In an interview first published in Everton's matchday programme, Lucy Graham discusses her growing bond with the Club and the people who surround it, improving as a team and as a leader and the influence manager Willie Kirk has had on her. 

Lucy Graham has only been with Everton for two years, but she knows the importance as maintaining the core Club values. 

"Everton is known as the People’s Club for a reason – and I regard the values we have here so highly," she says. 

"Everyone at Everton, from the staff in the kitchen to the ones in the technical area, are all such genuine people.

"As soon as I step on the pitch in an Everton shirt, I feel so relaxed. I feel like I’m playing with a family, really, that wants me to do well on and off the field."

The evolving project that Willie Kirk is developing at the Club is something Graham wants to continue to be a part of, extending her deal with the Blues earlier this year. 

"That was a big part of why it was an easy decision for me to sign a new contract in March – along with the Club’s ambitions for future success," she added. 

"I feel I’ve developed a lot as a player and a person since joining Everton in summer 2019.

"By surrounding yourself with people who are trying to reach a common goal, it’s almost impossible not to develop. I am supported by great people, top players and an excellent support staff.

"Everton, as a club, is striving for something very, very special."

The Club finished fifth in the Women's Super League last season and reached Wembley in November for the FA Cup final.

The experience of the latter in particular, Graham believes, will inspire the players to go one better next season. 

"We had a taste of what real success could be like by reaching the FA Cup final last November. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be our day, but that disappointment will only drive us forward," says Graham.

"Winning silverware is certainly a big target for us in future, along with qualifying for the Champions League.

"We know the quality that sits in our dressing room and we want to play on the European stage. Domestically, we want to compete with the best sides and try to do better every season.

"Over the past few months, we’ve seen Izzy Christiansen, Sandy MacIver and Grace Clinton also sign new contracts and Claire Emslie make her loan move permanent.

"I think everyone feels the same excitement about the Club’s ambitions. Everyone wants to be a part of it."

Graham is part of a competitive squad who train as they play and, as the captain outlines, this stems from the manager and his backroom staff.

"It is so motivating to come into the training ground every day and push yourself physically, mentally, tactically – in all areas – and know if you make mistakes along the way then you have someone there to help you back up again," says Graham.

"The manager, Willie Kirk, has been a huge factor in our progress. Willie and I go way back, from when I was a young player at Hibernian.

"We have experienced a lot in our careers and have had to work extra hard to get to where we are now. We have that in common – nothing has been handed to us.

"Now we’ve come back together at Everton, we’re showing what we’ve learned and what we’re capable of."

The pair have struck a strong bond as the midfielder outlined the honest approach Kirk has on improving her game. 

"Willie can be very to the point. I like that about him. That’s what gets the best out of me. We’re professionals and sometimes you need to be strong.

"He strikes a really good balance, in terms of being to the point but not to the extent you feel you’re playing within yourself or anything like that. He just wants to see you do well.

"On a personal level, there are always areas I can improve. Sometimes I need to remind myself I am only 24. Willie tells me that, too, he says, ‘Lucy, remember you’re only 24, even though you have this experience and wise head on your shoulders...’

"My role as a leader and captain is to make sure that, not only am I playing well, but the team are striving to be better, too."

Graham's role as captain is something new to the Scotland international, but one she says she's growing into and is striving to help the team to deliver more on-the-field success. 

"That’s something I’m learning," she says. "First and foremost, I need to make sure I do my role and I am helping the team. I also then want to feed my energy into other players so they can give their very best.

"We’ve got the best staff, top players and a great mentality. I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what we can achieve.

"There is so much more to come."