Poppy Pattinson believes Albion will have that little bit extra on the pitch this coming season because of the togetherness within the group.
The left-back signed for Albion after departing Everton at the end of last season and could see immediately how close her new teammates are.
“It’s such a together group, that’s one thing coming in you definitely see straight away. Everyone has got each other’s backs on and off the pitch, which is so important. Everyone has been so welcoming and I feel a part of it already.
“That’s a big strength, in the WSL you have to have that fight as a team, it’s always a tough season regardless of who you are but it’s always getting harder.
“We all know that football matches are won on the pitch, technical ability is a big part of it, but having that fight for each other gives you that bit extra and if we have that then we can achieve things this season.”
According to Poppy, it’s the senior players in the group who ensure that it’s tight-knit.
“The experienced players like Kayleigh Green and Trev [Victoria Williams], they use that experience to help bring the group closer together.
“I have my housemates, Vea Sarri, Maisie Symonds and Lulu Jarvis, who I am very close with as well and that’s a different type of togetherness. You’ve got to be in a comfortable environment to thrive and I definitely feel that way here.
“I only moved down here three weeks ago, but we’ve settled in really well, we’re keeping busy.”
The 22-year-old could potentially forge a partnership down the left flank with her housemate Sarri, something they’ve already spoken about.
“Me and Vea joke about our potential link-up on the pitch all the time, we’re hoping to build a good relationship on and off the pitch. it will help us massively on the pitch that we get on so well off it. We arrived at the same time, so we had that in common and we’re getting on really well so that will help us.”
Season tickets for the 2022/23 WSL campaign are now on sale. To buy yours click here.