Saroya's side not resting on laurels ahead of restart
Having played only once since November 1 last year, Maidenhead United Women are cautiously optimistic regarding the Government’s ‘road map’ which could see ‘Non-elite’ sport back in action on March 29th.
And Nevin Saroya’s side are not resting on their laurels, having advertised for new players – particularly goalkeepers – to trial for their fourthtier FA Women’s National League side who train at Braywick on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
The Magpies – sponsored by locally based Kensington Mortgages - have only played three league matches this season, albeit they enjoyed a strong run through to the First Round of the Women’s FA Cup. Having recorded four points from those opening three league fixtures the club have made their best ever start at this level but uncertainty still remains regarding if and indeed how the season will be completed. In order to complete a full FAWNL Division 1 South West season, the Magpies would need to squeeze in any eye-watering seventeen league fixtures.
Even if the return to training at the end of the month is met with a second successive ‘Null and Void’ season, head coach Saroya is hopeful that – subject to FA guidelines – the team can at least get back to doing what they love most by organising some friendly matches. Saroya – who himself had two spells playing for Maidenhead United under Johnson Hippolyte - added that he is hopeful of arranging some friendly games and would love to hear from any locally based sides who might be interested in pencilling in some provisional fixtures.
Midfielder Chrissy Nazif – herself striving for full fitness after missing most of the 2019/20 campaign - sums up the feelings of her team mates and the management team when she reflected that she is “absolutely buzzing at the prospect of getting back training with MUWFC. “We have been putting in the hard work over lockdown both physically and mentally, so that we are in the best condition for when we return. The countdown to football is officially on!”
Any player who is interested in a trial with Saroya’s side should e-mail nev@maidenheadunitedfc.org for more details.