Everton Ladies handed out 16 new contracts ahead of the new season and after seeing the majority of his squad sign on again for the new season, manager Andy Spence is feeling optimistic.
Spence’s side may not be making waves in the transfer market but after signing up a mixture of familiar faces and centre of excellence graduates for the upcoming FA Women’s Super League season he believes it could work to their advantage.
Each and every one of the first team was out of contract at the end of the 2013 campaign with captain Jill Scott and striker Toni Duggan opting to join Manchester City.
Everton's Michelle Hinnigan in action last season
But with the majority of the squad committing to Everton, including academy graduate and new captain Michelle Hinnigan, the focus is on developing from within.
Last season Everton blooded many of their youngsters as they finished fifth in the 2013 WSL and Spence believes the current squad are well placed to improve on that this time around.
“Everyone has strengthened over the break, the likes of Manchester City and it makes it more and more difficult with the competition in the league,” said Spence.
“From our perspective, we see ourselves as one of the most settled squads. A lot of teams lost players and gained players, there has been a lot of movement.
“But the majority of our players we were working with last season and that, for me, is a huge positive.
“We know what we are capable of and what we can improve on.
“We have got a really nice blend of players, and we will add one or two players to help that squad.
“When we started last season it was always in the back of our minds to give our young players the opportunity.
Toni Duggan has left Everton for Manchester City
“We have got the core there, players like Michelle who have been with the club for five or six years.
“We are moving in the right direction and giving ourselves every opportunity to be successful.”
Part of that will be a targeted improvement in the cup competitions, having last season made it to the semi-final of the Continental Cup.
And with an emphasis on maintaining their concentration for the full 90 minutes, Spence remains confident his players can get their hands on some silverware before long.
“From a points perspective, we want to increase our total in the league. Looking at the analysis from last season, we lost points from a lot of winning positions. It is about concentration and seeing the game through,” he added.
“It will be about improving on last season and the cup competitions are also key.
“The Continental and The FA Women's Cup are always special competitions. Our target and aim is to win things and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be doing that.”
