YOUTH IS KEY TO ALBION’S CHARGE FOR PROMOTION
TEEN spirit has fired Sporting Club Albion to the brink of promotion, according to manager Graham Abercrombie, who claims his champions were the youngest team in Women’s Premier League history last year.
Albion will meet Southern Division winners Brighton at Adams Park next Sunday after they were confirmed as winners in the North following last weekend’s 4-1 win over Bradford City.
And despite adding experience with signings such as former Aston Villa forward Abi Cottam, Abercrombie insists the backbone of the squad – which averaged just 18-and-a half years in age last season – is made up by the youngsters.
“We came tenth in a league of 12, in and around relegation, and though we worked hard we carried on doing what we were doing,” he said.
“We ran out of gas just after Christmas last year because of that lack of experience.
“But now with 30 or 40 Premier League games under their belts, they’ve come of age.
“We’ve added some quality as well but mostly those from the lower leagues who want to make a go at it. They are a
hand-crafted, eclectic bunch, and it’s all come together.
“Out of a squad of 23, we have 21 or 22 turn up for each and every session we do and that’s the best indication that we’re doing something right.”
The club have a flourishing partnership with West Bromwich Albion and will change to the same name as their male counterparts next year.
And Abercrombie is confident his side will be ready for the finale after success over Brighton earlier this season – but believes neither team should have to face failure next weekend.
“We went to Man City in the FA Cup quarter-finals and we want to be a part of that Women’s Super League experience,” added the former Aston Villa boss.
“We beat Brighton in the FA Cup too, so we’ve got an understanding of what we need to do to win.
“Personally I think it’s a travesty that two clubs have to play off – it’s not like making the play-offs in a normal league – you know you have to fight out – because in my view the champions have to go up. What if there’s a bad decision on the day? But we’re in it to win it.”