Albion are making a commitment to playing WSL matches at the Amex (Image: BHAFC/Kyle Hemsley)
Albion are making a commitment to playing WSL matches at the Amex (Image: BHAFC/Kyle Hemsley)
Arturo Ruiz says Albion’s commitment to a new stadium speaks volumes about their longer-term ambition.
But his immediate goal is a first win of the WSL season to take them into the international break.
The Spanish head coach is seeking his first league victory in charge as Charlton Athletic visit the Amex on Sunday (2pm).
He took over just ahead of the campaign on a contract until 2029, which is the year before a new women’s football stadium could open.
In the meantime, the club are taking more games to the Amex to get fans in the habit of going to the Falmer site for women’s football.
The new venue will be right next to the main stadium, where Albion’s women have already played Aston Villa this season.
Asked whether a planned new stadium for 2030 impacted his decision to join a club in 2026, Ruiz said: “I looked at everything and everything affected it.
“I have a contract until 2029, so I don't know if the stadium is going be there, so it was not a big thing, a big expectation.
“But just the fact that the club is building that stadium is giving you a lot of information.
“The intention is one of the material, physical things that we are going to have, that big stadium.
“That also give us the information about what the club feels and how the club interprets its women's team.
“So, for me, it was very important.
“And then, playing at the Amex, I asked about it, and they told me that we were playing a lot of games in this first part of the season and then, after Christmas, some of them.
“So it was also very important because we feel very strong in there.
“It happened against Villa. We did a very good game, although we received that goal in the last minutes, and we are really looking forward to enjoying this Sunday and getting these three first points in the Amex.”
Albion dominated against Villa before conceding an 89th-minute goal direct from a corner to force a 1-1 draw.
A crowd of 3,137 – including a small group from Villa – saw that game and Albion will hope for more this time.
Asked whether he was disappointed by that attendance, Ruiz said: “I didn't know the average here because I just came one month ago, and I don't know how many were expected.
“My job and my focus needs to be on doing a great job daily and doing great games and getting the best possible results, because that is what the people look for.
“We just need to work on what is under our control, and that will attract people.
“And obviously we are really happy the more people that come, the stronger that we feel in the stadium.”
Albion have two points from four games but had a 4-0 win in the Players Cup at home to Charlton, who have lost all games so far this season and have not won, other than in a penalty shoot-out, since March.