Blackburn Rovers defender Jade Richards says that the team have adapted well to new boss Simon Parker’s methods.
Parker was appointed Blackburn Rovers’ new head coach over the summer after returning to England following a spell coaching in Portugal.
Despite only being at Blackburn Rovers for a few weeks, Parker is already putting his stamp on the team and defender Richards says that the players are comfortable with what is being asked of them going into the new season.
“The players are confident in what he has brought to the table,” Richards said when speaking exclusively to FAWSL Full-Time. “It is difficult to go from one style of play to another and cement what he wants to do with us but everyone has a good relationship with him.
“We have gelled as a team and his explanations of everything puts us at ease. We feel comfortable with what we are doing and what we can bring to the table this year.”
If Blackburn Rovers are to enjoy a successful season, they will again have to defy the odds at times just as they did in 2022/2023. Richards went on to say that if Blackburn Rovers put the hard work in, they can get some big results.
She said “Every game in the Championship will be difficult. It is about who turns up on the day and who is ready. On paper, we might be the underdogs but if we turn up, put in a shift and work hard for each other, anything can happen.
“Last season, we picked up some good results like when Bristol City came to our place and we recorded a goalless draw with them when they were clearly favourites on paper to win that game.
“Football is ever-changing. You have to adapt to it so we are ready and confident in what we can do.”
Blackburn Rovers kick-off the new season with a fixture against Birmingham City at Ewood Park on Saturday evening. The club have arranged for their women’s team to play at the main stadium on four occasions this season, something which excites Richards.
“It’s definitely a big thing for the club,” the defender said. “I think last season, we played there twice so any improvement on that is great. For the club to back us and to let us showcase ourselves on the Ewood Park pitch is brilliant, credit to them for that.
“We’ve also changed from Bamber Bridge to Leyland so it’s a new ground for us to get used to.
“I’m excited for us to play at Ewood on the four occasions that we will be there.”
Blackburn Rovers’ Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against Birmingham City kicks-off at 5.30pm on Saturday evening. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.