Kirsty Smith says that she’s looking forward to facing off against her former teammates when West Ham United Women head up to Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
The 29-year-old defender spent four years with Manchester United before making the move to east London last summer and, unsurprisingly, has many fond memories of playing in the crimson shirt of Saturday’s opponents.
Playing at such an historic stadium as well as facing off against her old club is an occasion that the Scotland international is looking forward to, but she also realises that it’s a big chance for the Irons to pick up crucial points as they look to return to form in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Smith never set foot on the pitch at the 'Theatre of Dreams' whilst playing for United and hopes that it’s something that she will be able to tick off this weekend.
“It’s another big game,” Smith said. “We’ll be playing at Old Trafford which is a big thing in itself and a big moment for us as players. It’s going to be interesting playing against my old team there, but one I’m really excited for and I can’t wait.
“I’ve got a lot of friends at United that I made over the years that I was there, I know them inside out so I think that’s also a good thing, that can help me and help the team.
“They’re a really good side, they’ve been great over the past years that I’ve been there, and they are only getting better. It’s interesting going back and playing your friends, but it’s something I can’t wait to do – it’ll be nice to see them, but I hope that we come out on top.”
The Hammers haven’t played since a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on 12th March and are without a win in the WSL since before Christmas.
A weekend without a fixture has allowed Smith and her team to spend the period at the teams Chadwell Heath training ground and prepare for the clash at Old Trafford.
“It was good for us because we were probably at a point where we needed a bit of a break, but coming back into it has given us time to prepare and hopefully give us that chance to be best prepared to play them. Everyone will hopefully feel refreshed and ready to go.
“The vibe amongst the squad has been good; everyone’s excited for such a big occasion and I hope in future it is going to become more of a common thing that we are playing in these big stadiums. For us we just want to get back playing again. We want to show what we can do, work hard and hopefully get something from the game.”
Smith has been crucial for Paul Konchesky’s side this season, featuring in every competitive fixture this season, with 20 of those being from the start.
It’s an achievement that Smith is immensely proud of, having struggled with injury for much of her time with Saturday’s opponents. Indeed, the defender has already started more matches for West Ham this season than in any previous seasons with United.
“For me that was a big thing this season and one that I really wanted to work on was staying healthy, staying fit and being best prepared for each game and being available for each game.
“I’m actually really proud that I’m at that point and I hope it can continue throughout the season, until the end,” she added.
