Women’s Super League: Abby McManus and Jess Sigsworth switch to firemen

They both agreed that the elite sport prepared them for emergency response work.

“We enjoy the pressure,” Sigsworth said. “In football, you’re playing in front of crowds, under scrutiny, constantly wanting to prove yourself. That mentality never leaves you.”

Even the daily routine is familiar.

“You have to pass a lot of fitness tests to get into the fire service,” McManus explained. “We do a lot of PT and here’s the unity you have as a football team.

“It’s bad to say, but when you’re in a tired part of a workout, that’s when teamwork comes in. If you’re really on fire, you have to pull each other up. It’s the same in football preseason.

“You arrive, arrange your kit, train together, eat together.

“If we lose a football match, we analyze it afterwards. It’s the same here after hard work. It’s like a big family.”

Still, they miss some parts of the match.

“That moment before you walk out,” Sigsworth said. “The music is playing in the changing room, everyone is screaming. I think you will be forever missed.”

They recently got their boots on again, representing the fire service in a seven-a-side emergency services tournament in Spain. They won, although a short stop by Sigsworth’s goal did not go to plan.

“We won’t mention lobbing Jess,” laughed McManus.

“I’m a center forward!” Sigsworth replied. “They stuck me in the net. A girl booted it from the kick-off and I was daydreaming.”