New London Bees manager Lee Burch speaks for the first time since being appointed the Bees new manager.
Burch comes to The Hive having had previous experience in managing both full time team’s and part time teams. The new boss, joins the Bees having most recently managed former WSL side Yeovil Town, with his previous job being in the second division as Millwall Lionesses manager.
He felt that his time at those two clubs would be invaluable to him in his new role as London Bees boss.
He said “I think they will be a massive help going into my new role, they were two very different experiences in two different divisions. I know this division very well and for me it’s all about taking in everything I have learnt from my experiences and rolling them into creating success in my new job.”
The Bees manager highlighted the excellent facilities that The Hive, London has to offer as one of the main factors that enticed him to make the move to the capital.
“The facilities here are superb, it is a great place to play football and it was one of my favourite places to come as an away manager, because of how great the facilities are here at The Hive.”
“It massively helps when attracting new players as well, people want to come and play football at a facility like this. I am ready to make The Hive a home for any new players, as well as the existing squad here.”
Burch is expecting a busy summer ahead and looks forward to bringing some new faces to compliment the players that he has inherited as the new manager.
“There will be some player movements, in terms of ins and outs. It is important that I bring the squad together as quickly as possible and that we use the time over pre-season wisely”
“We will be looking to bring some new players into the club and there is obviously some that I want to have a look at. But I am also really looking forward to working with the squad that I already have. Everyone will get their opportunity over the pre-season period to show what they can do.”
The Bees finished in the lower part of mid table in the FA Women’s Championship and that is something Burch wants to improve on. But he also recognises that the second division of the women’s game is going to be as competitive as ever.
“The league is going to be really competitive this year, particularly with the threat of relegation that clubs will be worried about. A lot of clubs are being given significant financial backing this season, so for sure it will make the league stronger”
“However I do think the league is a lot more even this year, everyone will be starting the season thinking just how high up can we finish. There is plenty up for grabs and I think it is going to be an exciting campaign.”
London Bees kick off the FA Women’s Championship season with a London derby against London City Lionesses, a game that the new manager is relishing the prospect of.
“The opening game is a London derby and we are looking forward to that one. But I am looking forward to all the games, there are plenty of tough London derbies to come too.”
“We have some pre-season games to come so we can be as ready as possible for a tough opening fixture against London City Lionesses”
Burch is excited about the domestic side of women’s football for the upcoming season, he feels the recent Women’s World Cup in France has helped inspire a generation to get out and watch the women’s game.
“The World Cup was a brilliant tournament, not just for the commercial side of the game but the technical side too. Everyone enjoyed the World Cup and the Lionesses did a superb job at inspiring so many”
“Now it’s all about getting as many people down to The Hive and all of the grounds in the WSL and Championship to see their local teams. 11 million watched that game against USA, if a small proportion of that come to watch games it is going to be brilliant for the growth of the game.”
The new Bees boss had one final message for the London Bees supporters ahead of the 2019/20 season.
“Come down and support us, they’ll be newer players and some older players. The players really feel the support when there is a crowd cheering them on.”
“Hopefully the fans will witness some good times for this club and I look forward to meeting everyone very soon.”