It’s been a summer of homecoming for Taylor Hinds, who returned to Arsenal after seven years on Merseyside.
The full-back came through our academy before moving to Everton in 2018 and then switching to Liverpool two years later, who she went on to make over 100 league appearances for.
Asked what it’s like to return to Arsenal, Hinds said: “It’s an amazing feeling and everyone’s journey is so different. I had to take that journey away from here, which is absolutely fine. I was enjoying my journey and to be back, when you first start having conversations, it’s like, I could be back where it all started. But the hard work doesn’t stop, it still continues and you have to be with an amazing group of girls like this.
“I was young [previously at Arsenal], so when I couldn’t drive I used to get the train and Leah [Williamson] used to pick me up. But that just shows what kind of a person she is. It’s a weird feeling because I was so young and now I’m growing, I’m more mature as well so it’s different but it’s a nice environment and I think it’s just nice that you already know a few people.
“Football is our life, so outside of it there was moving away, but I’m closer to my family home now, so that’s also nice. I’m enjoying it, me, my dog as well, living here, and I think football does take over a lot of your time so there’s new things that I’m learning, new coffee shops that I’m going to be going to and some good hair and beauty spots as well!
“I think obviously there are challenges here where you might not play but you’ve got to put yourself out there and put yourself in a position where you want to compete and be at a team which is the best team in the world right now. That’s where I want to be and I have so much respect for Liverpool and my journey with Liverpool but I’m here now and in this moment I’m so happy to be here.
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“I will be competing but we’re going to be competing as a team and we’re only going to push one another because we all want the same goal and we all want to win the trophies and the girls have already done that, so I think they know how it feels and they only want to do it more.
“I think it was the perfect time for me. I think through my years at Liverpool, I built myself up and worked really hard and then I got to the point where I want to be winning trophies and I want to be competing at the highest level and this is exactly where I want to be because I was here a few years ago growing up. I think it’s also so special to me, this club, and it feels like home already. I think for me, I just want to be winning and the team wants to win.”
Hinds went onto speak about how important it is to be able to play across multiple positions, and how that can improve the impact of players off the bench.
“Renee and I had a few discussions and Renee likes versatility, so everyone in the team doesn’t just have one position,” she explained. “Everyone can play in multiple positions and I think that’s what’s amazing about this team is that you have options everywhere. I’m here to compete and the girls that are in those positions now have performed brilliantly, but I’m excited to play wherever, as long as it’s on the pitch.
“Games aren’t just won by just the 11 that starts on the pitch, they’re won by the whole team, not just the girls that are the finishers, also the backroom staff as well. I think that’s what’s really amazing about this club - the depth, not just in the team, in the staff as well. I think that all provides you with the chance to be your best on the pitch. We’re going to be happy to compete, but it’s only going to make every single one of us better. And that’s what we’re here for, we’re here to win games.”
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