The Big Kick Off: Rachael Laws

Sunderland goalkeeper Rachael Laws picks the togetherness built through tough training sessions and games as her favourite part of pre-season, and the running as the worst, something everyone hated but simply had to get on with. Her aim is to give a hundred per cent in every match and do her bit for the team in the hope that it translates into a good league campaign. Asked what would make her season easier she requests more hours in the day and the chance to sleep during them, players always complaining they get too little. She names Jack Wilshere as her all-time favourite celebrity, keeps team-mate Beth Mead on as her more or less permanent slave, and hopes for sixth place while acknowledging that survival is the primary aim.