Emma Hayes’ Double winners get their WSL title defence underway with a London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 1 October. Kick-off is at 5.30pm and excitement is building for the return of domestic football.

With the Blues' pre-season preparations well underway, Kirby sat down to discuss personal and collective ambitions for the forthcoming campaign, and expressed excitement at the prospect of stepping out in front of our fans at Stamford Bridge again.

Mark your calendars with the return of the Women’s Super League in October. Click here to view our ticket bundles and find out how to secure your seats for 2023/24!

Having worked tirelessly on her return to fitness, Kirby has a very clear aim for the season ahead on an individual level while ambitions for the team remain unchanged. Winning doesn’t breed satisfaction, but rather a desire to strive for more.

‘Personally, I want to stay on the pitch and to enjoy it,’ Kirby said. ‘Over the last few years, I’ve struggled a lot with my body in different circumstances in different ways. It’s about getting myself in a position where I am always available and train as much as I possibly can. I love training, working on different aspects of my body and seeing how far I can push it.

‘For me it’s being on the pitch, staying on the pitch and being able to contribute more. Last season I had a really good start to the season until Christmas, where I was contributing with goals and assists and finding my flow. It’s being able to maintain myself and keep myself in a good place.

‘Collectively as a team, it’s always the same goal - to win as much as we possibly can,' Fran added.

'We always set that goal at the beginning of the year and even when we win a trophy, we’re never satisfied. We’re already thinking about the next one and that is what drives this team forward.’

After a significant stint on the sidelines, Kirby cannot wait to get back playing in front of our supporters. Injury cruelly disrupted her rhythm last season, but the forward wants to contribute as much as possible this time around and is excited for our opening WSL fixture at Stamford Bridge.

‘I want to be out there, I want to be playing in front of our fans and in front of fans everywhere. It was frustrating when I got the injury because I knew it wasn’t a good one. I was coming back into the team, scored in that game, I was getting a good feeling and then it was another setback.

‘Hopefully, I’ll be able to get on the pitch and contribute in the game, whether that is from the beginning or coming in. I was able to come in against Tottenham when we played them at the Bridge last time, which was nice. I’ve played against PSG there too, so I’ve had a taste of the Bridge.

‘I hope everyone is excited because I’m excited to get back on the pitch and play in front of everyone, so I hope everyone goes and gets their tickets!’

Ahead of our return to domestic action, the Blues welcome A.S. Roma to Kingsmeadow for a pre-season fixture this Sunday 3 September, with kick-off at 8pm (UK time). It’s not too late to grab your tickets which can be purchased by clicking here.