Defender Ella Haughey is the next Albion Women player to take on the ‘This and That’ quiz, following on from Seren Watkins in episode one!
The Northern Irish left-back chats through some of her best memories in football and favourite things in life, while also answering some questions which are often the catalyst for lengthy debates in society.
From her go-to meal after a victory, to one thing she classes as overrated, this second instalment of the series with Ella is a cracker!
First up Ella, what is your earliest memory of football?
I’d say the 2014 FIFA World Cup. That was the first time I got into football. I can remember David Luiz’s free-kick against Colombia in the quarter-final. It was absolutely unreal.
First football shirt you owned?
That would’ve been a Manchester United home kit. It was my brother’s old one. It had the AON sponsor on the front of it.
Who was your role model growing up and why?
I’d probably say Cristiano Ronaldo. He was my favourite footballer when I was growing up. I’m a big Manchester United fan so that’s why it was him.
What is your go-to meal after a game?
An Indian takeaway. My order would be chicken tikka masala, pilau rice and peshwari naan. I have it every single time. Absolutely unreal.
Best stadium you’ve played at?
I never got to play there because I didn’t get on but I’d have to say the City Ground when I was at Nottingham Forest.
Favourite band/artist?
Billie Eilish. I love her music. My favourite song of hers would have to be a song called ‘Watch’.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given and who gave it to you?
It’s a wee cliché, but I’d go for “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”. I know everyone says it, but a coach said it to me when I was younger and I still speak to that coach now. I think it’s a really good one.
Favourite TV show growing up?
This is a hard one. Probably Wizards of Waverly Place. It was on Disney. It was absolutely unreal.
Does chocolate belong in the fridge?
Yes. I like the chocolate when it’s harder, especially when it’s fruit and nut.
How many spoonfuls of sugar are acceptable in tea?
Two. However, I don’t have sugar in mine.
Dream holiday destination to visit?
I really want to go to Santorini. I’ve seen it all over my TikTok. It’s made me really want to go.
What is your job?
I’m a full-time university student. I’m studying sport psychology. I’d love to go into that field once I’ve finished.
Pineapple on a pizza. Thoughts?
Definitely. When people knock it, that’s just people following the crowd.
Proudest moment of your life so far?
Probably being called up to the Northern Ireland senior team when I was 16. That was probably my favourite moment.
Which celebrity would you chose to spend one day with and why?
Roy Keane. He’s an absolute legend. He’s Irish too like me and he’s got an unbelievable mentality.
Name one you think is really overrated?
Overrated? I don’t know actually. The tv show Friends. I feel like everyone is so into it, but I tried to watch it with my mom and it is funny, but I don’t think it’s as funny as people make out.
Do you believe in aliens?
I can’t say that I don’t or do. Until I’ve seen it then I can’t believe it or not believe it, if you know what I mean?
If you could travel back in time and attend one sporting event what would it be?
I was actually watching Hope Solo’s thing on Netflix recently about the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and how there was close to 90,000 people there. The tournament was played in the USA. It looked amazing.
Any superstitions on a matchday?
Obviously I play left back. I put everything on on my left side first. Boot, shin pad. Everything that can go on my left side first, goes on my left side.
What’s the strangest injury you’ve ever picked up?
I was on a water slide the once and I was trying to run up it. My best friend came down the slide and she collided into me. I was about 14. I was out of football for a while actually. It was in my friend’s back garden. I think I was out for about 12 weeks.
Finally, one thing that annoys you about social media?
People’s captions on posts. I think so many of them can be really cringey. They give me the ick.
