Search Results

Back Ellen White Club Manchester City Position Forward D.O.B 09/05/1989 Bio Manchester City forward White is an innate out and out number nine. An ability to put herself in the right place at the right time has seen White score thirteen goals across all competitions this season. White is cool, calm and collected, tidy and concise in tucking the ball away a with a clinical finish. Ever the grafter, White’s work rate is noteworthy, she is simply not one to sit tight or wait on the peripheral. White seeks the service she desires and runs tirelessly to receive this. via Ellen White Twitter D3

Back Lauren Hemp Club Manchester City Position Forward D.O.B 07/08/2000 Bio Hemp has established herself a ‘must have’ in international fixtures. The Manchester City winger dances along the wing, revelling in the pressure of beating out stiff competition as she goes. Hemp is an excellent transitional player and is able to find pockets of space to receive balls to counter an oppositional threat. Also known for her ungovernable pace and skill in placing a cross from either side, Hemp is a proven headache for defenders. via Lauren Hemp Twitter D1

Back Leah Williamson Club Arsenal Position Defender D.O.B 03/03/1997 Bio Williamson has played another successful season with The Arsenal. The centre-half boasts a first class first touch and excellent ball control, often developing on these with a keen passing eye. Williamson is organised yet progressive and possesses a capability to carry the ball across considerable distances. Another benefit of having Williamson in the squad is that she is also able to comfortably operate in a deep-seated midfield role which allows further options of rotation. Girls on the Ball B4

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Chloe Kelly England hero Chloe Kelly gives the Lionesses yet another dynamic option along the wing. The Manchester City forward, who had an indescribable summer after returning from an ACL injury, offers a slightly alternative profile to that of her fellow wingers. Kelly is possibly best described as a ‘traditional winger’. Usually situated on the right, Kelly prefers to keep her width but is equally capable of drifting into the interior channels as an inside-forward. Kelly boasts a devastating crossing ability and her pace is complementary to that of left-sided colleague Lauren Hemp. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Carla Ward insists her side are ready for their tough fixture against West Ham this afternoon Back "We will be 100% ready" says Aston Villa boss Carla Ward insists her side are ready for their tough fixture against West Ham this afternoon Getty 11 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Carla Ward spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to West Ham United in the Women’s Super League on Sunday. Ward started by confirming that everyone is fit and available for the match apart from the long-term injured. With snow in some parts of the country (including Birmingham), Ward was asked about how difficult it has been to prepare for the match. Her response was “you have to find another way” and “they have had some really good meetings with the players this morning”. Ward added that at this point in the season “fitness and the way in which we set up shouldn’t be an issue, no excuses, we will be 100% ready.” Unbeaten in the WSL in 2023, Ward was asked about confidence at the club. Ward replied by saying it is about “keeping feet on the ground, making sure we continue to move forward, raise standards and improve all the time”. She added the players are playing tremendously well and a joy to work with and watch. “They don’t discuss a top four finish and that is a stretch” Ward continued. She also mentioned that they take one game at a time and that a top six finish “would look like success”. “It is about telling the players we want more and important we keep going” were the Villa managers final thoughts on this. Asked about how the team learn from experiences and build going forward, Ward commented that they are progressing naturally as a group of players and as a club. “We are in a good place” Ward added. Villa played West Ham two weeks in the FA Cup and won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Ward noted that the games between them this season have been “competitive and lively”. She continued by saying that if Villa turn up and do things properly then we have every chance of winning the game. Ward was asked about if they have plans to defend against Dagný Brynjarsdóttir who has been on good form for West Ham this season. She praised Brynjarsdóttir saying she is a great player and will make any team in this division better, but you need plans to defend against them as a team. In the league fixture at the Poundland Bescot Stadium between the two sides earlier in the season, West Ham’s Hawa Cissoko and two of their coaching staff were sent off late on. Ward was asked about if they would focus on themselves and controlling passion in the return fixture. Her response was that we will concentrate on what we are doing and not buy into some of the antics in some of the games. Ward said consistency in the league is “huge” and the win last week against Everton “was probably the most pleasing of the season”. The Villa manager was happy with how they controlled that game without the ball, how disciplined they were, and how they adapted to changes throughout the match. Aston Villa still have to play Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, and Ward was asked if they could still have a say in who wins the title as matches against the Villans aren’t seen as a guaranteed win anymore. “I like to think we can still play a part, and we will be doing everything we can to win every match possible” replied the Villa manager. Ward said “it is fantastic” that the final games of the WSL season has been brought forward a day (now Saturday 27th May, 3pm (BST) kick-offs) to avoid a clash with the last day of the Premier League, and “ it is a good opportunity for women’s football to have its own day” Ward concluded. West Ham United face Aston Villa at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday at 3pm (GMT) and it is live on the FA Player. News

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