2019 was a tough year for Manly United, despite major changes to the playing roster though, the fantastic youth set up at the club allowed for them to still be competitive throughout the season.
They didn’t qualify for finals football for the first time in four years but Chris Williams will look to set the record straight in 2020 with his girls.
Williams expects the new season to be the most competitive one ever and with clubs across the league recruiting well, he is aware there will be no easy games.
“We’ve heard along the grapevine that every club is strengthening.
“At Manly, we knew last year was going to be a transition season for us but now it’s time to take what we learnt from 2019 and get back to where we feel we belong as a club.
“I’m not putting any targets on the players I just want us to work hard and improve the way we play in every game and then if we can ensure our effort and performances are consistently high and improving every week – I’m sure we’ll be at the right end of the table at the end of the season.”
Creating a style of play and culture within the club, right through to their girls SAP program, is a major part of what United is about.
“For many seasons the strength of the club has been the players’ togetherness and willingness to work hard for each other.
“That hasn’t changed in 2020 and the players know they have to work hard for each other at every moment, make life difficult for our opponents and then if we can get that right, we’ll play the style of football we believe is the ‘right way’ for us.”
The Northern Beaches side is looking more experienced and stronger than the last season following the recruitment, giving Williams a positive outlook for the upcoming campaign.
“I’m really happy with the work we’ve done in the off-season in keeping the bulk of our squad together, promoting from the Academy and we know we’ve not only secured some great players, but also some great people.”
Manly United travel to south-west Sydney for their opening game of the season when they take on Bankstown City at Jensen Park.
Major Signings: Tara Andrews, Libby Copus-Brown, Cassidy Davis, Naoko Wada
Major Departures: N/A
Up and Coming Star: Kahli Johnson
Player to Watch: Hannah Peric
By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s 1 writer