Manchester City legend Karen Bardsley admits her first derby since retirement is going to feel ‘awfully weird’ as she gears up for punditry at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
With more than 100 appearances for Man City, Bardsley has been involved in her fair share of high-stake fixtures in the WSL.
And the 38-year-old – who hung up her boots last summer – will step out at the Etihad on Sunday in front of an expected record-40,000.
Speaking at the launch of an FA campaign at Media City’s The Pitch, Bardsley said: “I’m so stoked, I can’t wait. It’s going to be awfully weird being on the other side of it.
“Usually, you’re involved in the build-up and the tactical battles that are going on. I’ll be involved in that but from a pundit’s side.”
A win would take fourth-placed Man City level on points with Manchester United while the second-placed side have the opportunity to square up to league leaders Chelsea.
And Bardsley will be proving punditry alongside former player Nedum Onouha as part of City TV’s pre match coverage.
She said: “It’s always a really fun atmosphere. It’s one of those games where everyone can come regardless of who they are, who they support. And it’s a great environment for the girls to play in.
“It’s also bragging rights for the city. City have just turned a corner in form – nine games won on the trot in all competitions – and United are flying as well. I think it’s going to be a technical spectacle.”
As the former Lioness looks to expand the FA’s Legacy project following the historic Euros win in the summer, she reflected on her grassroots experience growing up in America.
She said: “I think it’s really cool that the potential for it to be on offer at the grassroots level gives everyone an equal playing field because where I grew up you had to pay to play.
“If you could afford to pay to play for a better team then you had a leg up over other people which isn’t necessarily fair.”
Bardsley teamed up with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham as they called for all schools across the region to offer two hours of PE per week to all pupils.
Burnham joined Bardsley for a kickabout with local schoolgirls and spoke of the importance of giving the campaign attention of Sunday’s derby.
He said: “We pride ourselves on being the capital of football in the UK.
“For once, rather than criticising the FA we should listen to them and get behind them. We have it within our power to put more resources behind what the FA are trying to do.
“I’m going to make a prediction. A year from now I think we’ll have 100% of schools in Greater Manchester signed up, giving girls the right to play football. That will be a really beneficial social change in these quite difficult times.”
