Search Results

The top tier of women's football will continue to be televised on the BBC and Sky channels for the upcoming season Back BBC Sport and Sky Sports announce Barclays Super League extension for 2024/25 season The top tier of women's football will continue to be televised on the BBC and Sky channels for the upcoming season Ryan Asman 11 April 2024 By Charlotte Stacey Today it has been annouced that the Barclays Women’s Super League broadcast rights partnership with Sky Sports and BBC Sport will continue into the 2024/25 season. Following on from a three-year agreement that commenced at the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign, both broadcasters have committed to another season of televising games from the top tier of women’s professional football in England. Sky will show up to 44 matches from the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sky Showcase (available in all Sky homes), across various Sky Sports channels and on streaming service NOW, BBC Sport will have the option to show up to 22 games across BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer. This exciting announcement comes off the back of another record-breaking campaign for the WSL, with peak and average audience numbers having been regularly surpassed throughout the season. This has been represented off the field too with match day attendances being the highest they have ever been across the league. Speaking regarding the extension, Nikki Doucet – CEO for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship – said: “We are very pleased t hat Sky Sports and BBC Sport are continuing their broadcast rights partnership with us for a further season. “The past three years have been incredibly exciting for the women’s game – each broadcaster’s coverage of the Barclays Women’s Super League has helped to take the game to another level and open it up to new audiences, and we’re looking forward to seeing that continue and momentum build as we move into a standalone entity.” Sky Sports Managing Director, Jonathan Licht, added: “It’s a hugely exciting time for women’s football in this country. “Extending our partnership with the Barclays Women’s Super League with more matches than any other broadcaster is fantastic news for Sky Sports customers. “Audiences have increased hugely over recent years and we’re proud of our contribution to the growth of the game and women’s sport more broadly, showing 70% of all live action last year on our channels.” Philip Bernie, Interim Director of BBC Sport, said: “Women's football has reached unprecedented heights, with the Lionesses' huge international successes at the Women's Euros and World Cup, and a terrific contest for this season’s WSL title. “We are pleased that BBC Sport will continue to showcase the great excitement of our domestic league by extending our partnerships with the Women’s Super League.” News

The pair have signed for the Seagulls from Swedish top-flight club BC Häcken until the end of the 2022-23 season, subject to international clearance. Back Brighton & Hove Albion confirm the signings of Swedish duo Emma Kullberg and Julia Zigiotti Olme The pair have signed for the Seagulls from Swedish top-flight club BC Häcken until the end of the 2022-23 season, subject to international clearance. Paul Hazlewood/ BHAFC 31 December 2021 By Charlotte Stacey Defender Kullberg, 30, has played for a total of nine Swedish clubs since the inception of her professional career in 2009. She joined BC Häcken earlier this year after a season with Gothenburg in the top division of their domestic league. She has won both the Swedish League and Cup during her career. Kullberg won her first cap for Sweden in 2019 and has played nine times for her country. She was part of the squad that reached the final of the Olympic Games last summer. Midfielder Zigiotti Olme, 24, spent three seasons with BC Häcken after joining them from fellow Swedish club Hammarby in 2018. Zigiotti Olme made her senior international debut in 2016 after representing her country at under-17 and under-19 level. Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Hope Powell said, “We’re delighted to welcome Julia and Emma to the club.” “They are both talented, athletic and versatile players with lots of experience at domestic and international level. I think they are going to be a really big asset to our squad and just as importantly they are lovely people, who I think will fit in really well in our group of players.” “They are really keen to play in England, they are ready for the challenge of competing in one of the strongest domestic leagues in the world. We look forward to working with them and seeing what they can bring to the team.” News

Photo Diary: Arsenal v Chelsea Conti Cup Final Photographer Edward Payne Arsenal earned their first silverware in four years with a 3-1 victory over London rivals Chelsea. Chelsea's Sam Kerr, assisted by the deadly Guro Reiten, put the Blues ahead within 90 seconds of the first whistle, but it wasn't long before the Gunners came...well, gunning. Stina Blackstenuis, captain Kim Little and an own goal from Niamh Charles put Arsenal firmly in the driving seat. Our photographer Edward Payne was on hand to capture all the action from Selhurst Park. Cue the pyro and confetti!

Emma Harries and Brooke Hendrix look ahead to Reading's 2022/23 WSL Season. Back “It’s a really exciting time for us as a team” say Reading stars Emma Harries and Brooke Hendrix Emma Harries and Brooke Hendrix look ahead to Reading's 2022/23 WSL Season. Girls on the Ball 25 August 2022 By Finley Chung Following the tremendous success of the Lionesses at European Championships this summer, the return of the WSL is as eagerly anticipated as it has ever been. It’s an exciting time for all clubs and fans alike, with Reading defender Brooke Hendrix and striker, Emma Harries, both very excited for the new campaign. American defender, Hendrix returns to England and the WSL after leaving West Ham in 2019. "It’s only been a couple years, but so much has changed and I think the Euro’s has boosted it even more" said Hendrix who clocked up 21 appearances in her previous singular season on English shores. The defender has also played in her native America and most recently in Australia, with Hendrix feeling that her experience was key to the move. “[Kelly Chambers] definitely brought me in for my experience, Having the different things I’ve learnt from each club has been hard but amazing, and I think it will be incredibly useful, especially with a young team”. Along with Hendrix, Reading have added Diane Caldwell, Charlie Wellings, Lauren Wade, Jacqueline Burns and Becky Jane to their ranks for the forthcoming campaign. Hendrix admitted she’s suffered with an injury setback but assured, " I'm sure I’ll settle in fine” , once her rehabilitation finishes. Touching on her expectations for the upcoming campaign, Hendrix added, “I want to have the biggest impact I can on the team, fill in wherever I am needed”. The Royals finished last season in 8th place in the WSL, with the defender targeting “a top half finish and progressively get better and better, as the season goes on”. Young forward, Emma Harries is well on the comeback trail for the Berkshire outfit after rupturing her PCL in April of this year, missing the last few games of last season. “Being only 20 and suffering an injury that big off the back of the season I had last year was quite heartbreaking really” , said Harries who made 24 appearances, scoring three times before injury cut her season short. "For me, now it’s about taking it game by game, like the team after the injury.” The Royals face newly promoted Liverpool in their WSL season opener at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on 11th September in what already is set to be a landmark day for the club. The sales of season tickets for 2022/23 have eclipsed any previous total with over 500 sold and the attendance for the opener is set to be a new record for the team. "It doesn’t change our preparation at all, but it makes us all so much more excited, we’re in a really good place as a team and we can’t wait to get started.", Harries added. News

Drew Spence is set to leave Chelsea after thirteen years in blue Back Chelsea legend leaves after more than a decade with the club Drew Spence is set to leave Chelsea after thirteen years in blue Getty 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Midfielder Drew Spence is set to leave Chelsea after a thirteen-year service at the club. Spence made her debut in 2009 and has made 238 appearances, scored 50 goals and has also been ever-present in helping the Blues in winning eleven major trophies. Choking back the tears Spence commented that her departure is “one of the hardest decisions she has ever made.” Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said, “Drew has epitomised everything that we have been about in my tenure. She’s watched the club grow from amateur to one of the top teams in Europe and she’s been instrumental in that journey.” Spence will see out the rest of the season in Chelsea Blue before moving on to pastures new. News

Willie Kirk reflects on Leicester's 2-1 defeat to West Ham in front of a 4000 strong home crowd Back "A missed opportunity" says Kirk as the Foxes face defeat in penultimate game of the season Willie Kirk reflects on Leicester's 2-1 defeat to West Ham in front of a 4000 strong home crowd Leicester City FCW 22 May 2023 By Paul Donegan “A missed opportunity” was how Willie Kirk described Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday which means the Women’s Super League relegation place will be decided on the final day of the season. A win for the Foxes would have seen Reading go down and speaking to the media after the match Kirk thought “the occasion possibly got to us a little bit as they were so close to doing what they set out to do and would have been fantastic to achieve that at the King Power”. Kirk didn’t think his side was unlucky despite having numerous chances. He remarked that his side “didn’t work hard enough to be lucky”. He felt in recent games against Reading and Liverpool they had been working hard enough to get breaks they deserved. “We were a yard off it and not at our best” he said about this performance. He continued by saying they didn’t do the same things in the match as they had been doing in training over the week, and again mentioned the occasion. The Leicester manager didn’t think it was the referees best performance but we “should be aiming to play that well that the referees performance doesn’t make any difference and we didn’t do that”. “We can only be frustrated by our performance” With the relegation place now going to be decide in the final match of the season, Kirk said his players will need to perform against Brighton. “The players deserve people to talk about Leicester’s achievement and not Reading’s failure” remarked Kirk. He commented that they will now try and give players freedom during the week and get over this defeat. He added they have beaten Brighton earlier in the season at the King Power and “will need to remember what got us that victory and we will go there and try to win the game, it is in our hands”. Ruby Mace will be suspended for the Brighton game after getting sent off against West Ham and Kirk said there are 7/8 players desperate to play in it with Josie Green (who missed the West Ham game but should be available for Brighton), Monique Robinson, Molly Pike all able to play in midfield, or they may change shape to something they have played previously during the season. Kirk praised Mace who has been at Leicester on loan since January saying “she has been excellent, for a 19-year-old her performance levels have been exceptional and disappointed for her that she will miss next week” but she will learn from this. Kirk added he thought it was a red as both offences merited a yellow card and “that sometimes you have to be a bit mindful when of your own situation when on a yellow already”. With over 4,000 supporters at the King Power Stadium for this match, Kirk commented that “they have been a huge help so far and disappointed we couldn’t win for them because to finish the season with three (home) wins on the bounce, that would have been a fantastic way to thank the fans ”. He concluded by saying “they were very noisy today, the numbers were great, and if we can take as many as possible to Brighton that will only help us.” News

A look at Tottenham Hotspurs January transfer window Back Spurs secure Mana Iwabuchi and Bethany England in the January window A look at Tottenham Hotspurs January transfer window Girls on the Ball 7 February 2023 Finley Chung As yet another transfer window comes to a close, clubs across the WSL were scampering to improve their squads across the board. In a corner of North London, Spurs arguably pulled off the most elite coup and signing of the window. Bringing in Bethany England from Chelsea for both a club and British record transfer fee of £250k. Along with the loan signing of Mana Iwabuchi from North London Rivals Arsenal, it could be said that Spurs have had the ideal window to propel themselves up the table. Goalscoring has been the main issue for Rehanne Skinner's side this season, having only scored 12 goals in their 10 league games this season and eight of those coming in the same game in their 8-0 win over Brighton back in October. England herself has already hit the ground running, scoring 2 goals in her first three Spurs games in league and cup, a goal in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and a well placed header in the 5-0 FA Cup win over London City last weekend. Much was asked if Spurs can give her the service she required which is where the loan signing of Mana Iwabuchi from Arsenal comes in. The japanese international is exactly what Spurs fans hope can be the key to unlocking defences for Beth England and co to thrive. Iwabuchi, like England notched in the 5-0 win over London City Lionesses brings that much needed creativity to Spurs. Last season whilst playing for Arsenal and according to Opta, Mana had an expected assist (xAG) ratio of 0.9 every 90 minutes which could lead to a very fruitful partnership with England and her Sprus teammates, if they can get a tune out of her. With Spurs’ next matches coming against Chelsea, Manchester United, Reading (FA Cup) and Liverpool, it’s vitally important for the lillywhites that their January signings strike up a partnership and fast. News

Fran Kirby will not play for Chelsea until the cause of ongoing fatigue is found Back Kirby not available for the foreseeable future says Emma Hayes Fran Kirby will not play for Chelsea until the cause of ongoing fatigue is found Girls on the Ball 15 April 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s FA semi-final clash against Arsenal, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes gave an update on forward Fran Kirby When asked whether Kirby would be available to play this weekend Hayes said “no, there’s no chance of her playing at the weekend.” Hayes then went on to further explain Kirby’s prolonged absence from the Chelsea line-up. “She’s been taking some time in the background, suffering with a lot of fatigue. I don’t have a definitive reason why that is. But we’re trying to get to the bottom of it and take the time we can to try and find the right solutions for Fran. “This is something that’s been ongoing and unfortunately until we get to the bottom of it, Fran won’t be available for selection.” When asked about Kirby’s overall wellbeing Hayes was quick to ascertain that Kirby’s mental and emotional health is just as important as her physical recovery. “Forget the athlete, this is a human being who is struggling and we have to get to the bottom of that. I don’t think Fran will be available for club and country until that happens. "We’re going through a process of elimination to try and determine why she’s struggling. From my perspective this isn’t the first time. It has been ongoing for a number of years and we need to give her the time to find the right support to come up with a diagnosis. The with a diagnosis you can come up with strategies. "But all I know right now is that she’s not available for club or country and she won’t be for the foreseeable future.” The 28-year-old has previously suffered with pericarditis, an inflammation of the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, which saw her unfortunately saw her side-lined for much of the 2019-20 season. Kirby recovered and made her way back to fitness and was instrumental in helping Chelsea win last year’s delayed FA Cup against Arsenal in December. Chelsea will take on Arsenal at Meadow Park this Sunday, 17th April at 12:30pm (BST). Coverage will begin at 12:15pm for viewers in the UK. Please check local listings for coverage outside of the UK. The match will also be shown live on the FA player for some viewers abroad. The match will be available to listen to with full commentary on BBC 5 Live and talkSPORT. News

Vivianne Miedema says tearful goodbye to Arsenal at Meadow Park Back "I'm funny, I'm a pain and I can score goals" Miedema says goodbye to The Arsenal Vivianne Miedema says tearful goodbye to Arsenal at Meadow Park Arsenal WFC 18 May 2024 By Charlotte Stacey As Meadow Park erupted with applause and a emotional guard of honour lined her path, a tearful Vivianne Miedema took to the pitch to speak as an Arsenal player for one last time. The ever-modest Miedema supporters have come to love was out in full swing as the Dutch international bypassed her hoards of accolades and reflected on her more nuanced favourite moments in an Arsenal shirt. "Over the last couple of years I've really enjoyed my time here, I've loved playing with all the girls." "I've got nothing to prove anymore, I'm funny, I'm a pain and I can score goals." "But I think the most special one for me was coming back after my ACL, scoring that goal at Liverpool." Taking a moment to gather herself, Miedema addressed her final match with Arsenal, a single voice crack giving away the enormity of the day. "I think today was the hardest game of my career. Again, thank you team for making it so special." Photo: Arsenal WFC Turning to speak to her teammates directly, with graceful thanks Miedema wished the club well in their furture endevours. "I've been really fortunate to play with all these girls, and obviously the girls before. There's so much quality in this group. I think you can take this so much further and I really really hope that I will see that next year and in the future. I think the sky is the limit for all of you." Finally, backed by rapturous cheers, Miedema thanked the loyal supporters that have been with her throughout her time with Arsenal, from bitterly cold nights in Borehamwood to sell out crowds at the Emirates. "I think I've always said it's not the men's stadium, it's the club stadium. The club has done amazing this year, it's going to do amazing again next year. Again, thank you fans, they were unbelievable." "I really really hope you sell all the games out next year because we.... well, they, need all of you and I can't wait to see it next year." Vivianne Miedema leaves Arsenal with 177 goal involvements and 126 goals in 173 appearances. She leaves as Arsenal's 12th highest all-time top goalscorer across both the men's and women's teams. Vivianne Miedema leaves Arsenal as a legend. News

Brooke Chaplen calls time on her professional career on medical advice Back Reading captain announces retirement Brooke Chaplen calls time on her professional career on medical advice Neil Graham 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Reading midfielder Brooke Chaplen is set to retire at the end of the season. Rather aptly considered as Royals royalty, the 33-year-old has made 96 appearances for the club and scored 26 goals since joining in 2017. Earlier this year, Chaplen announced that a bone tumour had been found in her leg which required treatment and rehabilitation. Following the success of the operation, Chaplen has taken medical advice and will not return to professional football. News

Rehanne Skinner speaks to the press ahead of Tottenham's tie against Reading Back Skinner calls for consistency ahead of Reading clash Rehanne Skinner speaks to the press ahead of Tottenham's tie against Reading Tottenham Hotspur FC 2 December 2022 By Finley Chung Spurs boss, Rehanne Skinner has laid out the need for consistency from her side, as they look to build on a big 5-1 win over Coventry United in the League Cup last weekend, with a trip to Reading in the league on Sunday. “Winning breeds winning, with getting into a fluid run of results” , said Skinner who has seen her side not win back to back league matches yet this season, but will be looking to notch a 2nd win in a row after Spurs’ cup exploits, defeating Coventry United last weekend. Spurs’ last league encounter, was a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea infront of a WSL record crowd at Stamford Bridge, with Skinner labelling the amount of possession had against Chelsea, was certainly a positive and something to build on, with the total had in the game at Stamford Bridge 43% the highest they’ve achieved against the side from West London since they’ve been in the WSL. One thing Spurs have been excellent at in the last outings that have been wins, is scoring goals, hitting five in the cup and eight in the league against Brighton at the end of October with at least five different goalscorers, with Skinner adding “ everybody has been really proactive in-front of goal, we’ve done it very well at points, but it’s about doing it more on a consistent basis.” With the rise of long term injures in the game becoming a bigger issue, which Spurs themselves have been affected by, with Kyah Simon and Ellie Brazil both sustaining season ending injuries, it can impact clubs recruitment strategy but Rehanne added, “we had a similar situation earlier this season, having different players coming back at different times, Kerys Harrop and Syo-hun Cho for example, but ultimately we recruited a slightly bigger squad in the summer, to cope with that but we do need to re asses and make sure we have the depth in the squad to keep competing.” Readings last league encounter, was a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool. Rehanne herself was at the game and said, “I was at the game and if it’d carried on for another twenty minutes, it could’ve been even higher scoring! It was very transitional at the end between both sides, which made an interesting game for a neutral and exciting for the two sets of fans.” Finally, Rehanne touched on the Broxbounre and Beyond, which launched on SPURSPLAY, the clubs in house media platform, two weeks ago charting the rise of the team, from the grassroots level of the Women’s game to the upper reaches of the Women’s Super League. “The documentary was a fantastic way of celebrating the people who have moved the club to where it is now, and I feel honoured and proud to have been and to still be a part of it. The guys did such a fantastic job of putting it together and I’m just glad to be a part of it.” News

Selhurst Park was rocking as Palace thrashed Watford 3-0 Back Match Report The Eagles soar in front of Selhurst Park record crowd Selhurst Park was rocking as Palace thrashed Watford 3-0 Crystal Palace Women 26 March 2024 By Paul Donegan Molly-Mae Sharpe, Ria Percival and Annabel Blanchard scored the goals as Crystal Palace beat Watford 3-0 in the Women’s Championship on Sunday afternoon. The attendance at Selhurst Park of 5,566 was a new club record for the Eagles. The win saw Laura Kaminski’s side bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Sheffield United, and they remain a point behind leaders Sunderland with a game in hand. The Hornets are six points from safety at the bottom with four games left. It only took Crystal Palace 4 minutes to open the scoring. Blanchard’s cross from the left side found Elise Hughes whose effort was kept out by Watford’s goalkeeper Bethany Howard but Sharpe was there to finish from close range. Poppy Wilson had Watford’s first attempt at goal but this went over. In the 9 th minute, Hughes’ low shot for the hosts from the edge of the area was gathered by Howard. Tottenham loanee Percival made it 2-0 to Palace in the 11 th minute when from just outside the area she fired the ball low into the corner of the net to score her first goal for the club. Abbie Lafayette put the ball narrowly wide of her own goal after an inswinging corner from the home side. Blanchard’s header took a deflection on its way over in the 33 rd minute as the Eagles looked to increase their lead further. A few minutes before the break, Carly Johns was played in for Watford but was forced wide and chance was gone. As five minutes of stoppage time were announced, Lucia Leon’s low strike from the edge of the area was saved by Demi Lambourne as the visitors ended the half well. The home side had the first opportunities of the second half. Alexia Potter’s curling shot was caught by Howard, then in the 51 st minute after a quick attack, Hughes’ cross from the right found the Isibeal Atkinson free in the middle but she shot straight at the Watford goalkeeper. A minute later, Blanchard’s long-range effort for Palace was stopped by Howard, before Shanade Hopcroft put the ball over from 6-yards out after a good cross from Sharpe had found her. The Eagles did score their third goal in the 58 th minute when Hughes’ header over the Watford goalkeeper was cleared off the line by Leon but Blanchard was there to nod the ball in from very close range. The home side came close to scoring a fourth in the 74 th minute when Hughes headed over the outrushing Howard but the Hornets captain Harley Bennett got back to make a brilliant clearance off line. Watford had a rare second half chance late in the game but Bianca Baptiste headed wide. In additional time, a Palace corner was tipped over, and not long after the final whistle was blown as they ran out comfortable winners and continued their push to win the league. Line-ups Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Gibbons (Reilly 76’), Everett (c), Sharpe (Watson 76’), Hughes, Blanchard (Filbey 84’), Nolan, Potter (Arthur 84’), Percival, Hopcroft, Atkinson (Larkin 68’) Unused substitutes: Negri, Johnson, Guyatt, Dennis Goals – Sharpe 4’, Percival 11’, Blanchard 58’ Watford: Howard, Leon (Fyfe 62’), Lafayette, Fleming (Rossiter 46’), Meiwald, McLean, Johns, Bennett (c) (Chandler 78’), Georgiou, Harbert (Baptiste 72’), Wilson Unused substitutes: Harris, Davison, Head, Palisch Referee – Ella Broad Attendance – 5,566