Perks reflects on positive pre-season
With the start of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division less than a week away, Argyle Women’s Head Coach Ryan Perks is extremely positive when reflecting on the Greens’ pre-season campaign.
Argyle boast a five-game unbeaten run ahead of the tie with Cheltenham Town on Sunday, 18 August, with convincing results against Aberystwyth Town, Torquay United and Yeovil Town, as well a draw with Manchester United Under-21s.
Despite losing the opening two pre-season matches, against Moneyfields and Cardiff City, the following performances and key additions of talent to the squad have placed Argyle in good stead ahead of the season.
“For the first two games, we weren't worried about the results,” Perks told Argyle TV. “We had lots of trialists in and were looking at players. Some worked out and some didn’t, but we wish them all the best wherever they go next.
“We weren't worried about Moneyfields and Cardiff, it was more looking at performances and, since then, we've kicked on. There are positives to take, and the team is gelling well. New faces through the door have added quality to the squad and the standard in training has been superb, so I’m looking forward to this season.”
Argyle have added Ella Stephens, Ava Kuyken, Lulu Jarvis, and Georgia Wilson this summer, bringing much-needed experience and depth to the youthful squad.
Wilson is the most recent addition, and featured previously for Argyle, in the 2022/23 season, before joining Reading last season in the Women’s Championship. Perks is delighted with the re-signing of the midfielder and is excited for her to continue her fine form seen in pre-season.
He said: “We're buzzing to get Georgia back. We stayed in touch when she went to Reading last year. I think she was disappointed with how things turned out there and wasn't given the opportunity.
“We just wanted to bring her back and let her enjoy her football. You can see that in pre-season, she scored five goals in the last couple of games and looks good on the ball, fit and sharp.
“Hopefully, we get to see the best Georgia we've seen at Argyle because even when she was here last time, she had a few niggles. Hopefully, we will get the best out of Georgia this season.”
Home Park will play host to every home fixture for the Greens this season, barring any future Sky TV picks or inclement conditions affecting the pitch. With the first game at the Theatre of Greens being the tie against Oxford United on Sunday, 25 August, Perks is thrilled with the news and cannot wait to experience playing at Home Park once again.
“Having all 11 games here at Home Park is the ideal situation. It allows us to help grow the fanbase,” he said.
“It's mine and the player’s job on the pitch to inspire the crowd to come back and support us all season. There is still lots to do to get fans through the door, but we've had amazing crowds here previously.
“The experience to play at Home Park is amazing, they've invested quite a bit of money in the summer on the pitch, so we're all looking forward to playing here. Hopefully, we can put on some positive performances for the fans.”
2024/25 Argyle Women Season Tickets 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 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.
