Leading from the Back cover art

Leading from the Back

My journey to the top of women's football

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Leading from the Back

By: Steph Houghton
Narrated by: Steph Houghton
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About this listen

 SHORTLISTED FOR *AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR* AT THE CHARLES TYRWHITT SPORTS BOOK AWARDS

*One of Waterstones' Best Sport Books of the Year 2024*

'Steph is truly one of the all-time greats of the women's game' Jill Scott

'Documents [Steph's] crucial role in helping to change perceptions of women's football' The Guardian

The inspiring memoir of one of football's greatest players - Steph Houghton - in which she recounts the highs and lows of making it to the top of her game as England Captain, star of the London Olympics, and Man City stalwart, via Sunderland, Leeds and Arsenal.

With 121 caps for the Lionesses, Steph has been at the heart of the women's football revolution, inspiring girls and young women around the world but in her own understated way.

Leading from the Back is Steph's incredibly honest account of what it takes to make it to the pinnacle of women's football when the odds are well and truly stacked against you.

Inside, she shares her dreams of becoming professional as a young girl in Sunderland and how reaching that status has been a long and often difficult path, both on and off the pitch, especially her husband Steph Darby's devastating Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis. In between, she recounts the amazing highs of playing for her country, making history at the Olympics, lifting cups for her team, and the awe-inspiring people she has encountered along the way.

This is not only Steph's personal story, but also the story of women's football in England and internationally. Steph is credited as being one of the greatest influences in growing the women's game to the biggest it has ever been.

A remarkable journey of unwavering determination that reveals the grit needed to stay true to yourself, and what it really takes to be a leader; this is the full and incredible story of a sports pioneer, 'Super Steph'.©2024 Steph Houghton (P)2024 Hachette Audio UK Football (Soccer) Sports Women England Game

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All stars
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I absolutely loved it. Thanks
Steph has come so far and worked so hard. I hope she gets her happy ever after

Such a tough lady

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What a legend and what an inspiration to all young footballers out there never be afraid to follow your dreams

Local legend

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Great book, really enjoyed hearing the behind the scenes of a world changing football player. Only gripe is the narration is a little unpolished and feels rushed at times. Only noticed a few times but sometimes sounds like Steph is running out of breath.

Great book, not sure about the narration

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Very well written with so much detail surrounding the WSL and the development of football.

Outstanding

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It's a captivating tale of unwavering determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Houghton shares her journey from a young girl with a dream to one of the most influential figures in women's football.

Beyond the football pitch, the book delves into the personal challenges and sacrifices Houghton has made to reach the pinnacle of her game.

Inspirational Leader & Legend

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This was great to listen to while I read along in the book hearing and reading about all of the highs and lows of Stephs career and the groundbreaking work she and others have done for women’s football.

Great local lass

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Such an amazing insight into a female footballers life years ago and what they had to overcome.

Amazing insight

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One in a long list of amazing England Female Football Captain's tells her story with humility, honesty and passion. It's great as a long term fan to hear the inside story. Well worth listening to if you love football.

Honest, moving and very inspiring!

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Enjoyed listening to the accent the content of the early days for Steph was so typical of my younger years.

Good background

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good insight into womans game and where they have come from, great player and leader but bobbins narrator lol

good

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