Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Aug 15: Rhian Cleverly has been named captain of Brentford Women's team for the 2026-27 season, with Maddie Phillips appointed vice-captain.

The centre-back joined the Bees in July from third-tier side Rugby Borough and will lead the team under head coach Caryl Williams. Lucy Potter and Makeba Black will also form part of the team's leadership group.

Cleverly said she was delighted to have been entrusted with the captaincy despite being new to the club.

"It's just a massive privilege, to be honest. I wasn't expecting it; obviously I'm pretty new in the building, but from minute one, I knew this club was special," she told Brentford FC.

"Most people that know me know that I love communicating; I love speaking, both on and off the pitch. One thing I'm trying to do more is listen as well," she added.

The 31-year-old said she would draw on the experience of players who have been part of Brentford's project for longer as she settles into her leadership role.

"Being new in the building, I know I still have a lot to learn, learning from the people that were already in the building and have been part of this project for a long time and hopefully taking it to the next level as well," Cleverly said.

She added that she intended to maintain high standards based on her experience of playing at a high level while remaining true to herself.

Cleverly also praised Phillips for the support she has received since joining the club and said she hoped the leadership group could combine its different experiences and strengths.

"Looking at us all, different ages, different experiences… hopefully we balance each other well with our strengths and our weaknesses," she said.

"A big thing for me is everyone being themselves. If they can all be themselves, what a leadership group that is! Maddie from day one made me feel so welcome. I know my way around the building because of Maddie, so I feel like we've got a good partnership both on and off the pitch, and we can really drive that culture together," she added.

Williams backed Cleverly's appointment, praising the defender's impact both on and off the pitch.

"Rhian brings with her a wealth of experience throughout the women's game both domestically and internationally," Williams said.

"She has made a positive start to her journey as a Bee on and off the pitch, bringing with her leadership skills, high-level communication skills and a strong desire to learn and develop as a player," she added.

Brentford Women currently compete in the London and South East Premier, the fifth tier of the English women's football pyramid.

Cleverly believes the club has the infrastructure and ambition needed to climb the league system, saying she had been impressed with the support around the team since arriving.

"From minute one I've been blown away; I would never have thought this was a tier five side... the support we've got in place, the girls, the standards are great. I think it's just adding that extra one per cent and the consistency," she said.