you can go from a King's Meadow to a Stamford Bridge and expect to sell out, it just doesn't, it's a journey it's a process and I think like Arsenal have done, they've stuck by it, they've kind of not gave in even if they were a little bit lower the crowds the fans keep coming and coming and coming and it's just part of growing that's just how it evolves and And I think for us, it's super exciting.

17:12And, you know, hats off to Arsenal. What they've done with the crowds is incredible. And sustaining that is, you know, getting it on a one-off is all right. But then actually sustaining it throughout the season is incredible. And like Carla said, they are leading the way in that respect. And that's something that we're definitely looking to do. It's easy to forget. And it goes back to what you were saying before about younger players as well, that the FA Cup final wasn't played at Wembley. And then when it first was played at Wembley, it wasn't a full stadium, you know. And so they're all just markers, aren't they?

17:38and steps and a positive direction of travel. Yeah, definitely. And everyone's is different. Like ours will be different to Arsenal's, Arsenal's will be different to Brighton's. And I think you just have to, in that respect, stay in your lane a little bit and respect where you're at and where you want to get to. And as long as you know where you're going and what you need to do to get there, I think we just have to be patient and allow the fans to change over as well that we have just got one place that's home now. And I think that way you can get a little bit of consistency and we can really start building this and making it feel kind of fully like home.

18:08Does that, and also the news that I just talked about there about Brighton announcing that I think it's only the third women-only stadium in the world to be built, and it's being built here in England in the WSL, does that give you positive vibes about the direction of travel of the WSL? Yeah, and I think, look, Paul Barber has been very vocal, hasn't he, for years on the women's game, and I think we need more of that. I think that it all comes down to those key decision-makers and board level to make those decisions on the backing of the women's game, because without that you don't get anywhere.

18:40So that needs to happen everywhere with a little bit of pressure as well from the FA, from the league. And I think the more that they do, I think that we've really got a chance of something here and we're onto something. We know we are. Maybe when we're a little bit older, we might see packed out every single WSL game packed out, but we're onto something for sure. Absolutely. And obviously this season has been another record-breaking season off the back of a Euros, it tends to be that way, doesn't it? The WSL gets more eyeballs on it. How important has the investment by Barclays been, do you think?

19:17It's massive. I think without those sorts of investments, we're not sat where we are today and experiencing what we're experiencing. So I think we need to see more of that and not just from Barclays, but from everyone else. And like Carla said, we are onto something massive and I think we just have to stay patient with it. But going back to my other point, we have to put the working and we have to keep showing people why they should invest in the women's game and it is one it's a beautiful game and two we I've always said it we do play some pretty decent football to be fair um both on a on a club level and internationally so and I agree I think after a tournament it always spikes because you you gain new followers and new fans and people get to see new players I think there's a new generation coming through now where they're building their own little fan base up and people are getting to experience even for England the youngsters are coming on they're getting more minutes and people say oh who's that player and then before you know it by the end of that cycle you know her name you know who she plays for what strengths are and I think it's just that sticking with us a little bit which is what Barclays have done yeah exactly you think back to them being that inaugural headline sponsor for the league and and such a big name that was associated as well with the men's game and not not a kind of seeing it as a separate entity it's this collective support of football which I think has served them really well in terms of their partnership?

20:33Yeah, look, Barclays have led the way massively, I think, over the years. And I would argue if it wasn't for Barclays, I'm not sure the WSL would be where it is now because, you know, it's continued to support it. I've been fortunate to do a couple of events with Barclays and they are so invested in the women's game, so invested. It's not just a tick box, put our name on the, you know, put our name on the trophy. It's very much what can we do to improve from foundation up, from grassroots up. Every single part of the women's game, Barclays have been really, really invested into. So long may that continue.

21:07And hopefully that, you know, pushes other big brands and, you know, partners to get on board. Absolutely. Right. Let's bring it back to you. We've got a few minutes left. Obviously, it's a huge day for you and the future looks bright. Sorry for the pun, in terms of all the things that you want to get involved with. But just looking back over your incredible career both here at Chelsea Doncaster Bells the Lionesses what are the highlights that kind of stand out and the moments that spring to mind? God I keep getting asked this question and there's so many my first season has got to be a standout winning the double playing at Wembley for the first time playing in a final for the first time so we didn't get too many at Donny lifting a trophy for the first time was a real taste of what I'd signed up for and the club that I was representing and I was like, all right, I like the feeling of this.

21:59I've got to keep doing it. And little did I know I would continue to do it every season, bar one, which was 2019 where we didn't lift any trophy. But then it just became addictive. I think from England, obviously winning the Euros, leading the girls out of the World Cup and just having my family there. My family have been at every single moment and without them and their sacrifices, I definitely wouldn't be where I am now. I dread to think the amount of miles my dad's done around in the world and my mum. Was there a pinch me moment where you thought, I can't believe how far this game has come?

22:33Definitely the World Cup. That was incredible. And I'd say every final at Wembley and I always say the FA Cup is the best trophy to lift. It's the best competition. It's iconic. It's got so much history attached to it. But when you're at Wembley and there's the crowds like roaring in the atmosphere and that was incredible. And I must admit the day where we beat Man United and lifted the trophy. That was a pretty special day. But sending off special people as well. Obviously, that was the year that Emma departed. And I think giving back to the people that put you on a platform and provided you with a career that's very luxury.

23:13And trophies that I've lifted with this club have been incredible. And I think always being able to give back to those people, it means a lot. So I think I've had a lot of moments like that, too many to list. And I won't bore you with them all. But yeah, I think the tournaments, the finals, seeing who's there for you on the hard days, I think it reminds you of the people that you've got around you. And football is a very, very special environment where you gain people for life. You just mentioned it a little bit earlier, Kai. You said if I come back and manage in the WSL, obviously currently...

23:43Where are you going? Yeah, that was the question. Back to the World Cup. Well, that's the aim over the next 18 months or so, isn't it? Yeah, yeah. No, listen, I took the job knowing it would be, look, it was a difficult job, you know, but one that I love. You know, I've never gone anywhere unless it's a big challenge. So I've loved it there. And we've got, yeah, we've got two big games coming up against France and Netherlands. And we're actually in a position, believe it or not, to two points off the top to actually try and go and win the group, which sounds absolutely crazy when you think about it.

24:15but that's the position we're in. And at worst, we get a playoff to the World Cup. But the aim is the World Cup and then the Euros. But I love it there. So one day, yes, maybe, when my little girl is a little bit older. So you're getting the balance back in your life and that's really important as well. Massive work-life balance. Yeah, I get to be a dance mum and a swimming mum. And yeah, they don't have a clue. Is a football mum yet? No, no. She's musical theatre, street dance, jazz, the lot. Not football, but I try and change it all the time. I'll get Millie around to have a word of her and we'll see what we get to see.

24:48Yeah, she's got one. She's got your shirt from an England game, yeah. So, yeah, we'll get there, I think, one day. But no, I love what I do, but hopefully one day, yeah, I'll return to the WSL. Well, I'm sure everybody here wishes you all the best in your World Cup qualification and also wishes Millie all the best in the next stage of her career. I'm sure it's going to be incredible and we look forward to seeing what you do. Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Carla and Millie.

25:19This has been a Global Player original production.