‘We’re better than the position we’re currently in’, says Goater as Aston Villa target improved form in WSL
SHAUN GOATER has vowed to bring calmness during his Aston Villa reign following the sacking of Robert de Pauw.
The stand-in Villans Women chief, 54, insists players are hungry to turn things around after picking up one win from nine WSL games under their former boss.
On Wednesday Goater became the interim chief of a top-flight women’s side for the first time in his coaching career, following De Pauw’s departure.
A run of five losses and three draws has left Villa, who host West Ham tomorrow, position one point above the drop zone and sitting ninth.
And they hope to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle.
Ahead of the match Goater reflected on some past experiences of overcoming the odds during his playing days at Manchester City.
The former Cityzens and Bermuda striker, who hung up his boots in 2006, reflected on helping his old club battle from 2-0 down to win a Second Division play-off final against Gillingham in 1999.
Goater, who scored more than 100 times for the Cityzens, said: “Many people know my story and my journey.
“One of those stories was playing at Wembley and City being 2-0 down and the clock being in the 88th minute (before we fought back).
“I have within me, from that experience, the will to fight to the end.”
Goater, who began his coaching career in Bermuda 18 years ago, added: “That’s what I will pour into the girls – that we will continue to fight until the end.
“In all fairness, we have that in abundance. We have that ability to fight and play the Villa way.
“As a club the aspiration for Villa is to be higher up (in the WSL). We’ve not had the start to the season that we would like.
“The (game against West Ham) is a must-win because we’re better than the position we’re currently in (in the league).”
Before joining Villa this August Goater previously worked as part of Man City’s academy coaching staff from October 2021 before becoming assistant to City Women’s boss Gareth Taylor last April.
His appointment as stand-in boss follows De Pauw’s exit after almost six months in post.
Of De Pauw’s departure, Goater, who guided Villa to a 4-1 win against Charlton in the Women’s League Cup on December 11, said: “We’re in the business of football.
“Sometimes these things happen. It’s one of those things.
“On the day and when things were unfolding – yes – I was surprised (he had gone).
“But when the girls got together it was all about preparing for the game (against Charlton).
“When I look into the players’ eyes I can see their hunger (to win).
“They’re excited about the game coming up. This fills me with confidence that we can take this challenge on
Villa’s first game under Goater included forward Ebony Salmon and skipper Rachel Daly both scoring twice.
And Goater will be turning to both forwards and Villa’s other senior players to help get over their “bumpy” run of losses in the WSL.
He added:“We have our senior players and this is exactly what I’ll be asking of them.
“That’s to continue to take senior leadership roles and make sure we see ourselves through this bumpy period.”