Kelly Smith played a vital role in establishing Arsenal as a superpower of women’s football in England in the recent past.

Her mercurial creativity and eye for goal help catapult the Gunners to trophy after trophy, including a clean sweep of silverware in 2006/07, which saw them claim the SSE Women’s FA Cup, FA WSL title, UEFA Women’s Cup, Community Shield and League Cup crowns.

Fast forward to the present day and Arsenal are still one of the top sides but face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, both of whom boast deep squads and have enjoyed heavy investment in recent times.

Major trophies and Champions League football have therefore eluded Arsenal in the past couple of years, with their last honour being the 2016 SSE Women’s FA Cup final against a much-fancied Chelsea – the final time Smith lifted the trophy before her retirement from all forms of the game in January 2017.

But the former Gunners legend believes strong additions in the transfer market and a recent change in management mean the good time could well be back at Arsenal very soon.

“It’s a certainly very competitive league at the moment,” said Smith, who is also England’s all-time top scorer with 46 goals in 117 international appearances.

“Arsenal have dropped away a little bit in past years but I think they’re trying to put that right now with the signings that they’ve made.

“They want to be back playing in and among the Champions League – they’ve missed out in the last few seasons and they obviously have to win or finish second to do that.

“I’m not sure winning it is on the cards at the minute but they’re pushing for second to try and get them into the Champions League – but it’s doable.”

Smith and current England defender Gemma Bonner were at the home of English football – St. George’s Park – on Monday for the launch of SSE’s Together We Can campaign.

The drive unites their SSE Wildcats scheme, aimed at attracting young girls to play football, with their partnership with education charity Teach First in helping young women and girls reach their potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the energy firm’s ongoing commitment to giving women and girls the chance to thrive in the energy sector.

For Watford-born Smith, the current Arsenal crop have the potential to kick on as they get used to the methods of new boss Joseph Montemurro, who succeeded Pedro Martinez Losa in November.

“For Arsenal, one key player is Jordan Nobbs,” added Smith. “She’s the vice-captain of England and has done a fantastic job for Arsenal over the years.

“Kim Little coming back is a massive boost. Danielle Carter too – when she’s on form, nobody can stop her.

“Arsenal have an array of players with a lot of firepower. The new manager is trying to get them to play a different style of football.

“More possession-based and when they lose the ball, try and get it back as quickly as possible and I think the feelgood factor is back at Arsenal – they seem to be enjoying their football at the minute.”

Women’s FA Cup sponsor SSE have launched the #TogetherWeCan campaign designed to inspire positive change on and off the football field. For more information about SSE’s involvement in women’s football visit www.sponsorship.sse.com