Bristol City manager Lauren Smith says her, and her team will do everything in their power to be back in the WSL next season.
Saturday will see the Robins play their final game in the WSL before heading back down to the Championship.
Their last game, however, if anything served as a reminder of how difficult the league can be for newcomers; an 8-0 hammering away to Chelsea.
“I definitely wanted the day to be over, probably before the eighth goal. You learn from the 1-0 games and the 8-0 games, you don’t want to be part of it again, or you want to be the one giving it out to someone.
“Chelsea were unbelievable that day and were really focused, and it was difficult to prevent anything from happening.
“We wanted to return home and make sure we head into this weekend with the aim of giving the fans what they deserve.”
It’s not the first time City have conceded a bucket load of goals this season, having let in seven at home to Brighton a couple of months ago.
Two bruising defeats are enough to challenge even the toughest of players mentally, but Smith has praised the resilient nature of her side.
“The players are really down for a while after results like that in some ways because they’re annoyed. They’re annoyed with themselves, with the performance.
“If we weren’t at that point where we can be critical, then there’s a problem. We can’t just brush those things under the table.
“The Chelsea one in particular is difficult because we’re already relegated and there’s little we can do at that point.
“We have to pick ourselves up and focus next year on being the team that does that to others. No one wants to be on the wrong end of those games, but the squad are really professional.”
WSL return
It’s been an incredibly tough campaign for those in the south-west, as Bristol City have only picked up one win all season heading into the closing weekend.
It’s a record no manager wants, but having said that, Smith is helped greatly by those around her.
“I’ve learned that there’s been some really tough moments where you need to get around people, but also moments where you need people around you.
“I’m just happy that I’m supported by the club, the chairman, Gavin Marshall, and the staff. I know that when the moments come where you need someone to pick you up, I’ve had that.
“If anything, what I’ve really recognised as an individual is that it’s important who you surround yourself with.
“If you’re not happy with that, it’s going to be really tough, but I am happy, and it makes the tough moments easier.”
Just by talking to Smith, you realise there is certainly no lie down and take it attitude within her team.
That’s why the Robins are aiming to be back in the big-time next season, and they will do everything they can to do so.
“That’s the aim. We want to be back in the WSL. We’ve all been disappointed and frustrated at times, but we’ve only just closed the book on it.
“We’re ready to open it back up again as soon as we can. The challenge is to do that quickly, and no one is going to take their foot off the gas until we do that.”
Everton challenge
The final obstacle City have to overcome is that of Everton.
Despite suffering from an incredible number of injuries, the Toffees have recorded some impressive results in the latter part of the campaign.
Smith knows full well the dangers a team like Everton can pose, and says her team have to be alert and focused for the full 90 minutes.
“It’s going to be a tough game on Saturday. Everton have played really well in this last part of the season and picked up some good points.
“They’re always a little bit up and down, you’re not sure what you’re going to get, but they are a strong team. They’ve got a really strong way of playing, and it’s not going to be an easy game.
“We have to look at moments from the Leicester game at home and the Brighton one, because we know games against teams around us can hurt just as bad as ones against the top teams.
“If we’re not on our game, it will be hard, but do we have a chance, 100%.”
Despite not being nominated for Manager of the Season, there has been plenty of praise for the way Brian Sorensen has gone about this season.
Smith is another who wanted to praise the job the Dane has done and says the club have backed him when needed.
“Brian has done really well with his team, and that’s been rewarded with a new contract at Everton, which shows how much they value him.
“He’s got a strong set of beliefs, and he’s got good players around him too. They’ve recruited well, supported him, and he certainly shows that in his style of play.”
