Cara Davies has seen it all in the goal of the Gillingham Women’s side. Now as the new season starts this weekend, just hours after the World Cup Final in Sydney, Davies will probably take her place in her side’s goal albeit at a new home and with the team now called Chatham Town Women. 

In advance of the new season and ahead of the last four Down Under, KSN has been talking to Davies about the season ahead, and more importantly the events in Australia. 

We began though by asking Cara about her time with the club. “I’ve been part of the Club since I was fifteen,” the keeper told us.

“It’s been a long time and I’ve seen a lot of changes really. This season could be something big for the Club, we’ve worked hard towards a lot of things, especially towards the end of last season when we were already thinking about this year, and as soon as pre-season started, so did the hard work and I think that with the season starting next week, we’re at a good point and we’re all looking forward to it.” 

“Last year was hard for all of us. I just think that there was a lot of doubt in some people’s minds about things going on off the pitch and no matter how hard we tried to focus on the football, there was still all the background stuff going on!”

“But now we’ve got a home, it’s wonderful, we’ve got fans coming in every week, there are lots of kids coming to each game and the atmosphere around us is so much more positive than it used to be.” 

We then looked at Cara the keeper and asked, why play in goal? “I actually got put in goal when I first started and that’s why,” Cara replied laughing.

“I think it’s the same story for most people. It was more that the team was short a keeper and who wanted to, and I said go on then. I played well and I’ve been there ever since.”

“Some people say that we’re crazy, and I agree with that statement,” she added laughing! 

“I think our squad this year can go as far as it wants to go, and the only thing that’s going to stop us is the players themselves doubting themselves.”

“But the belief there means that I think we’re going to shock a lot of people and we’re going to bounce back from last season and we we’re going to shock a lot of people.” 

“When I first played for the club, Dan (Logue) was the assistant manager of the first team and so I’ve got past experience with him.”

“I really get on well with him, his tactics are really good and he’s got us playing really aggressive football which I like, which means that I don’t have to do so much!” 

“But seriously the tactics that we play now, I really like as they’re a lot more forward and direct which will mean that you’ll see a lot more goals from us hopefully.” 

The Chats Women begin their new League home campaign next weekend when promoted Hashtag United come to Medway for a 2.30pm kick off, and Davies admitted they’re a team her side don’t know too much about.

“They won promotion into our League last season, some of the girls know each other and I know some of them too.”

“We’ll know what sort of game to expect. They’ve got a big fan base so we know that the away game will be hard, but we’ve got the fan base at home which will hopefully work in our favour and give them a run for their money!” 

“Our home support is going to be really important this year, I think we need the support, I think we need the people to drive us forward, especially when we’re down in games!”

“It’s important for the girls to know what we’re doing is important and showing everyone what we can do and our abilities, and it’s going to be really important to get everyone behind us!” 

And so, to the events Down Under, and before we could ask, Davies told us, “It’s Coming Home, one hundred percent!” 

“Mary Earps is a great role model for keepers coming up, I think she’s wonderful. When I was growing up, she was still on her way up, but now she’s a perfect role model for girls who are just coming into the game and wanting to play in goal.” 

“When I started, Karen Bardsley was who I looked up to, she was at Manchester City and was England number one at the time, she was my go-to at the time.” 

“Last summer was amazing after winning the Euros, just imagine what we’ll all be like on Sunday “if” it does come home.” 

Image courtesy of Allen Hollands