From the Managers ahead of Saturday's Play-Off

Manager preview ahead of Saturday's Play-Off Presented by Mercedes

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.”

Meanwhile, Leicester City Women head into Saturday’s play-off clash against Charlton Athletic looking to retain their BWSL status, with manager Rick Passmoor insisting his side are prepared for the challenge awaiting them at The Valley.

Passmoor confirmed Leicester will be without Alisha Lehmann after the forward suffered a calf injury. “The calf is more serious than we thought after the scan so Alisha will not be in the squad this weekend.”

However, Leicester have been boosted by the return of Ashleigh Neville from suspension, while Janina Leitzig has also returned to training. “We’ve got a full squad available,” Passmoor said.

Despite Leicester recording their worst-ever BWSL finish, Passmoor believes his squad are ready for one final opportunity to secure survival. “We were wanting to stay up without going to this final game of the playoffs but this gives us another opportunity.”

“With how the players have trained and how focused they are, we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

The Leicester boss also praised Charlton’s performances this season, highlighting how competitive the gap between the BWSL and BWSL2 has become. “Karen has had a fantastic season with Charlton, unbelievably well organised,” he said.

“Many years ago you’d go and win comfortably, that isn’t happening anymore.”

Passmoor expects a tense encounter at The Valley and believes mentality will be crucial. “I think it will be very cagey until potentially someone goes into the lead,” he explained.

“It will be all about mentality from there for both teams.”

He also highlighted Charlton’s defensive record as one of their biggest strengths. “They’re incredibly strong as a defensive unit,” he said. “Without the ball, they’re very tough to break down.”

Despite the pressure surrounding the fixture, Passmoor insisted his players are embracing the occasion. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think that,” he said when asked if Leicester would remain a BWSL side.

“We know the odds will be stacked against us in terms of their support and how they play,” Passmoor said.

“I think in terms of everything being laid out for the BWSL 2 team, it’s at their venue, in front of their crowd, so I think there’d be more expectation on the home team to come out and play and also entertain.”

Despite that, Passmoor believes Leicester’s mentality will be key to getting through the occasion. “It will be our mentality that sees us through.”

Reflecting on Leicester’s difficult campaign, the Foxes boss praised the response from his squad in recent weeks. “The players have galvanised and come together to ensure that they’re in the best position for this game,” he said.

Ultimately, Passmoor believes the play-off will come down to composure in key moments. “Sometimes in that 90 minutes or so, it’s about grinding it out and being better than your opponent.”