A catch up with pre-season well underway…
By Matty Paddock - 03/08/2026
Posted 1 hour ago
HARRIERS Women Head Coach Brandon Bevins reflects on the first few weeks of pre-season, discusses the squad’s progress, the academy pathway and shares a message with supporters ahead of the new campaign.
Q: We’re a few weeks into pre-season now. How do you feel it’s gone so far?
A: “I’ve been really pleased with how pre-season has gone so far. We’ve managed to manufacture some success along the way, which is always nice, but more importantly we’ve seen the behaviours and intentions that we’ve been asking for from the players.
“We’re a team that wants to entertain. We want to be on the front foot, be brave in possession and play with real purpose. At this stage, I feel we’re in a good place. Every session we’re becoming more aligned with our principles and our playing style, and you can see the understanding growing.
“It’s worth remembering that this is a completely new group. They’re learning about each other as people and as players, while also adapting to a new way of working. That takes time, but the progress so far has been really encouraging.”
Q: The squad has also been adapting, with yourself coming in and bringing in a different style of coaching to what was had in previous seasons. How have you found that process, and how have the players responded?
A: “The players have been outstanding, to be honest. Whenever there’s a change in coaching staff there’s naturally an adaptation period, but they’ve embraced it from day one.
“We’ve introduced a style that asks them to be brave, to play forward, to press with intent and to work relentlessly for one another. That requires trust, commitment and a willingness to learn, and the group have shown all of those qualities.
“There are some fantastic personalities within the squad, alongside a really healthy mix of life experience and football experience. That’s helped the players support one another through the transition and has created a really positive environment to work in.”
Q: You have welcomed a number of new additions to the squad this summer. How have they settled in, and what have they brought to the group?
A: “They’ve settled in brilliantly, and a lot of that comes down to the existing group. They’ve been really welcoming and have made it easy for the new players to integrate.
“The new additions have brought quality, energy and healthy competition across the squad. Competition is exactly what you want because it drives standards every day in training.
“Just as importantly, they’ve brought the right characters. Talent is one thing, but building a dressing room with good people who want to improve together is equally important.”
Q: We’ve seen several academy players make their first-team debuts during pre-season. As both Women’s Head Coach and Academy Manager, how important is it to provide those opportunities and develop a clear pathway into the first team?
A: “It’s hugely important. One of the biggest opportunities that comes with holding both roles is being able to create a genuine pathway from our academy into the first team.
“Pre-season has given a number of academy players the chance to experience the senior environment, make their debuts and show what they’re capable of, and they’ve certainly taken those opportunities.
“Lilly Gnyla has stepped into the back line at just 16 years of age and has looked completely comfortable, both in and out of possession. Moments like this are a real credit to the work being done throughout the academy and to the players themselves.
“I can confidently say that I expect there to be an academy presence around the first team throughout the season, whether that’s in training or on matchdays. We want those young players experiencing the environment, learning from senior players and earning opportunities as they continue to develop.
“We’ll look to expose them to senior football where it’s appropriate, whether that’s through our cup campaigns or in the league itself. If they continue to show the right attitude, behaviours and quality, then age won’t be a barrier. Opportunity has to be earned, and the academy players have shown they’re capable of doing exactly that.”
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from pre-season so far?
A: “The biggest takeaway has probably been the attitude of the group. They’ve been willing to learn, they’ve embraced new ideas and they’ve shown a real commitment to improving every single day.
“For us, pre-season has never just been about results. It’s about behaviours, intentions and seeing players consistently trying to execute what we’re asking of them.
“We’re just over halfway through pre-season, with another two weeks still to go. The intensity and quality of opposition will continue to increase as we build towards our opening league fixture against Sheffield, so there’s still plenty of work ahead. But the foundations we’ve put in place give us every reason to be optimistic”
Q: Finally, what’s your message to the supporters ahead of the 2026/27 campaign?
A: “This group is committed to playing exciting, front-foot football. We want to be brave, we want to entertain and we want supporters to enjoy watching this team play.
“We’ll always give everything for the badge, and while there’ll undoubtedly be challenges along the way, I genuinely believe supporters will see a team that works hard for one another and represents this football club in the right way.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we can’t wait to see everyone behind us when the season gets underway.”
This article is about: Women
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