JAMES MULVIHILL THE BIG INTERVIEW

James! Firstly, thank you so much for takingyour timeto talk to us for today's programme. You've been at the club for around a month now, how have you settled backintotheclub?

Thank you! I’m not going to lie, the first couple of weeks were rocky. We have settled into things now, winning our first two pre-season games has been crucial to build confidenceinthegroup.

You've already made your mark after a huge result last weekend thumping Wrexham Ladies, who won the Welsh First Division last season, 5-2. What are your expectations for the upcomingseason?

Beating Wrexham was a huge achievement. Wrexham are going to be competing to play intheChampionsLeaguenext season. For us to drag them into deep water at Hollyhedge was a dream cometrueforme.

The team only managed 18 goals all season in the league last year, we have managed to hit 19 goals in our first 2 preseason games this time around. I’m so proud of what thegirlshavedonesofar.

Could you give us a brief rundown of your matchday routine?

Early meet, music pumping. It’s all aboutthe environment on a match day for me. The team already know the game plan, they know what their tacticalresponsibilitiesare.

Matchday is for motivation, reminding the girls what our goals are. Loads of short, sharp football with minimal touches. Quick huddle, let’s getafterit!

Afterwinningtheleagueand plate double with FC United, would you saythat was your most memorable career moment?

Winningtheleaguelastyear was the height for me. We had 3 games in hand in a four horse race for the title. We had to play top of the league, 3 games in a row. Beating Curzon Ashton, drawing with Cheadle Town and then we knocked Salford City off the top of the table in a 4-2 thriller.

We then secured the league beating Tranmere Rovers 3-1 the week after. That month was high pressure, but I loved everyminuteofit.

You've managed to secure the signing of Kirsty Chambers who scored a hat trick in the win over Wrexham last week. Just how important is it to have playerswhohaveplayedata higher level in the dressing room?

Its crucial! The young girls at the club need players like Kirsty to look up to. Kirsty has won it all from the Greater Manchesterleagues,through to the North West Prem. In key moments we need players who know how to win titles in the ranks. Her experienceisinvaluable.

What is the last thing you do before stepping out onto the dugout? Do you have any superstitions?

Makesure someoneisputting a stopwatch on. I think I must ask the bench what minute weareon60timesagame.

The interest in women's football has been increasing over the past few years. What would you say to encouragethosewhohaven't watched women's football before? this year and really pull this club up the womens pyramid. We want as many people to witnessthataspossible!

I think the stereotypes have started to fall away over the last few years. I’m a father of 3 girls, so it’s important for me for my girls to feel as though they can do whatever they put their minds too, withoutprejudice.

If you could bring two Lionesses to Wythenshawe, who would you sign and why?

Jill Scott for certain. Huge fan of the way she played. A real leaderonandoffthefield.

The women’s game is growing, because society as a whole is shifting to become more accepting. Football is football, 22 people running around trying to better each other. We have a huge opportunitytogetpromotion

Then it would have to be Lauren James. She has carved her own path out, and managed to become one the most exciting players to watch in this current England squad.

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Report by Aiden Beswick, Pictures by Glenn Smiths

ThestarttolifeintheNorthWestCountiesFootballLeaguePremierDivisioncouldn’thave gonemuchbetterforWythenshaweFootballClub,astheAmmiesranout4-0winnersagainst recentlyrelegatedRamsbottomUnited.

TheAmmiesstartedtheafternoonwithpromise.SaulHendersonknockedtheballforwardto Mason,wholatchedontoit.Hetriedhisluck,buthisresultingshothitthesidenetting.

The deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute. Howard charged down the right and whipped the ball toward the near post. His effort took a slight deflection from a Rams defender which causedtheirgoalkeepertoscrambletheballintothebackofthenet.

The hosts showed the same determination as they did in the first half. In the 49th minute, Mason tapped home Brown’s fantastic solo run and drilled effort, but the forward was ruled offside. The final 10 minutes of normal time and the six minutes of added time were eventful, especially for Goldrick’s men. They doubled their lead in the 85th minute through Davies. The NorthernIrishmanslottedhomeonhisdebutfollowingMason’spass.

It was three for the hosts in the 92nd minute. This time, Mason went from provider to scorer. Heran ontoLamb’spinpointpass,and fired theballinto thebottomrightcorner.TheAmmies weren’t done there. Two minutes later, Ly added a fourth of the match for Goldrick’s men. Mason received the ball from the middle, he flicked it over Ramsbottom’s backline to an on-runningLy,whocutinsideandslottedtheballintothebottomrightcorner.