Kyah Simon: 'We can do something special this season'

Spurs Women new signing Kyah Simon believes the team can achieve something special after joining us from PSV Eindhoven.

The Australian international, who signed for the Club on a two-year deal in August, was a key part of the Matildas' impressive 2020 Tokyo Olympics squad who overcame Team GB to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

She also wrote her name into the history books when she became the first indigenous player to reach a milestone 100 international caps for Australia. She is now hoping to replicate her international form at Club level and help the team to achieve something special in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) this season.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in our official matchday programme before our WSL curtain-raiser on 4 September against Birmingham City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the forward gave an insight into how quickly she has settled and the togetherness within the team ahead of the new season.

“I feel settled like I’ve already been here for months and known everyone for a long time which is a really nice feeling as an international player coming into a foreign country,” she said.

“There’s a really nice culture and vibe here. Everyone gets along well, and I think it definitely helps going to work every day knowing that you’ve got great girls and staff around who care about each other. It’s great to be around that kind of atmosphere day in, day out.”

“There’s a good balance of experienced players, younger players, international and local players which is a really good mix. It’s a comforting feeling for me having other new players join at the same time, but again, the team have made it such a seamless transition and I’m really enjoying my time so far.”

After a memorable summer with Australia and her head-turning performances at the Olympic games in Tokyo, the forward is eager to keep her form going and hit the ground running when the WSL starts.

“I felt like I really regained my international form and was able to do my bit for the team. Unfortunately, we didn’t go one step further and come home with a medal which was disappointing, but I think it was also positive for us knowing that we have the home 2023 World Cup on the horizon where we can go further.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” she admits, “but there’s always another football game to play. I took a week to reflect and get some downtime after the Olympics ended but now it’s all about looking ahead to the season and shifting my focus to the next job. I’m feeling refreshed and ready to go.

“On a personal note, I’m really proud that I could give so much physically and start every game. I think having that foundation of physical capacity definitely stands me in good stead for the start of the WSL season.”

The 30-year-old also revealed her excitement at the prospect of making her debut in front of our fans in the impressive surroundings of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

“Honestly it’s the best stadium in the world," she said: "I can’t wait to play there. I mean, the pitch is like a carpet! There’s hopefully going to be a lot of fans there supporting us and I’m hoping we can put on a really good show for the fans who turn out.

"It’s important we get the season off to a good start which helps to build confidence within our team and from our fans that we can do something special this season.”

Read the full interview with Kyah Simon in Saturday's official matchday programme! Tickets are on sale now for our opening WSL fixture at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (3pm UK kick-off) – secure your seat here to avoid disappointment!