Southampton full-back Jemma Purfield states that the outcome of Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Championship opener versus Bristol City will not specify the season however it can be essential in setting the ideal tone.

The Saints play host to the managerless Robins at St Mary’s Stadium on opening day. Both clubs have actually been tipped to challenge for promo this season.

When speaking in a Barclays Women’s Championship media occasion, Purfield stated that Southampton will be up for the difficulty of Bristol City which the group are eager to begin how they suggest to go on.

“We know they’re going to be a strong team but we have to back ourselves when we step on that pitch to do a job,” Purfield stated.

“Half of the groups in the league are most likely stating that they’re choosing promo this year due to the fact that there’s that much skill and competitiveness. 

“We are backing ourselves and I’m sure they’ll back themselves as well. Sunday will be exciting for the neutral, maybe a bit nervy if you’re sitting on either side of the fence. The first game doesn’t define a season but it does set the tone, so we will be up for it.”

Purfield went on to state that promo has actually been pointed out as Southampton’s main target this season, nevertheless, the gamers have actually put that to the back of their minds and they will take things game-by-game.

She stated “You’ve got to set your stall out early doors and you need to state it to think it. You need to live it day in, day out which’s what we’ve got to do now.

“We’ve put it out there, we are not going to rave it, discuss it whenever we remain in a conference room. We are going to tackle our organization everyday, week-to-week and ensure we get outcomes.

“We’ve said it, it’s out there but I’m sure that’s the same for a lot of other teams as well. Now, we forget about that, focus on the day-to-day, work hard and try and make it happen.”

Southampton went the entire season without an attract 2023/2024. Having lost 9 of their 22 league video games, Purfield states that it is very important that The Saints discover the art of ‘smash and grab’ when it is needed.

“We need to grind out a point sometimes because we didn’t draw a game last year,” she stated. “We know that’s something that you need to do to win a league; sometimes you have to grind out a point. It’s something that we’ve addressed, we’ve looked at and we will have a plan for moving forward.”

Southampton kick-off the 2024/2025 project with brand-new management with Remi Allen having actually been selected head coach over the summer season. Purfield is delighted to deal with her brand-new employer over the coming months.

She stated “Remi has actually been fantastic because she’s can be found in. I’m delighted to deal with her and learn more about her more.

“She’s been great. Having simply retired herself, she is truly relatable to the ladies and brings a brand-new interesting vision to things.

“We are really excited. We have got onboard with her ideas and can’t wait to put them in motion.”

Southampton’s Barclays Women’s Championship component versus Bristol City kicks-off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets stay on-sale and can be bought by click on this link.

About The Author

Daniel Pentland

I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand name which I released in 2018.

I am a certified reporter with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have actually reported from numerous levels of males’s and ladies’s elite football because 2016.