Women: Filbey Gives Mid-Season Reflections

During the break in fixtures for the Golden Girls over the Festive period, we spoke to midfielder Anna Filbey, who joined the side in the summer from Crystal Palace.

In an interview originally published in The Hornet, the club's matchday programme, we discussed the season to-date, what it was like to be involved with a history-making Wales squad, and her aims for the rest of the campaign.

What would you rate Watford’s season so far out of ten, and why?

I’ll go 7/10. We have dominated every team in possession and have had some great results to date, but we know as a squad we have fallen short on a few occasions, which was really disappointing. However, we are ready to finish the last half of the season with a big push. 

What has been the biggest surprise you have experienced so far this season?

Being asked to captain the side early on in the season in the League Cup. Although it was a massive surprise, it was an even bigger honour and I loved every minute of it. It was nice to hand it back to Megs [Chandler] when she came on so she could show me how it’s done!

How do you feel you have settled in following your summer move?

I feel I have settled in really well. It was made easier by us having such a great group of people. I’m really enjoying every minute and just feel completely at home here. I love the style of football we play and we have a great fan base. I’m very happy with how things have worked out. 

How have you found playing in the National League?

It’s been good and I am really enjoying it. Every team you play gives you different challenges - there are no easy games. I also feel like everyone wants to beat us a little bit more after coming down from the Championship and how we dominate the ball.

Each team always tries to find that little bit more which makes every game even harder for us, but I really like that.  

Three goals for you so far this season - how pleased are you with that?

I’m buzzing with that! Being able to help the team and contribute has been really nice. Quite a few would argue I should have had a couple more! As long as we are winning games that’s all I really care about. However, scoring for Watford is a great feeling and hopefully I can add a couple more to the tally to help us on our way. 

How have you found playing in the middle of the back three for the majority of the season?

I have loved it, especially with the style of football we play. I enjoy being on the ball and finding ways to play out and break lines. On the flip side, I love putting my body on the line and defending so I think it suits me well.

It’s also really enjoyable when you play alongside the players we have in the squad, Megan and Anne are amazing to have beside you when you are playing a system like this. Both are so solid on and off the ball with Marie commanding behind us. 

How have you found working under Renée Hector?

It’s been really good. I played alongside Ren as a player when we were both at Spurs together and I learnt a lot from her then as I was young, so seeing her transition into a coach and now working under her has been great.

She is very passionate and cares a lot, which as a player makes you want to run through walls for her. I’m really enjoying my football and I feel confident so I have Ren to thank for that. 

Are there any players in particular that you think deserve to be spoken about for their performances?

I could speak about everyone in our squad as there is so much talent, but I’m going to say Megan Chandler. The example she sets on and off the pitch is top draw, and her performances week in week out match that. She is our captain, and the way she leads is up there with the best I’ve seen. I have a lot of respect for her. 

How pleased were you to earn a recall to the Wales squad earlier this year?

I was really pleased, but it was quite unexpected. When I joined Watford I knew it would be a tough ask as we are playing in the National League (third-tier) and they have the choice of players in the Women’s Super League and Championship.

In my head, I thought this would only be on the cards if we got promoted back to the Championship.

As a result, I just kept my head down and worked hard towards that, so the fact it came meant I was over the moon as there is no higher honour than representing your country. I’m enjoying my football and that’s when I play my best, so I’m grateful that’s been recognised, but it’s thanks to the environment at Watford. 

How amazing was it to be involved as Wales earned qualification to a major tournament for the first time?

It’s crazy! This is the first time we have qualified for a major tournament, so it’s a massive achievement. However, I would say it’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to see us competing on the big stage where Wales belong. 

There’s a strong Welsh connection at Watford with Helen Ward as Head of Women’s Football - how influential was she in bringing you to the club, and how is it working closely with her?

Helen is a legend for both Watford and Wales, but more importantly, she is the best person. We have been friends for a long time and spoke on many occasions over the years about me joining Watford, but the time just hasn’t been right until now.

She was very influential in me coming here and planted the seed many years ago. I knew I could trust her and that she would always do what’s best for the club as well as us as players.

When someone was a player before and to the level Helen played, there is just a different understanding and push to better things and that really appealed to me. I loved what Helen was looking to build, and how I could be a part of that.

What are your aims for the rest of the season?

As a team we are looking to still fight for that promotion. We know it is going to be very tough and we may need a few results to go our way that we can’t control, but we are going to give everything until the very end and see where we end up.

We will continue playing exciting football because that is what we all enjoy, and then the results will take care of themselves. On a personal note, I want to be keeping clean sheets, and I want to help the team in any way I can to finish the season on a high.