"We couldn't be happier with Kim. She's been fantastic."
The words of Chester FC manager Martin Fitzsimons. In an up and down season for the seals, Kim Sands has put in some of the most consistent performances for the team.
Not just in her usual position of centre back, most recently Sands has been operating on the right of a back four, and has been ever-present in the team during her first season at the club.
But you wouldn't hear a complaint from the Seals defender at being asked to play on the right, and excelling in the role, Sands has won plaudits from her manager and the respect of her team-mates.
"It's definitely improved my fitness!"
Kim Sands joked as she spoke on her new role, in which she tireless works up and down the right flank, more often than not for the whole 90 minutes.
However, this wasn't a decision made by the Chester coaching staff blindly, with Sands' attributes and contribution very much taken in to account.
Get to know Kim Sands with TeamTalk:
"We knew we wanted Kim Sands in the side," said Fitzsimons, "so we had a look at the team and we had a look where we could fit and get the qualities out of her in different areas of the pitch."
"We looked at midfield but we felt that Kim had a lot of pace to drive forward which she may not have necessarily been able to use in a central midfield role. We’ve settled on a right back position for her.
"She came in as a centre half, but we have an advantage in that area of the pitch with Lucy (Adderley) and KP (Katie Priest) who are two strong centre halves’ as well.
"Obviously if an injury or anything like that happened to Lucy or KP, then we’ve got a more than adequate replacement, and someone who can push them for a first team place week in, week out."
The work that goes on behind the scenes at the club has contributed to the success of Sands' versatility along the back line, consequently the Seals defender has loved her new role.
"I definitely prefer it (to centre back) now, 100%.
"It’s been really good, I’ve enjoyed it." She said, "especially in games where we’ve been more attacking, dribbling with the ball and also a bit more focus on my vision and being able to make them passes forward to the attackers."
From the moment Sands attended the Chester FC recruitment day in the summer, it's been a challenging but enjoyable ride, which is just missing one more thing...
"I want a goal, just one will do me!"
With one assist to her name and increased opportunities in a more attacking role, will Sands add to her good season with that goal she craves?
Why not check out Kim Sands' quiz knowledge? The SealsTalk Big Christmas quiz with Kim Sands & Lucy Adderley:
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