By their own admission, Arsenal Ladies are going through somewhat of a transition at present but their next generation of stars are ready to leave their mark next season.
After leading the way, in more ways than one, in women’s football over the last decade Arsenal reluctantly handed over their FA WSL crown to Liverpool last term as they finished third.
It came as they introduced a number of fresh faces in the team, with striker Danielle Carter and midfielders Jade Bailey and Jordan Nobbs given a chance to shine.
“We have put faith in younger players and we will hopefully see them progress even more next year”
Faye White Former Arsenal captain
And with a number of Gunners stalwarts departing for new challenges this winter, among them Ellen White, Kim Little, Katie Chapman, Steph Houghton, Ciara Grant and Yvonne Tracy, the plan is for the younger players to take on even more responsibility.
The club has also moved to bring in reinforcements too, among them goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain from Bristol Academy and versatile Holland international Anouk Hoogendijk.
England defender Casey Stoney is another to sign on, rejoining the club she first started her career with in 1999, and Faye White – former skipper of both England and Arsenal – believes it makes for a good blend.
White said: "There has been a core group of players at the club for a long time but they have gradually got older and the younger players are starting to get more involved in the game.
"It is a bit of a changing on the guard. Last year was a transition and we did well to compete, we’ve got some new faces and younger players.
"We have put faith in the younger players and we will hopefully see people like Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Carter and Jade Bailey progress even more next year.
"We need to score more goals, Kim Little got us a lot of goals, it’s certainly an area we will improve on and in defence too.
"Casey is an excellent signing. Her ability and mental character is right for the club. She has played at international level and is used to that pressure of playing on the big stage."
Arsenal are The FA Women's Cup holders
In finishing third last season, it meant Arsenal failed to qualify automatically for the 2014/2015 edition of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
They still remain in this year’s competition, with a quarter-final against Birmingham City to come in March, but only lifting the trophy will secure their spot for next season.
And with the WSL set to be as competitive as ever, White concedes having less games to play could play into their hands further down the line.
She added: "I think all of the teams have got a chance of winning the WSL.
"It will be interesting for us to be able to concentrate on the domestic front.
"Liverpool will be in the Champions League for the first time, and it will be interesting to see how they deal with those extra games during the end of season run in.
"They have a strong team, and Manchester City are another of those sides who have strengthened.
"It makes it exciting for the League."
