Everton goalkeeper Emily Ramsey is relishing the opportunity to represent the Blues in the Women's Super League and believes her performances are continuing to improve under manager Brian Sorensen.
Ramsey arrived at Walton Hall Park in the summer on a season-long loan from fellow WSL outfit Manchester United and has cemented herself as an integral part of Sorensen's squad. The 22-year-old has so far made six appearances in all competitions for Everton this term, and made the shortlist for December's WSL Player of the Month following a string of impressive displays.
"I’m really enjoying it here," Ramsey told the ECHO. "It was a different challenge for me coming in on loan but the group have been great and really welcoming.
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"We’ve got quite a lot of new players who’ve gelled really well as a team and obviously now we’re trying to implement Brian’s philosophy and that’s starting to show in the performances. I’m just enjoying it and trying to get as much game time as possible."
Ramsey's footballing journey began on the other side of the M62 at Deans Youth FC, a local boys team in her native Salford. Hailing from a family of staunch Manchester United fans, it's little surprise that she grew up idolising legendary Dutch 'keeper, Edwin van der Sar.
“When I was young and football was starting to catch my eye, I think that was when United were probably at their best," Ramsey said. "I used to love van der sar and my cousin bought me his shirt.
"It was the first United shirt that was mine. I’d always got hand-me-downs from my brother and sister so it was the first one that was just mine. It was the blue goalie kit and I don’t think I took it off for two weeks."
Ramsey would soon get the chance to follow in her hero's footsteps, earning a place at United's Centre of Excellence when she was just nine years old. However, in 2017, the absence of a senior women's team at United meant Ramsey was forced to cross enemy lines, joining Liverpool under manager Casey Stoney.
"There was no further pathway for me at United so I ended up going to Liverpool. I was only 16 so my dad had to drive me over three or four times a week and wait for me in Liverpool so I don’t think he enjoyed that so much," Ramsey joked.
"But from that experience I met Casey Stoney when she was coaching the development team. That led me back to United so I’m really grateful for that opportunity. "
The young goalkeeper followed Stoney back to United in 2018, before three consecutive loan spells at Sheffield United, West Ham and Birmingham City.
"It’s tough," Ramsey said, reflecting on the challenges of going out on loan. "For me, I’m used to it now and I know what works for me. In terms of other loans I’ve been on, particularly my first one, it’s hard because you feel like a Manchester United player and its hard to differentiate from being there.
"For me now, I’m at Everton and I’m 100% at Everton so I’m not thinking about United while I’m here which is important. The mood around the group has been great and the work ethic has been great."
Everton will get the opportunity to consoldidate their position in the top half of the WSL table when they take on seventh-placed West Ham on Sunday. And Ramsey is expecting a tricky encounter when Paul Konchesky's side travel to Walton Hall Park.
"It’s going to be a really competitive game," she said. "We know they’re going to be really physical and work really hard so it’s about how we implement our game plan and control the game. We’re expecting a strong team but hopefully we can put out a good performance and win the game. "
Everton Women play their home games at Walton Hall Park and have back-to-back home games against West Ham and Birmingham City this month. Tickets are free for Season Ticket, Lounge and Official Member. Tickets, priced at £4 for juniors and £8 for adults can be purchased here.
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