New Everton signing Poppy Pattinson says she is enjoying being part of a squad with a collective motivation to “achieve big things” and compete at the top of the Women’s Super League.
England Under-21 international Pattinson became Willie Kirk’s first signing of the summer when she joined Everton from Bristol City last month.
The dynamic left-back’s arrival was followed by the acquistions of experienced Norway defender Ingrid Moe Wold, as well as Danish international duo Rikke Sevecke and Nicoline Sorensen and France striker Valerie Gauvin.
Pattinson revealed the warm welcome afforded by her new teammates has helped her swiftly feel at home at Everton - and feels the depth of quality within the squad has been apparent during her first four weeks of training at USM Finch Farm.
“The Club sets high standards day in, day out,” the 20-year-old told evertonfc.com.
“We’ve got competition in the squad and there’s a desire every day to improve and get the Club where we want to be, which is at the top.
“I spoke to the manager before I joined and I was hugely impressed by his plans to drive this team on and build a strong group of players who pride themselves in being motivated to work hard and achieve big things.
“The ambitions of the Club are set really high and I want to be a part of that journey.”
Pattinson – who started her career at hometown team Sunderland and also had a spell at Manchester City - outlined the range of attributes she hopes to bring to the team as the Blues aim to build on last season’s sixth-place WSL finish.
“I've got a strong winning mentality,” she added. “I enjoy contesting one-v-ones in defending but I’m quite an attacking full-back – I like to get forward and support attacks.”
Pattinson explained how her adjustment to life on Merseyside has been aided by linking up with some familiar faces at Everton.
The Wearsider has played alongside Sandy MacIver, Molly Pike and Meg Finnigan for England at various age group levels, while Blues skipper Lucy Graham was a teammate at previous club Bristol City.
“I’ve actually moved in with Molly and Sandy," explained Pattinson. "I've settled in really well and I am enjoying it up here a lot.
"I’ve just been for a walk with Molly at Sefton Park, it was lovely!
“It’s helped knowing a few of the girls, of course, but as a whole they’re such a great group.
“I feel comfortable, everyone’s been really welcoming.
“There’s a great atmosphere at the Club and I’m excited to be here.”
