Hannah Wheeler reveals how Nicki Minaj is keeping team spirit burning brightly in the West Ham Ladies…
THERE will be a live Nicki Minaj concert at Rush Green on Sunday, when West Ham United Ladies take on Swindon, according to Hannah Wheeler.
There will also be one the week after, at the contest against Queens Park Rangers, as there has been for every match the Ladies have played so far this season.
That is because, according to the defender, teammates Chan Mackie and Stephaney Bent are constantly singing the performer’s songs on the touchline – and their vocals aren’t bad either!
West Ham United Ladies host Swindon Town at the Hammers' Rush Green Training Ground this Sunday, kick-off 2pm. Admission is FREE for Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and all under-16s. Tickets for adults are priced at just £2 and car parking is free.
“It caught me by surprise,” Wheeler confessed: “I didn’t expect that level of singing from either of them, which actually made it even funnier.
“Seriously, if anyone wants to see Nicki Minaj live, they don’t need to buy a ticket to one of her concerts. Just come down to one of our games and listen to Chan and Steph!”
Wheeler’s remarks about her teammates show the incredible team spirit engulfing the West Ham Ladies this season.
Although recent results have gone against the side, the Ladies are still together and are still committed to the project that the club has invested in.
Wheeler admits that the opening few weeks have been difficult but feels some of the results did not fully reflect what actually happened on the pitch. She does, however, feel that lessons need to be learned from that.
“It's been a challenging season so far,” she admits: “But I feel as a team we are improving. We played Cardiff on 27 August and for me that was our best game of the season so far. We showed what we were about, put our stamp on the game, worked for each other and enjoyed what we love doing the most – playing football.
I want to improve as a player and get as far in football as possible. It's got to be both physically and mentally. It's about being smart and being able to adapt
Hannah Wheeler
“However, we have also seen some results not go our way, despite our efforts perhaps deserving something from the match. But that is football. A score doesn't always define a game, but we’re learning quickly that we need to take the chances that come our way.”
Wheeler reckons she has had to develop her game significantly already this campaign as expectations and standards at the West Ham Ladies continue to rise.
That growth as a player has also yielded further confidence and a willingness to take responsibility in the centre-back.
Wheeler added: “Personally I have had to improve on things in a short space of time. Mentally I have had to go above and beyond to prove I have what it takes and do the job effectively.
“I feel also the way we are playing means I'm having to grow as a player, become more confident and take more responsibility.
“I want to improve as a player and get as far in football as possible. It's got to be both physically and mentally. It's about being smart and being able to adapt.”