Wolves Women star eager to inspire the next generation

Third tier Wolves welcome top flight United to Telford's SEAH Stadium on Saturday for a sell-out FA Cup clash.

Merrick, a lifelong Wolves fan who works as a PE teacher in her day job, will have students watching her on from the crowd and she hopes to keep inspiring budding young footballers of the future.

"The attention that we get for these games has obviously grown year on year and you can see how far women's football has come," Merrick said.

"In my day job as a teacher I've noticed that this game's had a real impact on all the young girls and boys at school.

"It's been really impressive for all the girls and boys to be noticing what I'm doing and the people I'm sharing the pitch.

"It's actually been nice that they can talk quite fondly about women's football and in a similar sense that they do to men's football with me all the time.

"I'll come in on a Monday and the first thing they'll give me is any a little bit of banter about what's happened with Wolves at the weekend so this week's been really pleasing because I've been able to give so many banter about the Villa game but also receive so many good comments about the Man United game. 

"A big name that has been mentioned is Ella Toone and there are a lot of kids at my school that are coming and a lot that see her as a massive inspiration.

"To see me on a pitch as a teacher against her is going to be a really special moment."

The players were surprised by the FA Cup trophy before training at Compton on Tuesday night, as they prepare to take on Super League opposition.

But Merrick could have missed out on this fixture without a change of heart in the summer.

She had decided to leave her playing days behind her but after a period of reflection, she rejoined the club a month later and is now aiming to make special memories this weekend.

"They're not just football team-mates they're friends," Merrick said.

"Even Macca, I see him as close family with the number of conversations and arguments that we have with each other.

"To be the underdogs, which we naturally are, and to have that moment with the girls coming back at the club that obviously I love is amazing. It's really special for me and my family. 

"We're doing everything in our power to be able to provide an opportunity, to provide a moment to be able to provide those memories.

"In the FA Cup if you can gain a bit of momentum, momentum is everything in football and you never know what could happen.

"I know I've got a few of the headlines for scoring in the FA Cup this year but there's so many people in this team that can pop up with a special moment.

"I wouldn't care whether it was an own goal, 12 own goals, whatever it looks like as long as that ball hits the back of the net it'll be a really special occasion."