West Ham Women’s manager Rehanne Skinner spoke of how pleased she was with the team performance at Sunday’s 3-0 win against Bristol City.

Rehanne Skinner took to the dugout at the Chigwell Construction Stadium for the first time, in the hammers latest pre-season friendly.

The first half ended equal with many chances for West Ham, but it was the second half that brought the action with French international Vivienne Asseyi scoring an impressive hat-trick. The third goal, a jaw dropping bicycle kick to top off the first game on home turf this season.

Skinner spoke to West Ham’s Official Website as she reflected on the 90 minutes played in the warm weather in Dagenham,

“In the first 25 minutes, we were too costly in possession and we gave it away too much because we didn’t have enough movement for how we are trying to play.” She explained.

“The water break just before the 30 minute-mark came at a really good time for us. We were able to talk through being a little bit more patient, building with more quality and trying to create more effective chances in behind.

“We created some good chances in the first half and we just lacked that clinical touch – but it was really positive that we were able to create those clear-cut moments. Then in the second half, we had players coming off the bench that made a real impact and we were able to take our chances.

“So I want to give the players real credit for being patient, working it out and trying to dominate and control possession in a way that we’re really trying to do more effectively moving forward.”

The new hammers boss also had some words on goalscorer Vivienne Asseyi who impressed against new WSL rivals.

“Viv was superb today and should have had more goals, I think that we showed real patience in a way that allowed us to start moving off the front line more effectively, we just gave ourselves more options and it allowed us to play with more quality and thought.”She added.

“Vivi took her chances really well, I mean the third goal is an absolute stunner – if she does that in the WSL then it will be up for Goal of the Season!

“In credit to her, she did something very similar in a training game that we played on Friday, so she was teeing herself up for that today.

“The build up was really good as well, Emma [Harries] did well to set her up and then Lisa [Evans] had a really positive impact when she came onto the pitch as well. It was a really tough day weather wise for the players, so all credit to them, it was a really positive day.”

Skinner was appointed on the 20th of July and has since brought in 5 new faces to the team as she explains how it has been since arriving to the east London club.

“Since I’ve come through the door, the players have been really open minded. Our style of play will stay the same, but we might tweak formations, which will mean we will have to stay open minded and flexible.

“Since I’ve come in the players have wanted to learn, been willing to adjust and I think you’re starting to see that out on the pitch. I want our players to have confidence in their ability on the ball and I think we’re growing in confidence with every game that we play.” Skinner told whufc.com

“We want to be able to play the game in the way that I feel is the best way of playing and by being patient and playing with confidence, we’ve ended up winning the game by doing that.

“We’ve also been able to show today that there’s depth in the squad and that we’ve got a couple of options in terms of being able to manoeuvre people around. That will be important during the league season because we will need to be ready to face different shapes and styles.”

All attention now turns to the first WSL fixture against Manchester City on October 1st as Skinner explains how she wants fans to come and enjoy watching the team play this season.

“The West Ham fans were so welcoming. Everyone was saying hello, welcoming me to the Club – it was all really positive and it’s nice to have everyone here watching the team in pre-season.” She said.

“I heard lots of people making comments about how positive the game was and that they really enjoyed that, and that’s what we need to try and do throughout the season.

“We want to be able to make sure that the fans come and watch football that they really enjoy watching, see some goals and see our players at their best.

“It’s great for us to be able to give them what they deserve and I hope they will be with us against Manchester City when the season begins!”

Written by Katie Vine.