Emily Owens has been playing football from the age of four and has now spent 26 years in the game, having first started playing competitively for Woodbank FC at the age of eight.

After beginning her grassroots journey playing for a team coached by her dad, Emily progressed through Centre of Excellence football and has gone on to represent clubs including Liverpool, Leeds United and Bury FC.

Among the proudest moments of her career are winning the league in consecutive seasons with Bury. Emily has also collected individual recognition during her career, including Players' Player and Goal of the Season awards.

Comfortable playing in defence or central midfield, Emily describes herself as composed on the ball and someone who wants to play football, while placing great importance on being a teammate others can feel proud and supported playing alongside.

It was the environment around Bolton Wanderers which convinced Emily that the club was right for her. The management team and playing group made an immediate impression, with Emily describing the environment as one overflowing with positivity.

Her ambitions are equally clear: to help Wanderers win the league and earn promotion before seeing how far the team can progress next season.

And as for the number 20 shirt? Emily jokes that Tom told her the number would suit her – although she suspects that may just have been a diplomatic way of disguising the fact there weren't many glamorous numbers left!

Get to know Emily

Some of Emily's earliest and fondest football memories come from watching Manchester City alongside her dad.

Shaun Goater was her footballing idol growing up, with memories of singing "Feed the Goat" while watching City together something that has stayed with her. Another early memory is regularly heading to Maine Road with her dad whenever City played Aston Villa.

Away from playing, Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also works in football as a Disability and Inclusion Development Officer for Manchester FA.

Her matchday preparation involves scrambled egg on a bagel accompanied by plenty of Taylor Swift – which ties in nicely with something Wanderers supporters might not immediately guess about her: Emily is a committed Swiftie.

Favourite food: Risotto
Favourite TV series: Friends
Favourite artist: Taylor Swift
Favourite holiday destination: Amsterdam
Tea or coffee: Tea
Ideal day off: Somewhere abroad in the sun