How has preseason gone and do you feel the squad is ready?
We’ve had a deliberately very intense preseason; Lucie absolutely nailed the friendlies - and although player numbers swapped a lot, we’ve built a strong squad that are now familiar and capable of playing in multiple positions- somethings worked, somethings didn’t! That’s the nature of experimenting; that said- they’ve taken to our new aggressive and assertive approach very well, and they are counting down the minutes until Sunday!
New signings update?
We’ve had a few! Lots of experience, in Lucie Gwilt & Nai Evans - who have both played a huge number of Welsh Premier games between them.
Alongside them, Sophie Cook has returned- Jenna and Ffion have joined us, with enormous potential (they’ve both impressed the squad preseason)
And we’ve still got a massive signing to announce (awaiting international clearance)
Aims for the season?
I know it’s cliche - but we’ll be taking each game as it comes! I know we’ve a squad capable of really challenging the leagues top teams- if we can get a run going, silverware is a massive possibility!
How challenging do you think the league will be? Which teams do you think will provide the biggest challenge?
Every team has strengthened over the summer! If you stand still, you go backwards at this level- newly promoted Flint can play some great football, and the big 3 of Felinheli, Llandudno & Connah Quay Nomads will undoubtedly be very strong again- but we’ve got a squad of 26 outstanding footballers; that will be our greatest asset this season- we’ll never have a “weakened” team.
Which games are you looking forward to most?
Is it wrong for me to say Central Wales cup? Having spent time at Aberystwyth (including winning it) it carries enormous weight with our players- obviously the league is the priority, but we’re all aware our expectations have risen, and we really want that trophy!
Are you enjoying the manager role so far?
Enjoying it? I’m loving it! I’ve been saying for the last few seasons “I’m winding down” and this will be my last job in football- we’re building something not just for the now, but a machine that can continue to grow for decades! In my 10 years of coaching, I can honestly say, I’ve never been this excited- our future is ours to make now, what we can achieve is in our hands- why would I not love that? Despite the rumours, I definitely don’t have any favourite players btw! (Inside joke)
The Ladies kick off the season this Sunday, away at Flint Town Ladies in the Genero Adran Trophy Group Stage (2pm ko)