ELFORD EAGER TO GET GOING AGAIN

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Forward excited for first full season in Claret & Blue

2023-06-11T10:30:00.000Z

ELFORD EAGER TO GET GOING AGAIN

Forward excited for first full season in Claret & Blue

2023-06-11T10:30:00.000Z

Forward excited for first full season in Claret & Blue

Having quickly settled into life as a Claret, next season can’t come around quick enough for Laura Elford.

Spending the previous four and a half seasons with Huddersfield Town, the striker signed for Burnley in February, going on to grab nine goals in her first nine appearances for the Club prior to the end of the campaign.

That tally included a memorable volley at The Hawthorns as Jay Bradford’s side claimed all three points against West Bromwich Albion, and now Elford is counting down the days until it all starts again.

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“It’s not that long until we’re back in for pre-season, and we’ve all already started doing work at home with plans that the staff have put together for us.

“I just can’t wait to get playing again. As much as it’s been nice to have a few weeks off, I think last season actually finished at the wrong time for me and the team on the whole.

“Scoring goals is my job as a striker, but it’s nice to have found the back of the net so freely in my first few months here, and a big part of that is coming in to a side that was already scoring for fun.

“It’s not just that either, it’s all the work going on behind the scenes to try and give us everything possible to go and achieve our aims. I’m really looking forward to the new season.”

Forward is well prepared for August start date

Yorkshire-born Elford formed part of the first-ever Claret Women side to walk out at Turf Moor back in April as they beat Liverpool Feds 2-1, coming from behind to do so.

Playing in front of close to 3000 Clarets supporters, the forward described how special the Club already feels to her.

“For me, in most teams, you feel at home quite quickly and Burnley’s no different in that sense.

“Where this club does differ though is in the support that’s given at every level, be it by the fans or the club itself.

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“Our game at Turf Moor epitomised that with everything that went into it from those working here to the fans that turned up, and they turned up in their numbers.

“We’ve got to harness moments like that, remember them, and use them to drive us forward. No secrets are made of the ambitions we have, but if we’re successful we know we can get even more eyes on us, and that’s got to be the overall goal.”

Elford made the switch from blue & white to claret & blue just three weeks prior to teammate Georgia Marshall.

Ineligible for selection, the pair were amongst those who were forced to watch on from the sidelines in April as Burnley lifted the Lancashire FA Women’s Senior Cup.

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Re-enforcing the value of success, and that it’s undoubtedly a driving force for the Claret Women, Elford added, “It’s a huge part of why I came here, that desire to win.

“It comes from everyone involved, and I don’t think anyone would be involved in this if they didn’t crave success.

“Not being able to play in that final against Darwen [FC Ladies] wasn’t a great feeling, but we were still able to all join in with the celebrations and that’s testament to how much of a family feel there is within the group.

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“I’m just hungry now to get going again and get chasing success on all fronts, however that may be measured. I’m not on my own in that sense, and I know all the girls are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Burnley FC Women will begin their campaign in August, with the fixtures expected to be released next month.

Beforehand, pre-season details will be confirmed as soon as possible by the club.