Women’s football: Championship title-winners Crystal Palace will be fully-equipped for challenge of Women’s Super League
BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk
Crystal Palace manager Laura Kaminski has promised her side will be fully prepared for playing in the Women’s Super League next season.
The Eagles secured the Championship title on Sunday – and their place in the top flight for the first time in their history – after a 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland.
Kaminski joined from local rivals Charlton Athletic in the summer to take up her first senior club management role.
Kaminski developed an impressive CV which includes being assistant manager at Tottenham and England U19 manager for five years. She has also coached at Arsenal, Brighton, Watford, QPR and Chelsea.
So, why was joining a club that had never finished higher than fourth in the Women’s Championship the right step in her career in the summer?
Kaminski told the South London Press: “You always think to yourself: ‘Are you ready?’ I had done so many years on the grass coaching at multiple teams and levels. I also knew I always wanted to work in the senior game.
“Palace was the right fit for me as a person. When I first arrived at Palace and I saw the ambition and direction of travel for this club, it was an easy decision for me to make.
I haven’t looked at the table all year – I have just taken every game as it comes.
“It wasn’t until the later stages of the season that I really started to push to get it over the line. I didn’t want to put any pressure on the players. The only pressure I have put on the players is to play and perform.
“The players have bought into that – it’s what has driven and motivated the group on.”
Kaminski’s decision to leave Sparrows Lane as assistant manager last summer saw her part ways with long-time colleague Karen Hills, who has been boss during their time together at Charlton and Tottenham.
“I worked with Karen for many years,” explained Kaminski. “I worked with her at Tottenham. I moved to Charlton with Karen. Our relationship has always been very strong, As a mentor, for me, she has been outstanding for my career.
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“She got me to the point where I could fly the nest a little bit and take on the challenge for myself.
“I spent many years under Karen’s wings and I learned an awful lot under her.”
Palace effectively secured promotion before the final day showdown at Selhurst Park, with a 2-0 win at Lewes creating a three-point gap over second-placed Charlton and a 22-goal difference advantage.
Kaminski’s side scored 55 goals in 22 Championship outings after recording heavy wins against Durham, London City and Blackburn Rovers.
Elise Hughes, who ruptured her ACL in the penultimate game of the season, netted 16 times and finished as the league’s top goalscorer.
But Annabel Blanchard (11) and Molly Mae-Sharpe (eight) also scored a significant number of goals in Palace’s promotion push.
“Around the recruitment, we recruited players who we knew could score a variety of goals – it’s one thing I have wanted,” said Kaminski.
“We have spoken about Elise Hughes and the impact she has had this season, but there have been other goalscorers from multiple areas – which is key. It shows the strength and depth I have got in the squad.
“With the number of fans we have got this year, it’s a product of the performances on the pitch.
“That’s something that the staff and group of players are proud of.”
Palace, who are now a full-time professional outfit, hired their first director of football two months before Kaminski was appointed in a shift towards aiming for the women’s team to reach the top level of the pyramid.
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Grace Williams arrived from Bristol City, where she had just won promotion to the Super League with the Robins.
“It has been fundamental,” Kaminski said of her relationship with Williams. “Grace is highly experienced. She has won back-to-back promotions now. She has done extremely well and I’m really proud of our relationship.
“We have worked really quickly, which can be quite difficult when you have so much to organise. But our professional working relationship has been a big factor behind why things have gone as well as they have.
“She has been a fantastic appointment for Palace.”
Last season’s Championship winners Bristol City have already been relegated back to the second tier this season after finishing bottom of the Super League with just one win to their name so far.
The Eagles will face big hitters Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal next season.
“There are huge clubs and we’re aware of the challenges,” said Kaminski. “What we have done behind the scenes is identify the challenges and try and solve them before we get there.
“We don’t want any surprises – so we need to be prepared and ready as a club.”
Charlton finished one point behind the Eagles after a Tegan McGowan brace saw them beat Southampton 2-0.
Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League following a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Barcelona.
The Blues were 1-0 up on aggregate after the first leg but a red card from Kadeisha Buchanan, which Emma Hayes labelled the “worst decision in Champions League history” saw the west Londoners crash out of the competition.
PICTURES: PA