Colin Staples excited to start first campaign with Swansea City Ladies
Colin Staples is excited to get his first campaign with Swansea City Ladies under way as they begin their Welsh Premier Women’s League title defence this Sunday at rivals Cardiff City (4pm).
The Swans haven’t played any competitive football since March, when they defeated Abergavenny prior to the season being curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
But the newly-appointed head coach has been impressed with the side since the resumption of training in August, and Staples is focused on pushing the team further to keep the WPWL title in the Swans’ hands come the end of the campaign.
“I’m looking forward to the season immensely. In the current environment it is a great opportunity to get out there and do what we do best, which is playing football,” he said.
“For me it’s a bit like that quote from Jurgen Klopp, when he said, ‘we are not here to defend a championship, we are here to attack it’.
“It is my first attempt at winning a league so I am looking forward to learning from the girls’ experience and working with them to defend the title.”
Staples is acutely aware Cardiff will be eager to upset the odds on Sunday, looking to kick-start their own season in their attempt to push for a shot at the title.
And the Swansea coach is aware that they will be the target their rivals are aiming for on the back of their success last term.
“It is just like any other league; any team can be beaten on any given day and Cardiff are a massive threat,” added Staples.
“It is a derby; we need to take that aside but obviously it is a massive factor.
“However, at the same time, they are a team that can challenge for the title just like us. We have to respect that, but not so that we give our own philosophy away.
“It is always nice to get three points and the performance will be vital in that. We are going there for the three points just as Cardiff are. May the best team win.”
The match is set to make Welsh women’s football history with it being the first WPWL match to be televised live on S4C.
“It’s a massive statement for Welsh women’s football and it is something that we really need to embrace,” said Staples.
“But, more importantly, we need to sell our product now so broadcasters and media keep coming back and allow all of the clubs to get that opportunity.
“We are pioneers, so there’s no pressure on the girls, but this exactly what we should be aspiring to.”
Sgorio host Nicky John and pitchside reporter Sioned Dafydd will be joined by former Wales international Nia Jones and Penybont FC Head of Coaching Nia Davies for live coverage of Sunday's game.
Former Wales striker Gwennan Harries and Dylan Ebenezer will be in the commentary box, with ex-Wales full-back Kath Morgan and Mike Davies providing English commentary via the red button. S4C’s coverage starts at 3.50pm, with kick off at 4pm.
