Wolves defender Beth Roberts is raring to get going from the off as the women’s first-team look to challenge once again for the FAWNL Northern Premier Division title.
Having joined the Old Gold midway through last season from Stoke City, left-back Roberts played an important role in helping Wolves fight all the way to the final day, as Dan McNamara’s side lost out on successive league titles on goal difference to Nottingham Forest.
But despite the emergence of local rivals Stourbridge and big-spending Newcastle United into the third tier for this season, Roberts believes her team have what it take to go all the way – especially with the league winners now guaranteed promotion following the removal of the play-off match between the champions of the Northern and Southern divisions, which cost Wolves a place in the Championship just over 12 months ago.
On her first season at Wolves
“I’ve absolutely loved it. It feels like I’ve been here for ages, but at the same time, it’s gone so quick. I don’t think I’ve lost a game that I’ve played in yet, which is really bizarre, because I’ve lost a lot of games in my career so far, so it’s nice to win.
“The first half of my season was spent with Stoke before I moved to Wolves, so It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster year for me, especially finishing second on goal difference.
“It’s been so tight at the end of the season so there was a lot of emotions, but I’ve really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for next season.”
On being part of the pack
“From the coaching to the facilities to the girls themselves, it’s just been brilliant. On and off the pitch there’s so much support and so much backing from the men’s club. It’s been so good to see, and it’s been really good for women’s football what Wolves are doing.
“It's blown me away really, the way we get the same opportunities and treated the same, which many will say should be a basic, but I know from my experiences at other clubs that this doesn’t happen. It’s a big credit to Wolves how they invest into the women’s team.”
On pre-season preparation
“I’ve been able to have a bit of a break as I did feel like my body was telling me I needed a rest, but once I had a week or so off, I was back in the gym, did a few runs a bit of beach running while I was on holiday, because I want to go back to pre-season with a substantial level of fitness.
“It’s going to be nice to start my first full proper season. It’s daunting at first not really knowing anyone that well, but I feel like I’m really settled in now so I can focus on my football.
“I thought it would take me ages to settle in, but everyone was so welcoming from the get-go, so I feel like I’ve fit in nicely now.”
On aims for next season
“As a team, our aim will definitely be to fight for promotion again. We also want to have a few good cup runs and retain the county cup, but getting promoted is definitely what we’ll be aiming for.
“Personally, I would like an injury free year, playing consistently and trying to pick up a few more man of the matches. Mainly just little things like that, but a big one for me this year as a full-back will be to get a few more assists and goals.
“I really enjoyed scoring at the Hawthorns, so that’s something I would like to get into my game more – cutting in from the wings. I’ll be working on that in training and hopefully I can bag a few more.”
On the standard of the third tier
“Every year it’s just getting better and better, and more competitive. With Newcastle and Stourbridge coming up, it’s just added two more really good teams that could even fight for promotion, especially Newcastle with the backing that they’ve got from the men’s club. I really expect them to be up there with the good players they’ve already got in their team.
“The big challenge for us now is that we’ve got to keep up with the other teams because every season you see three or four teams in each league who are willing to compete for that top spot and have the level of players and backing to do so.
“But I only think it’s going to get better and better, so it’s really exciting to be a part of.”
On the removal of the Championship play-off
“Everyone is pleased that the play-off game isn’t happening. I think it’s long overdue. The fact that you would win the league and not have been promotion guaranteed is ridiculous, really.
“It’s good that now you know if you win your league, you’re getting promoted. You’ve not got in the back of your head that you’ve got to go through in a play-off. It would make winning the league even more special.”
