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Aileen Whelan notes a positive shift in the Foxes as they head into this weekend's match against Manchester City Back Leicester have "more belief" after getting points on the board says Whelan Aileen Whelan notes a positive shift in the Foxes as they head into this weekend's match against Manchester City Girls on the Ball 2 February 2023 By Paul Donegan Leicester City captain Aileen Whelan spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Super League game against Manchester City. How do you think January went for the side? “It was a good one, first points on the board and a positive performance, three goals as well and given us some momentum” W helan said. Added they also had a couple of friendlies in which they got wins, goals and clean sheets. Do you see the fight, spirit and quality for Leicester to stay in the WSL this season? Whelan responded by saying “there has definitely been a shift in the environment, passion and enthusiasm in training and the games, and getting the fans to stick with us as going in the right direction now”. Is there a feeling there has been a change? “It is a lot more positive and a lot more belief in what we are trying to achieve, and definitely going in the right direction” Whelan said. As out of the cups, is only focusing now on the WSL a good thing? Whelan said it is disappointing to have gone out of the FA Cup as want to play as many games as possible, “but league to focus on and that is priority and will be until end of the season”. Do you feel any result against Manchester City will be massive in survival hopes? “Yeah absolutely, to climb the table we need points on the board, anything one or three points, we are going out to make sure we leave with something” Whelan responded. What lessons did you learn from the Conti Cup game against Man City in January that you can take into this one? Whelan answered by saying “I think Man City play the same sort of game plan whoever plays so we have got enough analyst on that so we can try and counteract and attack their weaknesses as best as possible, it doesn’t matter who we are playing, we go out with the same mentality”. How important can the home fans be at the King Power Stadium on Saturday? “Ever week the fans turn up and we can hear them from the start till the final whistle, and I am sure Man City will be bringing a big group of fans so the more we can get there to overshadow that noise will be the best for us as players” Whelan concluded. News

Georgia Stanway Position Midfielder D.O.B 03/01/1999 Club Manchester City via The Telegraph

Katie Zelem Position Midfielder D.O.B 20/01/1996 Club Manchester United Matthew Ashton

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Lotte Wubben-Moy Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy continues to gain senior international experience after representing the Lionesses at U15, U17, U20 and U21 levels. Much like Millie Bright, Wubben-Moy offers a testing physical presence at the back and uses her height, fitness and strength to deny strikers scoring opportunities. Wubben-Moy is still one of England’s youngest trade defenders, however the North London native plays with maturity and demonstrates sensible judgement. Aside from being a dependable central defender, Wubben-Moy is also developing into a skilled ball player. She typically likes to dribble toward the half way line before releasing passes through the central channels, by doing so, encouraging positive forward movement from those around her. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Team Information: West Ham West Ham Website https://www.whufc.com/teams/women/squad Manager Olli Harder - NZL Captain Gilly Flaherty Squad West Ham Hawa Cissoko Photographer: Girls on the Ball Dagny Brynjarsdottir Photographer: Girls on the Ball West Ham 1/5 Player Position Number Nationality DOB Mackenzie Arnold GK 1 AUS 25/02/1994 Gilly Flaherty DF 5 ENG 24/08/1991 Lucy Parker DF 15 ENG 18/11/1998 Lois Joel DF 20 ENG 02/06/1999 Grace Fisk DF 22 ENG 05/01/1998 Hawa Cissoko DF 23 FRA 10/04/1997 Grace Garrad DF 25 ENG 19/06/2003 Zaneta Wyne MF 2 USA 03/08/1990 Abbey-Leigh Stringer MF 4 ENG 17/05/1995 Katerina Svitkova MF 10 CZE 20/03/1996 Kate Longhurst MF 12 ENG 02/05/1989 Tameka Yallop MF 13 AUS 16/06/1991 Yui Hasegawa MF 14 JPN 29/01/1997 Melisa Felis MF 17 ENG 20/07/2002 Brooke Cairns MF 24 ENG 11/06/2003 Dagny Brynjarsdottir MF 32 ISL 10/08/1991 Lisa Evans (on loan from Arsenal) FW 7 SCO 21/03/1992 Claudia Walker FW 9 ENG 10/06/1996 Nor Mustafa FW 11 SWE 29/11/2001 Adriana Leon FW 19 CAN 02/10/1992 Ground Chigwell Construction Stadium, Dagenham, RM10 7XL

Mary Earps reflects on Manchester United's historic FA Cup victory Back Why not spray everyone with champagne? says Earps Mary Earps reflects on Manchester United's historic FA Cup victory Adam Mitten 13 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Mary Earps spoke to the media in the mixed zone at Wembley Stadium after the Red Devils FA Cup win on Sunday. Here is what United’s goalkeeper said. Earps response to being asked about celebrating by spraying champagne over her teammates whilst they were having a photo was that it is “just important to enjoy it, it is really special to win here, and all been working for this for a long time, so yeah why not spray everyone with champagne.” After not conceding nor having that much to do during the final, Earps noted it is “tough to get a clean sheet in a final, the girls were brilliant in front of me, we managed the game well on a hot day, and we got what we deserved, so really proud of the girls.” With Wembley being sold-out for the final and all the signs for and fandom around her, Earps was asked if she can take all that in? “I don’t really know what to make of that, but it is so nice, something I am trying to take in and it is a big responsibility trying to inspire” Earps concluded. News

Arsenal make their first signing of the window Back Arsenal sign new goalkeeper Arsenal make their first signing of the window Arsenal FC 5 August 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese on a permanent deal from Danish side HB Koge. Marckese twice featured against the Gunners during last season's Champions League and will provide competition for current number one Manuela Zinsberger. News

Arsenal defender Teyah Goldie has signed for FA Women’s Championship side Watford on a duel registration deal until the end of the season. Back Teyah Goldie joins Watford Arsenal defender Teyah Goldie has signed for FA Women’s Championship side Watford on a duel registration deal until the end of the season. via Watford Women 24 January 2022 By Josh Bunting The 17 year old defender will play at the Hornets until the end of the 2021/22 campaign, as part of a dual registration agreement between the two clubs. The new addition will bring leadership qualities to the Hornets; she is an England Under-19 international and captain of the side. Goldie made her debut at just 16, playing a part in the Gunners 10-0 win over Gillingham in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. She would go on to make further appearances in the competition, including in the semi-final versus Brighton & Hove Albion. Goldie was also a part of the Gunners’ squad for the final defeat against Chelsea back at Wembley in December. In total, she has made six appearances for the north London side and has been a regular in match-day squads this season. The defender will wear number 23 and was eligible to make her debut against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend. Goldie has turned into Watford’s second signing of the transfer window. She joins Anna Patten, goalkeeper Natalia Negri and midfielder Halle Houssein in leaving the club on loan in January to further their development. News

Turner and Magill join the Villans Back Everton duo sign for Villa Turner and Magill join the Villans 5 August 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Longstanding former Everton captain, defender Danielle Tuner has signed a two-year deal with Aston Villa. She is joined by teammate, Northern Ireland international Simone Magill who has also confirmed her move after spending the last nine years with the Toffees. On Magill’s move, head coach Carla Ward said, “she’s a front-footed player with an eye for goal and someone I feel will fit in brilliantly to what we’re trying to do.” News

Arsenal have announced the loan move of defender Anna Patten to Aston Villa for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. Back Patten to Villa: A Wise Move Arsenal have announced the loan move of defender Anna Patten to Aston Villa for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. Lewis Storey 5 January 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Patten has a history with the Gunners having her way through the ranks after joining the club at twelve years old. She made her senior debut against Bayern Munich in 2017, aged 18, before going on to play in every match of the Women’s Super League Spring Series that year. After studying in the States for four years, in which Patten played successful stints with both the Florida State Seminoles and the South Carolina Gamecocks, she re-joined The Arsenal last January. Patten has enjoyed plenty of ‘firsts’ since returning to North London, including her first goal, and a break into Champions League football against Gillingham and HB Køge respectively. Further illustrating her ever-maturing potential, on the international stage Patten has been a regular feature of England’s youth camps representing her country at under-15, under-17, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels. Patten has secured two bronze medals during her time with the national side; the 2016 U-17 Euros and the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. Patten’s move to Aston Villa can perhaps be viewed as surprising. The loaning of a lifelong Gooner, the foreknown absence of their trade left back, and the injury of their staple centre-half, indicates that the Gunners are looking to reinforce their backline from elsewhere. Nevertheless, this is not to say that in the long-term, this move will considerably benefit all parties. A talent as distinct as Patten must be cultivated, yet such progression can only be achieved through playing consistent minutes, something that, since returning to England, Patten has not received. With a title to reclaim and a reassertion into European football, between developing players, evolving on-field relationships and rotating a dependably robust starting eleven, Jonas Eidevall has a bit of a balancing act on his hands. In saying this, one would still not be indecorous to question Patten’s lack of game time. Enter Aston Villa. Although the Villans lay within the bottom half of the table, Patten could not have secured a better move. Now under the wing of renowned defence curator Carla Ward, and playing alongside the likes of Women’s Super League vets Anita Asanti and Remi Allen, she is about to have the education of her life. The likelihood is that Patten will play with far more regularity given Villa’s league position and Ward’s preference to lock in defensive stability before anything else. Yet Patten brings her own profits to her new club. She is able to adopt the profile of a centre-back, as well as a central midfielder if assigned, however when looking at her most prevalent skills, Patten is best used as a fullback. Upon viewing, one attribute that is highlighted is Patten’s inclination to push fairly high up the field. There is an obvious desire for pitch progression within her play and typically, it is well executed. Being a quality ‘ball player’ is not something that comes naturally to all, yet Patten shows a great deal of worth here in both carrying and releasing. Pairing this with bursts of pace and shrewd counter awareness, Patten’s time on the ball is altogether valuable. Utilising Patten as such will provide Villa with an added attacking outlet, as well as the perfect complement to offset left back, Maz Pacheco. In return, Villa will provide the opportunity for Patten to exercise and develop her defensive competence against regular competitive opponents. Developing further know-how on opportune periods to apply pressure, favourable positions to intercept and block passages of play, and heightened recognition of opponent’s body shape, areas in which Patten is perhaps not quite as well versed in just yet, will serve her well in fulfilling her undeniable promise. Come May, whether Patten returns to her childhood club or not will remain to be seen. But if this is the case, one would certainly bet on a more well-rounded, self-assured, defensively sound player returning to Meadow Park than the one who left in January. News

We caught up with author and analyst Abdullah Abdullah to speak about his latest book 'The Evolution of Chelsea Under Emma Hayes' and his new series of tactical interviews with players and coaches on his website Pressing Matters. Interview with analyst and author Abdullah Abdullah Saturday, 5 February 2022 By Charlotte Stacey We caught up with author and analyst Abdullah Abdullah to speak about his latest book 'The Evolution of Chelsea Under Emma Hayes' and his new series of tactical interviews with players and coaches on his website Pressing Matters. On Her Side Firstly, congratulations on your new book, Europe’s Next Power House: The Evolution of Chelsea Under Emma Hayes. Would you be able to tell us a little bit out the book and what readers can expect? First of all, thank you, and second of all, what can you expect from the book. Well, the general premise of the book essentially depicts the rise of Emma Hayes over the years, but also the evolution of Chelsea as a club from several years ago to now, their growth over time. Mostly on the pitch in terms of tactical ideas, but also off the pitch, what are the factors that contributed to them getting to where they are and what that means for the future of the club. We put that all together and you can get a decent overview of Chelsea from 5-7 years ago to now, and beyond, in terms of what they want to achieve, what they have achieved and what they’re doing on the pitch tactically and learn all about it. --- You mention the book is full of tactical insights, so for those of us who are perhaps not particularly tactically minded, is it written in a way that we can easily follow Chelsea’s journey on the pitch in this respect? Yes, I like to think, and pride myself on making sure that the way I write is both accessible to people who are tactically savvy and people who are just maybe getting into tactics or who just generally know about football. So both sets can understand without one feeling like it’s targeted too much the other way. I think it’s a good balance between being too technical and not very technical, so I’d like to think I’ve pleased both sets. It worked for the first one! Firstly, Abdullah congratulations on your new book, Europe’s Next Power House: The Evolution of Chelsea Under Emma Hayes. Would you be able to tell us a little bit out the book and what readers can expect? "First of all, thank you, and second of all, what can you expect from the book. Well, the general premise of the book essentially depicts the rise of Emma Hayes over the years, but also the evolution of Chelsea as a club from several years ago to now, their growth over time. "Mostly on the pitch in terms of tactical ideas, but also off the pitch, what are the factors that contributed to them getting to where they are and what that means for the future of the club. We put that all together and you can get a decent overview of Chelsea from 5-7 years ago to now, and beyond, in terms of what they want to achieve, what they have achieved and what they’re doing on the pitch tactically and learn all about it." You mention the book is full of tactical insights, so for those of us who are perhaps not particularly tactically minded, is it written in a way that we can easily follow Chelsea’s journey on the pitch in this respect? "Yes, I like to think, and pride myself on making sure that the way I write is both accessible to people who are tactically savvy and people who are just maybe getting into tactics or who just generally know about football. So both sets can understand without one feeling like it’s targeted too much the other way. I think it’s a good balance between being too technical and not very technical, so I’d like to think I’ve pleased both sets. It worked for the first one!" Speaking of your first book, that was written about Lyon. So, what was it that then drew you to Chelsea, why was Chelsea your second choice? "I think, plain and simple, on the men’s side Chelsea are the team I’ve been supporting since the year 2000, they’re my childhood club. Whilst the men’s side was very saturated, I focus a lot on women’s football and I thought I’ve got to do something on Chelsea. "For me, I’ve always said Lyon is the club I support on the women’s side, but I’m a very close second fan of Chelsea so it was an obvious choice. I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else, it had to be Chelsea because it’s so close to me. It was opportunistic as well, they were doing so well under Emma Hayes. Sam Kerr was just about to sign and the club was really going somewhere. I knew a lot about the club so it was a no-brainer. I thought, let’s do it." Obviously, we speak a lot about Emma Hayes and the focus of this book revolves around Chelsea’s growth under her leadership, have you managed to speak to her? "You’re not the first person to ask me and unfortunately no, I have not been able to speak to her. It was unfortunate, she was covering the Euro’s in the summer when I wanted to try to speak to her but I got the next best thing which were journalists and people around her at the club. I am told she has received a copy of the book and I’ve no clue what she’s going to think so we’re going to have to see what happens!" As well as the book you have another exciting project happening, Pressing Matters: a series of tactical insights with players and coaches. Can you tell us where the idea for this project came from? "I’m not going to lie to you, I was just sitting around thinking ‘what can I do to take Pressing Matters to the next level? I’m loving the analysis that I’m doing but I need to take it a step further.’ I will give Mia Eriksson some credit here! She’s doing a podcast called ‘ Their Pitch ’ (podcast in which Mia and co-host Amanda Zaza speak to players, coaches and other football personnel about their history and professional development, as well as their tactical take on the game). It’s a fantastic idea and people should go and listen to it (interviewer seconds this!). "So, I used that as inspiration and thought about how I could do something that’s equally as innovative and different. It was just one of those things, I was sitting around doing nothing and it just popped – tactical interviews with players! And I’ll make it a written thing rather than a podcast. I asked a couple of people what they thought and they said ‘yeah, not a bad idea’ and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. From there the journey began and I started sending out a gazillion emails. "The first entry is out, an interview with former Everton manager Willie Kirk, and from this it’s clear that this series will provide analysis from coaches and players, which, aside from Mia’s podcast, has not really been done in the women’s game." Looking at that first article, it feels as if your guests have an awful lot to say about the tactical side of the game. Have you been surprised at the level of insight and the volume of information that they have given? "Yeah, really I have. Willie was great, it was really insightful. He gave me a lot of insight into the way he was working with Everton and the decisions that he made. I guess it was a little bit easier for him to explain simply because he’s left the club so he can give me more detail than others could’ve. "But I think with the players I’ve already spoken to, some of them have really surprised me in terms of their level of insight and their knowledge. When I start some of them [interviews], it starts off with a good answer. But the minute it goes to questions 2, 3, and 4, they really start getting into it and they put time and energy into their answers. You can actually see them sitting there and actively thinking ‘oh wait, no hold on’ – they think about one thing then suddenly they’ll change it and go ‘oh you know what, actually I can add this’. "Every single player in their own way has surprised me with their level of understanding and knowledge, not just their own game and what they’re supposed to be doing, but the deeper meaning of that and they ask a lot of questions which has surprised me. So I think it’s really going to surprise people and will be quite enjoyable." Going off of that, do you think players have enjoyed speaking about tactics and the more technical aspects of their game? It’s not something they generally have the opportunity to do, so what’s the response been in that respect, would you say it’s something they have been crying out for? "Maybe not crying out for, but certainly, I’ve got about six or seven interviews recorded so far and every single one of them has said ‘really happy to do it because it’s not something we usually get to do and it’s totally different. We play football, we play the game so why can’t we talk about what we do on the pitch?’ "Some of them have a lot to say about roles, positions, how they think they should be playing and how to improve. Sometimes the feeling I get is that they get a little carried away with some of the things and I just have to sit there, listen and indulge, which is great! I really get a full insight into it. So I think so far they’ve all really liked it." That’s amazing. Could I be cheeky and ask if you could give us a couple of names we might see popping up in the future? "Alright, you know what, I’ll give you a couple of names that haven’t been posted anywhere else. I have spoken to Elin Landström of Inter Milan who is a left back, hopefully that will come out sooner rather than later. I think I’m safe to say that Rachel Daly might be another one that will be coming some point in the future. There you go, I can give you those two for now." Abdullah's books are available to buy on Amazon .

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Rachel Daly Rachel Daly is an experienced and adaptable player with a unique skillset. When playing domestically, Daly occupies the centre forward role and is currently wreaking havoc across defensive lines with Aston Villa. Her forward role is that of a deep-lying striker who excels in linking play, playing in other attacking players and creating interchangeable sequences of play. But of course, Daly does also possess that no. 9 killer strike. Internationally, however, Daly is usually situated further back, primarily featuring for England as a left-back. Here, Daly utilises her strikers’ tendencies and pairs them with the defensive qualities developed as a result of her slightly unusual placement. Daly’s ‘off the ball’ traits are under appreciated at times, but her pressing and positional awareness are key in bringing a balance to England’s backline. Photograph courtesy of the FA.