With Julian Dicks joining Bilic’s coaching staff, a new manager was needed to take the Ladies forward after some positive results in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division last year. Last week it was revealed that the man to fill the boots of Dicks as the new West Ham Ladies Manager was Marc Nurse. With a stadium move at the top of the agenda at West Ham, the Ladies also got a new permanent home this year at AFC Hornchurch’s ground.
Firstly, congratulations on being the man to succeed Julian Dicks as West Ham United Ladies manager. Are you looking forward to the challenge ahead?
‘Thank you. Yes, absolutely delighted! I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to manage the team. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and can’t wait to get started.’
Is there a particular style you would like to see the team play throughout the campaign?
‘Of course lots of managers will have a particular style, I am no different. My style of football is attacking football, which is possession based as well as direct play into the forwards.’
What are your targets for the new season?
‘Targets for this season are to finish in the top 5 or better in the league. I want to make a cup final, and decent runs in other cups.’
How is the squad shaping up ahead of the new season? Any players we should keep an eye on throughout the campaign?
‘We had a brilliant training session last night which gave me an opportunity to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses. There is some great potential within the team and I am confident that we will have a strong team.’
With stadium moves top of the agenda at West Ham recently, does West Ham Ladies’ new permanent home at AFC Hornchurch help the team?
‘Yes without a doubt. It has fantastic facilities which meet the standard requirements needed to progress in to the Women’s Super League 2. The new ground is more local which makes it easier for players and fans to attend. We now have season tickets for sale for just £55 a year which includes 4 children going free when accompanied by the season ticket paying adult. This is a fantastic offer made by the club.’
Women’s football received a huge boost in the summer thanks to England’s third place finish at the Women’s World Cup. Do you think this growth in national support can benefit the West Ham Ladies?
‘Any publicity can only be deemed as good! The Women’s World Cup has certainly brought Women’s football to the forefront of everyone’s minds and I hope that this will make support stronger.’
Lastly, for anyone who hasn’t been along to see the Ladies team play, what reasons would you give as to why they should turn out to support the side?
‘They are all stars in the making and have the potential to play at a high level. You will see a great family atmosphere, along with decent displays on show, from our players with the aim of playing attacking football, which will entertain the supporters.’
