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Stacey Buxton explains the ‘highs and lows’ of 2024/25 season as Sheffield FC complete historical double
Lewis Railton

On a personal level, it has been a brilliant campaign for Sheffield FC striker Stacey Buxton, but she did have to overcome some low points.

Stacey Buxton in a huddle with Sheffield FC. Inset: Stacey Buxton celebrates a goal vs Rotherham United Women.

Sheffield FC endured a brilliant 2024/25 season, notching silverware whilst also recording an immediate return to the National League.

Following the conclusion of the season, Sheffield FC manager Graham Abercrombie has been optimistic about the next campaign, making it clever that they have lofty ambitions for their return to the fourth tier of the pyramid.

Part of Sheffield FC’s success this season comes down to the goals bagged by experienced forward Stacey Buxton, who notched 17 goals in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, Buxton hasn’t got carried away with herself, suggesting that there was still plenty of things for her to work on ahead of the challenge of next season.

“It’s definitely been a season of highs and lows on a personal level,” said Buxton. “During the first half of the campaign, I wasn’t getting as much game time as I’d hoped, which was frustrating because I knew what I was capable of and felt I had more to offer. Thankfully, that changed with the arrival of the new management team, and I’m really grateful to Graham and the staff for giving me the chance to prove myself.

“One of the lowest moments was missing a penalty in the county cup, but I was proud to bounce back with a hat-trick in the league cup semi-final, especially after we came from behind twice to win 3-2. That performance really showed my resilience.

“I ended the season as the team’s top scorer with 17 goals. While it wasn’t my personal best, finishing top scorer is always a target of mine as a centre forward. 

“Had the first half of my season mirrored the second, I believe I could have pushed for the league’s golden boot. Still, the ultimate goal was to secure promotion back to the National League, and we achieved that. The entire squad is buzzing, and that collective success is what matters most.”

Success in the League Cup final for Sheffield FC

Buxton was mainly optimistic about how she had overcome the initial difficulties at the start of the season, and she rounded it off brilliantly by bagging a crucial goal in the League Cup win against Adam Rawlings’ Rotherham United Women.

“The League Cup win was a great performance from the team. Aside from the first 20 minutes, where it took us a little time to settle, I believe we were in full control. Once we found our rhythm, we executed the manager’s game plan superbly, and every player played their part. 

“In the second half especially, I don’t think Rotherham got into our half very often. It was a strong, confident display and a well-deserved result. On a personal note, it was even more special to get the opening goal on the day.”

Celebrations drew long into the night for both the players and the management team, but there is no time to rest ahead of the National League season, one which Sheffield FC will need to be extra prepared for, especially with the ambitions they have.

“The ambition for the upcoming campaign in the National league will be to continue in the same manner as before. The aim is winning the league.…. it has to be. A women’s team with this much history and expectation demands it.

“Is it going to be hard? Absolutely, but I have no doubt with the squad we have and any additions the manager brings in that we will be right up there in the mix.

“We’ve built some great momentum this season, and we want to carry that into the new campaign and challenge right at the very top again. The girls will give it everything they’ve got. 

“Next season, my focus is on maintaining the momentum I’ve built and continuing to contribute with goals and assists in key moments. I’ve identified areas of my game I want to improve, and I’ll be working on those individually over the summer to make sure I come back even stronger.”

Stacey Buxton’s potential post-career plans

On a personal level, Buxton has already thought about post-playing life, whenever that will arrive for her.

“I don’t tend to look too far ahead, I’m no longer in the early stages of my journey, but I absolutely love being at Sheffield and as long as I’m fit, contributing, and the club wants me, I’ll give everything I have on and off the pitch.

“Beyond playing, I’ve already started preparing for the next chapter. I’m the vice chairperson at my own club, FC Manton, and we have a very good U12 girls team, who have just been promoted. 

“I see myself as a role model for the next generation, and I’m passionate about passing on my knowledge and experience to help them grow.”