Perks previews season opener at Cheltenham
Argyle’s 2024/25 FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division season kicks off this weekend when the Greens travel north to face Cheltenham Town.
An intense but successful pre-season schedule sees Argyle head into the tie on a five-game unbeaten run. With key new additions, Ryan Perks is excited to get under way and show the fans his side’s hard work and dedication from the summer.
“I’m looking forward to getting going,” Perks told Argyle TV. “We've worked hard and prepped well over pre-season. The real stuff starts this weekend.
“It's going to be a difficult test; Cheltenham are a good side. I don’t think there are any easy games in this league this season. We're going to have to be on it from the start of the season to get some points on the board early.
“We’re really happy with the recruitment in the summer. We've brought in some excellent players, added quality across the team and covered positions where we thought we needed to strengthen from last season.
“I don't think we were a million miles away from it last season. I’m excited about getting going and seeing what this group of players can do and, hopefully, finish as high up the table as possible this season.”
The Robins finished seventh in the league table, two places ahead of Argyle, last season, but were on the losing side of their meetings, with the Pilgrims coming away as 3-2 victors in both games.
This season, Perks is hopeful for a repeat of the performances from the last campaign but is aware of an updated Cheltenham squad.
“I'll take three points in any way they come,” he said. “Cheltenham are a good side. They've recruited well over the summer; I don't think there will be much between the two sides.
“Cheltenham had a strong season last year, and they finished mid-table by the end. We’re looking forward to just getting going and seeing what this team can do.”
Argyle’s squad has seen additions come over the summer and, in Sunday’s final pre-season encounter against Torquay United, substitutions had to be made to preserve the team for the upcoming campaign. Perks is not worried about any of the issues and is excited to get his full squad complete in the upcoming weeks.
“All players trained this week. We sent Ava [Kuyken] off for a scan, as a precaution, and that's come back all clear. She trained last night and should be in contention to start on Sunday.
“Ella [Stephens] had a little knock, but again, trained and looked fine, so we should have a full complement of players available, bar Katie [Dickson] who's still not back. She’s gone home over the summer because of university, and we expect her back next week.”
Despite finishing ninth, and only two places above the relegation zone, Argyle were comfortably safe when the full-time whistle blew in the final game of the season. Perks is hopeful to secure a higher finish in the league table this season.
He said: “We just want to keep progressing year-on-year. We did that last season and want to finish as high up the table. Obviously, as a group of staff and players, we've got our targets and expectations, but we want to finish as high as possible and aim for at least a mid-table finish as the minimum target.
“I think this group of players has the potential to do that and probably kick on a little bit more, but time will tell. We’ve got a difficult start to the season but like I've alluded to previously, all the games in this league are difficult, so we're going to have to be on it every week.”
Tickets for Argyle Women’s match against Cheltenham Town at Kayte Lane can be purchased via TicketTailor, and are requested to be bought before the fixture, but there is pay-on-the-gate available.
Season Tickets for Argyle’s home campaign are now available. Season tickets cost £75 for adults, £40 for over-65s and just £20 for under-18s. They can be purchased via ArgyleTickets.com.
Tickets for Argyle Women’s opening match of the season against Oxford United are also now on sale. Single match tickets are available via ArgyleTickets.com and cost £10 for adults, £5 for over-65s and £3 for under-18s.
You can also purchase via phone by calling 01752 907700 or visiting the Home Park Ticket Office from 10am to 4pm on Monday to Friday, or 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
