Graham Confident Everton Have Quality To Down Her Former Club

Lucy Graham believes Everton boast the creativity to break down former club Bristol City’s “hard-working, well-organised set-up” when the sides meet in a WSL encounter at Southport FC on Sunday (12.30pm).

Scotland international Graham spent the 2018/19 season at Bristol before signing for the Toffees this summer.

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Her positive impact during her short time at Everton was underlined when she was handed the on-field captaincy of the Blues by manager Willie Kirk last week.

As part of a new leadership structure at the club, Academy graduate Dan Turner will continue in her role as Club captain.

>>>CLICK HERE TO WATCH MANAGER WILLIE KIRK EXPLAIN HIS CAPTAINCY DECISION<<<

Graham’s competitive Everton debut saw her lead the Toffees to a hard-fought 1-0 opening-day victory at Birmingham City last weekend.

After showing their resiliency in that contest, Graham has now backed the team to display their potency as an attacking force against Bristol.

“In the Birmingham match, there were spells when we created good chances, clear open chances,” the midfielder told evertonfc.com.

“I think we just need to be a little more clinical.

"There were times when we had our backs against the wall, too, but we managed to soak up the pressure.

“It’s really important that we get results in games where we don’t necessarily perform to our best ability.

“In training this week we’ve been working on a lot of aspects where we think we can improve, and we want to put that into action against Bristol.

“I obviously know them very well. They have a very well organised set-up. We will expect them to be difficult to beat and hard-working – that’s part of their ethos.

“It will be difficult to break them down but, creatively, I believe we have the players to do that.”

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04:03

MY JOURNEY: DANIELLE TURNER

Defender on her path from being told she couldn't play football in school to becoming Everton's Club captain.


Graham says she is looking forward to reuniting with some of her ex-teammates and the coaching staff at Bristol after Sunday’s match.

However, having captained Everton to an opening-day success, the 22-year-old insists she will retain a steely focus on ensuring the Blues make it two WSL wins from two.

“Leading out the team last week was really exciting and a very proud moment,” Graham added.

“The girls have all welcomed me with open arms in the role. They have made it a seamless process.

“It will be nice to see some of familiar faces on Sunday.

“I loved my time at Bristol. They gave me the opportunity to express myself in the WSL and it’s a place I’ll always remember fondly.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for them – the staff and players work exceedingly hard.

“But business is business at the end of the day and, when you step over the white line, you do everything for your team. That’s what I’ll be doing for Everton on Sunday.”

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01:06

TORNADO GIRLS JOIN EVERTON TEAM PHOTO

Local youth football team invited to USM Finch Farm by Willie Kirk and his players.