Lauren James had a superb second half of last season, so much so that she was disappointed at having to stop playing once the campaign drew to a close.
Our no. 10 was voted as the Player of the Season by our supporters, and she also scooped the Goal of the Season award for her stunning strike away at Arsenal in the Women's Champions League quarter-final.
James finished the campaign on seven goals and four assists after playing her first match as a second-half substitute in our 6-0 victory over St Polten in November, and she took a look back at her positive season overall.
'It was tough at the start of the season because I was out injured,' she explained. 'And then I think from around Christmas onwards I found my way back and my best spell was probably February until the end of the season.
'I started to feel like myself again, had confidence and was playing every week. I'd say on that note I had a good end to the season.
'As a collective, we probably didn't achieve the things we would've expected and hoped to achieve. It was a big learning season. We can go into next season having experienced what it feels like to lose and not win as many trophies. That gives us the hunger to go achieve it next year.'
When supporters vote for end-of-season awards, they always mean a lot to the recipients. James was truly grateful to have been named Player of the Season for 2025/26 by the Blues faithful.
'I appreciate the acknowledgement from the fans of the work I've put in since I've come back from my injury,' she said. 'So obviously, I was really happy about that.
'I think it's massive, and it goes to show that you don't need to play a full season for your performances to get noticed.'
Siblings Lauren and Reece each signed new Chelsea contracts on the same day back in March, and it's clear their family connection means a lot to them. And when England begin their World Cup matches over in the US, Lauren will be there to support her brother - even if she'd rather be on the pitch herself.
'It’s our first summer off in a while, but I do love a tournament year because I just love playing,' she acknowledges. 'I guess I'll enjoy it, but I'm sure after a week I'll want to be back playing again.
'It will be a long six-and-a-half weeks waiting around! I'm going to go away, and then I'm going out to watch my brother at the World Cup.'
And her goals for next year? There was no doubt in her mind about what she wants to achieve.
'I want to win trophies, to help the team win,' she smiled. 'And hopefully have another good full year of playing consistently.'