The 2016-17 FA Premier League season starts this Sunday and Lewes FC Ladies look ahead to the new challenge with confidence.
This season promises to be more competitive than ever. A resurgent, well-backed Crystal Palace join fellow London sides Tottenham Hotspur, Charlton Athletic, C&K Basildon and West Ham. Cardiff, Coventry and Portsmouth offer similarly stern tests, with all teams reporting strengthened squads and lofty ambitions. Despite a late reprieve following Brighton’s promotion to WSL2, Forest Green Rovers have decided not to take their place in the FAWPL South this season.
Lewes manager John Donoghue and his staff have been working hard with the players at Lewes FC Ladies, setting up a challenging series of pre-season matches for the 1st XI Squad.
‘I’m very happy with the quality of the opposition we’ve seen in pre-season’ said Donoghue, after matches against WSL’s Millwall Lionesses and Southampton Saints WFC. ‘The players have hit the ground running. I’m pleased with the way it’s gone. There’s a bit more depth to the squad now and we’re looking to build on a successful second half of last season.’
Pictured – Georgia Bridges
New faces and old friends have arrived at the Pan Siro. Lightning-quick striker Georgia Bridges returns after three seasons with Cardiff Met, Kim Stenning joins from Brighton and Tammy Waine is back after a highly successful spell as player-coach at Chichester. Rebecca ‘Chewie’ Carter and Fliss Love join the squad, from Crawley Wasps and BHAWFC respectively. Defender Bex Thompson-Abro is back in full training after missing most of last season with injury.
Veteran Skipper Kelly Newton follows up her testimonial season by re-signing this term. ‘I’m as keen as ever to play, I love the game and I love this team. I can’t wait for the season to start.’
Pictured – Rebecca Carter
Donoghue has strengthened his back-room team, too. In come Adam Wolecki (1st Team Assistant Manager) and Julian Killner (Goal Keeping coach). Assistant Radd Reynolds has recently obtained his FA Goal-keeper coaching badge.
Lewes kick off the 2016-17 season against West Ham on Sunday 21st August at the Dripping Pan. This promises to be a cracker, with both sides looking to put down a marker for the new FAWPL season.
West Ham arrive under their new manager, James Marrs. Marrs parted company with the Shegulls at the end of last season before joining the Hammers in July. The Lewes faithful may well recognise one or two players from recent encounters with his former club.
Match starts at 14:00. Admission for adults is £3, kids (under 16) go free. Entry includes our match day programme.
Photos by James Boyes
Words by @Rookmeister
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