PAUL: COMING BACK WAS THE BEST DECISION I’VE MADE

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Defender delighted with title-winning season

2026-06-01T12:52:08.791Z

PAUL: COMING BACK WAS THE BEST DECISION I’VE MADE

Defender delighted with title-winning season

2026-06-01T12:52:08.791Z

Defender delighted with title-winning season

When Thea Paul agreed to re-join Burnley Women last summer, it was with a clear ambition in mind.

That goal of promotion to WSL2 has now been achieved, and the 27-year-old played a key role in what turned out to be the division’s best defence.

Reflecting on the team’s 2025/26 campaign, she said: “I came back because I knew that the Club had a vision and were investing with the calibre of players that were being bought in.

“There was an amazing staff group too, and I could really see what they wanted to do.

“Looking back, I think it was the best decision I’ve made.

“I’ve played in the WSL 2 before; there are a lot of good players and managers in that league.

“I don’t think it’s anything we’re not prepared for, though, and we’re aware it’s going to be a step up from the league we’ve been in.

“I believe with the backing of the Club and what we’ve got here, we can really push on.

“It will be nice to challenge ourselves and if we can push on in the Championship, who knows where we can end up.

“But we’re not silly – we know it’s going to be really competitive in different aspects like the travelling.

“I’m really looking forward to it, because it’s an exciting time.”

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Paul couldn’t have wished for a better start to her second spell in Claret, making an impact in the opening day victory over Middlesbrough.

After coming on with 83 on the clock, she netted a fine goal from an acute angle just seven minutes later to make it 5-0.

The left wing-back scored a similarly impressive goal just six weeks later against our East Lancashire neighbours Blackburn Rovers in the FA Women’s National League Cup.

“That (Middlesbrough) feels like a long time ago,” she continued.

“It was a really good feeling and I remember that my family were there watching, so it was a nice moment to have with them.

“After being away for a year, you couldn’t really write it. I was buzzing.

“Blackburn then showed what we’re about.

“No matter the opposition, we were ruthless and were always pushing to try and better ourselves.

“It was a nice goal and finish – some people thought I didn’t mean it, but I sometimes do when I hit the top corner!

“That was a good day out with all the girls.

“I don’t mind whether it’s an assist, a goal, or a goal-line clearance. I’m happy with anything to help the team and make sure we win.”

Goals galore in Clitheroe

It’s not just the league that the Clarets enjoyed positive runs in this season.

In addition to making the semi-finals of the FAWNL Cup, Women’s Super League side Manchester United were the opposition in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

“When they put out their starting line-up and it was very strong, we knew it would be a tough battle, but I think we did ourselves proud in the end,” Paul continued.

“We did work really hard and kept the score as minimal as possible.

“Growing up I was at United from eight until 16 and my whole family are Reds, so it was a nice moment playing against them.”

A busy season came to an end with a trip to Hull City and the visit of Stoke City on the final day.

At one point during that penultimate fixture in Yorkshire it looked like the Clarets could secure the league title, with Wolverhampton Wanderers trailing the Potters away from home.

Paul explained: “Someone mentioned it at half-time and I said don’t – I can’t think about that right now!

“It was always the case throughout the whole season that we didn’t want to rely on Wolves’ results either.

“We needed to make sure that we always kept pushing, and there was a nagging concern that it might come down to goal difference too.

“We were 4-0 up at half-time, but I knew we needed to keep pushing and get as many goals as possible, which the girls did.

“Then came a really good week leading up to it (the final day match against Stoke).

“There was a lot of excitement and everybody was looking forward to playing at Turf Moor – it was a big occasion for us.

“It was the usual build-up, though – we didn’t do anything different – and it came down to remaining focussed on the day.

“We had a shaky first 10 or 15 minutes, which is unlike us, but we managed to pull through and get the win.”