Symonds relishes leadership role

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At 22 the midfielder is Albion's longest-serving player.

Bruce Talbot

2025-08-19T06:00+01:00

Maisie Symonds may only be 22, but she is one of the most experienced players in the squad. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Maisie Symonds, Albion’s longest serving women’s player, is ready to play a leading role in the next stage of the team’s development.

At 22, the midfielder is the longest-serving player in the squad having been with the club after making her debut in 2020.

Three years ago on Albion’s pre-season training camp in Germany, she didn’t kick a ball because of glandular fever, which confined her to bed for most of the trip. So it’s to her credit that as Albion stepped up preparations for the new season in a training camp in Spain, she has established herself as one of the senior players in a new-look squad which includes six players signed this summer.

“Yes, I remember that trip. I barely made it out of bed and then for most of the season I was at home watching games on TV.," she said. "That was tough so I’m quite proud of myself for the progress I have made in the last couple of years."

Last season, Symonds’ form, as Albion finished a record fifth in the WSL, earned her a call-up to the England senior squad for the first time. But just as importantly in the last two years she has played 47 games for her club and established herself as Dario Vidosic’s No6.

Maisie Symonds warms up for the WSL season in sweltering Spain. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

“That was just as important to me as England recognition because that’s what I’ve been searching for in the last few seasons - just to be on the pitch helping the team. Last year was the first season that I really started to catch my rhythm and when that happens the other things start falling in your favour as well, like England.”

With Vicky Losada and Nikita Parris departing in the summer other players need to step up to provide experience around the squad and Symonds is happy to help help with that.

“I’m comfortable that I can be a leader within the team, but there's definitely times that I massively lean on the other experienced girls in the squad,” she added. “Someone worked out that with the new girls this summer there are 13 different nationalities in the squad and I see part of my role as someone who has been here a while to get to know everyone and try and bring the group together.

“But there are a lot of leaders in this group and that is going to help us massively this season.”

Season tickets

Women’s season tickets for the 2025/26 season are now available to buy on general sale.

The 2024/25 Women’s Super League season was historic, with Dario Vidosic’s team achieving a record-breaking fifth place finish. We look forward to continuing the journey with you next season at Broadfield Stadium.