Matt Beard is already looking forward to what 2020 has in store for his West Ham United side after an enjoyable and progressive 2019.
The Irons will return to action on Sunday 5 January with a home test against high-flying Everton, but the Hammers go into the first match of the new year in good form; with Beard’s team with unbeaten in their last three matches and with three victories from their last five in all competitions.
The head coach has been delighted with the application seen by his West Ham players in the closing weeks of 2019 and is eager to see a continuation of those qualities as his side get back to competing in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League in the new year.
Things like tenacity, determination, hard work, graft; they are the DNA of West Ham United. The supporters want to see players who play with passion for this badge.
Matt Beard
“Things like tenacity, determination, hard-work, graft; they are the DNA of West Ham United,” Beard told whufc.com. “Whether it’s the men’s team, the women’s team or an Academy side, if you want to play for West Ham then the supporters want to see players who play with passion for this badge.
“They want to see that determination and that drive to do well for this Club. With the exception of perhaps one performance, I’ve seen that in every game in my time here.”
The Irons added nine new players in 2019 across two transfer windows, while midfielders Julia Simic, Tessel Middag and Esmee de Graaf all missed the majority of the calendar year through injury.
With Beard now able to call on almost his entire squad, after each of the trio came back from their respective problems, the head coach is anticipating an exciting new year for his team.
He added: “From my perspective, everything takes time. As long as you work hard on the football pitch, you’re going to get more positive results than negative.
“I’ve always wanted my teams to play in that way, and I think our players understand that too. When you have some changes, players need to adapt to new countries, new lifestyles and new cultures, and of course a new league.
“I think all our new players have adjusted really well, but it does take time for that to happen. I’m really looking forward to seeing this team fulfil its potential in 2020.”
