I write these notes now with the experience of having led Everton out as your captain for the very first time and it was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

Years of hard work had led to that moment, and I am incredibly grateful for your support in what was a proud day for myself and my family.

Tonight, we begin our League Cup campaign, and we are delighted to do so in front of our brilliant fans.

We welcome a strong Manchester City side who we have faced during pre-season and were edged out of what would have been a deserving result.

A lot of confidence can be taken from that display, and I am sure the girls will be ready to replicate that level of performance tonight.

Of course, this is our second of three matches in just over a week and we will be relying on our squad’s depth to face the next two games head on.

This was not the start to the season we had envisioned.

We are all still incredibly frustrated with Sunday’s result against Leicester. The performance from the team certainly deserved more and, at the minute, we are not getting our just reward.

However, in football there is always the next game and with that an opportunity to put things right.

We are under no illusion of the challenge that faces us tonight and again on Sunday at Anfield, but I assure you that every single player is up to the task.

When you begin a campaign in a competition, as a team you embark on a new journey and one you hope will go all the way.

With regards to this tournament, your first objective is to progress from the group, and we know how tough it will be to accomplish that.

Our group features top-flight opposition – with the potential of Manchester United joining as well – but we use that as motivation as we want to compete against the best.

We approach these cup competitions with the same mentality as the league. With a desire to win.

This is potentially our only home game in this tournament, so it is important we get off to a winning start and use the performance as a foundation for what we could achieve.

Of course, an influential factor in generating that level of performance comes from the passion Evertonians bring on a matchday.

Since we have moved to Walton Hall Park, I believe we have produced the best atmosphere that I have experienced in an Everton shirt to date.

Tonight, I know will be no different. That noise intimidates our opponent and galvanises our squad into action.

So, let’s hear you roar.

Enjoy the game,

Meg