New Leeds United Ladies Manager Neil Ross is targeting the FA Women’s Premier League North title as he embarks on his first season in charge of the club.

Speaking ahead of his first win, a 5-3 home win over Derby County Ladies, Ross commented, “We’ve set ourselves a target of finishing top.  Since arriving at the club in August we’ve really focussed on creating a winning mentality within the squad.  We’ve not had long to install our philosophies and methods but so far I’ve been delighted with how the players have really bought in to what we’re trying to achieve.”

An ex professional footballer who counts Leeds United, Stockport County and Macclesfield Town amongst his clubs, Ross is encouraged by the early signs his squad have shown.

“I think the opening games have provided a great platform upon which to build for the future.  I’ve encouraged the ladies to pass the ball and to trust their teammates with the ball so that is something we’ll look to develop as the season progresses.”

With only four of last season’s squad returning to the club, Leeds have brought in a host of young talent to bolster Ross’ squad and the manager is happy with the troops available to him, “I am a true believer that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.  It’s right that we do have quite a young squad, particularly at the back, but it’s not something that concerns me.”

In appointing Erin White as his Captain for the season Ross feels he’s found a natural leader to guide his troops on the field.

“Erin has shown both a great attitude and obvious leadership ability in my short time with the club.  For me the Captain needs to be an all round leader not just on the pitch but off it as well and I have every confidence that Erin will do a fantastic job for us.”

Aiding Ross will be Assistant Manager Lewis Atkinson and First Team Coach Mikey Warrington.  Ross has previously worked with both and is confident the pair will be real assets as the season continues.

“To be successful we need to embrace every opportunity available to us and both Lewis and Mikey will play key roles in enabling us to do that.  We’re not a professional club, but such is the strength and knowledge of my management team I’m confident we’ll be able to act as close to a professional club as possible.”

As a former Leeds United player Ross understands all too well what it means to represent the Yorkshire club, “As an ex player I know the pride and passion that you feel when pulling on that famous white shirt.  My players and staff will feed off that passion and we will make sure we demonstrate the passion, pride and quality necessary to do it justice.”

While quick to identify the title as his target for this season Ross is also keen to see long term progress following last season’s disappointment at missing out on a place in the WSL.

“Leeds United Ladies have so much potential and I think that with the right attitude and plenty of hard work there’s absolutely no reason why we can’t eventually put ourselves amongst the biggest clubs in the country.”