“New Signing Eyes Promotion for Blues”

The Halfway Line heard from new Birmingham City signing, Ava Baker, ahead of the upcoming Barclays Women’s Championship season. Just 18 years of age, the rising star swapped the Barclays Women’s Super League for the Barclays Women’s Championship this summer, leaving Leicester City to join Amy Merricks’ Birmingham City side.

The midfielder provided some insight into her transfer, working with Merricks again having already done so in the England youth set up, as well as preparation for the upcoming season.

‘To know you’re wanted by a club is a big thing for a player’

Baker described her move from Leicester City as “A big decision, but one that I felt needed to be made.” The youngster continued, “To know you’re wanted by a club is a big thing for a player, especially when you’re young because you’re a bit more sceptical about how things will go. It’s the best feeling.”

“Birmingham have shown how much they want me, especially in recent months,” said the player. “Birmingham have a big history and it’s something I looked up to as a young player. You want to do well for the team so if I can be a part of that… Promotion is a big thing we are looking to do. I want to be a part of that and prove my talent in a way. I’d love to do that.”

Baker also pointed out the importance of picking up minutes as a player striving to push up through the age groups with England, after she missed out on regular playing time last season. “I think for me as a young player, game time is a big thing,” she explained. “Birmingham is a good opportunity to do that. The ambitions of the club match mine and I thought to get a change, a new challenge – Birmingham was the place. Hopefully it all works out.”

‘I know how competitive the league is’

Already feeling at home in Birmingham, Baker spoke highly of her new teammates and the atmosphere around the club.

“All the girls have been really welcoming, especially off the pitch. That’s the main thing. It’s not always easy going to a more experienced first team. For them to take me in so well is a good feeling and it helps me settle on the pitch.”

With the Blues eager to chase promotion, the midfielder highlighted “It’s a case of just staying set on the challenge. Every game in the Championship is tough – whether that’s playing against a side in the top half or the bottom half. You look at every game the same. If we can stay focused on our targets and on us rather than how others are doing, that will put us in a great place for doing well and not getting too induced in everything that’s going on outside our club.”

“I know how competitive the league is and that excited me. I’m very competitive myself. If I can be part of the team success, that’s my main goal.”

‘It’s good to see that the pathway works’

Baker now finds herself linking up with Blues boss Merricks again, after doing so previously in the youth England set up. The new signing packed on the praise for her new head coach, saying “I know how good she is when it comes to wanting to improve the team and yourself. She’s there for all the players because she knows how tough it can be.” 

The up-and-coming footballer also touched on the benefits of playing under a young, English, female head coach. “It’s good because they have the understanding,” she elaborated, “Emily Simpkins is there too and she has worked with me at England as well. It can be tough and to know they understand it and are there to support you is a big thing especially off the pitch.”

Recent times have seen players like Grace Clinton solidify their spots in the senior England squad after working their way up through the ranks as Young Lionesses. “It’s massive,” Baker declared regarding the process. “Being with the England age groups since I was 13 gives me that passion to stay in the pathway. To see people like Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Naz [make their debuts] – to see them progress at such a young age – gives me that determination to do the same thing. It’s good to see that the pathway works and that it is possible.”

Alluding to an open dialogue with the coaching staff at Birmingham City, Baker confidently reiterated to The Halfway Line that “To stay with England game time is massive. For them to understand that and know where I stand with my needs is important. For them to know I want to do well with England is a main thing. But right now club is my main focus. If I can stay with the England pathway too, then even better.”

With preseason done and dusted, Baker and her peers prepare for the next challenge. The Blues will be paid a visit by Sunderland on the season’s opening weekend, as Merricks looks to help her side begin the new campaign on a high note with new addition Baker ready to make an impact on the league.