Grace's signing comes at a perfect time after Leah Etheridge's injury against Portchester. We took the opportunity to have a chat with our new shot-stopper and welcome her back home.

Having come up through the Sirens youth set up, what advice would you give to our current crop of young Siren goalkeepers?

That’s a great question— Growing up I was mostly an outfield player and it wasn’t until I was 16 I became a full-time keeper. Back then, there wasn’t that many role model goalkeepers. However, from playing as a keeper for a number of years now, I know at times it can feel like a lonely position. It takes courage, resilience and self confidence. That confidence is built by facing tough moments, not avoiding them. We are bound to make mistakes, but it’s about how we learn from them and bounce back. There will be tough moments—cold, muddy training sessions, tough losses, or moments where you doubt your ability. However, there will be so many other moments when you make that crucial save, save a penalty and become a hero. People say you have to be a little crazy being a keeper, throwing yourself around. That’s what makes it fun and enjoyable. Your love for the game is what keeps you going. Remember why you started!

When you returned to the club in 2023, it was a difficult season in Tier 4, with the team only surviving relegation on the last day of the season. Having also played at Tier 5 recently, where we currently play, what do you think the biggest differences are between the two levels?

It was a really testing season for me personally. I had just left Southampton FC and started a hugely demanding career in the emergency services. On top of that, it was my first full season in adults / women’s football. We were a strong team, however, the competition was even stronger. We had the likes of Swindon, AFC Bournemouth and Exeter. I think that just shows the quality we were up against and I was extremely busy every week. It was testing but I definitely learnt a lot and felt like I came away as a stronger keeper. I took so much away from that season and one of my highlights was our FA cup run and getting to play Watford who were in the championship at the time. Since playing in Tier 5, I think it’s a different type of competition. I still personally think it’s a quality league with so much talent. Teams are becoming stronger therefore really competitive. The major difference I feel is that the players are younger.

We have quite a lot of youngsters in the present squad. In that 2023 season, we had the likes of KC, Manisha, Izzie T, Katelyn Wort and Chloe Ball regularly in the team with you but do you know many of the other players in the squad?

Sirens do have a youthful team but since training with them and seeing them play, I can see that they all bring so much energy and talent. I cannot wait to see them continue to develop moving forward. I have always loved playing with the girls you mentioned, I am so happy to be back with them!

You will be in competition with Leah for the number 1 shirt. The last time you were both in the same squad together, was rather unusual. You were in the starting line-up against Brentford in the FA Cup, with Leah on the bench but can you remember what was so unusual about it?

Goalkeeping is a really difficult position with having to fight for that shirt. However, I have always thrived on that, I think it’s great to have healthy competition. It really does drive the best in both of us, from previous times we work really well in training together. We both support one another and push each other to become better. I think that’s what’s more important, just becoming the best we can both be. I work in the emergency services and this has had an effect on my football. I cannot make every session or game and therefore it’s important we both are ready! Yes, that FA cup game will forever be one of my favourite games. It’s sort of one of those scenarios you would always dream of. Leah coming on and scoring the winner! As I said before, we only want the best for each other and as a keeper we have that tight union and therefore that made me very happy to see her getting all that glory as it was a great goal!

When you join a club midway through a season, do you think it’s easier or harder to set yourself personal goals?

Joining a football club midway through the season can make setting personal goals a little tougher at times. I think there’s always that pressure to settle in quickly, especially as a keeper. I’m joining a team that’s already well established, have their playing patterns and chemistry. I think my initial goal is to learn the way the squad play, gel with the defensive line and build that trust. However, at my previous club we have played Sirens twice. That's meant I have already seen the team play, the level they’re at, and what’s expected. That helps with easing that pressure and I already know some of the girls!

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before a game?

For some reason, I always put on my left boot and glove first. I don’t know when that started but I cannot stop doing that. For whatever reason, it has stuck with me.

Grace will wear the no. 12 shirt for the remainder of the season.