Returning to a club you know and love is always special and for Hope, the opportunity to rejoin Southampton in a new way is one she is embracing with excitement. After seeing her playing career cut short through an ACL injury, she is now back with the Sirens as Assistant Manager and Vice Chair, ready to help shape the club both on and off the pitch.

I caught up with Hope to discuss returning to the club, the lessons she learned through adversity and her ambitions for the future.

How does it feel to be returning to the Sirens in a new role?
It feels incredibly exciting and a bit surreal, but I’m absolutely delighted to be back home in a new capacity.

What was it about Southampton Women’s FC that made you want to come back?
The club’s unique culture, ambition and the fantastic people involved made returning an incredibly easy decision. Plus it’s hard to say no to Smithy!

How much has the club changed since you were last involved and what has remained the same?
It’s changed a lot. The core of the club remains the same with everyone knowing what we want to be. We just have to work hard to keep building the club.

Your playing career was cut short by an ACL injury. How difficult was that period for you personally?
It was devastating and mentally exhausting, but it ultimately built a resilience that shapes who I am today and helps me to see the bigger picture.

Did you always see yourself returning to the sport in some capacity?
Deep down, yes. Football is in my blood and I knew I still had plenty to give. I have big ambitions within the footballing world.

What lessons from your playing career do you think you’ll bring into your new role?
The importance of mental resilience, strong communication and understanding exactly what the players are experiencing on the pitch.

This will be your first experience in a management team. What excites you most about becoming Assistant Manager?
I’m excited to learn from the dugout, influence tactics, add leadership value from my personal experience and work career and help guide this talented squad to their potential. Being a manager has never been about managing teams. It’s about adding value. Creating a culture that everyone wants to be a part of.

What do you think you can offer the players from your experience as a former Sirens player?
I know what it means to wear the badge and can offer genuine empathy, support and relatable guidance.

What sort of environment do you want to help create for the squad?
A positive, elite and supportive environment where players feel empowered to express themselves and learn from mistakes.

What are you hoping to learn during your first season on the coaching side of the game?
I want to master tactics, understand squad management and develop my own unique coaching voice.

Alongside your role with the first team, you’ll also be taking on the position of Vice Chair. What attracted you to the opportunity to help lead the club off the pitch?
It’s a chance to drive sustainable growth, shape our long-term strategy and safeguard the club’s bright future.

What do you think Southampton Women’s FC special?
It’s rich history, dedicated community and the genuine “One Club” ethos that connects everyone together.

Where do you see opportunities for the club to continue growing over the next few years?
Building commercial partnerships, expanding our fan base and further strengthening the pathway from youth to the first team.

How important is it for the club to maintain its “One Club” philosophy across the senior and youth sections?
It’s vital. A united club creates a sustainable identity and inspires young clubs to become future first-team players.

What are your ambitions for the club in both the short and long term?
Short term, stability and fun, long term, establishing ourselves higher up the pyramid while maintaining our core values.

Finally, what does success look like for you in your first season back at the Sirens?
Developing the player, winning matches and building a thriving, unified culture across the entire club.

With a deep understanding of what Southampton Women’s FC represents and a clear vision for the future, Hope returns with fresh ambition and a determination to make a lasting impact. Her journey from player to Assistant Manager and Vice Chair is one built on resilience, passion and a commitment to help the Sirens continue to grow both on and off the pitch.