Club captain Giota Papaioannou has signed a new deal with Argyle ahead of the 2025/26 FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division campaign.
Entering her eighth season in Green, Giota has made 125 appearances for Argyle, scoring three goals.
The defender’s leadership is just one of many outstanding characteristics that make her an important part of Head Coach Marie Hourihan’s squad for the busy upcoming season, which gets under way next month.
Speaking with Argyle TV, Papaioannou said that it was an easy decision to sign a new contract with the Greens and that just one conversation with Hourihan was enough to do so.
“I'm buzzing to be here, still,” Papaioannou said. “I've said in previous interviews how much this club means to me. I've been here for seven seasons now, so I'm absolutely over the moon and looking forward to this season.
“We knew that Marie was going to come in and be our new head coach for a little bit, and, when it was announced, I met Marie at Home Park that week, and it was lovely to have a catch-up. It was very much a reassuring and positive meeting, and she seems like a person who knows what she wants us to do and how she wants us to do it. I was sold on the first day I met her!
“The last few seasons, we've always managed to stay in the league, but it hasn't been ideal. Now, we've brought in new players, and more full-time staff; I think a few people who have signed have said in their interviews that we aim to start finishing in the top half of the table, and I agree. That’s something we haven't achieved as long as I've been here at this club, so we're aiming for it.”
Argyle’s pre-season continues on Sunday, when the Pilgrims play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Home Park.
The FAWNL Northern Premier Division side finished second last season and will be an exciting test for Hourihan’s side, but Papaioannou is ready for the challenge and delighted to be returning to the Theatre of Greens for a day full of action.
The game will be preceded by Pilgrim Pete’s Sports Day, and followed by a screening of England’s European Championship final against Spain.
“We’re so excited to be back at Home Park,” Giota said. “Not just me, all the girls as well, and especially the new girls. We've been talking about how lovely it is to play at Home Park, and I think they're really looking forward to it as well. It will be amazing to have that experience with them.
“It’s a great occasion for more people to come and get an introduction to an exciting team and project, if they haven't watched us before. There are a lot of different activities going on throughout the day, and I'm pretty sure the weather is looking quite nice at the moment as well. So, if you've got nothing for your Sunday afternoon, I think it’ll be a perfect afternoon to come and watch and get behind us.”
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