Ahead of Charlton Athletic Women’s historic promotion play-off against Leicester City, manager Karen Hills spoke about the importance of the occasion and the progress the club has made under her leadership.
Hills explained that helping Charlton return to the top flight has always been part of her long-term vision. “My aim and ambition, as a manager, as a former player at Charlton, has always been to try and help support the club, get back into the top flight of women’s football.”
Now in her fifth season, she reflected on the development of the side. “We’ve been progressive over that time,” she said, while also praising the connection built throughout the club this season.
“The women’s team have gained momentum throughout the club… we’ve really put our identity into now being a very competitive BWSL 2 team.”
Promotion, Hills believes, would be a major step not only for the squad but for Charlton as a whole. “The next step is ultimately trying to achieve all our dream and our ambition.”
Discussing preparation for the play-off, Hills said the coaching staff carefully managed the squad during the gap between fixtures. “It’s been a very long season and these players have played a lot of minutes,” she explained. “We utilized it really as like an international break.”
Charlton have also used in-house matches to replicate game scenarios ahead of the clash at The Valley. “We’re ready to go,” Hills added.
On team news, Hills confirmed Charlotte Newsham will miss the game through injury. “She’s been an outstanding player on and off the pitch for us and she will be a huge loss.”
There was more positive news regarding Gloria Siba, who is expected to return. “She’s made really, really good progress so she will definitely be one that’s gonna be able to make the game.”
Hills acknowledged the historical significance of the fixture. “It’s the first game in history, in the women’s game, that this has happened,” she said.
“Not only have we created a little bit of history, with 27 games unbeaten this season, we’re also going into the historical moment to potentially have Charlton playing in the BWSL.”
On Leicester City, Hills stressed the importance of respecting their quality despite Charlton’s strong campaign. “The BWSL is a very different league to the BWSL2,” she said. “They have some fantastic players with international experience.”
“But we don’t fear those players.”
Hills also praised goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse and Charlton’s defensive unit. “Whitehouse has been instrumental with everything that she’s done,” she said. “She’s pulled off some unbelievable saves to keep us in games.”
Heading into the play-off, Hills made it clear belief within the squad remains high. “We’re confident, we’ve got to be,” she said.
“We’ve got to back ourselves, we’ve got to have that self-belief.”