Matthews relishes challenge ahead.

The fixture against Everton will be City’s first competitive match since their 1-0 win over Birmingham City in February, and Matthews expressed how her and the rest of the squad can’t wait to get back on the grass.

“I think all the girls are raring to go, it’s been a long time waiting so I think everyone is just really excited and can’t wait to get going, and hopefully put a good performance in,” said Matthews.

“I think you can tell in the changing rooms because the girls are buzzing, the staff are buzzing and we can’t wait to actually put everything we’ve done in pre-season to the test on the weekend.”

The new season could possibly be one of the most competitive in recent times as many clubs in the WSL have strengthened their squads with some of the world’s biggest talents, and the defender is impressed with the new names added to the City squad.

“Tanya [Oxtoby], the board and the club have done great to invest and bring new players in and they’ve done a fantastic job. The girls have been really hard-working, and their performances so far have been really good and positive, so it’s a great step in the right direction.

“Everyone has just pushed it to the next level, and I think Tanya bringing in the new players that she has is also taking us to the next level and hopefully we can get some good performances and good results this year.”

The 27-year-old central defender was named as the new City Women’s captain earlier this week as she enters her 11th season as a Robin, and the decision bestowed upon Matthews is a role she is feels honoured to undertake. 

“It’s a shock! It’s a huge honour and I feel really privileged to lead this team out. As I said, this club is special to me in many ways so being named club captain, it means a lot."

As well as a new club captain, the Robins will also have a new home this season in Twerton Park, and Matthews can’t wait to get going at the new stadium.

“It’s really exciting. I like the stadium and the stands, it’s a shame the supporters can’t be there, but we will definitely try to put in a good performance for the fans who are watching at home.”

Written by Lewis Barton