New West Ham United women’s signing Ria Percival is predicting good things for the side as she and the club prepare for a first campaign in the FA Women’s Super League.
Percival joined the Hammers on Friday from FC Basel, with the New Zealand international becoming the latest in a huge summer of activity for Matt Beard’s side ahead of the new campaign in the newly formed English top division.
The Irons discovered their fixtures for the FA WSL campaign earlier this week and Percival is confident that she and her new teammates are in for a good first season.
“This it’s a new opportunity to go into a new league and make a big statement as a team,” Percival told whufc.com: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining West Ham. I think we’ve got a good chance.
“This move into the WSL is a really positive step forward and, with the players at this club, I’ve got a good feeling it’s going to go really well this season.”
An experienced defender, Percival has accumulated over 100 caps for New Zealand during her career, and the 28-year-old is ready to test her ability in the English game with the Irons.
“This league is one of the next, best up-and-coming leagues in women’s football,” she continued. “For me, the next few years will see it grow, as will the game in general. The opportunity to be involved in it is massive and I’m really excited.
“I think the level in general is higher here. There are more teams that play at the top level. In Switzerland, there are two or maybe three teams that are at the top level. England have got a good number of teams that are competing and doing well.
Percival’s ability at driving forward has earned the full-back acclaim throughout her career, and the defender is eager to show off her ability to the West Ham supporters.
“I think I’m an attacking player who likes to get forward,” she added. “Obviously, I see myself as a good defender as well, but I like to create chances and give ourselves as many chances as we can in every game.
“I like to try and be a leader on the pitch and to really help the younger players. I think that’s one of my responsibilities as well, to help the younger players, and leading by example.
“I’m really looking forward to getting going and showing the fans what I can do.”
*Season Tickets for West Ham United's first season in the Women’s Super League are now on sale, starting from just £15!
Come and enjoy the top tier of the women's game at Rush Green with the Hammers this season. Pick up your Season Ticket from the link here!
