10 questions with... Emma Bentley

We All Love Leeds are proud to announce our latest 10 questions with includes none other than Leeds Ladies 'Captain Fantastic' Emma Bentley. 

The talented midfielder has been a symbol of the resurgence for the Leeds Ladies and has stood by her side through thick and thin during this transition. Leeds Ladies Chairman Gary Cooper called Bentley an 'inspirational constant' during his interview for We All Love Leeds, something that does seem correct when you look at her displays and leadership qualities since the Phoenix first rose.  

We talk with Emma about Leeds Ladies, a certain Marvel role and something about  a coffee shop...


1. Given the option, how would you deal with a player like Diego Costa?

Hmm, is that something to do with Costa Coffee?

2, Do you think the separation from Leeds United has been a good thing for the Leeds Ladies?

I think it has been good as it has allowed us to grow our own wings and prove that we can be independent. Being forced to restructure hasn't been easy, but the team behind the scenes have put their heart and soul into making this club work. Of course we would love to have an association with Leeds United in a small way such as the name and the badge, but I feel that with continued support from our sponsors and adding to them new sponsors, fans and support that we can continue to go from strength to strength towards our ultimate goal, the Women's Super League.

3, Having fit the role so well in the past season or so, have Marvel contacted you about taking up the role of Captain Fantastic yet?

Haha, no not yet... 

4, What is the most memorable game you've played in?

There have been a few games in my time that have been memorable: I've played on the pitch at Wembley and played in cup finals at championship grounds. But I think the game that sticks out most from recent times is our first game as Leeds Ladies vs Stockport. After everything we had been through that summer, to come from behind, for me to score a penalty and for us to win was just the most amazing feeling. To be able to go over and celebrate that at full time with our chairman, Gary, was a really special moment.

There's not many players that have worn that armband with as much pride as Bentz when it comes to football in Leeds.

5, Have there been any comical moments in your career at Leeds?

Not really on the pitch, we are always serious on the pitch. But off the pitch there are endless hilarious moments that we have as a team! Story time with Bridie on the away trips (and in fact anytime anybody will listen) is always comical and our team get togethers generally have something funny happen. My favourite one most recently though was Emily Starkie showing off by dancing on the bus, just in time for Jim the driver to put the brakes on and send her flying down the aisle. I caught it all on camera too... It's on my Instagram, go watch it and have a laugh, I must have watched it about 700 times.

6, Who is your all time favourite player?

My favourite player growing up was always Alan Shearer. I absolutely loved him! I have always been a big Leeds fan though and remember meeting David Batty and Gary Speed when I was a kid. But Shearer in his England shirt scoring all those goals was just amazing to watch, I would try to replicate the goals in the back garden.

7, Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

Not really. I like to sit in the same place in the changing rooms but thats about it. Me and Starkie have gotten into this daft routine where we both spray this same perfume on moments before we go out. We did it before a match one week and it just kinda stuck. 

8, Marmite or not?

Absolutely not,

9, What is your favourite film?

I never stay awake long enough to see a full film! Regardless of how much I'm enjoying the film I ALWAYS fall asleep, then wake up just in time for the end to ask 'so what happened then?' I did watch the entire four seasons of Prison Break though. Twice. I think that's probably my favourite thing I have ever watched.

10, Where do you think both Leeds teams will finish in their respective leagues?

High up I hope!! There is no hiding the fact that our aim this year is promotion, we are trying to win this league. And we'll do everything we can to make that happen. I would love to see the men reach the play offs and do well.


We's like to thank Emma for taking the time to join in on our new feature and also thank Gary Cooper for setting up the chance to interview someone so influential within the Leeds Ladies. 

There's no doubt that this current Leeds Ladies side are going to set a precedent for the future of this club and we hope to be a part of that for a very long time. We wish both Emma and the Leeds Ladies side luck for the entire season as they set their sights on promotion.

By Ryan Ingham
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Check the club out at www.leedsladiesfc.co.uk