City in Focus | Kerry Walklett pleased with pre-season progress
The Bluebirds’ preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign is well underway.
Iain Darbyshire’s side played their first pre-season match last weekend, claiming an impressive 5-2 win over Plymouth Argyle.
A huge positive in the victory was the performance of playmaker Kerry Walklett, who joined the Club in January.
Reflecting on this summer’s preparation, she said: “It’s been really good so far. I think every footballer has a love-hate relationship with pre-season! It’s great to be back with the girls, but it has been tough, there’s been a lot of running! We’re all working really hard and the morale is high.
“It’s a really important part of the season. You can see the building blocks that are already in place. Iain is happy with the condition that everyone is in.
“The squad are enthused and refreshed, which is important when you’ve just won the treble. There’s some great drive in the side. As a group, we’re in a good place socially, physically and technically.”
After joining the Club halfway through the 2023/24 campaign, Kerry went on to have a successful first season with the Bluebirds, securing a domestic treble.
The attack-minded midfielder made 12 appearances and after settling in to the Club, she’s hoping to feature even more prominently next term.
“I feel a lot better now, not just physically, but socially in the group as well.” Kerry continued. “I’ve had that time to settle in and I’m part of the new reset. It’s been really good for me to have this pre-season.
“In the second half of last season, I played against most sides in the league. Those experiences will help me going forward.
“In the team, I know how we play, how the opposition look like and what kind of games to expect. That’s really helping me to shape my performances on the pitch.”
The Bluebirds are currently preparing to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League First Qualifying round, having been drawn to face Dutch champions FC Twente.
Darbyshire’s side will compete in a mini-tournament in Group 5, hosted in the Netherlands, which begins at the semi-final stage.
The winner of the semi-final will face either Valur or ZFK Ljuboten in the Final, with a Third-Place Play-Off also taking place.
Kerry concluded: “Of course, we know it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re excited for the challenge and we can learn a lot from the experience. It will be really good to take that into the league campaign.
“Ultimately, if you want to do well in these competitions, you have to face the best teams, so we’re looking forward to that first game.
“I’m really excited, not just for the Champions League, but being away with the girls for a week, it’s going to be important for us.
“I’ve spoken to a few of the girls about their experiences and how they found it, one of the things they said was that walking out with the squad and representing the Club in Europe is one of the proudest moments of their careers. I’m working really hard to impress and hopefully, be a part of the starting XI in that first game.”