Bleazard praises club support after Women’s FA Cup venue change

AFC Bournemouth Women’s manager Helen Bleazard will oversee what she says will be her biggest game as a manager on Sunday.

Bleazard took charge of the Cherries in September, after long time manager Steve Cuss stepped down, but remained in his position as Head of Community at AFC Bournemouth.

Bournemouth’s fourth round Women’s FA Cup tie with Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City, is being held at AFC Totton’s Snows Stadium.

The Women’s team have often played high profile games at Vitality Stadium, but the club made the decision to play at Totton’s ground to protect the Vitality’s pitch.

The choice was met with disappointment from fans, but the game still sold out within 24 hours.

Bleazard said: “I think no matter what, everyone talked about the Vitality and it is naturally going to be a talking point, but I make it very clear that the club have been fantastic with the support for the women’s team and playing at Totton.

“What an opportunity, we sold out within 24 hours so no matter where you play, we knew from day one that Ringwood wasn’t going to be a suitable location just based on the nature of the FA Cup and being able to play at Totton is a fantastic opportunity.”

Bleazard has continued the Cherries unbeaten streak in the league which now spans over two years, leaving Bournemouth top of the Women’s National League Premier Division.

She added: “Bringing Man City down, that occasion speaks for itself and the girls’ attitudes and mentality for that has been fantastic. No matter where we play we know the occasion, we know the game and we’re really looking forward to the opportunity of playing at Totton.”

Bleazard retired from her playing career in the summer after a successful career featuring for Yeovil Town, Bristol Academy, Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle, appearing in two FA Women’s Cup finals, and playing Champions League football with Bristol.

On the international stage, Bleazard earned 43 senior caps for Wales, and competed in a European Championship and World Cup qualifiers.

She added: “From a coaching point of view, it’s my biggest match. We’ve just had photos with the FA Cup and all the girls were asking if I wanted one, I walked past it twice as a player when I was a runner-up.

“We talk about the magic of the FA Cup and whether you’re in the women’s game or the men’s game, you hear about the historic wins that can happen and I mean it’s going to be a great weekend.”

Cherries midfielder Elena Cole is relishing the challenge of playing the WSL leaders, she said: “We’ve got nothing to lose really. The pressure is on them to win because obviously they are top of the WSL. We are top of tier three but it is a massive jump. So the pressure is on them, and we’ve literally got nothing to lose, so I think we’re just gonna completely go for it.”

The game kicks off at 1pm at Snows Stadium this Sunday.