Charlton Athletic Women are delighted to announce that midfielder Emily Simpkins has been appointed as the new club Captain.
Midfielder Simpkins spoke about the 'honour' she felt following the appointment during her Charlton TV interview: “It is a massive honour, a real privilege for such a big club. What a great group of girls to lead as well."
With a season in south London already under her belt it has also been confirmed that defender Hannah Godfrey has been named Vice-Captain:
“It is an honour to be selected, an honour to lead the team alongside Em (Emily Simpkins)."
Godfrey offered her praise and appreciation to former Captain, Lauren Bruton, and Vice-Captain, Rachel Newbrough, who are both recovering from long-term injuries:
"Last season Lauren [Bruton] and Rachel [Newborough] did an amazing job together. We are looking forward to taking the role and seeing where we can take this team."
The new skipper signed for Charlton following her departure from Barclays Women’s Super League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion this summer:
“I think because I have experienced so many different managers, captains and environments, personally I like to lead from my actions. From all those experiences, what works, what doesn’t work. For me, as a group, not one thing will work for everybody, it is getting to know the players as individuals and trying to bring everybody together."
The club’s 2022/23 Vice-Captain. Hannah Godfrey, signed for the Addicks during the summer of 2021, the defender made 20 appearances in all competitions for Karen Hills’ Addicks in the 2021/22 season:
“Emily brings experience from other clubs. Where I have had the experience from last year, I can take on things from last year both positively and maybe things we needed to work on or do differently. I definitely think I can bring that into this year, it is a good balance between the two of us."
Pre-season has seen Karen Hills’ Addicks claim four wins from five outings including a victory over Scottish Champions Rangers and a tough battle against West Ham.
Simpkins stated: “It has been a success, minutes in the legs with changing personnel. Touching on WSL opponents and giving them a good game. For everyone to come through that now, we are all excited for Saturday."
Her Vice-Captain added: “Definitely minutes in the legs and loads of different goal scorers. Pre-season is great for building confidence and building relationships. A lot of things we need to work on but also really good things that we can take into the league on Saturday. A really good test against a strong WSL side this week, now we can really look at that in-depth and see what we can take from that into the Championship this season."
The Lionesses’ success over the summer, being crowned European Champions, has seen a significant rise in the attention and support within Women’s football. Godfrey claimed:
“It has been massive for women’s football in general. We can all see not just as footballers but as fans and families the impact that it has had. For us, as a club, we have already sold double the amount of season tickets as we did last year, which shows the impact that it has had on us, good going forward."
The Addicks will kickstart their 2022/23 campaign away to newly promoted side Southampton as the pair lock horns this Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, the pair are relishing the challenge as they take on the role of the club’s new Captain and Vice-Captain.
Simpkins further added: "It has been a long wait, a big build-up for it off the back of pre-season, I believe there has been a lot of tickets sold. We are excited as a team to have a good start and kick it off."
Full video interview to follow soon.
Charlton will host their first fixture of the 2022/23 campaign on August, 28th (KO 4:30 PM) Welcoming fellow capital rivals London City Lionesses to The Oakwood in Crayford click here for tickets.
Fans looking for the best value can still purchase a season ticket to get behind Karen Hills' side ahead during the forthcoming Barclays Women's Championship campaign.
Click here to get your season ticket.
