Charlton Athletic head coach Karen Hills has expressed immense pride in her squad as they prepare for a season-defining showdown against Birmingham City at The Valley this weekend. The Addicks are on the brink of promotion to the Barclays Women's Super League, needing just a draw to secure their spot in the top flight. A loss, however, would hand the title to Birmingham City in a winner-takes-all finale.

"I'm super-proud of where we currently are," Hills said in her pre-match press conference. "At the start of the season, if you'd asked me if I wanted to take it to the last game, absolutely. The players thoroughly deserve it. We are really looking forward to the game, we are excited, it's going to be played at The Valley which makes it extra special."

The stakes couldn't be higher for Charlton, who could have moved three points clear at the top last weekend but were denied by a late Southampton equalizer in a 2-2 draw. Rather than letting that setback derail their momentum, Hills praised her team's resilience. "I thought they might have had to be lifted, but I probably needed to be lifted more than the players did," she admitted. "When we were 1-0 down against a very good Southampton side, we showed a lot of grit and determination to come back. Emma Bissell coming on and scoring that penalty was a game-changer—a fantastic feeling."

Reflecting on the season, Hills emphasized the character her side has displayed. "We as a group have reflected on that this week. Yes, we were disappointed to concede late, but what it showed was our hunger and determination to keep going. In the grand scheme of things, that point puts us in a really strong position."

Birmingham City have been relentless challengers, and Hills acknowledged the quality of their opposition. "Amy [Merricks] has done an unbelievable job there. They've pushed us all the way, and it's a testament to both teams that it comes down to this final day."

With promotion on the line and the electric atmosphere of The Valley behind them, Charlton Athletic are ready for their biggest test yet. As Hills put it: "To guide this team to where it is has been a privilege. We are really excited and really looking forward to what will hopefully be an unbelievable day."