We caught up with Oxford United Women’s new number 10, Naomi Cole, to discuss pre-season, the league opener, and the season ahead.
Naomi joined United from Crawley Wasps where she was captain of the side, and has used preseason to settle into the squad before the first game of the season against Bridgwater United this Sunday.
“It’s been a good six weeks of pre-season for me, I’ve been excited to get going with the team. We are looking forward to what we can do as a group and as a squad together as we’ve started to bond really well. The preseason schedule has been hard, but we’ve challenged ourselves in a number of different ways.”
The midfielder knows this league well, and like the rest of the squad, is determined to go one better than last year.
“We obviously want to push for promotion, being so close last season, we just want to make that next step and hopefully go and win the title next season. I’d love to set a goal or assist target but for me, it’s all about the team. If I do pitch in with goals and assists that’s a bonus for me but as long as I’m contributing to the performance, then the rest should come. If I can get in on the assists, I’ll take that over a goal any day.”
Naomi played her first full 90 minutes in Yellow last Sunday in the 3-0 victory over Hashtag United Women in pre-season.
“It was nice, I wasn’t expecting it having been away for a little while. In the hot conditions, it was hard but I didn’t feel too unfit which is a good sign of all the work we’ve put in and the staff has put into us. I’ve been at Court Place Farm a few times and it’s been absolutely roasting, but Sunday was next level. Now I’m excited for what this Sunday brings and hopefully we can get the three points on our home turf.”
The U’s face Bridgwater United Women this Sunday the 21st of August, and Naomi is up for the challenge.
“They are a good side and they’ve got some good players and are always putting in performances. As you can see in this league everyone takes points off of everyone so for us it’s important to start with a big three points and keep this place a fortress like the squad did last year.”
Come along to support Oxford United Women in their league opener on Sunday.
Tickets are priced at Adults £6.00 / Over 65 £3.00 / Men’s ST Holders £3.00 / Under 16s FREE. Season tickets will also be available on the gate.