Gregory: We’re Gaining Momentum

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Gregory: We’re Gaining Momentum

Freya Gregory believes LCFC Women are in a good place to continue their current form when welcoming West Ham United to Pirelli Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

2022-02-12T15:09:00.000Z

by Sam Jones

Published

12 Feb, 2022

Gregory: We’re Gaining Momentum

Freya Gregory believes LCFC Women are in a good place to continue their current form when welcoming West Ham United to Pirelli Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Sam Jones

2022-02-12T15:09:00.000Z

Gregory: We’re Gaining Momentum

Freya Gregory believes LCFC Women are in a good place to continue their current form when welcoming West Ham United to Pirelli Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Sam Jones

2022-02-12T15:09:00.000Z

Gregory: We’re Gaining Momentum

Freya Gregory believes LCFC Women are in a good place to continue their current form when welcoming West Ham United to Pirelli Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Sam Jones

2022-02-12T15:09:00.000Z

Gregory: We’re Gaining Momentum

Freya Gregory believes LCFC Women are in a good place to continue their current form when welcoming West Ham United to Pirelli Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

Sam Jones

2022-02-12T15:09:00.000Z

- LCFC Women tackle West Ham United in the WSL this Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off)- Freya Gregory praised the welcoming environment during her first month with the Club- Both teams are aiming for a third consecutive victory in Burton following league and cup success- The Foxes can now push on after getting another win under their belts last week, she says

The winger, who joined on loan from Aston Villa in the January transfer window, has made an immediate impact since her arrival, making four appearances for the Foxes, including three starts, helping to earn back-to-back away victories.

Discussing the reasons behind her switch across the Midlands, the loanee felt the atmosphere around the squad, and the impact of manager Lydia Bedford, has enabled her to hit the ground running in a Leicester City shirt.

She told the media during Thursday’s pre-match press conference: “My development, especially at my age, is the most important thing at the moment and I think I’m in an environment now where I can develop every week on the pitch and be given opportunities at the weekend to show that.

“So, for me, it was a no-brainer just coming somewhere where I know the coach, the coach knows what I’m about and having a good group of players who trust me and just being able to express myself every week.

“To be honest, the conversations with Lydia [Bedford] were always positive. Going off the back of her already knowing what I’m about, what I can do and what I’m capable of, she knows how to bring out the best in me. It was definitely something that became more attractive having her here.

“I really like being here and playing under Lydia. It’s a brilliant environment. I’ve built many good relationships with everyone. I really enjoy the training; the girls are really nice. I think that’s massively important because the better the relationships are off the pitch, that shows on the pitch.”

It’s been a gritty fight for survival this campaign, though three wins from Bedford’s first six games in charge, including a vital 2-1 victory at Birmingham City last weekend, has elevated City’s standing and increased belief within the camp.

It’s an environment the England Under-19s international has experienced previously, too, being part of the Villa side which escaped relegation on the final day of 2020/21. That know-how within the squad could prove crucial, she adds.

“It was just about understanding what I needed but also, most importantly, what the Club needs,” the ex-Birmingham youngster explained. “Me coming in, I think it also adds something for me being able to push myself and prove myself where it’s very competitive. Every week the team is pushing and you’re fighting for shirts, you’re not walking into anything easy.

“I experienced some of it last year. I think I played quite a big part in Villa’s back end of last season, so I’ve already come off the back of a little bit of experience in this sort of scenario. For us, we just need to take every game as it comes and moving forward with everything that we do.

“It’s good that the manager can push us and tell us what she needs from us, but I think as players we know what position we’re aiming for and where we need to be, it’s just about every week getting as many points as we can and finishing as high up as possible.”

Analysing the visitors’ threats, Gregory has been impressed with West Ham’s performances and results so far, enabling the east London outfit to sit in mid-table, on 20 points, past the halfway stage of the season.

However, the team is concentrating on their own aims and goals as Leicester look to push further in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. Recording another win could move the Foxes up to 10th and their highest top-flight position to date.

“They are a well organised side,” the 19-year-old added. “They are good defensively and have got some good strengths going forward. They have probably exceeded some expectations this season. They are in good form and a good position in the league.

“I feel like, for us, we’ve just got to focus more on ourselves and how we can exploit them with our strengths. The focus is on us really. Going into this week, we’ve trained hard and we’re looking good. The feeling around the squad is really good. We all know what we can offer.

“It’s just making sure that we perform for the whole 90 minutes and don’t let ourselves fall. It was a disappointing start to the season, but you can see from the recent performances that we’ve got more than what it takes to compete in the league with teams in and around the top four, in mid-table.

“It’s just gaining momentum and trusting ourselves that we can do this. We’ve got everything that we need to succeed in the league.”

Match tickets will be available to purchase from the Pirelli Stadium Ticket Office from 12:30pm onwards on Sunday.

All times GMT.

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