Wolves Women play their arch-rivals West Bromwich Albion not once but twice across a four-day period this week. First up is a league fixture under the lights at the Hawthorns on Thursday evening, before Dan McNamara’s side are again the visitors on Sunday, where the Birmingham County Cup semi-final takes centre stage at Keys Park.
Roberts, who joined Wolves from Stoke City last month, says she understands the importance of a local derby and the full-back has explained that it will be a proud moment to play in the fixture.
On the Black Country derby
“I can’t wait. As a footballer, one of the best experiences is playing in a derby and to have that twice in one week is a surreal feeling. I’ve always loved playing in a derby and had plenty when I was at Stoke.
“I know how important this derby is to Wolves and I just can’t wait to get out there on the pitch.
“I think it’s one of the biggest derbies in the country – in the men’s game and the women’s game.
“When Wolves and West Brom play each other, it’s always been a really good game to watch. It’s always been feisty, full of interesting moments and this is going to be a good one.”
On playing at the Hawthorns
“The Hawthorns looks like an amazing ground with a really good pitch. I absolutely love playing on pitches that are like carpets because you’ve got no excuses when you play a bad pass.
“It will just make the occasion of a local derby even better, so I can’t wait.
“I’m proud to wear the Wolves shirt at any time but in a derby and at the Hawthorns, it will be one of the proudest moments for me.”
On what the derby means
“I understand how much this derby means to the club and the girls here – not just the ones who are Wolves fans, but the girls who’ve been here for years and years.
“There’s a lot of pressure but at the same time, I’ve got a lot of pride to be able to put that shirt on in such a big game.
“They all count, but now more than ever we’ve got to get three points. We can’t let the occasion of the derby get to us and just play our usual game, go out there and play for the win.”
On playing West Brom twice in a week
“It is always a strange one, but you can guarantee that both games will be completely different with different tests.
“In both of them we’ll be going for the win and do what we do best, which is playing football. It will be strange playing them twice in one week.”
On having the backing of the fans and life at Wolves
“We need to be positive and back ourselves. With the amazing support of the Wolves fans when we’re away, it still feels like we’re at home because we have that much backing from the fans. I’m not too worried about being away in both games.
“I’ve absolutely loved it here from day one and everyone’s been so welcoming. I really love the atmosphere and the culture of the club. I’m looking forward to every game that comes my way.
“It’s massive for us as a team. Wolves thrive off the support we have, so any fans who can come down would be great and we really appreciate the support.”
Tickets for Thursday’s game at the Hawthorns can be purchased from the WBA ticket office on the night, with cash or card payments available as options.
