By Rebecca Hall 6/9/23
Above: Angela Beard in the colours of her new club Linköping
Filipinas’ star Angie Beard signed for Swedish powerhouse Linköping last week from A-League side Western United, Impetus Football caught up with the World Cup player to see how she is settling in ahead of the first round of Women’s Champions League Football.
Beard, 26, departed Western United FC on a permanent transfer with a deal through to the 2025 season. In comments provided by Western United, the player said “To the Club and the girls – thank you for welcoming me into the team and allowing me to play a small part in your historical inaugural season,” Beard said.
“Although my career takes me back to European football, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Western United and I wish the team the best of luck for the upcoming season.”. During her stint in Melbourne, Beard played with fellow Filipina’s teammate, Jaclyn Sawiki, both playing an integral role in leading the side to the finals of the A-League in the side’s inaugural campaign, eventually losing out to Sydney FC.
Over the summer, Beard played in all three of the Philippines group stage games against Switzerland, New Zealand and Norway in the country’s maiden tournament. These games also provided an opportunity for Beard to play against Arsenal stars Lia Walti, Noelle Maritz of Switzerland, and Frida L. Maanum of Norway, who are Linköping’s first game of the Champions League tournament.
However, at the time Beard herself was not yet signed to Linkoping, and therefore did not realise just how soon she would be meeting these players once more. Of the experience, while Beard could not “prepare for a future I didn’t know about” in terms of taking notes on her soon-to-be opponents, the player explained that there are takeaways but being a “football fan in general, and watching the WSL (Women’s Super League), following along with players” means an in-depth study of players isn’t needed to the same extent, due to the natural familiarity.
Beard is also very familiar with the Australian Arsenal players, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, from her earlier international days when she played for Australia. Beard made 3 appearances for Australia before switching to the Philippines, and grew up in the Australian system, playing at under seventeen and twenty level.
Linköping’s signing of Beard strengthens the side significantly given her impressive ability to play in numerous positions. During her time in the Danish league, her position was focused on defensive action, whereas more recently, at Western United, fans were treated to attacking ball work and goals.
However, as the Queenslander explains her position can also be moulded to the opponent “given the group the Philippines found themselves in at the World Cup” (made up of New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland) and the results we (Philippines) were trying to get” meant she was predominantly a defensive force. As a result, the player is keen “not to put herself in a box” regarding her position, as she continues to be flexible and talented in the positions any of her teams require. Beard explained “that as I get older, I learn to adapt more with each team I’m part of” and ultimately “whatever’s best for the team, is what we’re going for”.
Prior to Beard’s move to Sweden, she was heavily linked with a move to England’s Women’s Super League, although no team was named. In the past Beard has discussed a desire to play in Europe and specifically in the WSL, however, she is now focused on her new club.
When Impetus asked if this was still a goal, Beard explained that “it’s hard to say… right now for my career I just want to be playing consistent minutes, against great players… but right now I’m loving being here and I’m loving the team. I think for right now this is where I need to be, I’m happy”.
Beard only recently arrived in Linköping but is already settling in, while her time in Denmark “helps a little with the language… the girls are very welcoming and friendly, so it’s easy to have a conversation, so that really helps. But if I’m here for two and a half years, I will pick some up” she jokes.
Looking even further into the future, Beard discussed where she feels the future of her international team is heading. Many from the Philippines were clear from the start of the World Cup that while reaching the tournament, was an important milestone, it was not the final destination, and it was important for the team to continue to reach new levels. “With the new head coach, he’s settling in and finding his spot”, and “the experience of the World Cup itself” also “exposes the players to that environment” and that helps “build to the next step at the Olympics”.
As for Beard’s feelings about reaching the next level, she passionately tells me “I play football to win games, I’m not just here to participate, so I’m hoping we can push for more wins and a better brand of football than we were yesterday”.
Ending the conversation with Beard, what is clear is her desire to constantly improve not just her own game but also the teams she plays for. Given Linköping’s success throughout the years and a team, that currently sits second in the Damallsvenskan, it would not be surprising, with Beard’s determination, that she will go on to be a vital part of the side’s fight to top the league.
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