Ipswich Town Women name Maria Boswell as new captain

Maria Boswell wore the armband in Sunday's 8-0 FA Cup win over Sutton Coldfield, but will be official captain for the first time this Sunday at Billericay.

Ipswich Town Women have named Maria Boswell as their new captain following Blue Wilson's departure.

The versatile defender, originally from Romford, has racked up 54 appearances for Town.

She will wear the armband as the official club captain for the first time this Sunday away at Billericay Town.

The 20-year-old, who has been at the club since joining from the Essex RTC in 2019, said it was a "big honour".

'I'm really excited'

She said: "It's a big deal for me. I found out last week and I've been buzzing ever since really."

Earlier this week, the club announced that former skipper Blue Wilson was leaving the club to focus on opportunities outside of football.

Boswell praised her former teammate's impact.

"Its a big honour to be asked to take on that role after the job that Blue was able to do," she said. "Everyone looked at her as the leader, and respected her. She was our captain and it's such a shame that she's made the decision to move on. Hopefully i can do it justice, and I'm really excited."

Boswell is a popular figure among her teammates. Winger Sophie Peskett previously referred to Boswell as the "mum of the group"

Manager Joe Sheehan said: "Maria is a great person, communicator, who performs consistently and connects well with all players and staff. She tactically dialled in to a really high level and influences others very well."

Sheehan also coached Boswell for three years as a youngster in the Essex Regional Talent Club.

Boswell added: "I've known Joe a long time, and he really supported me when I was going through the dips, I always knew he fully supported me. To take this next step just shows how much he trusts me and backs me as a player."

The Tractor Girls' primary aim this season is achieving promotion to the Championship from the third tier. They are currently third.

Boswell has shown versatility, having been deployed in various roles across the backline. Manager Joe Sheehan has described her as a "Complete Player"

"Sometimes I think about how good it will feel when we get that result we need to get promotion. Now to envisage that, with me lifting the trophy is even better. We're all putting in the hard work, off and on the pitch to achieve what we want to achieve."

Boswell wishes to mirror the impact men's first team captain Sam Morsy has had since his arrival.

"If I can be any sort of captain like Sam Morsy, who has the respect of not only his team mates but the club. He's a great one to emulate."

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