Graham ready for season opener

The new campaign kicks-off on Sunday (September 9^th, 2pm) and after a “tough” pre-season, the Scottish international insists the squad are well equipped and fully focused ahead of their opening test with Brighton & Hove Albion.

City Women will be full of confidence when they travel to the south coast, having already secured a draw and a win against Leicester City and Sheffield United respectively in the opening fixtures of the Continental Cup.

“Pre-season has taken its toll, but for all the right reasons,” she said. “We’ve had a few tough games but from the start of pre-season to now we’ve come a really long way so now we’re looking forward to kicking the season off properly. 

“Everyone has been really welcoming since I arrived and that is something I noticed straight away.

“I felt like I was right at home and I think it’s really important for a player to feel welcome - we’ve done the same with the other players that have come in a bit later on.

“We’ve made sure they’ve felt as comfortable as possible to get the best results and as I say, everyone’s really looking forward to it.”

“For me as a player, it’s just contributing in any way I can, whether that’s scoring goals, assisting or defending. For me, I just really like to work hard and contribute in any way I can and, obviously getting on the score-sheet is a great bonus.”

Graham has had an explosive start to life in the West Country, scoring three goals in two outings, and the summer recruit has highlighted manager Tanya Oxtoby’s coaching style as a big factor.

“It’s been a dream start for me to be honest,” she continued. “I couldn’t have asked for it to start in a better way.

“Tanya’s really driven and she knows what she wants and everyone has jumped on board with that from the minute she has come in.

“She’s been really welcoming as it couldn’t have been easy either for her coming in and not knowing anybody as well. Everyone’s really on board with her plans and we’re all excited to get started with the season.”