There are still nine weeks before the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division kicks off. Yet Galway United Women’s manager Phil Trill is already focused on improving on a historic season.
Speaking to the Galway Advertiser, Trill’s ambition was clear and concise when he said: ‘We set ourselves a good standard last year. We have to be better than that next year.’
Last season, much of the success was built on giving youth a chance. The initial focus has been on retaining the core of an emerging group.
The club has been delighted to announce the re-signing of starlets such as Jenna Slattery, Kate Thompson and Eve Dossen in recent weeks. The three teenagers, amongst others, were consistently outstanding last season and are set to be mainstays again in 2024.
Their youth blended seamlessly with the experience of the likes of Lynsey McKey, Julie-Ann Russell and Isabella Beletic. Crucially, this trio has also committed for next season.
The primary goal to retain the talent that served so well is evident. There are plans afoot to seal the retention of another number of proven performers in the coming days and weeks.
Acknowledging the importance of this task, Trill said: ‘We are loyal to the people who worked really hard for Galway United last year. Retaining them is really important. They are really talented players and we want to continue to help them grow.
With the majority of people, it wasn’t a difficult conversation. Everybody wants to play with Galway United now because they really enjoyed themselves last year.’
In the off-season, the question that will dominate for fans and pundits is: After such a successful first season for the group, what are the realistic goals and objectives for the forthcoming season?
The manager shied away from setting overall targets, saying: ‘I don’t really believe too much in goals because I think they limit you. Everyone starts the first day of the season on level points. I’m just looking for consistency in performance. I think we achieved that last year. Now it is about can we achieve it earlier in the year.
We just hope that we continue to grow and come together. I think we proved all of last season that we will be hard beat. As long as we are playing a sustainable brand of football that attracts people.
One of the key areas of growth is that we want to get more people in the door of Eamonn Deacy Park. We just want to grow the game, the accolades will take care of themselves.’
The women’s team had some big occasions last season, with cup finals and TV fixtures that captured the imagination. The challenge for next season will be to build on this success on and off the pitch, to pave a sustainable pathway for Galway girls to achieve at the highest level possible.
