Sat in a spotless room in Crystal Palace’s academy that still smells of fresh paint owing to its 2021 redevelopment, Laura Kaminski reflects on her women’s side’s “phenomenal” start to the season.
With a game in hand and just a point behind leaders Charlton and second-place Sunderland, Crystal Palace could go top of the Women’s Championship on Sunday, when they host Southampton at Selhurst Park.
A record 3,300 tickets have been sold for that fixture, and to even have the opportunity of rising to the summit of the league table is an immense source of pride for Kaminski, who became head coach in July after two years as Charlton’s assistant manager.
“When I came in, I was really encouraging the players to build some relationships with the fans”, Kaminski tells Standard Sport. “That’s increased a lot in recent weeks. Our attendances are in and around 1,000 people at Sutton — that’s grown on last year. Fans of the men’s side have come across to the women’s games. I would urge those fans to come to Selhurst on Sunday.
“We’ve really built a team with good culture, and that’s been driven by Steve [Parish, chairman] and Grace [Williams, head of women’s football].
“I spoke to Steve before I came into the role. I see Steve when he’s in the building. I want to thank Steve in terms of his investment and contribution to the women’s team. I saw he did a speech recently and commented on how proud he is of the women’s results. He keeps in regular contact touch with both Grace and myself. We’re both in regular contact with him.”
Kaminski adds: “Grace Williams has been fundamental as a reason why this season has started so well. She got our fan group together and showed them around our new ground at Sutton. She has supported me overwhelmingly in my role.”
Speaking about the facilities at Palace’s Copers Cope Road training ground, Kaminski says: “It does make a difference. But this building is not only world-class in terms of its bricks and mortar. The people make this club so special.”
Kaminski has worked as a coach since 2011, at clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Watford and Brighton. Yet still, in her first role as manager, there is room to learn more.
“I was really fortunate to go to lunch with Roy [Hodgson] two weeks ago”, she reveals. “He was so kind, and with all the experience he’s got, gives up his time. He was discussing with me his experiences of the different countries he’s managed and different players he’s managed. For me, that’s totally invaluable. He speaks really well and is such an intelligent man.
“This football club on the men’s side is driven in its blood and veins to develop young footballers and have an academy that produces home-grown players. I want to mirror that on the women’s side.”
What is the secret to Palace’s stellar start to the season? “There is a recipe!” Kaminski laughs, though she is not willing to share it.
“What I will say is we like to give the players freedom to express their skillsets. I feel that every player here is given the confidence from me to have individuality, express what they’re good at, and taking risks is embedded in that philosophy.”
Palace have hit an astounding 31 goals in just nine league games so far this season, almost double the next-best tally of 17. Only three teams have conceded fewer than the ten they have shipped.
“We’ve got a squad of players that can play in a variety of ways, and score a variety of goals. For any opposition, that’s quite difficult to set up against.
Kaminski is well aware her side’s brings “a lot of talk” about a possible promotion to the Women’s Super League in her first season in charge.
“I want the journey to remain on an upward trajectory. We will push for the WSL.”
Tickets for Crystal Palace versus Southampton at Selhurst Park in the Women’s Championship on Sunday 19 November are still available and can be purchased here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/211?position=3
