‘Everyone wants to do something’ – Brighton boss Powell looks ahead to competitive season

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Hope Powell says that the Barclays Women’s Super League is getting tougher every year with all teams battling for their share of success.

The Seagulls could start the new season at Arsenal on Friday evening. That game is pending the approval of the authorities after last weekend’s home fixture against Aston Villa was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Brighton & Hove Albion have a long term strategy of becoming a top four club in the Barclays Women’s Super League. When looking ahead to the new campaign, manager Powell agreed that the league is becoming more and more competitive with every club aiming for those big prizes.

“It’s the nature of the game that everybody wants to do well,” Powell said when speaking to the media. “Given the work that’s been done, everybody wants to do well, everyone’s ambitions are the same – you want to do well in the league, top four, Champions League, winning the league, everybody wants to do something, you don’t just want to survive.

“We are no different, we want to do well, we want to get in Europe and do it year-on-year. We need the players to do that and if they deliver, you give yourselves a chance. We also realise how difficult this league is every year, there’s an influx of better players, it feels like everyone wants to come to England and there’s lots of money being banded about.

“It’s tough but this is the job that people choose to do and you just have to get on with it.”

Brighton & Hove Albion arguably go into the season a little short on numbers. The club have worked tirelessly in the transfer market but look to have missed out on any late deals. Manager Powell has showed no hesitancy in offering opportunities to players who have been ready to graduate from the club’s youth ranks in recent seasons and this year will be no different.

She said “Yeah, definitely. Some of them have stepped up and I definitely think that there will be opportunities. A few of them have been away with us in pre-season and have done okay. It is a big leap, a big jump, but that’s what the academy is there for, to provide players for the first team.

“For us, it is about developing that homegrown talent. Maya (Le Tissier) has come through that, Libby (Bance) has come through that and hopefully, we will get a couple more in the future. Yes, it’s a great opportunity for them (academy players) but they have to take it.”

A final decision on whether Brighton & Hove Albion will be in action this weekend will be made in due course. At this stage, it is hoped that the fixture at Arsenal will go ahead.

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