Feature Interviews, Features

Varley’s Views ahead of Plymouth

Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on October 1, 2011

Ian Varley takes his side on another long away trip in this weekend’s round of matches in the Southern Premiership.

The Ladies face a gruelling round trip to Devon as they take on newly promoted Plymouth Argyle for the first time ever.

Speaking before the game, Ian said: “From a playing point of view it’s not really an issue but from a club point of view it’s ridiculous.

“Everyone knows the financial aspects most clubs face in the women’s game and we’ve had to spend well over £1000 these last two games purely for travel. Surely the fixtures need to be looked at in the future.”

Despite the trip the girls are in full spirits after winning their last two matches, something Ian is pleased with.

He added: “We were very good last week so the players should be full of confidence going into the game Sunday. If we can perform to the same level we did first half last week then I’ve no doubt we’ll win the game.

It is a tough task at the moment for Ian picking a squad for each game with so many quality players to choose from.

He said: “Well we do have a huge squad full of quality but with five missing this week from last week’s squad the squad for this Sunday pretty much picks itself really.

“Ideally I would be naming an unchanged team for Sunday but unfortunately I can’t do that. We all know that you need a good squad throughout the season and Sunday will show us what kind of a squad we’ve got.”

With away trips fostering team spirit it can only help to be currently sitting fourth in the League.

Ian added: “In an ideal world we’d be top of the table but I’m very pleased with how we’ve started the season and it certainly gives us a good platform to go from.

“We have great banter within the squad anyway but long away trips do help this, especially if we win. We have some real characters so the journeys are always eventful.”