2 hours ago
2
It's always going to feel a bit strange when you see the same faces for more than 10 years and then, all of a sudden, they're not there. It is quite strange.
Players like Jess Fishlock and Kayleigh Barton, who have retired so recently, and the likes of Helen Ward before that, they've played such a massive part in our journey. Without them, we wouldn't have had the success we've had.
But there comes a time when the squad has to evolve and it's time for certain players to move on.
We create a nice environment for anyone to come and step in. It's really important for us to make the new players feel welcome and feel settled as quickly as possible.
As a senior member of the squad, I've always been quite level-headed and a player that people could come to if they need any help or advice. I try to lead the team in the best way possible.
Nothing changes now that some of the big characters have gone, and it's time for a few others to step up.
The good news from a Welsh perspective is that some of our young guns are really pushing the group.
Mayzee Davies is such a great person to have around, she's so talented and I can't wait to watch her flourish.
Mared Griffiths, I'm with her at Sunderland as well, she's really come out of her shell. I absolutely love her to bits, she really is class.
She's just playing with freedom, you can see she's really enjoying herself at the minute because she's putting in fantastic performances for club and country.
I can't stop smiling when I speak about them and I'm just thrilled to see what the youngsters can bring.
You have to give praise to the manager on that side of things too.
Rhian Wilkinson has been massive for us. She sets us targets and expects the best out of us.
She rotates the team and gives other people opportunities which I think is really good, especially at this stage where we've got players who have retired or players that maybe haven't got as many years of playing left in them.
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