In Conversation With Matt Jones
We caught up with first team manager, Matt Jones as we discussed how pre season has gone, the new signings and the expectations ahead of the new FA Women’s National League season kicking off in a few weeks.
Photo by Flotography
Matt, first of all, how are you and how was your summer?
From a footballing point of view, the 2 words I would use are ‘busy’ & ‘productive’. So much work takes place in the off season from so many different people at the club which, in theory, should mean that we are better prepared for when the season kicks off.
This summer has seen some high profile departures in Maia Clark, Jess Bate, and Sophie Griffiths. What did you and your coaching staff look for during the recruitment process enabling us to find the right players to join us?
What I have learnt over the years is that in the world of football management comes very difficult decisions and this summer has been no different. I say that because during the month of May I had to make some hard decisions, which involved releasing some great people from the club.
People who have more than played their part in contributing to WCWFCs success over the last few years. I would like to think that this was done respectfully from our end, but that is for others to confirm, but what I will say is that any player released was super professional in the way that they conducted themselves - something that only goes further to highlighting what great people they are.
Lowri Walker, Olivia Stubbs, Karly Norman, and Maja Szymkowiak have all signed for the football club. How have they all settled in within the group?
I have been really pleased with the way that all 4 players have integrated with the squad. They bring with them valuable tier 3 playing experience, which was something that we were seeking when recruiting players and, in addition to that, each have displayed a healthy appetite to want to learn.
As head coach I have enjoyed developing the coach-player relationship with them all, getting to know what makes them tick, as have the rest of the staff, which is testament to the 4 new players for embracing how we work at WCWFC; we are excited at the prospect of seeing them play in our club colours.
Photo by Flotography
How do you feel pre-season has gone and how pleased have you been with the group?
Pre-season is quite often a hectic period of the season due to the 101 things that are happening simultaneously. For us, the time has been spent building togetherness & chemistry, to help existing players & new recruits bond as a group.
Establishing an environment & agreeing standards are key to this, along with setting a work ethic - this is what has been our focus - along with exploring ‘how we want to play’ and getting ‘minutes in the tank’.
We have exciting young talent in the squad with the likes of Clara Zaffignani, Laila Rich, Charlotte Poole, and Connie Matthews. How delighted are you with their progress and how excited are you to see how they develop/kick on this season?
Yes, we are lucky to have an abundance of young talent at the club, with the players mentioned proving their hunger to compete at this level. Developing players, of all ages, is fundamental to how we operate, something which is further strengthened by the pathway the club is establishing, with both an U18s and U21’s squad competing that underpins the First Squad.
Ted Lasso, season four premiers on Wednesday, 5th August as he takes over second division side, the Lady Greyhounds. How fantastic is it that a well renowned television show is showcasing women’s football?
The women & girls game has grown tremendously over the last few years, which has been in no small part down to the success of the Lionesses. However IMO, this has been decades in the making, with the foundation work starting in the grassroots game & filtering-up.
The fact that a well known football themed television programme like Ted Lasso is making a female focused version of the popular show, can only help that growth further.
Photo by Flotography
You always talk about how pressure is a privilege. It would be great if you could expand and give us an insight on that?
Pressure (or anxiety is probably a more accurate word) exists everywhere in the game. You can choose to fear it, or to embrace it, which is easier if you can find your own strategies as a player to, not only cope with the pressure, but to thrive under it.
How this is achieved is different from player-to-player, but it is something we actively acknowledge as staff and try to support the players with so that they can enjoy the game in all its glory and present the best version of themselves on game day.
What are your aims and ambitions ahead of the new campaign?
In short, the ambition is to keep climbing the National League given the momentum built in our first 2 seasons at this level, in addition to going as far as possible in each of the 3 cup competitions that we are entered into.
This will be no-mean-feat given the strength of opposition we are up against in the National League (Midlands Division) & beyond, but we remain focused on our process to ensure that we are ready to compete & perform.
Photo by Flotography
Lastly, what would you say to current supporters or new supporters who are thinking of coming down to Sixways and beyond to follow us this season?
What can I say, the supporters (who I refer to as our 12th player) are an ever growing force. I quite often take the time, especially when we are playing a home fixture at Sixways, to stop, look and listen at the fans.
You can feel their positive energy, especially in the latter stages of games. They fuel both the players and staff (myself included) to strive for more & better as our aim is to make them & the city of Worcester proud, inspiring the next generation of players, coaches & staff to want to join WCWFC.
To any new fans, there is no better opportunity to come and experience a matchday than in the summer holidays, as we contest an exhibition game at Sixways this Sunday to which the off pitch staff work tremendously hard to create a positive matchday fan experience - so it would be great to see (and hear) any new fans.
