Ellie Smith talks to Canaries TV as the 2023/24 Women's Player of the Season, presented by Sekura.id.
Congratulations, Ellie. How does it feel to be chosen as the Player of the Season for the second season in a row?
"It feels amazing, to win it last year was incredible, to win it this year just feels even better. I think we've had a brilliant season as a team, so to be chosen out of everyone just feels great, but I think it could have been given to anyone, to be honest. I've got to say thank you to everyone that voted for me, it feels great."
How do you assess the season so far, as an individual and as a team?
"This is the best season I feel like Norwich have played, that I've been part of. Personally, I've really enjoyed the season, it's the most I've ever scored in a season, which is a personal achievement for me, but for the team it's been incredible; we have two games left and we're undefeated. I don't think you can get better than that, apart from promotion obviously, which wasn't quite enough this season, but I think it's been a brilliant season all-round for everyone and the whole team."
You mention your goals there. You've scored on some pretty big occasions this season, what goes through your head after scoring?
"Just happiness, I think. It's obviously a whirlwind at the time, it's also based on the score I guess as well of how happy I am. If it's an equaliser or what could've been the winner, it's always a mixture of emotions. But mostly happiness, and I tend to reflect on it later down the line."
We know you're a Norwich girl through and through, what does it mean to have scored at Carrow Road in front of 6,000 people?
"It was such an amazing feeling, it's always been a dream of mine. We weren't playing at Carrow Road a few seasons ago, so to now have played on there a few times and to get a goal, it just felt incredible. I just remember running over to my family and friends that have supported me throughout my whole career, and it just felt amazing."
You and Tash \[Snelling\] are the two top scorers. You've worked brilliantly up top as a pair, has that relationship helped on the pitch and as the squad as a whole?
"We're such a tight-knit squad. And my relationship with Tash, we're such good friends off the pitch. That always helps on the pitch, especially with our roles being so close with her as the striker and me as the 10. It does help, we link up well. We know how each other plays. The whole team in general, I think we've really clicked this season. Good friends off the pitch, and good players on it."
This has been one of our most successful seasons. Why do you think that is, what's different about this season?
"I think that we all believe. We got off to a great start, that's key to motivate a season. Then the confidence builds. We get on well as a team, we've had fresh blood come in and we just click. We believe in each other, support each other, definitely a tight-knit squad."
Do you have a message for those fans who voted you as the Norwich City Women Player of the Season?
"Thank you, it means so much to me. Thank you for the support all season, coming to The Nest is such a great feeling and having everyone there. Looking across and seeing all the corners filled is a brilliant feeling. Thank you all so much."