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Aston Villa Ladies are set to start their campaign against Sheffield United this weekend – so we’ve picked out five members of the squad to keep your eye on this season.
Words by Adam Nunn (@ReapaAVLFC)
As the season draws near it promises to be a good season for the Aston Villa Ladies, with such a young and hungry team. We have lost a few players in pre-season, but in turn we have bolstered our squad with four new signings. One thing you can bank on is that every single player that puts on the claret and blue shirt will give their full commitment to the cause.
Amy West
No introduction really needed. She has played in pretty much every position for the Ladies, and excelled in them all, making her so diverse. She was part of the ‘Great Wall Of China’ that was coined by Dr Tony Xia.
You always know what you will get with Amy, and that is 110% in any game, at any score and in any situation. Amy is already clocking 40 appearances for the first team and it’s only just the beginning for her.
Jodie Hutton
The season ended a little too early last year as Jodie really found her feet towards the end, terrorising defences with her pure passion and grind to win the ball. But as pre-season started up again she was right back on it managing to score 5 goals in 6 games.
It’s not just her goal threat and drive that sets her apart – you forget how young she is – as she plays with a maturity that leaves players that are double her age, and experience, in the dirt. Definitely one to watch for the upcoming season as well many more to come, she was a part of the original LUKE release campaign and is fronting the first programme of the season against Sheffield United.
She made the move from development to the first team and hasn’t looked back since.
Jade Richards
Our captain for the upcoming season. Jade has season after season been one of most consistent and impressive players that stands out for the Aston Villa Ladies.
Richards often charges forwards, turning herself from a centre-back to a centre-forward with the ball at her feet. She is a danger on set pieces as well when the ball comes into the box. Jade is a proper centre-back who doesn’t take any nonsense.
Aoife Hurley
Aoife doesn’t always get the credit she deserves, as she does all the dirty work. You might not get a worldie, or some incredible piece of flash skill but battling and chasing to win the ball back is something you can always bank on Aoife doing. Drops back from the midfield to link up with and help out the defence.
Her work ethic and the constant pressure she’ll put on the other team often helps the Aston Villa Ladies’ defence. In Aoife’s vocabulary there is no saying such as no hope or a lost cause.
Nadine Hanssen
One of our four new signings. This might be wrong but we believe she is the first Dutch player to be added to the Aston Villa Ladies. She joins us from Genk with an impressive CV behind her, and a personality which will help in the dressing room. During pre-season she stood out in the trialists game as a talent that can really make a difference in the middle of the pitch.
For those who are unaware, Nadine was used for the release of the new third LUKE kit. Her control and passing is something that stands out in her play – and even though she’s new – she’s not afraid to be vocal on the pitch.
Gemma Davies takes control of her first match with Carly Davies and Coza Mitchell behind her as we take on Sheffield United in the Conti Cup at Boldmere St Micheal with a 7pm kick off.
Former player Beth Merrick returns, this time in the opposite kit – a player that played over 100 times for Aston Villa Ladies.
If you are free get yourself down to the game and get behind the Aston Villa Ladies!
