FROM FAME WITH LADY JAGS TO WATFORD SURVIVAL FIGHT

WATFORD are struggling at the bottom of WSL 2 but, in Otesha Charles, they have a striker who took part in an even bigger rebuilding job with Guyana.

The 22-year-old was Katie Rowson’s last signing as boss of the Golden Girls before resigning as head coach just six months into her reign, having steered the club to just two victories.

Though Charles will never play under the manager who took a chance on her, she is clearly not one to shirk a challenge after helping the Guyana national women’s team get back on its feet.

The Lady Jags had not played a game of international football in five years before coming together ahead of qualification to Rio 2016.

And Charles, the only player based overseas, was never going to turn that opportunity down. “In 2010, the team did really well getting to the finals of the Gold Cup and they wanted another go at it,” said Charles, who first arrived in the UK when she was six.

“It was the players who made it happen and again I was contacted. I jumped at the opportunity.

“It was an amazing experience and it was always challenging – getting used to the other players in and out of the team. In every session we had, everyone was swooped on.

“I hope it continues, but it’s a waiting game to get the call up again. I would be walking down the street and they would know my name. I was in the national paper numerous times. There was an even article last week about my move to Watford.

“Playing at national level is a

completely different ball game. There’s a lot of pressure you have to deal with, knowing that a whole country is depending on you and sharing a pitch with some of the best players in the world.

“You then watch the game back and hear what the commentators are saying about you. It’s quite funny.

“But I felt like I really grew as a player and I became more confident. I’ve come back far more experienced.”

Considering the length of their international absence, Guyana performed admirably in the CONCACAF qualification tournament.

They beat Guatemala in a group that featured eventual runners-up Canada.

Now that Charles is back in Britain – to considerably less fanfare – she is desperate for a shot in WSL 2 after failing to play a league game for former club Millwall Lionesses.

A quick glance at the goals for column suggests Watford could do with her services badly.

They have collected just eight in the league all season, with no player scoring more than two.

“It’s a new experience but the girls have been welcoming and there are a few players fighting for the same position which will help us get better,” she added.

“I had my first game last week in a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur and scored a hat-trick.

“Hopefully, I’ve made a good impression!

“The plan is to push for the starting line-up between now and the end of the season.”