‘We will be up for it’ – Southampton keen to set the tone against Bristol City says Purfield

Southampton full-back Jemma Purfield says that the result of Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Championship opener against Bristol City will not define the season but it can be important in setting the right tone.

The Saints play host to the managerless Robins at St Mary’s Stadium on opening day. Both clubs have been tipped to challenge for promotion this season.

When speaking in a Barclays Women’s Championship media event, Purfield said that Southampton will be up for the challenge of Bristol City and that the team are keen to start how they mean to go on.

“We know they’re going to be a strong team but we have to back ourselves when we step on that pitch to do a job,” Purfield said.

“Half of the teams in the league are probably saying that they’re going for promotion this year because there’s that much talent and competitiveness. 

“We are backing ourselves and I’m sure they’ll back themselves as well. Sunday will be exciting for the neutral, maybe a bit nervy if you’re sitting on either side of the fence. The first game doesn’t define a season but it does set the tone, so we will be up for it.”

Purfield went on to say that promotion has been mentioned as Southampton’s primary target this season, however, the players have put that to the back of their minds and they will take things game-by-game.

She said “You’ve got to set your stall out early doors and you have to say it to believe it. You have to live it day in, day out and that’s what we’ve got to do now.

“We’ve put it out there, we are not going to go on about it, mention it every time we are in a meeting room. We are going to go about our business day-to-day, week-to-week and make sure we pick up results.

“We’ve said it, it’s out there but I’m sure that’s the same for a lot of other teams as well. Now, we forget about that, focus on the day-to-day, work hard and try and make it happen.”

Southampton went the whole season without a draw in 2023/2024. Having lost nine of their 22 league games, Purfield says that it is important that The Saints learn the art of ‘smash and grab’ when it is required.

“We need to grind out a point sometimes because we didn’t draw a game last year,” she said. “We know that’s something that you need to do to win a league; sometimes you have to grind out a point. It’s something that we’ve addressed, we’ve looked at and we will have a plan for moving forward.”

Southampton kick-off the 2024/2025 campaign with new leadership with Remi Allen having been appointed head coach over the summer. Purfield is excited to work with her new boss over the coming months.

She said “Remi has been brilliant since she’s come in. I’m excited to work with her and get to know her more.

“She’s been fantastic. Having just retired herself, she is really relatable to the girls and brings a new exciting vision to things.

“We are really excited. We have got onboard with her ideas and can’t wait to put them in motion.”

Southampton’s Barclays Women’s Championship fixture against Bristol City kicks-off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.