In the latest of our special series of features showcasing teams playing at all levels of women’s football, I catch up with Jess Dawson and Seren Redmond from Crewe Alexandra.
Can you tell us about yourself and your role within the club?
Seren: I started at Crewe Alexandra Women in the Under 18’s and progressed through the club to make my First Team debut at 16 in the FA Women’s National League last season where I played as a winger. During that time and in this pre-season I have been learning from the more experienced players in the squad which has added to my game for 2019/20.
What league is your club in and what are the aspirations for the season?
Seren: We currently play in the North West Women’s Regional League Premier Division. This season we hope to win promotion and return to the FA Women’s National League, regain the Cheshire Ladies Cup and advance as far as possible in The Women’s FA Cup.
Where can we see you play your home games this season?
Seren: Our home games are played at The Cumberland Arena, however, we are really excited to be hosting a couple of fixtures at The Alexandra Stadium, home of Crewe Alexandra men’s this season.
Who’s the boss?
Jess: Our manager is Matt Fisher. I started at the club towards the end of last season and straight away I felt Matt had a great passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the game while also being great with every one of the players who represent Crewe Alexandra. Matt has a vision for us as a team and I know he wants us to grow and be the club he knows we can be. We have a fantastic set-up here at Crewe and I’m thankful to be a part of it. Matt puts so much effort into this team on and off the pitch, I’m excited for the 2019/20 season and the future.
How does the first team set themselves up?
Jess: It all starts at training, working hard to build the moral and cohesion within the squad. Planning and working on set-pieces and formation is key preparation heading into a match.
Training twice a week is always exciting at Crewe as all the girls work hard. That translates to game day, where we put into practice everything we’ve worked on and give nothing less than 100% from kick-off right until the last minute.
Could you tell me about your club captain and what she brings to the team?
Jess: The club captain Katie Nuttall is literally “Nutts!” however very calm and collective, she is a great asset to the club and the most experienced player in the squad. Katie always gets the girls going whether it be at training or game days, that talk in the huddle is huge in bringing the best out of the players. She brings passion, determination and enthusiasm, I couldn’t think of a better captain for Crewe Alexandra Women.
Who should we put our money on to be top goalscorer this season?
Jess: Amanda Fallon, she loves a goal! However I do think a lot of the girls are eager to be top scorer, who doesn’t love scoring a goal for their club!”
Who is the unsung hero within the squad?
Jess: This has to be Jess Sheridan, she is in my eyes a key player for Crewe Alexandra Women, bringing so much passion to the team and keeps all the girls focused before and during a game. Jess is confident and composed at the back, I think our younger defenders look up to her. She is a great addition to the squad and I’m excited to be on the pitch with her this season. I must add, when Jess gets up for a corner or free-kick, she is a big threat!
Who is the young gun within the squad who we should watch out for this season?
Jess: Seren Redmond has made a great impact since stepping up from the Under 18’s where she was captain on a number of occasions. In my opinion Seren is a very intelligent player, bringing speed, energy and diversity to the team. Her confidence is growing each week and I’m buzzing she has progressed into the First Team. I hope Seren can achieve a lot with this club, the future is bright!
Where can we follow the club’s progress this season?
Seren: You can find us on Twitter at @CreweAlexWomen as well as on Facebook and Instagram, also at @CreweAlexWomen.
