HARTLEY “PLAYING AT TURF MOOR WOULD BE AN HONOUR”

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Lifelong Claret previews Liverpool Feds clash

2024-04-18T09:00:00.000Z

HARTLEY “PLAYING AT TURF MOOR WOULD BE AN HONOUR”

Lifelong Claret previews Liverpool Feds clash

2024-04-18T09:00:00.000Z

Lifelong Claret previews Liverpool Feds clash

This weekend’s women's team game is set to be a special occasion for everybody involved, but it might just mean a little bit more to lifelong Claret Naomi Hartley.

The Burnley defender grew up watching the Club’s men’s team from what was then known as the James Hargreaves Stand and the Jimmy McIlroy Stand, cheering them on with her family.

After joining the Club she grew up supporting last November, the 23-year-old could now have the ultimate full circle moment if selected to play at Turf Moor.

Speaking in the seat she used to occupy in the upper tier of the North Stand, she said: “I’ve always been a Claret - it’s a family thing stemming from my Grandad.

“The 2008 season stands out for me and my favourite player was Chris Eagles. I wanted to be like him – I had the hairband and everything!

“I’d usually set off late morning or dinner time to go to the pub, play a bit of pool and get a diet coke. After that it was off to Turf where I’d get a pie or hot dog before heading up to watch the warm-ups.”

HARTLEY “PLAYING AT TURF MOOR WOULD BE AN HONOUR” - Image 1

Despite still being fairly short in its duration, Hartley’s career has seen her represent some of England’s biggest clubs and her country.

“I started at Burnley before playing for the academies at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Liverpool. It was then back to United to be in and around the first team and I was in England age group camps, captaining them too.

“I then went to Sheffield United on loan and stayed there for a couple of years before a spell at Coventry City prior to being back at Burnley - it’s special and good to be here!”

The team have enjoyed an exciting campaign fighting at the top of the Northern Premier Division of the Women’s National League, with 2nd place still up for grabs after Newcastle United were crowned champions.

“I’ve loved every minute of it so far, even when I was injured and just in and around the squad,” she continued.

“The girls and the staff are great. It’s been an exciting season, too, trying to chase for promotion.

“We’re definitely on the right path. The investment’s there across women’s football now, but especially with teams in our league you can see it still growing which is good.”

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HARTLEY “PLAYING AT TURF MOOR WOULD BE AN HONOUR” - Image 2

Hartley, a centre-back by trade, scored her first Burnley goal in the recent 9-0 victory over AFC Fylde at the County Ground in Leyland.

“I was buzzing with that because I always think I’m never going to score! I’d been out for the previous two weeks so to get back into the squad was good, but to score was even better.

“Dom (Cooper) put it in I’d seen it coming over. Next minute it bounced out to me and I thought right, I’m hitting it! It was a bit scrappy but any goal’s a goal, so I was buzzing."

A good crowd is expected in the Bob Lord Stand for what is the Women’s team second ever appearance at Turf Moor.

Hartley added: “Being at Turf Moor is special and an honour.

“I can’t believe I’ve gone from sitting here when I was younger to hopefully playing on that pitch. I’ve got about 30 family and friends coming down and I can’t wait for them to watch a good game of footy.

“The fans are a 12th person. It’s always great to have a crowd backing you and it’s still growing, the more the merrier really.

“Players who were here last year have been saying it was very special. It’s a moment we want to share together and being here with the crowd behind us will be a great memory to have.

“Hopefully we can score a couple of goals and get a good win. If I am playing, I’d like to inspire young boys and girls into thinking that they can do it too.

“It would be great to score my second Burnley goal too – I’ll be knee sliding if that happens!”

HARTLEY “PLAYING AT TURF MOOR WOULD BE AN HONOUR” - Image 3

Tickets for Sunday's game are still available to purchase through the ticket office ONLINE, in person at Turf Moor or by calling 01282 446800.

Adults are priced at £10 and juniors are £5. Supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance of match day to avoid paying £15 and £10 respectively.

If you purchase tickets for the visit of Liverpool Feds, you can take advantage of a special offer that entitles you to half price entry to Burnley Women's season-ending fixture against Derby County at Turf Moor on Sunday 5th May.