Ruiz: Symonds' leadership qualities are so important

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Head coach is grateful to have the support of his senior players including skipper Maisie Symonds.

Bruce Talbot

2026-10-06T07:00+01:00

Maisie Symonds cuts through Charlton's midfield in Sunday's 5-1 win. She has now made more WSL appearances (87) than any Albion player. 📷Kyle Hemsley.

Arturo Ruiz has praised the contribution of his squad’s leadership group as he settled into his role as head coach.

Ruiz led Albion to their first WSL win since he took charge on the eve of the season when they beat Charlton Athletic 5-1 on Sunday.

The head coach is grateful for the support of skipper Symonds and other senior players like Lia Walti, Fran Kirby and Marisa Olislagers in his first few weeks.

“Maisie is really important for us because she's the kind of player and person that always brings a good attitude to the team,” said Ruiz.

“She's a great young captain and has helped me a lot. I want to publicly appreciate her. Her performance during the bad moments in these last games is something I will never forget.

“We all know the expectations placed on such a young player, and I will just be one coach helping her to keep developing. Her attitude and behaviour are really good, and with and without the ball she gives us a lot. I'm really happy to have her."

Symonds has now made 87 WSL appearances for the club, than any other player having overtaken Kirsty Barton in Sunday’s game.

“We have a really good leadership group of five players and Maisie is one of them,” added Ruiz.

“We've been working together through these weeks, going through difficult moments together, and that's what I value the most.

“We will keep building a solid leadership group because, without a full pre-season with me as the head coach, we needed to be very solid. Sunday’s result helps, but let's keep growing. A lot of interesting games are coming up in the next few weeks.”

Albion return to action after the international break against unbeaten leaders Manchester City on 18 October.