SSFC Women "looking to lay the foundations" for 2026/27, says Miller

South Shields Women are gearing up for their final few games of the 2025/26 season - we caught up with Head Coach Alex Miller to discuss how things are currently going.

Q: A busy run-in as we look to finish this season off strongly; what is the mood like in the camp at the minute?

“I think overall the mood is still relatively positive, despite our challenges that we’ve had recently.

“And despite a tough run that we’ve got coming up, the girls are excited - as they always are - just to get out on the pitch and show themselves in the best way that they can.”

Q: A lot of changes over the past month, including Sophie Clough leaving her role as Head of Women’s Football, and you becoming sole Head Coach again. How much have you welcomed the support of the other coaches over that timeframe?

“They’re absolutely instrumental to helping everything run.

“It’s never just a one person job, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes; we all communicate with each other all the time and it helps with planning, helps with organisation.

“You see one person as the face of it but you’ve got a lot going on behind to help me and help the girls get ready to put on these performances and to run training each and every week.

“So it is a massive team effort both on and off the field.”

Q: A lot of home games coming up; what are your thoughts on these next few challenges?

“Really excited, obviously it’s tough now towards the end of the season with people picking up injuries and just being tired throughout all of the games.

“But no, the girls are looking forward to getting through it and seeing where we finish at the end, but definitely looking to lay the foundations to build upon next season.”

Q: With that in mind, have you got any words for the supporters as we approach the final weeks of the campaign? 

“Your support is absolutely invaluable. 

“We have got a hard run ahead of us so every little bit of support counts massively towards helping us get over the line. 

“Get yourselves down, nice and loud and let us hear you and we’ll really appreciate it!”

This article was published in The Mariner ahead of the men's Enterprise National League North match against Macclesfield FC - be the first to read interviews like this by getting your copy at every home game.

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto).