Hartlepool United Women’s captain Jade Pye is aiming to avenge last season’s misfortunes by bouncing back to the NERWFL Premier Division following relegation.
Pools Women will kickstart their season away to Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday 1st September (2pm kick-off). Their league season gets underway the following weekend at home to Bishop Auckland.
Pye, who captains the side and won the Players’ Player of the Season award last term, previewed the upcoming fixtures.
Looking back at last season, she assessed: “It didn’t quite pan out the way we wanted given we got relegated, however it wasn’t a true reflection of the full season.
“Quite a few games throughout, we were never far away and unfortunately due to people having work commitments, it often came down to lack of numbers. That impacted the manager’s options for bringing fresh legs on and the team either seeing games out or even going on to grab a win. This probably showed even more when it came down to being relegated on goal difference.
“Although the team were relegated, there are still positives to take from the season. More so the young players coming through and improving game by game and also the new management structure. The girls coming through will have a good test this season and it’s now their turn to step up and show what they are capable of.”
Pools Women have played four pre-season friendlies in preparation for the new campaign starting this weekend, and Pye feels the squad currently stand in good stead for the season ahead.
“Pre-season is always a good time to continue to work on what the team built towards the back end of last season, especially when the management team brought a fresh direction for the group of players.
“That also includes building on individual fitness, whether it is in training or games, but also setting individual targets that can benefit the team and ensure next season is a successful one for the Club.
“Speaking of the coming season, it’s important that we look to bounce back and aim to be at the top end of the table this year.
“We’re feeling fresh in pre-season, we’ve implemented a lot of new ideas as well as developed positives from last year.
“The team have also had a few new additions over pre-season, players who can bring something fresh to the team and help towards maintaining performance levels and hopefully finishing at the top end of the table.
“Thanks everyone for your support and we hope to see you at a game sometime this season.”
