After back-to-back seventh placed finishes in the Adran Premier, optimism is high in sunny Barry ahead of the new Adran Premier season.
To say last season was turbulent for Town would be an understatement. Four managers and a long winless run certainly had its effect on players, management, and fans.
For captain Lauren Harris, even though last season was difficult, she’s hopeful that this season will be different.
“We can’t hide from the fact that we did have a challenging season last year. We had lots of ups, plenty of downs, but we’ve got to put that behind us now and focus on the season ahead.
“We’ve come seventh now the past two seasons, and you always want to be better every season, so we want to move up the table this year and, finger crossed, this can be our season to perform better.”
There have been changes aplenty at Jenner Park this summer. Stevie McCarthy-Campbell will be the new man in the dugout this season.
The new manager makes the move over from Cymru South side Llantwit Major, and Harris is excited about a new era for the club.
“He’s shown us and told us what he wants this season and it’s really good. He has set a new philosophy for us and we’re putting together plenty of good building blocks and we’re getting better with every game and every training session.
“He’s shown us that we can have that belief, and we’ve needed that, especially with what we’ve been through over the last two seasons.”
Along with McCarthy-Campbell, the Linnets have brought in a raft of new signings. Amongst them is former Swan Chloe Tiley, India Shanahan from Cardiff City and Lucy Attwood, who makes the move across the Severn Bridge from Bristol City.
“We’ve got a good mix of players here. We’ve bought in some experienced players, players like me have been at the club for a while and know the club inside and out. But we also have the youngsters coming through and we keep going with the pathway.
“We’ve got a good mix and hopefully everyone can pull on their own experiences. If we all work together, hopefully everyone’s experiences will deliver something good this season.”
There have been some outgoings too, with the most notable being striker Mackenzie Olden departing to join champions Cardiff City.
While the loss of a clinical goal scorer is difficult for any team, Harris says the squad can’t complain and have to focus on themselves to find the goals they require.
“We wish her the best at Cardiff City, and I’m sure she will do really well for them.
“It’s just one of those things, she’s gone, and we’ve recruited really well, and we’re trying not to look at what we’ve lost. We’re focusing on the season ahead.”
And goals is certainly one thing Barry will be hoping for ahead of this upcoming season.
Town only scored 29 goals last season, with only relegated Abergavenny scoring fewer. However, with a competitive team, Harris is certainly looking further up the table this season.
“We always thrive to be better every season. We know what we have to do. Stevie knows what to expect from us, and we know what to expect from each other.
“If we keep pushing through and hitting those targets and build on each session, hopefully we’ll achieve those ambitions. We can’t wait to get started and see how far we can go.
“The main thing for us now is we have stability, a clear structure, a clear philosophy from the new management. As long as we’re all on board with that, then we will be better.”
Harris and her team start the season with two away trips to Aberystwyth Town and Swansea City.
However, their first game at Jenner Park sees them welcome newcomers Wrexham.
A home opener against the popular team is a tantalising prospect, and Harris cannot wait for the fixture involving two incredibly well supported sides.
“It’s going to be a very interesting game. We’ve drawn in a lot more fans over the past few seasons, and they’ve obviously got a large following too.
“We’re two teams who have got really good fanbases behind us, so hopefully we can get a good crowd at Jenner Park for that one.”
All in all, the optimism in and around the club seems to be at its highest. The foundations are all in place for Barry to kick on this season.
Barry’s youngsters won the FAW Girls’ Cup last year, a sign that there are some talented players coming through the system.
Harris says that if the pathway keeps thriving, the positive effects will be felt all the way up to the first team.
“I want us to keep doing better and see our one club philosophy continue to grow. We’ve got plenty of players coming through the pathway.
“That’s one thing I’m incredibly keen on, to keep inspiring the next generation, so we have to keep finding players and bringing them through. If I can keep helping to drive that, then that’s great.”
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