Skinner: We want to go one better than last year

The Reds will take on Newcastle United in the Adobe Women's FA Cup as we set our sights on reaching Wembley once again. 

The visitors are set to bring over 1,000 fans with them to Leigh Sports Village, something which Skinner believes is important for the game.

Tickets are still available, priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, and can be booked via the LSV website here.

Ahead of the encounter, Skinner spoke to the press from Carrington and you can read his key comments below.

LAST SEASON’S FA CUP

“It’s obviously fresh in our memory, it only seems like yesterday. The thing we won’t do is we won’t think we’re in the next round until we play Newcastle.

“I know they are two divisions below right now but they are a really aspirational team and they are playing well. They come into the game on the back of a 7-0 win and full of confidence. We have to be at our best and click into rhythm quickly. They travel with a lot of fans so it will be an epic game.

“We want to go one better than we did last year but we have to think a game at a time.”

TRAVELLING FANS

“Our fans are the best in the country but it’s going to be exciting to have that back and forth a little bit. It will feel like an energetic game and it will give them a boost [with over 1000 Newcastle fans travelling]. I think it will lead to an exciting game.”

INJURY NEWS

“Obviously our long-term injuries are still there. The only one who has not trained over the last few days is Melvine [Malard] because of a calf issue. Hopefully she will train today and she will be in contention for the weekend. We got Ire [Guerrero] some minutes whilst we were away so it’s great to see her back. That’s positive for us.”

OUR FANS

“Fans’ voices are the most important thing in football. They have the opportunity to grow the game – it doesn’t matter whether it’s men’s or women’s football.

“This club will never stop people from singing what they want, that’s the beauty of football. It drives the game. Everyone’s voice is super important. You will always have different scopes and different thoughts.

“What I love about our fans is that no matter what their different thoughts and opinions, they support this team and the development of the team. Everyone is welcome to their opinion. It’s not always going to be nice but actually to have that opinion is healthy.”

FA CUP PRIZE MONEY

“I think it makes a huge impact to any club – obviously it makes an impact to different teams in different ways.

“That money could be invested in some of the kids coming up and Manchester United has a great heritage of bringing people through. Last season we gave four contracts to academy players. It gives aspirational targets for others to aspire to.

“It’s really positive and it makes a huge impact. Whether it’s in recruiting or in bringing staff to help with support, it’s all important in the growth of the game. It’s great to see.”