On Wednesday 11th October 2023 we welcomed Bondholders from around the Humber to a unique evening at The Lexington Bar, Doubletree by Hilton Hull. Along with networking, we welcomed a very special guest, Dr Carol Thomas BEM, Hull-born football legend and Former England Women's Football Captain. Her remarkable journey and achievements in the world of football make her an icon of inspiration locally, nationally and internationally.

Here are some highlights from her extraordinary career: 

Inaugural Hull Lioness: Carol began her journey in the Hull Women’s League, during the FA ban, eventually going on to become the second-ever captain of England Women aged 20 and leading the Lionesses to victory. 

Trailblazer: She was the first woman to earn 50 caps for England and the youngest FA qualified coach at the time. 

European Glory: Carol proudly lifted the UEFA Women’s Championship runner-up trophy in 1984 and led England to victory in the 1985 Mundialito (Little World Cup). 

Honorary Freedom of Hull: Recognized for her exceptional legacy, Carol was granted the Honorary Freedom of Hull by The Lord Mayor of Hull. 

Local Hero: Even after retiring from international play, she continued to contribute to the game by coaching both children and adults, working with grassroots teams the media and footballing historians to ‘get the facts’ out there. 

Longest-Serving England Captain: Carol held the record for the longest-serving England Women's captain until 2011, when I was overtaken by Faye White. 

Community Ambassador: She was appointed Ambassador to Hull City Ladies and voted one of East Yorkshire’s 20 Greatest Footballers. 

Honors and Awards: In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Carol was awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List. 

Educational Recognition: In July 2023, she was bestowed with an Honorary Degree (DUniv) by the University of Hull. 

The Bondholders Drinks Reception

The evening started with networking with lovely food and drink and then we heard from Carol, an lady with some tales to tell but who hasn't shared them beyond her footballing community very often. It was a real privilege to hear directly from her about how she started in football and then went on to captain the England Lionesses 50 times, being the first player to do so. Her story is a long one and she did not stop playing football until in her 50s, and continues to be a big part of the footballing community providing her expertise for ladies and youth football teams around the region and beyond. 

It was lovely to see some new faces and catch up with familiar ones in this already iconic venue in the city of Hull. Watch our video to hear more from Carol and from guests including Sam Barlow from Fitmums and Friends, Brett Carroll from Hull City and Diana Taylor, MD of Future Humber. 

Read Phil Ascough's fabulous article about DoubleTree by Hilton General Manager Samantha Dunion which features the drinks reception and has a great shot of Carol https://www.thehullstory.com/allarticles/phil-ascough-out-to-lunch-with-samantha-dunion