Dronfield Town Pre-season Review

As we come to the end of our pre-season and we look ahead to our Women’s FA Cup clash with Arnold Eagles, it’s time to have a look back at what has been a fantastic pre-season.

When we first started training as lockdown was lifted, it was complicated to get what we needed out of the sessions, but the ladies were just pleased to be back together and knocking a ball around.

As soon as we were able to, we decided to book as many friendlies as possible with the aim of ensuring we could all still remember how to play.

More important than any of those scorelines, though, was the performance, which has been consistently excellent. The ladies are really playing with confidence, and the togetherness is out of this world.

When you consider that we have had some new and returning faces this summer, it is nothing short of impressive that they have gelled so quickly.

Some particular notables include Miriam Hawley and Sophie Walsh, who have successfully and seamlessly made the jump to first-team football from the Devs.

High praise goes to every player, all of whom have delivered outstanding performances during pre-season.

When asked, first-team manager Dom Anderson said, “The unity in this team is impressive. Joining a set-up that has had six managers in five years, it was clear that these ladies need and deserve stability. This lot instinctively play the kind of football I have always sought to coach. It’s a dressing room with fantastic character, from the veterans to the youngsters and the new signings; they all give each other everything. I have made a commitment to these ladies and want to work with them to bring the success they all deserve.”

Another key achievement this pre-season is the development of the relationship with the men’s firsts, with the ladies in attendance for the first game of pre-season where the lads could have spectators. This was followed up by Men’s First-team Manager Chris Millington showing support for the ladies the next day, where he expressed his view that this team is one that can do great things. The feeling that we are #OneClub is strong, and long may that continue.

We ask you all to remember to support your local women’s and non-league men’s teams as well as your pro clubs. We need you far more.