Football Season Guide

Another poor season last term. After finishing eighth 2 years ago the Nix were ninth last season. For 17 rounds looked in play-off contention but late on lost steam and failed to make the post-season. Had the fifth best defence, only 30 goals conceded, but also the second-worst scoring record, just 25 goals scored in 22 games. The inability to score goals was the main reason why Nix were not in the play-offs. Decisive and big moves were made in the summer, with Wellington capturing one of the most sought-after coaches in women’s football. After 4 great years as head coach of Canada, won an Olympic gold with the Maple Leaves, Bev Priestman is now taking her first-ever job at club level. The ex-England assistant coach is a big name in women’s football. Her appointment made it possible to attract multiple quality players from Europe too. Solid defenders McMeeken and Lake are gone, but American Walker arrived from Braga and CJ Bott returned from the English WSL, so equally good, if not better, replacements are available. The two main midfielders McCutcheon and captain Longo (pregnant), are also gone. They both missed many games injured anyway. This will open room for the extremely talented 21-year-old Alyssa Whinham to develop. She will be guided and partnered by Dutch veteran Tessel Middag who arrived from Europe. Another new arrival from Europe is the Nepalese goal machine Sabitra Bhandari (139 goals in 122 career games). She came from Guingamp and will replace the sold in Spain Olivia Fergusson, who was solid but not great last term. With Bev at the helm and obvious strengthening in all areas the Nix look like a team ready for big things this season.