Simpkins: Phenomenal training facilities have created real buzz

Just three days at Albion women’s new training facilities played its role in helping Hope Powell’s team defeat Birmingham City 5-0 on Sunday, according to Emily Simpkins.

The 31-year-old was one of Albion’s star performers in their record WSL win at St Andrew’s.

“Going into it we had prepared as well as we could, but it was our best win in terms of the result itself and it was a strong team performance. We had five different goalscorers, which is a really pleasing aspect.

“It felt like we were really in sync, everyone seemed on it. That’s credit to Hope bringing in a couple of really strong signings, as well as keeping our key performers from last season here, so all that time together has paid off.

“We’ve integrated the new players and we’ve all played alongside each other now – it feels like we’re in a good place. The coaching staff are seeing what they get us to do on the training ground is paying off in matches.”

The game came on the back of moving into the new women’s training facilities at Lancing.

“I think the three days at our new training ground did play a role in the win. We are on such a high at the moment, the club as a whole – the men’s team have won three out of four. The facilities here are phenomenal, we have got everything we need so we want to continue that and have a level of consistency.

“I would say there’s a new level of intensity in training. We put our boots on and we’re ready to go. It might not sound like a big thing but at the university we would get in our cars, drive across to the training ground and put our boots on there.

“Seeing the groundsmen and the sprinklers on before we step out at Lancing, it feels like a real step up in professionalism and I’ve seen that change in intensity in what we do.”