Portsmouth Women boss Sadler reveals key differences since turning professional in summer
Portsmouth Women head coach Jay Sadler has revealed the key differences for his side as they enter the professional game.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Millie Payne [22 July], Sadler has explained how his side have adjusted since going full-time in the summer.
The team’s first-ever season in the Women’s Championship is within touching distance with the division’s 11 clubs having learned their 2024-25 fixture list on Monday.
“The difference is day and night – the players used to train three nights a week between 7-9pm, balancing jobs outside of their football,” Sadler explained.
“But now, this is their primary focus, so players get here early in the morning, we track and manage wellness and they have food together. We have various other bits to beef out the day.
“Now, they get home at a reasonable time and get to enjoy their evenings.”
Portsmouth Women learn fixtures
From a Portsmouth perspective, it’s of course wonderfully refreshing to hear Sadler discuss how well his team are acclimatising to the new professional era for his team.
The excitement continues with the release of the fixture list in the Championship, with a trip to Charlton Athletic at the Valley kicking things off in early September.
In the meantime, Pompey are in the midst of an extensive pre-season schedule, designed to continue that momentum of adjustment into full-time football.
It will also bring a squad closer together which is now beginning to incorporate some promising new signings, including Sophie Barker, Hannah Coan and Megan Hornby to supplement the 13 contracted players who have stepped up to professional deals.
The transition over a short space of time at Portsmouth Women has been nothing short of impeccable, and the Eisners must take considerable credit for not only their investment into the women’s side, but also the rearrangement of the hierarchy overseeing Sadler’s team to ensure a smooth operation.
In other Portsmouth news, the latest on Gavin Whyte from John Mousinho.
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