Addicks vice-captain Rachel Newborough spoke to Charlotte Richardson about Charlton’s season finale fixture against Durham, which will be taking place at The Valley on Sunday, May 1st.
She said: “We are all really excited. We have got quite a new squad, so a lot of the players haven’t had a chance to play at The Valley yet and we obviously came and had that training session, and everyone was like ‘oh wow it is such an amazing ground’.”
The game at the home of Charlton is set to be an exciting occasion both on and off the field. However, Karen Hills’ side are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead in facing Durham, and the Addicks have their sights firmly set on ending the season on a high.
“I know when we played Durham at the start of the season it was a very physical game," Newborough said. "So, it is nice to be on a pitch like this, we are very much a team that likes to get the ball on the ground and pass it kind of team. So, on this kind of surface, it is going to do wonders for us.”
The Addicks recorded their highest crowd so far this season when they welcomed Liverpool to The Oakwood in March with 671 in attendance, and Newborough urges the fans to get behind Charlton once again:
“We would love to have as many people as possible. Our squad is in a great place, coming out and watching us should be a great sort of family event as well.
“There is a really good family environment. At the end we will be there interacting with the fans, so definitely come down so we can have a good chat and enjoy the game.”
The game at The Valley rounds off a momentous and historic year for Karen Hills’ side which saw them enjoy their first season as a fully professional outfit.
Unfortunately for Rachel, her season ended earlier than expected due to an ACL injury which she obtained in February. Despite this disappointment, Newborough and her teammates have relished the opportunity of being full-time professional athletes:
“We have all loved the chance to be full time this year, I know personally it was my first year playing full time and the difference it has made in our game has been incredible.
“I think to round it off by finishing at The Valley and getting our own back on Durham and winning in front of hopefully a really big crowd it will be a great occasion.”