Destiney Toussaint has insisted that ‘nothing changes’ when it comes to preparing for the Black Country derby.
Wolves Women travel to their local rivals West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon in the first derby of the season and the attacker says the players need no extra motivation when it comes to these games. Toussaint was a derby-day hero on two separate occasions last season, netting twice in the 3-1 victory at the Hawthorns before scoring the winner in the County Cup semi-final just 10 days later.
With six goals already to her name this season, Toussaint has been pleased with the form of both the team and herself individually, but is hoping to add to her tally at the Valley Stadium on Sunday. She has also highlighted the important role the travelling Wolves fans can play in helping the team get over the line and believes a strong start to the game is crucial.
On the build-up to derby day
“I’m really excited and always up for a derby day. I’m sure we don’t need any more than to hear the words ‘derby day’.
“We’re just looking forward to it, going out there on Sunday and putting in a performance. Hopefully it will give us the result we want.”
On the start to the season
“I think we’ve had a strong start to the season. We’ve had one or two hiccups along the way but nothing too major.
“It’s a marathon as they say and not a sprint. We work on things week-by-week and I think as a whole the players are happy with how things are going and training’s looking good.
“We’re just looking forward to getting out there and doing what we do best.”
On her own performances
“I’m pleased to be getting some goals and getting on the scoresheet a little bit more. It’s something I’m trying to work on at the moment.
“I’ve managed to get a few goals in some of the early fixtures and hopefully I can carry on and continue that on Sunday.”
On her goals in the Black Country derby last season
“I can remember those. I remember the two at the Hawthorns which was really good. It was a competitive game and I managed to get two goals.
“I think we ended up winning the game 3-1 and the second one I remember it was an even tighter game and I think I got it late on into the second half and managed to get the win.
“Again, both were great team performances and we got the wins. Hopefully we can do the same on Sunday.”
On the dressing room feeling after a derby win
“The team’s buzzing and everyone wants to win the Black Country derby – we do as players and I’m sure the fans from both teams want their club to come out on top.
“When you’ve got the job done and you’re in that dressing room with the three points on the board and got the so called bragging rights on derby day, then it’s a great feeling.”
On the preparation for the game
“Nothing different. It is another game. It’s a Black Country derby, I don’t think we need to hear anything from the manager or anything else to get us up for the game.
“It’s just another competitive fixture, but it just adds that little bit more with it being a derby day.
“Nothing changes – we just go out there and do what we do best.”
On what to expect from West Brom
“Similar to what we’ve had in the past. I’ve not really looked too much into their latest results and their fixtures, but I just expect another competitive game.
“Regardless of their previous results, it’s derby day and everyone wants to win that game. On the day of the game, it’s about who wants to turn up the most and who puts in the best performance.”
On the backing from the fans
“They’re definitely the twelfth player. We love to hear the fans. When the fans get going and get behind us, it gives us that little bit more that we need in the times that might be tricky.
“There might be stages in the game where we might have to ride out a few points of play, but it’s been great having the fans there and I’m sure they’ll do what they always do – get behind the girls and give us the support that we need.
“Hopefully we can return the favour in getting the three points on the board.”
On how to get the win
“Just starting strong. I feel like we’ve got to start strong in these games. It is a local derby and as I’ve said it’s anyone’s game on the day and it’s about who turns up, who stays switched on and who’s switched on from the off.
“Hopefully we can get an early goal and carry on and push on from there.”
