Having battled for so long to get to the Adran Premier, Briton Ferry are finally ready to embark on their maiden voyage in the topflight.
To many, the perfect season doesn’t exist, and if it does, it’s something that’s almost impossible to achieve. But Ferry showed last season that, to them, impossible is nothing.
After picking up twelve wins from twelve in the Adran South, Rhys James’ side then went on to defeat Llandudno 4-0 in the playoff final, as they finally reached the promised land.
The success of last season is still a fond talking point around the dressing room, according to striker Alison Witts, but the team are very much focused on the next chapter in their story.
“I think we’ve all just about recovered from the excitement of last year. Although we still talk about the success of last season and what a great day all-round the play off final was, we are well aware of the challenges we are going to face this year in the Adran Premier and preseason has been very much focusing on the year ahead.”
One thing that will help Ferry’s first outing in the Adran Premier is the fact that the vast majority of the squad are still at the club, including playmaker Laura-May Walkley, and captain Lowri Ridings.
There have also been a few key additions to the team. Tija Richardson has come over from champions Cardiff City, promising youngster Maia Owen also joins, along with the talented Aimee Heath, who have all settled into the environment quickly.
“Maia is a young talent who I didn’t know much about before she signed for the Ferry. I remember playing with her in our first preseason friendly against Bristol Rovers and thinking ‘what a signing!’
“She’s a young, ambitions, brave and talented player who I believe is going to be an incredible player for us this season, I’m excited to be playing with her.
“Tija is obviously more well known across the leagues. I’ve seen Tija play for years and know what a talent she is, when she started training, I was praying she would sign, and I was landed when she did.
“She offers so much across the pitch and is a threat in both boxes enhancing our squad massively.”
“Aimee Heath is another brilliant addition to the squad. Aimee is a talent left footed winger who has fit right in and again is going to add to our squad and team massively.”
On paper, this is a squad that has a variety of talents, so what can they achieve this campaign?
Well, there is a temptation to look far ahead and a possible shock top four finish, but Witts wants the team to set up solid foundations in the league first and foremost.
“We are still very much am amateur team that only trains twice a week with all girls managing full time jobs alongside. However, in saying that we know the talent we have in the squad, and we know what we can achieve if we deliver.
“Obviously the first goal is to survive in the Prem, however I strongly believe if we play to our potential, we can have some real success this season comfortably finishing above the relegation place.
“It’s down to us to show what we can do and compete at this level.”
If they are to compete at this level, Ferry will need their star players to perform, including Witts, but if she can carry on from last season’s from, the club will be in with a shout.
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In all competitions, the forward scored 30 goals in 19 games, a record any striker in any league would be more than delighted with.
While admitting she isn’t getting any younger, Witts still loves turning out at Old Road, and she wants to try and push the side on as much as she can.
“I hadn’t really thought too much about what I was going to do this year once we’d been promoted.
“I’m not getting and younger and the big 3 0 is creeping up this year so I did consider my options, but after not much thought I decided it didn’t feel right to walk away from the team after securing promotion.
“I love this team and this club and want to continue to be part of its growth. This season is going to be very different for me personally, I’m aware it’s unlikely I’m going to be scoring hattricks every other week, but I also know I bring more to the team than just goals.
“I’m committed to working hard and giving everything I have to contribute to the team’s success and I’m confident I can do this.”
It’s a tricky start to the season for the newly promoted side. After their first game away to Adran Prem mainstays Aberystwyth Town, Ferry welcome Wrexham to South Wales.
The rivalry between the two is well known, and Witts believes the Hollywood Dragons, along with the rest of the league, won’t enjoy trips to Old Road.
“The importance of it for us is that it’s our first home game of the campaign and we want to make Old Road a difficult place for teams to come. It’s going to be tough for the likes of Wrexham.
“Old Road isn’t going feel like be like the luxury they get at the Rock, and other places they travel to. The pitch is very different the away changing room will be a drastic change for them, and they aren’t going to have their large crowd of supporters.
“It’s our Home, it’s perfect for us and will be interesting to see how other teams cope.”
There is plenty of excitement around the club for what’s to come. Witts still wants survival to be the ultimate goal, but they want to do it by showing teams that they aren’t a club to be messed with.
“As a team our main aim is to complete. Regardless of the results we want to come off the pitch with every single person being able to honestly say they left everything on the pitch and couldn’t have given more. If we do that then I believe the results will be rolling in.
“Survival is important but that is a minimum for us, it’s definitely not the only thing we want to achieve. I’m excited to see what we can show people this season, I think people will be impressed.”
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