Blanco Patient In Readying Redlands
Words: Matt Dorman
Redlands United Women’s coach John Blanco is plotting a long-term route to the top as the Red Devils prepare for their debut PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s season.
Blanco has the perfect opportunity to measure his squad’s early progress when Cleveland Showgrounds plays host to a competition-wide day of pre-season fixtures on Sunday.
The former Central Coast Mariners Academy mentor hopes Redlands’ meeting with Moreton Bay United Women will be another step in establishing the side’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues credentials.
“Like I said (to the players), we’ve got a three-year plan before we can start challenging for a trophy,” Blanco explained.
“The aim for the season is to make sure we improve every game because we’ve got such a young squad and the last thing I want to do is put pressure on them.
“We want to nurture them and develop them so in three years’ time we can say ‘this year is when we want to play semi-finals football’.”
While the likes of youth product Jamee Woolf and former Olympique Lyonnais player Emilie Rochelet headline the squad, Blanco hailed new signing Megan Byriel as a standout performer in pre-season.
The goalkeeper has made the switch from Souths United Women and is tipped to be an important figure for the inexperienced outfit.
“Her attitude is fantastic and on the field she is a natural leader,” Blanco said of Byriel.
“When you’re at looking at players for the future she is one I’m trying to make sure we keep for the next few seasons at Redlands.”
Sunday’s set of fixtures will see all 12 Women’s teams compare their pre-season preparations.
Blanco believes hosting the event is an endorsement of the Cleveland club’s capabilities.
“I think Redlands has one of the best facilities that I’ve seen in my short time in Queensland,” he said.
“I wish the best for everyone that comes and visits our ground this weekend. It’s going to be great to see all the clubs together under one umbrella so we can celebrate what we’re trying to do in promoting women’s football.”
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, February 6
Moreton Bay United FC Women v Redlands United FC Women
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City
Kick-off at 5:00PM
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