Charles has won 12 major honours since joining Chelsea in 2000 and her sixth season in blue is first where she has not lifted the Women's Super League title, having to settle for a third-place finish.

Chelsea retained the Women's League Cup during the 2025/26 campaign but after winning two trebles and two doubles during her six years with us, the England international was honest in reflecting that the Blues' players and staff expect more come May.

When asked to reflect on this season, Charles replied: 'It's not up to Chelsea's standards at all. We're still competing, but we definitely need to build and be better. Since I've been at the club, this is the first season we haven't won the league. So, we definitely want more.'

Charles was equally honest when assessing Saturday's 1-0 win over Man United, adding: 'I'm glad we got the win. It definitely wasn't our best performance, but we did enough to secure the victory.

'I'm also pleased that we managed the game better than we have in recent times. It wasn't our best, but we won and did our part.

'I think that reflects the season overall. We ended on a good note and can definitely build into next season.'

Chelsea Women will call Stamford Bridge home for all of our WSL matches from the 2026/27 season and there was a great atmosphere for Saturday's 1-0 victory over United.

And Niamh said: 'Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. The support was amazing - the fans here at Stamford Bridge and at Kingsmeadow are amazing.

'Making this our home, it does feel like a fortress. We love playing here.'

It was an emotional afternoon for Niamh as she said goodbye to two good friends and long-standing team-mates Millie Bright and Sam Kerr, who have both announced the 2025/26 season will be their last in blue.

Niamh said: 'I am very emotional. Every time I look at Sam and Millie, it's just a mix of sadness and happiness. We've shared so many amazing memories together. They're incredible people, and closing this chapter feels like the end of an unbelievable journey.

'The send-off was lovely, with the team and fans saying goodbye. I'm really happy for both of them to finish here at Stamford Bridge with a win, doing it the Chelsea way. They absolutely deserve that and more. They've been incredible servants to the club, amazing players, and wonderful people. The way they've carried themselves perfectly represents what we stand for.

'They're just good people, very good people. They love the club, the fans, and playing football. They're amazing team-mates and leaders. Each of them has been pivotal to what we've achieved week in, week out, year after year.'