NEW BRADFORD City Women captain Shauna Legge has admitted she was shocked to be handed the armband as she prepares to lead her team out for the first time tomorrow.
After an encouraging pre-season, the Lady Bantams will look to start their new FA Women’s Premier League campaign with a good result at Leicester.
And Legge, handed the Players’ Player and Most Consistent awards last season, is excited about taking on her new role.
“Initially I was shocked to be honest, but I’m really happy to take the role” she said.
“Charlotte (Stuart, player-manager) and Faye (Boshell, assistant) spoke to me and explained why they picked me and I'm looking forward to leading the team this season.”
Speaking on their decision, Stuart said that “the captaincy picked itself,” citing Legge’s impressive 2016-17 season as a factor.
“Shauna has really gone from strength to strength over the past year and that was shown with the awards she won at the end of season presentation,” she said.
“She is a great leader, she always gives 100 per cent in training and matches, has great passion for the club and the game, and has the respect of all her team-mates.”
Legge has had a couple of practice runs as captain, wearing it in wins over Newcastle and Farsley this week.
And she’s looking for the team to carry that winning momentum into their new campaign.
“We've had a few wins and good performances and we’re aiming for a strong start to the season,” said Legge.
“We've kept the Leicester game in the forefront of our minds throughout the friendlies and that's what we have been building towards.
“There's been a great vibe at training and game days and everyone's raring to get going.”
Pre-season friendly results:
Farsley II 4-2 Bradford
Farsley III 5-4 Brighouse
Farsley Ladies 5-0 Rotherham
Tyersal 1-1 New Farnley
Clifton 1-4 Silsden
Castleford 1-3 Thackley (Megan Butterworth 2, Nessy Holroyd)
Ripon 6-0 Ossett
*Bradford Park Avenue Ladies' match at home to Nelson tomorrow has been postponed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here