Finding Row Z Interview- Stacey Little

Taking some time out from her busy schedule of work, football and swearing at Danny Gabbidon on Twitter, West Ham Ladies midfielder Stacey Little spoke to Editor Dean Mears about football, the Olympics and life outside the beautiful game.
















An impressive season for West Ham last year, reaching quarter finals of FA cup and nearly gaining promotion, do you think you can go one step further this season?

We had a really good season last season. We won the Essex County Cup, reached the quarter finals of the FA cup, unlucky to lose out to Barnet in Extra time and even progressed well in the League cup. Losing out on Promotion last season was a big shame for us. we had all worked so hard and we were sitting at the the top for most of the season and to lose out to Cardiff on the last game of the season was difficult to take but we cant look back at last season now. We have a new season a couple weeks away and i have every confidence that we will get promoted this year. We have new coaches working hard with us and have gained strength and depth in the squad this season which is something we maybe lacked a little bit last year if there were injuries.

Its an important season and I cant wait for it to get under way now.

Stacey with her Player of the year award.

You were voted Player of the Year, how did it feel to receive that honour?

Words cant really describe how I felt when my name was called out, I did get a bit emotional. I wasn't expecting anything as I had been out injured at the beginning of the season with an ankle injury. It meant even more to me being a West Ham fan and having my family there on the night to see me get the award too.  

The Women’s Super League has started this year; this is the league you’d like to play in? Especially with games being broadcast live.

Oh yeah definitely. Not only due to the fact that the games are televised but the teams in the WSL are considered to be the best and everyone wants to push themselves that little bit harder and show that they can play against the best.

With the Olympics in London next year, what would it mean to you, to compete with the UK Women’s Team in your home town?



It would be a 'great honour' if Stacey was picked in the Olympic squad for 2012.

It would be a great honour for me to compete with the UK women's team in the Olympics. To play in such an event in your home town in front of all those people would just be a great feeling.

Would you choose playing (in the Olympics) over West Ham being promoted back to the Premiership? 

Ha ha, as much as I'd love to play the sport I love at the Olympics I have to say I would like to see BOTH West Ham teams get promoted this season and 1. share that feeling with the girls at West Ham. They are a great bunch of girls and all deserve success.

And 2. Likewise with the West Ham fans. Since starting with West Ham I have met some really good people who show a lot of support. Us West Ham fans need something to celebrate. Hopefully there will be double celebrations.

Outside of football, what sort of things keeps you entertained?

Football and work pretty much dominates my life. If its not West Ham ladies its the men's team as I'm a season ticket holder. But its important for me to find time for my family and the socialising with the girls.

What advice would you give to young girls, hoping to become successful footballers?

I'd have to say just keep your head down and work hard. Any opportunity to get that bit of fitness in or a ball at your feet, do it but enjoy it at the same time. It's an exciting time for women's football. The World Cup seemed to be a success this year and they are trying to promote women's football through the WSL so hopefully the profile for women's football will soon take off.

Finding Row Z would like to thank Stacey for taking the time to speak to us, and if you want to follow her on Twitter (which you should) you can by clicking here.