Burke-Martin ‘It’s going to be a special occasion for us’ Wolverhampton Wanderers

Head of women and girls football, Jenna Burke-Martin, has branded Friday evening’s Black Country derby at Molineux as a ‘special occasion’ for all involved.

Wolves Women return to the golden palace for the first time since last season and entertain local rivals West Bromwich Albion in the FA Women’s National League. Burke-Martin is hoping the fixture, which lands on the first evening of half-term, can entice new supporters to the women’s team, while also supplying regular visitors to the New Bucks Head with an occasion to remember.

With a number of Wolves supporters within the playing and coaching ranks, Burke-Martin has also stated that the game at Molineux will be an important experience for them and one that can attract a significant attendance in the stands.

On preparing for a Molineux fixture

“In terms of on the pitch, preparations are exactly the same. We want to keep it the same for the players and the staff.

“We moved to a Friday night which will give us different challenges in terms of our programme this week, but the staff and players have adapted well to what that’s going to look like.

“Off the pitch, we’ve had a really big push in terms of sales, promoting the game and getting the information out to as many people as we possibly can.

“It’s a great opportunity for existing fans and new fans to welcome them to Molineux and come and get a great experience on a Friday night, which isn’t a normal women’s football time.

“It’s something we hope, on the last day of term, will help push the sale of tickets and get the most people in the stadium as we possibly can.”

On a special Molineux feel

“Midweek games always have that special feel. Under the lights and the excitement building through the day, coming straight from work straight into the game for the players.

“Walking into the Molineux as somewhere you’re going to play football is a really special occasion for players and staff to be part of.

“It’s really important to have the stadium games throughout the season and try and welcome bigger crowds than we do in a normal week.

“Playing at the Molineux is really special for Wolves players, but also a lot of our players are Wolves fans and some of our staff are Wolves fans as well.

“Getting to walk out onto the pitch and have that experience is really important for them and really important for us as one pack.

“I think people will see the same in terms of Wolves Women. You’ll see us give everything on the pitch, off the pitch and just giving our all in front of the fans cheering us on. It’s going to be a special occasion for us again this season.”

On the game being a Black Country derby

“That’s always the one that you want – the Black Country derby. It’s really important for us and always the game that brings extra nerves, extra excitement and a really good atmosphere.

“We hope the fans will get behind us and support us loud and proud, the way we would really like at Molineux.

“We’ve got a larger programme out and a signing page within that. New for this season, we’ve got some posters to celebrate the occasion. We’ve got Amber Sandhu on PA for us as well on the evening.”

On the occasion for supporters

“For those that have followed us this season, I think this is a really nice occasion to add into the experiences they’ve had this season.

“Alongside our midweek matches, a Friday night is a little bit different heading into the Easter holidays where the kids can stay up a little bit later.

“The family environment that is created at women’s football and especially the main stadia events is incredible.

“Everyone will hopefully be looking to bring their kids along and celebrate the event with us.”

On West Brom’s form and previous meetings

“It’s going to be really tough. We beat them earlier on in the season away from home and then we had them in the Challenge Cup at Compton. It ended up 2-2 and going to penalties, so West Brom have got better as we’ve gone through the season.

“It’s always going to be a difficult challenge to play West Brom. They’re in really good form post-Christmas, Shev’s (Siobhan Hodgetts-Still) got them playing really well, but the Black Country derby is always something that will bring something different to the table on a matchday.

“We’ve got to go out and give as best as we possibly can against West Brom. It will be a tough match, but the girls and the staff will give absolutely everything on the night to try and get the most positive result as we can.”