I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the players and management of Leeds United Ladies FC
A stop - start campaign continues to upset the applecart, very frustrating for both players and coaching staff. It's something I am not used to before with the other teams I have worked with, but seems a big part of the women's game.
However, with the postponements it has allowed further recovery time for our long term injuries. "Leader Wright" (Jess Wright) Steph Houghton and Mel Sutcliffe are well on the way to 100% fitness and are raring to go. Both Jade Moore and Jess Clarke have been away for minor op’s so they too will be back for selection for this Sunday when Charlton are the visitors to Tadcaster.
The four most recent outings saw two wins and two losses. I think that in all 4 games we could play better ; Everton-Believe in yourself and play with no fear; Watford was a good, professional performance, Sophie Walton’s best game of the season, but we must concentrate and stop giving away silly goals; Belles, 3 points in a local derby and Blackburn was "put away our chances" and "dont give the opposition time and space in dangerous areas" The players can produce higher levels of performances, but, sometimes when your not "ticking over", play ugly and grind out the result.
Sue Smith went along recently with her England colleagues to Sports Personality of the Year. As a nation i don’t think we really appreciate winners , as you saw inTeam of the Year. Three nominations, Scotland Football Team , England Rugby Union Team, and a 7 time gold medal cycling team. Who won ? England! I love my annual day out to "Twickers" but didn’t we lose in the final? Yet the under appreciated winning cycling team got "nought". Staying on my soap box , how come so much time was given to under performing , not winning male football teams? Have we qualified for the Euro’s? Have we won anything at club level in Europe , we have the best league or so they say , but do we continually dominate Europe?
I remember Liverpool , Forest and Villa dominating Europe and we didn’t have Sports Science, Healthy lifestyles as such and the money. Yet England Women reach the quarter finals and get a MENTION,WOW WEE!!! Anyway here’s to a good game , 3 points and if you see me jumping up and down that’s not being irate its called PASSION!
Keep Believing and I hope to see you ALL on Sunday
Rick
