I was Spurs Ladies top goalscorer for 5 years- now I run a Fylde coast greengrocers
A Fylde Coast greengrocer has been honoured by Tottenham Hotspur FC, 30 years after becoming the club’s Ladies Team top scorer and star player.
Danielle Hoy, who runs the Veg Garden in Great Eccleston, spent 11 years playing for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies; including a number of seasons with the first team.
She won numerous league titles and cups during her time at the club, finished top goal scorer five seasons in a row and even became the youngest player to make a first team appearance.
Now, 40 years later, Danielle has been recognised by Spurs for her outstanding achievements. She was invited to watch Tottenham Hotspur Women take on Arsenal Women in London on October 24, where she received awards, met club legends and even paraded around the pitch at half-time.
“I received a certificate for my contribution to women’s football at Tottenham Ladies. We were the players who founded the club and we received recognition for being part of the history of Women’s Football,” Danielle explained.
“I feel very honoured and proud to be part of women’s football. When I was a player we didn’t have what the women in the WSL have today. I’m really proud of being part of the originals that helped Women’s football turn professional. I wish I were 21 again and able to play on this platform.
I played striker and was top goal scorer for the club and the league 5 seasons in a row. We won the Greater London League, which is now the Women’s Super League, and the League Cup.”
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Danielle moved from London to Lancashire after meeting her future wife on holiday, and together the couple now run the Fur Cottage Kennels, Fur Cottage Pet Supplies and The Veg Garden in Great Eccleston.
Danielle and her wife have two children, aged 12 and 9, and she described being able to take them to the Spurs versus Arsenal game as a ‘special’ experience.
“I am actually an Arsenal fan which is strange, my team mates who support Tottenham used to give me stick because I wore my Arsenal shirt underneath the Tottenham shirt.
“I take my 12 year old to ladies Arsenal games when they play up North, and we go as a family to most England games. At the awards ceremony, my family was able to meet the women I call family and listen to stories about my football career. It was incredibly special.”