Programme notesNiamh Fahey previews WSL opener: 'We can't wait for the season to start'

The Reds begin the new Barclays Women's Super League campaign at their new home against Leicester City, with kick-off set for 2pm BST.

After finishing fourth in the WSL last term, captain Fahey feels Matt Beard's team are in a good place heading into 2024-25.

In her notes for the official matchday programme, the skipper writes: "We're very happy to be looking ahead to the start of the league season after a long pre-season at Melwood. It's been really good but I think now everyone's ready to get stuck into the cut and thrust of the competitive games.

"We are really looking forward to making St Helens our new home. We had our first experience of playing here in last Sunday's friendly with Everton and it's a nice modern stadium and it's red!

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"Obviously it is sad to say goodbye to Prenton Park. We've had some really good games and made many memories there.

"However, I believe club partner Expedia are putting on buses for all the local supporters in Wirral, which is great, so hopefully they'll be able to get over to St Helens quite easily.

"Picking up 41 points and finishing fourth last season was a great achievement and of course there's that pressure now to go above and beyond what we did last time.

"Then there'll be a bit more expectation probably from the other teams. I don't think they took us for granted last season at all, but maybe we slipped under the radar a little bit, whereas we won't have that luxury this year.

"It's going to be a tough task but I think the squad is looking really good. Everyone looks really sharp, it's competitive in training and we've strengthened again with new signings so hopefully we can bring what we've been doing on the training field to the pitch and have a good season again this year.

"We start against Leicester City, who have always been a bit of a tricky opponent for us in recent years. Previously they had a direct style so it will be interesting to see how they approach things under their new manager.

"We've also not had much control in those games and I think maybe that's something that we have to look at again and build on from last season as well, maybe having more control of certain situations in general.

"Leicester will be a tough team to face and they are a very good side, very organised and physical as well. Like any game in this league we always have to be at our absolute max if we're going to come away with anything.

"On a personal note, I am delighted to have extended my stay with the club and I have also spoken to Beardy about getting more involved on the coaching side as I study for my UEFA B licence.

"Everyone knows how much I love this club and putting on the shirt so it was a no-brainer for me!

"I'm very excited for the season ahead and hopefully we can build on and progress from what was a fantastic season last year."

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