She Kicks A Beat With… Karen Bardsley (California Dreamin’)

Chris Brookes talks music with Karen Bardsley, one of Manchester City’s stellar signings ahead of the 2014 FA WSL season, whose start was delayed by a stress fracture of the foot until a comeback in May. Born in Santa Monica and eligible for England through family connections, the 29-year-old was first choice at the 2011 World Cup, Euro 2013 and the London Olympics. Sidelined and missing home, she has been listening to reggae and California music, naming Bob Marley, The Beach Boys and Chromeo alongside electro, folk and a growing taste for country. Bardsley says Alex Scott is the England team DJ but that she throws in bubblegum pop for laughs, recalls playing in the 2010 WPS All-Star Game on Marta’s team, and confesses her first record was Ace of Base.