Notley: We're Raring To Go & Fully Focused

Ellis Notley insists the Hibees are “raring to go” ahead of their season opener against Aberdeen following a successful pre-season campaign.

Hibs Women defeated Boroughmuir Thistle, Spartans and Durham — scoring 15 without reply — in a trio of Meadowbank friendly matches, while also taking in an intensive warm-weather training camp in Florida, USA.

With the non-competitive action out the way, Notley states that the entire squad is keen to get under way in the league as Hibs look to defend their SWPL title.

“I think we've had a good pre-season. The players that have came into the squad, they've had time to get to know how we run things here, how we conduct ourselves day-to-day.

“We've had three positive results and we had a good week away in America, which will help us further later on in the season. 

“It's been a strong pre-season and we're just all raring to get going come Sunday. 

“The mood's positive,” the Hibs Women vice-captain added. “I think we're all ready to get the season going and we're looking forward to getting started on Sunday.”

Notley featured in two of Hibs’ three meetings with the Reds last season, playing in a 7-0 home win and our 3-0 Sky Sports Cup semi-final triumph over Sunday’s opposition while missing out on a 7-1 away success at Balmoral Stadium.

Despite the large margins of victory over the Dons in recent times, Notley and the Hibees are well aware of the improvements made at Aberdeen since Booth’s arrival early last season — developments that saw the team turn from relegation battlers to a potential Top Six finisher.

“Aberdeen have got good players. We need to respect every opponent that we face. They'll bring a new challenge. 

“They've signed good quality players over the summer and Scott Booth's a good manager.

“We need to focus on ourselves first and foremost, but we need to also be aware of the threats that they pose. We'll be looking to focus on us to play our game, but watch out for their threats.

“All focus is on the league opener. We obviously know [the Champions League is] coming up, and that's partly where the pre-season trip came in to help prepare us. But full focus is on Aberdeen and then Partick Thistle.”