Chelsea captain Millie Bright is hoping the Blues can build on what is already shaping up to be a memorable campaign when they march on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final this weekend.
Having already secured their eighth WSL title – and their sixth in a row – Sonia Bompastor’s team became the first side to remain unbeaten across the 22-game league season, signing off in style with victory over Liverpool.
But the Blues aren’t finished there, according to Bright.
“It’s been amazing,” said Bright. "I’ve not really had too much time to reflect on the season yet. Once the season is over, taking that time to reflect will be really nice. Hopefully when I’m reflecting, we’ll have won the treble and gone unbeaten in the league.
“We’ve had so many changes this season and so many moving parts and I think considering that and the amount of injuries that we’ve had and missing big players, we’ve overcome a lot of challenges. To still be successful has been an incredible journey and something to be really proud of.”
In her second season as captain, the 31 year old has led by example both on and off the pitch and it’s a responsibility she relishes.
“I’ve always had a lot of pride with or without the armband,” continued Bright. “I’m the same person and the same player. I train the same every single day and give the same amount of energy regardless.
“I’ve probably gained a lot of respect for the role of the captain and having to distribute yourself to all players. That’s a value of mine anyway in looking after people and making sure I’m there for them but as captain, you’re the one that everyone comes to.
“It’s about really trying to balance that time of when you need to give to that person and to that one and still needing to perform yourself. Until you’re actually in it, you don’t truly appreciate how much a captain has to do.”
Earlier this season, the Blues swooped for England duo Lucy Bronze, who joined the club in the summer, and Keira Walsh, who arrived in January.
And Bright’s international team-mates have played their part in helping Chelsea to reach Sunday’s FA Cup Final, which kicks off at 1.30pm BST.
“It’s like they’ve been here for years!” added Bright. “It’s always a good sign when players step into an environment and they fit right in.
“They’re so bubbly off the pitch and on the pitch, they give us that quality and that experience. They’ve just gelled with everyone so well. It’s not a bad thing for England either.”
The skipper, who has lifted the trophy on four separate occasions, tasted success for the first time in this competition back in 2015, beating Notts County in the Final under the famous arch.
Since then, she has won the competition a further three times, overcoming Arsenal in 2018 and again in the 2021 showpiece before making it back-to-back triumphs in 2022 when Emma Hayes’ team saw off Manchester City.
“I’m just really excited that we’re in another Final at Wembley with an opportunity to lift one of the best trophies but to be leading the girls out will be extra special and it will be a really proud moment,” said Bright.
“I think the FA Cup is one of the biggest trophies you can lift in England. It’s got so much history tied to it and Wembley is the most iconic stadium to play in. The amount of players that have played there is incredible.
“We’ve got so many special memories, some good and some bad but you don’t forget the bad ones because they spur you on to make sure that it doesn’t happen again. It’s such a special day.”
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