Paul Konchesky is excited to make his competitive debut in the dugout as West Ham United Women kickstart their Barclays Women’s Super League campaign this Sunday.
The Hammers will face an Everton side managed by Brian Sørensen, who will also be making his WSL debut at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
West Ham defeated the Toffees 3-0 in the last meeting between the sides in January as Dagny Brynjarsdottir, who is set to lead out the Hammers as Captain for the first time since she was appointed to the role for the 2022/23 season in August, Claudia Walker and Katerina Svitkova all netted in east London.
Konchesky, who has brought in twelve new signings this summer, wants to mark the opening match of the what he hopes to be a successful campaign with victory.
“I’m really looking forward to my first competitive match,” said Konchesky. “I’m beyond proud to be doing that with my Club. This game being at home will make it extra special too. To be able to walk out for the first time and stand in the dugout in front of our fans - which will include some of my family - will be a special feeling.”
“Looking back on my playing days, there weren’t many days better than the opening game of the season. The hard work from pre-season is in the bank, the adrenaline is pumping and there’s so much excitement for what’s to come.”
Yet, Everton, who have made ten additons in this window, are also a side with a lot of quality.
Konchesky is aware of the likes of Izzy Christiansen, Tony Duggan and Katrine Veje - and is ready for the challenge the visitors will bring.
"It’s always difficult to gauge a team on the opening day of the season," said the Hammers boss. "We’re going to take the game to them and make it hard for them because we want to get the WSL season off to a good start.
“A priority of ours for not just today but the season ahead is to make sure that we make this Stadium somewhere that other teams fear coming to. We want this place to be a tough ground to come and play at and we want to set that tone from the beginning of today’s game. Our incredible fans can be a massive part in making this our fortress.”
Having starred as a player in Claret & Blue, famously netting in the 2006 FA Cup Final, Konchesky understands what it means to play for West Ham.
Now at home in the dugout, he is ready to ensure he passes that message on to his players as the season approaches.
“I know that West Ham fans demand 100% from the players on the pitch,” he added. “They want you to work hard and play for the badge - it’s ‘the West Ham way’. I want our supporters to feel proud of this team and to come along and enjoy watching us play.”
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