Sophie Ingle returns to Bristol City seeking confidence and more Wales caps after recovering from an ACL injury. She aims to regain her form and contribute to both Bristol City’s promotion push and Wales’ future success.
Wales midfielder Sophie Ingle has expressed her desire to rediscover her confidence and secure more international appearances after making a return to Bristol City. The 34-year-old rejoined the Robins on a two-year deal this summer, following a successful seven-season stint at Chelsea where she amassed an impressive 11 trophies.
Ingle’s decision to return to Bristol City stems from a need to feel valued and play regular football. She believes the club’s commitment to the women’s team, particularly the move to play home games at Ashton Gate, demonstrates a level of support that is crucial for players like herself. “It’s about feeling valued as well,” Ingle stated. “Bristol City want the women's team at Ashton Gate and that for us as a women's team is really important.”
The move also allows Ingle to be closer to her family in Wales, a factor she considers vital for maintaining a positive mindset both on and off the pitch. “It’s nice to be back close to Wales and see my family more, I think that's really important a happy player off the pitch is a happy player on the pitch.”
Ingle recently earned her 142nd international cap for Wales at Euro 2025, a remarkable achievement considering her recovery from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined her for the entire 2024-25 campaign. She acknowledges the importance of regaining her pre-injury sharpness and believes regular playing time with Bristol City will be instrumental in achieving that goal.
The timing of Ingle’s return is particularly significant, as Wales national team manager Rhian Wilkinson has hinted at potential retirements among some established players. This creates an opportunity for Ingle to solidify her position in the squad and contribute to the team’s future success.
Bristol City’s ambition to return to the Women’s Super League (WSL) also aligns with Ingle’s aspirations. She is impressed by the high standards and demands set by head coach Charlotte Healy and believes the team has the potential to achieve promotion. “When I first spoke to Charlotte [Healy, head coach] her demands and standards were very high which linked with mine,” the midfielder explained.
Ingle’s first appearance for Bristol City came in a 5-1 defeat against Birmingham City, where she played 75 minutes. However, the team quickly bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth, with Ingle completing the full 90 minutes. She is focused on building her sharpness and contributing to the team’s positive momentum.
The Robins have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in over 10 new signings as they prepare for a challenging WSL 2 campaign. Ingle is confident that the team’s collective talent and determination will be key to their success. “It's going to be a long season and we're going to have to find ways to keep digging in and getting points on the board. Come the business end of the season we want to be in a position where we can get promoted.”
Ingle’s previous spell at Bristol City, from 2014 to 2015, saw her captain the side. She is eager to build on that experience and contribute to the club’s growth both on and off the pitch. She also highlighted the importance of the club’s commitment to providing a platform for the women’s team, noting that this representation is something she has not always experienced throughout her career.
The impact of Euro 2025 is already being felt across Wales, with murals of the squad appearing in schools and community centers. Ingle expressed her excitement about visiting her old school and engaging with young fans, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the next generation of female footballers.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a supportive environment at Bristol City, Sophie Ingle is determined to recapture her best form and continue representing Wales with pride. Her return to the club represents a significant boost for both the team and the national team, as she aims to add to her impressive tally of international caps and contribute to a bright future for Welsh women’s football.
The Robins will continue to play their home games at Ashton Gate, following the conclusion of the Women's Rugby World Cup, further solidifying their commitment to the women's game.