Arsenal boss Shelley Kerr insists the Gunners’ revolving door will not leave her side in a spin as they look to get their hands back on The FA WSL 1 title.
Kerr’s squad has a distinctly unfamiliar feel about it this season – Ellen White, Kim Little, Katie Chapman and Steph Houghton, among others, have all moved on to pastures new.
And while goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain and versatile Holland international Anouk Hoogendijk have arrived and Casey Stoney has returned, Kerr is aware that the departures have left a sizeable void to fill.
Notts County v Arsenal
FA WSL 1
7.30pm, Wednesday 16 April
Meadow Lane, Notts County FC
Last season Arsenal lost their grip on the title – ending up behind champions Liverpool and runners-up Bristol Academy – ensuring they failed to finish first in the top flight for the first time in a decade.
But while Kerr admits Arsenal will need time to hit their straps, she’s determined to see her side get off to a winning start against Notts County at Meadow Lane on Wednesday.
She said: "The preparations have been going really, really well.
"It has been difficult for us in terms of losing so many players but, equally, getting players to come into the club that are of the same quality and that is going to take time.
"In the last couple of years we probably could have been a little more proactive in terms of having a mature squad and it is going to be a transitional period for the club. In saying that, I think the players we have brought in have settled in really well.
Kerr continued: "It’s going to be exciting. Notts County have added to their squad – it’s a completely new squad, similar to ourselves – and they have signed some fantastic talented players.
"I’m really looking forward to this season, as I think all the managers and players are and I think it will be really exciting."
Notts County also have a fresh feel to them – new to the WSL after Lincoln Ladies relocated to the East Midlands.
They, too, have bolstered their squad with the likes of White, Dunia Susi and Rachel Unitt.
But Rachel Corsie fears Arsenal’s involvement in the UEFA Women's Champions League – they were knocked out of the quarter-final stage by Birmingham at the end of March – will give the Londoners a head start.
Scotland defender Corsie said: "The fact that they are already in season possibly favours them.
"They'll be used to competitive games and it's always different when you're coming off the back of friendlies and just one FA Women's Cup game. We should have enough quality to see ourselves through.
"It's important for us to start well, and Arsenal are one of the better known clubs in women's football.
"They've put a good squad together but it's one we would like to get three points out of. We'll have to make sure we're organised for it and play well, but it's a tough game to start with.
"There haven't been any specific targets set but we've got enough quality to compete with everyone there.
"There are two Cup competitions and it would be nice for us to put ourselves in the position to win some silverware."
