With TUWFC taking on Selsey at Brixham AFC on Sunday (08/10/23 2pm KO), Manager Steve Elswood is looking for his side to step up to the challenge in the face of recent adversity.
Following a brief spell as Director of Football to ensure the club were ready for National League football off the pitch, league and cup winning manager Elswood found the lure too strong to resist, and has returned back to the dugout to take charge of the team affairs.
With Alan Wyatt remaining at the club as lead coach, whilst being supported by Jake Ellis and goalkeeping coach Jimmy Weeks, Steve is clearly keen and excited about moving forward with the squad he knows so well.
“Overall so far it’s been a tough start for us in the National League, and tier 4 of the female game, as we expected,” began Elswood.
“I think it’s been common knowledge of a horrific injury crisis which we’ve had, and that’s not an excuse. It’s a fact having lost three centre backs with ACL injuries that may not see their return for up to twelve months, and surgical procedures ahead of them. But, they’re strong enough and passionate enough about this Club and their recovery, that we will hopefully see them as soon as possible back in yellow shirts.
“I can’t commend the passion and the heart of their teammates enough who week in, week out have had to step forward and continue to perform having seen their teammates suffer some very challenging injuries.”
In addition to battling with a crippling injury list, a daunting fixture list has also left Elswood’s side with no place to hide.
“We’ve come up against, in my opinion, the best two teams in the league in Bournemouth and Exeter City and I’m sure they’ll both be vying for the title come the end of the season. We also competed against last season’s third-place finishers Moneyfields in a two game back-to-back league and cup challenge back in Sept.
“I highlighted key games during our season to the ladies where we would look to get points off our opposition. We’ve gone toe to toe with those established teams, which had been positive and lost by the odd goal on a couple of occasions, and almost took 3 points at Maidenhead to been pinned back in injury time to only take a point.
“So, there have been lots of positives from the way the performances have developed and this Sunday is now the time to put all this together and make sure we give a consistent 90 minutes from the front and get our first win and three points ever in the National League. Selsey have had a tough start and I’m sure will be coming down to Devon looking to get points of ourselves and we will be given them the upmost respect regardless of their position.
“We need to what is expected out there in a proper professional manner for 90-,plus minutes and take some momentum into another key game that we have on Wednesday night under the lights at Bridgwater United”