Since their promotion to the WSL, Bristol City have confirmed the women will play all their home matches at Ashton Gate next season.
It is the latest move which indicates the club’s growing support after closer integration with the men’s team was forged when the women moved to the High Performance Centre training base to share facilities.
Former England defender Anita Asante joined the backroom staff last summer, while manager Lauren Smith has steadily built a strong squad through smart recruitment and development.
When the club were relegated in 2021 it seems to have acted as a wake-up call, not dissimilar to the situation at Furness’ former club Liverpool, where they had received long-overdue backing before their title win in 2022.
So how did the successes compare for Furness?
“It’s two completely different feelings. Liverpool were expected to do it last year. We had the squad, the money and there was an expectation at such a massive club,” she said.
“If we didn’t win it, it would have been such a disappointment. There was relief in the Liverpool promotion.
“But at Bristol City this has been the most competitive Championship season that we’ve had and it went down to the wire. Teams are getting stronger, which is making it even harder.
“I came in to try and have an impact with my experience, having been there before. It was a different feeling but I’m just so proud I’m sat here with another medal. I very much felt a part of everything we managed to achieve.”