The New Year is upon us, so Boro Women forward Jess Mett has shared how 2023 has been for the club and for herself.
Since officially welcoming the women's side to Middlesbrough FC in May, Michael Mulhern's side have set themselves in good stead for the second half of the campaign, currently sitting third in the league and still in with a shout of top spot.
Jess Mett has taken the coming of the New Year to look back on the last 12 months at the club.
"Since the affiliation with MFC there has been a massive step in the right direction," she said.
"We train at Rockliffe and the facilities are amazing, and that's meant the standard we train and perform at is therefore so much higher.
"It's such a professional and positive environment and the girls all get along really well.
"It feels a lot like a whole new team but all the new girls have brought a wealth of experience and talent to the group.
"We all want to work hard for each other on and off the pitch and I think that's why we are having the success we are having."
The players made history in 2023, as the first Middlesbrough FC Women's side to play at the Riverside Stadium in front of an audience of over 2,000 Boro fans. As a home-grown talent, being at the Riverside was all the more special for Jess.
"When it was announced that we'd be playing at the Riverside and making history, being the first affiliated Middlesbrough FC Women's team to play there, I was immensely proud," she said.
"It was an indescribable feeling! For all of us!
"I felt proud knowing the women's game was growing in the area and that as a local girl I could get the chance to play at the Riverisde and be a part of that event.
"It gives all the young girls around Middlesbrough who have a passion for football something to dream about. That if they work hard, they can play at the Riverside one day too."
The new faces around the squad have meant Jess has to be at the top of her game to keep her place in the squad.
"On a personal note the season has been challenging," said the forward. "Having to fight for your place in the squad because of all the competition coming in.
"It's certainly made me more determined to prove my ability and scoring twice on my first game of the season hopefully proved that.
"I'm always working hard in training and I'm desperate to be the best player I can be, for myself and the team.
"It's an extremely proud moment every time I put on that shirt and wear the Middlesbrough badge.
"Seeing young girls buying Boro shirts with my name and number on the back was just a surreal moment.
"Seeing all the fans at the games gives us that extra boost to put on a good display and to keep inspiring the next generation of girls.
"I always love seeing the fans after the game and getting to meet them all and I work hard to be the best player and role model I can be for them.
"The rest of the players and I can't wait to see all the fans against Hull on 7 January at the MAP Group Stadium for our first game in 2024!"