A teenager at the time, Hampton can still remember dreaming about playing at the highest level for Chelsea and working under Emma Hayes.

Fast forward to the present day and the 23-year-old is living that dream having completed her first season as a Blue and helping Chelsea to a seventh Women’s Super League title.

Hampton made 18 appearances across all competitions after joining from Aston Villa last summer, ten of which came in our title-winning league campaign.

She had to practice patience, though, as she did not debut for the Blues until December. But if her first season in London has taught her anything, it is to embrace and make the most of all opportunities.

‘Playing for Chelsea is what I always hoped for,’ said Hampton in an exclusive interview at Cobham. ‘I had in my head it might not happen this season and that it was just going to be a season for development and the odd game here and there.

‘The fact I played more games than I expected – and more than what people on the outside probably expected – has been really positive.

‘But there are so many things I can still develop and work towards to meet the standards I've set myself. I’m not meeting them yet, so I look to the positives of this season and will keep building to get to the level I want to get to.’

Special moments

After making her debut against Bristol City in the WSL in our final game of 2023, Hampton emerged as the Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper as we competed on four fronts in the league, the Continental Cup, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

And it was in Europe that the England international enjoyed one of her personal highlights. A moment teenage Hannah on the Birmingham bench could only have dreamt of.

‘I remember laughing with my friends before I came here when Chelsea played Barcelona in the Champions League – and when Barcelona played Real Madrid in the El Classico at Camp Nou, with the record attendance,’ explained Hampton.

‘They were there sending me messages and photos saying: “Imagine if you played Champions League football here” and how that would be unbelievable.

‘I remember thinking at the time, it’s great you think that guys but I am not sure if it will happen.'

Hampton may not have got to play at Camp Nou when Chelsea played the Catalan giants in the semi-final due to the iconic stadium being under renovation, but that did not overshadow the occasion.

‘Being there in Barcelona this season, walking out in front of both sets of fans, and having my friends who had sent me those messages in the crowd was a really special moment,’ added our goalkeeper.

‘Being able to play in the Champions League, it is something that I had always hoped for. The fact I have been able to do that in my first season here was quite special.’

Hampton eyes more progress

Despite the experiences gained and plaudits earned after several impressive performances in Blue, Hampton – her own biggest critic – wants further improvement in the months and seasons ahead.

‘I demand high standards of myself,’ Hampton added. ‘I know the abilities and capabilities that I have.

‘I am nowhere near hitting them, and I know the level I want to get to and the things I want to achieve in the game. In order to do that, the standards have to be high and you’ve got to keep performing to those standards each week. It is a work in progress, but we’ll get there.'

One thing Hampton wants to achieve is further success with her national team. She was part of the England squad that won the European Championships and featured in both of the Lionesses’ qualifying matches against France, starting in Tuesday night's 2-1 win.

‘Being at a club like Chelsea and competing in all the competitions, you help put yourself in the window for your national team,’ said Hampton. ‘I know if I perform at Chelsea it gives me a good shot.

‘I hope I can play for England a lot more and go on to do well and be successful with England.’

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