‘THERE’S A BUZZ ABOUT US’ SAYS WALKER AS WOMEN’S PRE-SEASON CONTINUES

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Striker reflects on the mood within camp

2025-07-14T14:41:30.226Z

‘THERE’S A BUZZ ABOUT US’ SAYS WALKER AS WOMEN’S PRE-SEASON CONTINUES

Striker reflects on the mood within camp

2025-07-14T14:41:30.226Z

Striker reflects on the mood within camp

After a successful first season in Lancashire from a personal point of view, women’s team striker Claudia Walker is very much looking forward to the new campaign getting underway.

The Claret Women have been back at base for just short of two weeks now, working under new manager Matt Beard and his staff team in the often-hot conditions.

That’s not been a negative for Walker, though, who started by reflecting on her off season and the return to training,

She said: “It was a really good summer!

“I had a few hen dos ready for my wedding, so I’ve seen a few of the girls which was good.

“It was a nice holiday and we’ve had a good long break, so it’s been nice to come back in.

“You’re always a bit fearful that you’re just going to run for a couple of weeks but in the first session we were back on the ball, so we’ve enjoyed that.

“On the first day back we had the mass test, which is an endurance test, much to our displeasure!

“Since then we’ve tried to get a lot of our load in while playing football and I’ve really enjoyed that, because you’re working hard but you forget about that a little bit when you’ve got a ball at your feet.”

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Walker joined Burnley following her release from Birmingham City last summer and went on to make 29 appearances in all competitions.

The 29-year-old’s 12 goals saw her finish as the team’s joint-second top scorer, and Walker was named Player of the Season at Burnley FC in the Community’s annual fundraising dinner/awards night.

“It (the award) was a shock, to be honest,” she continued.

“The season didn’t go how we wanted it to as a team, so there was a lot of focus and emotions on that.

“To be recognised by the fans was an honour really and I was very grateful, and it was a good evening too.”

Although keen to look forward, Walker can’t help but recognise her past with her new manager Matt Beard.

The pair formerly worked together at Liverpool when the striker was beginning her career, and Walker only has positive things to say about him having been reunited.

‘THERE’S A BUZZ ABOUT US’ SAYS WALKER AS WOMEN’S PRE-SEASON CONTINUES - Image 2

“I think I first met Matt when I was 17 and I was still at sixth form, playing at Liverpool through the U23s and first team,” she said.

“He’s a lovely, genuine guy with a good heart. That doesn’t mean he’s not stern and he knows what he wants, which makes it easier for us.

“I’m excited to have him here and it gives us players that added boost as we chase the end goal.

“It shows how much the Club is invested in the women’s team too, and just where we want to get to.

“At the moment it’s just about getting back into things and keep pushing on and adding more load every week.

“With Matt now coming in with fresh ideas and ways of playing, in addition to becoming full time with daytime sessions, there’s a real buzz about us to have a good pre-season and be raring to go when the season starts.”