Sarah Gill is a vital cog in the Chester machine, from her performances on the pitch to her contributions on the coaching staff.
Gill is in her maiden season at the club after following manager Martin Fitzsimons from Crewe Alexander Ladies to the Blues and took up a player/coach position at the Seals.
However, few fully understand the important role Gill plays in the smooth running of the club in the background.
“It’s actually really hard work because there’s a lot of stuff I do behind the scenes that the girls wouldn’t even know and there’s a lot of stuff that the guys do that sometimes doesn’t feel appreciated. There’s all the paperwork and a lot of organisation that goes on behind the scenes to make sure we have everything that is needed.
“Lots of research about the teams we are playing, player signings and the stress with this, that and the other. It’s a full-time job that you have to fit in with your own full-time job and your home life. It is difficult and stressful, but when we get results like at Salford and the cup results it is rewarding.”
The 34-year-old scored in a massive win over Salford City Lionesses, conflicting only their first defeat in the league. Since taking up her role at Chester Gill has gained a plethora of knowledge throughout her career, which she has put to good use throughout her maiden season in a coaching role.
“I can use my experience of the league and the league above to help them out and obviously advise on certain things. I know quite a few of the teams as well, so when we come up against a team, I might know some of the tactics they will use, so it’s helpful knowledge to have before a game.
“It’s important to have that knowledge but we still have a few older, experienced players that have been around the game for a while and know it well. Whereas at Crewe it was almost on my shoulders at times. Where here we have (Rachel) Lever who knows the game very well and Stringer (Lauren Quigg) who is the voice of reason.”
Gill was a player at Crewe for 14 years and worked under current Seals manager Martin Fitzsimons for a season at Alexander . The veteran forward admits it was a tough choice between the two clubs but ultimately feels she ‘made the right decision’.
“It was difficult because Crewe were offering me a coaching role and then offered me a captain’s role, but the teams really young over at Crewe. I found it difficult with me being 34, but it was also good because I helped the young kids and I think that’s what Martin seen in me and how that could happen at Chester. It was a difficult decision because I was close with the girls and I was there for 14 years, but I feel I’ve made the right decision.”
Check out Sarah Gill spill all on episode 2 of TeamTalk...
Despite splitting her time between player and coach, Gill doesn’t believe her role has changed too drastically and can differentiate between her two positions.
“I don’t think it has really, when I’m on the pitch I’m not in coach mode I’m in player mode. Listening to Martin and Ben (Wilkes), taking their advice because ultimately, they’re the ones making the calls so whatever they want whether I agree with it or not it’s my time to listen to them.
"Off the pitch I am quite quiet, it’s not really me to be shouting, but if I do see something, I can help someone with then obviously I will try and help. I do try and keep the playing and coaching separate, which I don’t know if it’s a good thing or bad thing, but it’s something I can grow into and be more vocal.”
With the emergence of young talent like Amy Broomhead and Hannah Snape, Gill has been restricted to a sporadic playing role. Often, she has found herself on the bench in recent matches and despite feeling ‘frustrated’ the versatile player knows she still has a role to play.
“I’ve got to fight for my place like anyone else. But it is frustrating at the moment because I feel I bring different aspects to the game that the others might not, but the girls are playing well, and I’ve got to wait for that opportunity to get back in.
“There’s been a few games where I’ve only come on for the last 10 minutes, but I think I’ve had an impact even if it’s just that little bit of energy I might have to spur the girls on. For instance, the Manchester Stingers game maybe if I had come on sooner, we may have got something from the game, but it’s a call you make at the time. When you got people on the bench it’s a difficult decision to make, with what changes to do when we’re not getting the result it’s very difficult. I wouldn’t want to be Martin with the amount of team selection headaches he has.”
The Blues currently sit in third spot in the league as the team prepare for a hectic fixture list between now and the end of the season. As for Gill the future is uncertain with the forward approaching her 35thbirthday, but she is looking to go on ‘as long as possible’,
“I’m not sure. No one is ever ready to give up playing and I’d like to go on as long as I possibly can, even if that means I’m a bench player who comes on to run the clock down then so be it. But obviously I am looking to step up with the coaching role, but I’m not confident with that yet, so it’s not going to be taken on in the immediate future.”
Without looking too far ahead Gill does want to build on her coaching career but is aware any further progression will have to align with her personal life.
“Possibly do want to climb the coaching ladder but you’ve got to have the qualifications. It’s at the time in my life with work and everything else that it’s difficult to fit any of that in, so it’s probably something I’ll look to do in the future.
It’s incredibly challenging for players and coaches at this level to juggle their responsibilities alongside football, but after all it is the beautiful game that holds a special place in the lives of so many. Gill will continue playing the game she loves, while growing as a coach and generally being the glue that holds everything together at Chester FC Women.
Check out the full interview below...
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