Helen Bleazard
AFC Bournemouth has made an impressive start to their campaign following their promotion from the National League Division One South West. Contrary to expectations of a consolidation phase, the Cherries have excelled, bolstered by strategic signings with tier three experience. They are currently on a remarkable unbeaten run, having won 51 out of 58 league games, showcasing their strong form early in the season.
Helen Bleazard said: “I know we’ve got the unbeaten record and even a lot of opposition talk about the unbeaten record, but I think it’s one of those, because the games, I’ve said that they’re so relentless every week, you kind of don’t think about that, running that record. So there’s never a moment in my mind where I think training is ever going to slack off.”
Bleazard added: “I’ve got a lot of respect for Renee [Hector, head coach] and Helen [Ward, head of women’s football] at Watford and know them very, very well, and I know they’re going to have them set up and organised very, very well. For us, Plymouth and I think Real Bedford have been kind of the shock for me, but in a very, very good way. They’ve been very, very good. And I think going into Sunday, if the game had been on, it would have been one of our toughest games this season, then going into Leyton Orient [in the FA Cup on Sunday] and then going into Watford. But I think with Watford, I’m not surprised where they are. Obviously, we look at them, they look at us, they’ll do all their work and prep for it and we’ll do the same and we’ll be prepared with our game plan and whoever’s available for that game, I know we’ll put on a good performance.”
Bleazard’s team is set to face Watford at the end of November, a match she acknowledges as potentially pivotal for the season. Her respect for Watford’s coaches, Renee Hector and Helen Ward, indicates the level of competition expected. The Cherries have been surprised by the strong performances of teams like Plymouth and Real Bedford, which have added an unexpected challenge to their campaign. Despite these challenges, Bleazard remains confident in her squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing the importance of preparation and execution of their game plan.
This exceptional start to the season has not only exceeded expectations but also set a high benchmark for the team moving forward. With key fixtures against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup and Watford in the league, AFC Bournemouth aims to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive unbeaten run.
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