Mahmood: West Brom has special place in my heart

Mariam Mahmood says she is loving every minute at West Brom and says the club has a special place in her heart.

Mahmood is a product of the West Bromwich Albion RTC (Regional Talent Club) and cemented her place in the first-team squad last season under the tutelage of Jenny Sugarman, who took the reins at the club in the summer of 2021.

The 18-year-old striker is fast becoming a fans' favourite at the club and recently featured in West Brom's kit launch for the new season.

And England Colleges international Mahmood insists there is still plenty more to come from her.

"It feels like I've been here ages," Mahmood told Sky Sports News in her first interview with a major platform.

"I've been here since I was in the U14s and there is nothing I regret about coming here. It was the first academy side that I was at and I'm really happy here.

"This club has definitely got a special place in my heart. I've developed here as a person and a player, and now I am in the first team.

"I just want to keep getting better and score some more goals. I want to get fitter, sharper and I want to continue to improve my decision-making, but I think that will come with age as well, as I'm still quite young."

West Brom Women have returned to action in pre-season ahead of the new campaign, with Mahmood getting straight back in the groove by scoring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County earlier this week.

Mahmood played 87 minutes in the historic 2-0 win against Derby last season, which was the first West Brom Women's game ever to be staged at The Hawthorns.

"That felt good," Mahmood admitted.

"It's always nice to win, particularly against the big teams, but the opportunity to play at The Hawthorns was an amazing experience. It was