Sunderland defender Brianna Westrup says that there are a number of big characters who can inspire the team this season.
The Lady Black Cats have moved to a new hybrid operating model over the summer with some players transitioning to full-time professional status. After a summer of change on Wearside, Sunderland will be hoping to kick on this season.
Something that Sunderland will need to show in abundance this season is character. Keira Ramshaw will lead the team as captain while Brianna Westrup has shared the responsibility in pre-season. Defender Westrup says that the team is not about having one leader, there are a number of big characters who can make significant contributions on the pitch.
“It is a massive honour to represent my family, myself and the club (as captain),” Westrup said when speaking about her recent experiences with Sunderland’s official media team. “I will do my best every game.
“In any game that Keira (Ramshaw) is not on the pitch, I will gladly step into that role, do everyone proud and lead by example.
“There are many people in the team that could have had that armband. We don’t have just one leader on the pitch, we have a fair few big voices, big characters with experience that will help us throughout the season.
“It’s good to share the load with the whole team.”
Six new players have joined Sunderland over the summer and Westrup believes that the new arrivals have helped raise the standards going into the new season.
She said “They have raised the level, it has been great to get some new quality players in. Every season, players come and go but I think that the staff have done a fantastic job of trying to strengthen the squad as a whole.
“Each player brings a different attribute to the team. All-in-all, we have strengthened so that has been exciting to see.”
Sunderland kick-off the new season with a fixture against London City Lionesses in Eppleton on Sunday afternoon. Westrup is expecting a big test from a much-changed London City Lionesses outfit.
She said “It’ll be great to get the season up and running and it’ll be a good test. London City were pushing for the league title last year and to get promoted so it’ll be a tough test. We are at home so we are looking forward to it.”
Sunderland’s Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against London City Lionesses kicks-off at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
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