Kirby: We've got each others' backs

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Midfielder helped Albion to 2-2 draw against former side Chelsea on Sunday.

2025-03-05T06:00+00:00

Fran has been involved in five WSL goals so far this campaign - three goals and two assists. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

Fran Kirby reflected on the first half of her debut campaign with Albion in the latest edition of our WSL programme.

The midfielder has made ten WSL appearances this campaign, including a start in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

You’ve got half a season with Albion under your belt. How’s it been?

"It’s been an enjoyable first few months. Everyone has been so welcoming, I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better really. I get the feeling that everyone in the squad has got each other’s back, and that makes a big difference.

"I think I have settled in quite well because everyone is easy to work with and for me it’s been good to get to know new people behind the scenes and new teammates and find a new way of working. It’s different going into a new building and meeting new people, I’ve just tried to fit in, but this is a very professional set-up which makes it easier."

What's life been like under Dario? What have been your main takeaways?

Dario Vidosic and Fran Kirby. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

"I have enjoyed working with him. He’s come in to the club with a style of play which I like. I enjoy being challenged and his way of playing is enjoyable because I’m a player who likes to play and have the ball, progressing up the pitch.

"There are moments when it hasn’t worked but I’d rather us keep trying to do the right thing rather than change it because it doesn’t work in one or two games. I have learned a lot working with him and hopefully he can help us grow as a team and as individuals."

How has the journey back to the pitch been for you after your injury?

"It’s been a tough few months, but I actually enjoyed the rehab process as much as you can. It’s really challenging when you get injured and you know it’s going to take time to get back.

"I felt that I’d had a really good start to the season and was finding my form in games. But then the injury happened so I just stripped everything back and focused on what I needed to do to first get back on the pitch and then stay on the pitch. I tried to be around everyone as much as I could but it’s really hard when you’re not on the pitch. I hope I was able to help keep people motivated."

We’ve had a tough run of results, so it must have been frustrating having to watch from the sidelines…

"The way we’ve been playing has been good, it’s just been that final bit or a lack of concentration in certain moments which have cost us. Anyone who has sat next to me in the last few weeks will know I’m not the best person in that situation watching a game because all I want to is be out there playing!"

How do we go about getting back on track?

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Albion sealed a big point against undefeated league leaders Chelsea with a 2-2 draw at Broadfield Stadium. Club photographer Kyle Hemsley was there to capture the action.

"We’re still in a good position in the league. The first step is acknowledging that we’re not performing as well as we did in the first few months of the season. We are performing in most games; we just need to find that consistency across the entire 90 minutes.

"You’re not always going to be in control of the ball or have the momentum in the game but what you can do is make sure you’re always switched on, keep your positive energy and confidence high. We are still building in terms of new players. Football is such a crazy sport.

"You can lose five games in a row then you win one and that gets the confidence back. This league is tough, but we have a lot of experienced players and exciting players and that makes me feel quite positive about the rest of the season."

This interview was in Sunday's digital programme, which you can read in full here.