We finally back after the international break and we are coming down to the final huddle with two games to go with the first is at StAndrews@KnightheadPark against David Wright’s Ipswich Town. This game won’t be easy has Charlton have found out drawing 1-1 Amy’s girls need to be at it to get the anything out of the game. I have spoken to Andrew from the Ipswich Town OSC, and we speak about the season so far and are game.
WHAT ARE YOUR OVERALL THOUGHTS ON THE SEASON ?
We knew it was going to be difficult, Pompey were our old rivals from Tier 3, and we saw how they struggled in their first-year last season and, now they’re our relegation rivals. Our small squad, early injuries and playing people out of position really exposed us but somehow, we were one of the few teams to take points off of Charlton whilst they remained unbeaten.
The January transfer window was immense for us, not just with squad signings but also backroom staff, in particular Sean Burt as technical director. Sean’s links within the game impacted the calibre of our signings and gave new Interim manager David wright a lot to work with.
YOUR THOUGHTS ON JOE SHEEHAN’S DEPARTURE AND DAVID WRIGHTS’ APPOINTMENT ?
I’ve known Joe for a long time, whatever the end, you cannot take away the man’s love dedication and commitment to see the Tractor Girls project move forwards. The club had a huge decision to make at the turn of the year; they’ve backed the girls and to generate the change needed to survive it was probably the time for new leadership.
Many girls in the squad have known only Joe as their manager all the way back to their academy days, his ability to spot and nurture talent is one of his massive strengths and lasting legacies, it’s great to see he’s been retained within the Ipswich family.
David had to hit the ground running. He obviously has the trust of the club as a former player and manager of some of the men’s youth teams. His results speak for themselves. An amazing 5 game unbeaten run at the beginning of the year brought us back from the dead and we’re now in with a fighting chance of pulling off our own survival story.
WHAT FORMATION DO YOU PLAY ?
Well, that would be telling we can all watch the YouTube WSL coverage and so I’m sure your coaching staff have worked that out for themselves.
YOUR STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES ?
Regards our strengths and weaknesses there’s loads, but the nature of this league necessitates consistency if you’re going to get something out of a game. Inaccuracies will get punished at this level and opportunities have to be taken when they present themselves.
YOUR PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR ?
All of our new signings have made a huge impact, not just with their own skill but freeing up our other squad members to express themselves. Town will be a different proposition to the one you faced back in October. You know all about Ava, she’s been tremendous with her pace and directness and has really added something to our team but with her loan status, I presume she won’t be on the team sheet on the 26th.
AND YOUR SCORE PREDICTION ?
Both of us have a lot to play for, you want the title, we want to be back next season. We’ve managed to draw twice against previous table toppers Charlton and so I think we have it in us to hold you to a draw. The last time we faced each other was early in the season when we were finding our feet, battling injuries and plugging gaps with academy girls, the highlights reel isn’t flattering for us, we were outclassed and new to a higher league and your pedigree showed itself. It wouldn’t surprise me if the game is a score draw or one of us winning it at the death, it certainly won’t be a 4-0 blowout again.
You’re our most difficult opponent out of the three games we’ve got left, and at the end of the day the result is almost irrelevant, our games against Sheffield and Sunderland will probably determine wether we avoid the drop or not.
WHATS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
You can still buy your alcohol drinks and drink them in the stadium there are food vendors outside the stadium, and you can buy your matchday programmes from the ticket office or club shop for two pounds.
TICKETS AVAIABILTY
Tickets are on sale for Sunday’s game with the link below
BIRMINGHAM CITY WOMEN OSC
Stacey will be there asking people to join the Blues Women OSC and also has got some stickers for the kids has well has matchday programmes. If you want to join the Women’s OSC the link is below.
Birmingham City Women Supporters Group – Birmingham City Football Club Official Supporters Club
STEPHEN GILL KRO