Ruesha Littlejohn: 'Carla allows me to be me and doesn't stress about my character'

Ruesha Littlejohn and head coach Carla Ward worked together at Aston Villa and Birmingham. 

Now seeking her 12th club, Ruesha Littlejohn evidently isn’t to every manager’s taste.

Her last managerial experience was the most cutting of the 34-year-old’s career - Jocelyn Prêcheur allegedly discarding her in January because he sought to improve the quality of London City Lionesses.

The club bankrolled by billionaire Michele Kang since December 2023 are in a hurry to reach the English top tier, recruiting former PSG coach Prêcheur, ex-FAI CEO Jonathan Hill as consultant and marquee Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani.

Littlejohn has an inkling the promotion project was leaving her behind when she was questioned about starting both of Ireland’s Euro playoff legs against Wales – the first of which she scored again.

Shortly after being dispensed with, information surfaced about the club’s dissatisfaction with her social media activity. Littlejohn’s Rue Tube videos have attracted a sizeable audience.

Fortunately for Ireland, as the midfielder mulled over her between campaigns, along came Carla Ward.

Their connection is deep and solid. While the player was interviewed on the sideline of the Stadion Bonifika yesterday, musing over the worries of being unemployed, Ward bellowed out her support: “Sign her up, sign her up.” 

Moments later, the Ireland manager was more direct about the esteem she holds the Glaswegian in. “I’d go to war with Ruesha. She was brilliant for me at both Birmingham City and Aston Villa. I’m delighted she’s stayed on.” Littlejohn herself embraced the mutual appreciation.

“If it was someone stricter, I might have just called it a day,” she admits about her dilemma.

“I know Carla well and she likes everybody to be themselves. We get on, she allows me to be me and doesn’t stress about my character.

“We had a day at Castleknock where she got all the families involved - nieces, nephews and cousins were up on stage. It was a good laugh.

Littlejohn during a Republic of Ireland women's training session at Bonifika Stadium in Koper, Slovenia. 

“That’s so important, especially after the staff changes, as it brings harmony and togetherness. I wanted to be part of that.” 

There was also the motivation of joining the centurion club. Ireland’s crushing defeat to Wales at Lansdowne Road in December marked her 85th cap but his free agent is the major impediment to reaching three figures.

All going well, specifically her Achilles avoiding a flare-up, Littlejohn will earn cap 87 in Koper. She was installed at the fulcrum of Ward’s first line-up, screening in front of a reconfigured back four in Friday’s win over Turkey.

“There was a bit of me thinking of returning on but the other saying I’ve a few personal goals I’d like to achieve,” the former Arsenal and Liverpool player explained.

“Right now, it’s looking difficult on the club front. Hopefully I get a club and get to 100 caps. It’s not an easy task, especially with my injury history, but I’d love to be involved in a big or small part.

“It’s mad. I probably should have more caps and it could take two years up to the 2017 World Cup to get there but like to do hard things in life. I never do anything the easy way.

“You might get me a wee zimmer frame to walk around in camp. Maybe I’ll just train once pre-match.

“With my Achilles, there’s certain things I can manage, certain things I can do better. I was at previous clubs that weren’t aware of that. I’ll be fine.” Beneath that tough exterior sits a player evidently hurting by the recent rejection.

“I thought the way they went about it was a wee bit disrespectful,” she confesses. “I don’t entirely agree with it but it’s done and good luck to London City.

“I had a good time there and made good friends but everybody is entitled to their opinion.

“I’m going to move forward.” At whatever pace that is, Ireland’s need for her is greater.