REDDITCH United Ladies manager Gary Barrell believes his side are in good shape after five testing pre-season fixtures.
The Reds, who will this season be targeting title glory in West Midlands Division One South having finished runners-up in the last campaign, have made numerous additions to their squad and continue to make significant progress off the field.
The squad recently returned from a highly successful pre-season trip to the Dublin area, during which they played two games, losing 6-4 to Home Farm before defeating Leixlip United 5-1.
Barrell, whose team won the League Cup last season, told the Standard: “The ladies are making good progress so far and the squad is looking sharper in each game they play.
“The players can be proud of their efforts and how they have helped to create such a positive culture that has helped new players acclimatise to the club.
“The coaching team of Dan Bellamy, Terry Laing and Matt Lightfoot working with the outfield players and goalkeepers and, in addition to this, Matt’s work with our social media has really helped to grow what we are looking to build at the club.
“It also goes without saying that, without the dedication of Ailsa Lightfoot and Kerry Poulton, who both carry out so many tasks that are not always seen but are vital to the success of the team, we would not be in such a strong position for the season ahead.”
The team have come together on and off the pitch with captains Sofi Liperis and Kirsty Grigg helping to organize a pizza and buffet evening to support the England Ladies in their European Championship semi-final against Holland in addition to a football golf evening which was a great success.
Barrell added: “These kind of events have helped with the process of welcoming in the new batch of players who will help add increased competition within the squad and ensure the team can kick on from last season’s successes.”
The Reds have secured positive results against higher ranked opposition in their pre-season campaign so far with two victories against Birmingham & West Midlands of the FA Premier Midland League, as well as a great fixture against a West Bromwich Albion XI of the FA Premier League North which ended in a draw.
Regarding the tour to Ireland, Barrell continued: “The girls really came together and played their first game after setting off from Redditch at 3am. To be able to compete as they did in a Friday evening fixture is a testament to their character and togetherness.
“The leadership of our captains Ellie Gerhold, Kirsty Grigg and Sofi Liperis has really shone through and I have full belief they will help lead the team to a great season ahead.
“The Saturday fixture was a performance that was more reflective of what we have seen in pre-season and the tour was a great success with us further strengthening ties with our international partner clubs which will benefit not only the ladies first team but also our entire youth set-up long-term.”
As the Standard went to press, United were due to host Evesham United at the Trico on Wednesday (August 23) before hosting Barry Town United on Monday and a Coventry United XI on Wednesday. There is free entry to all games.
The Reds’ first competitive fixture of the season will be a home tie in the first qualifying round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup against West Midland Regional North champions Stockingofrd AA Pavilion.
This is the first time Redditch United Ladies have taken part in this prestigious competition.
