Jay Sadler delivers 'ruthless' message as Portsmouth Women gear up for Championship opener

Portsmouth Women head coach Jay Sadler has issued his final message to the squad before kicking off in the Women's Championship.

After last season's promotion, Sunday afternoon lifts the curtain on the club's inaugural campaign in the second tier for the Blues women, who take on Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Sadler - who now has several full-time backroom staff alongside his newly professional squad - has delivered a rallying battle cry to the players.

Speaking to the official Pompey website [6 September], he said: "We want consistency as the main thing. It's as simple as that. Teams are ruthless and will punish you if you take your foot off the gas.

"Also, character. I want a real focus from these players, to show desire, we want to show grit, determination and everything that embodies this football club."

Portsmouth Women finally begin a new era

As of Sunday afternoon, Portsmouth Women will have officially played in the Championship.

The extent to which the club have progressed - even transformed - in such a short space of time is remarkable, as has been said all throughout pre-season, which was an extensive regime.

Pompey will take to various imposing stadiums this season as part of clubs' agreements with the league to host a handful of league matches at their primary home ground.

The 27,000-plus capacity Valley is first up, and Sadler's key message of consistency is paramount to ensuring the club remain stable at the new level and adapt as quickly as possible.

Throughout 2024-25, harsh lessons will be learnt, but ultimately progress will be made - one place above the drop zone will constitute short-term success which can lay the foundations for an exciting future.

In other Portsmouth news, Rich Hughes on why the club did not bid for Abu Kamara.

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